Day 1: Arrive Ushuaia

• Arrive in Ushuaia, where you will be met by a representative of Aurora Expeditions and transferred to your assigned pre-voyage hotel. Check-in is from 3.00 pm. This afternoon, visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk in the hotel lobby between 3.00 pm and 7.00 pm to collect your luggage tags and confirm details for the next day. The remainder of your time is at leisure, with all meals at your own expense. Expeditioners arriving after 7.00 pm will find a welcome pack waiting for them at check-in.

Day 2: Embarkation

• Enjoy breakfast and check-out. Ensure your cabin luggage is fitted with cabin tags clearly labeled with your name and cabin number. Take your cabin luggage to hotel reception prior to or at check-out, as it will be stored and transferred directly to the port for clearance. Those wishing to join the Lake Escondido tour should meet in the hotel lobby at 8.45 am. This tour offers a panoramic drive through the Andes Mountain Range, visiting Lake Escondido and Fagnano Lake, with a typical Fuegian Lamb barbecue at a local ranch. Alternatively, enjoy your day at leisure before meeting at the hotel lobby or the designated meeting point near the pier for transfer to the ship. Once onboard, settle into your cabin before attending mandatory briefings. As the ship departs, gather on deck to commence your adventure with spectacular views over Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with fellow expeditioners and the friendly expedition team.

Day 3-4: Drake Passage Crossing

• Commence the Drake Passage crossing, getting comfortable with the sea motions. The expedition team prepares you for the first landing with important wildlife guidelines and biosecurity procedures. Start the lecture program to learn about Antarctica's history, wildlife, and environment. Enjoy watching and photographing seabirds, including majestic albatrosses and giant petrels. Use onboard facilities like the gym, wellness center, or observation lounges. Nearing the South Shetland Islands and the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula on the afternoon of Day 4, excitement builds as everyone watches for the first iceberg. Time and weather permitting, attempt the first landing in Antarctica by late afternoon.

Day 5-9: Antarctic Peninsula

• Explore the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. Experience approximately 18-24 hours of daylight, allowing for busy days filled with adventure. The experienced expedition team designs each day based on weather, ice conditions, and wildlife opportunities. Generally, make two landings or Zodiac excursions daily. Zodiac cruises take you along ice cliffs or among grounded icebergs, watching for whales, seals, and penguins. Visit penguin rookeries, historic huts, and explore favorite spots along the peninsula. Optional activities are available when conditions permit, including polar plunges. Enjoy scenic cruises through narrow straits or linger in bays to watch whales. Use the observation lounge or visit the bridge for uninterrupted views of Antarctica.

Day 10-11: Drake Passage Crossing

• Enjoy a final morning landing in the South Shetland Islands before re-entering the Drake Passage for the return journey to South America. Attend lectures and film presentations to complete the Antarctic experience. Reflect on what you've seen and experienced, becoming ambassadors for Antarctica's conservation. As you approach South America, the captain may sail close to Cape Horn, weather and time permitting.

Day 12: Disembark Ushuaia

• Cruise up the Beagle Channel before docking in Ushuaia around 8.00 am. Farewell the expedition team and fellow passengers. For those continuing their travels, transportation to hotels will be arranged for guests who booked through Aurora or are staying near the port. Expeditioners departing on flights before 12:30 pm will be transferred directly to Ushuaia Airport; those with later flights can explore Ushuaia before an afternoon airport transfer.