Your Itinerary
Day 1: Fly to Rio de Janeiro
Fly to the dynamic city of Rio de Janeiro. On arrival, transfer to your hotel where the rest of the day is yours to relax and refresh or start soaking up the local culture.
Spend the day visiting Rio's best bits. Admire the colourful mosaics of the Selaron Steps before soaring up to the heights of Sugar Loaf Mountain by cable car. At the top you'll have magnificent views over the city and its gorgeous setting of mountains, beaches and bays. This afternoon, take part in a cooking class, learning all about traditional Brazilian flavours and using local ingredients to whip up something delicious.
Day 3: Christ the Redeemer
Carry on exploring Rio, starting today with the city's most iconic sight, Christ the Redeemer. Riding up to the summit of the Corcovado by train, from the top you'll get more spectacular views. This afternoon is dedicated to Rio's most celebrated tradition, Carnival! Visit the Cidade do Samba, the creative heart of Carnival's production, to learn all about its history and the preparation behind it and try on one of the colourful costumes.
Bid farewell to Rio and transfer to the airport for your flight to Foz do Iguaçu. On arrival, head straight into the beautiful nature of Iguazu National Park, which straddles the border between Brazil and Argentina, for your first look at Iguazu Falls. Board a glass elevator down to a viewing platform from where you can get an excellent view of the Garganta do Diabo (Devil's Throat), the waterfall's most dramatic cataract. Cross the border into Argentina.
Explore the Argentinian side of the falls today. Wander trails that will give you a closer look at some of the smaller falls as well as getting a fantastic overview of the sheer size, power and magnificence of the falls as a whole. This evening, enjoy 'The Argentine Experience', where you'll learn key phrases in Spanish and the secrets of the country's cuisine as you dine on quintessentially Argentinean food and drink.
Day 6: Fly to Buenos Aires
Fly to Argentina's enchanting capital, Buenos Aires. Begin exploring as soon as you arrive, starting at the Plaza de Mayo, where you can admire some of the country's most important buildings. You'll also discover the barrios (neighbourhoods) of Palermo, Retiro, Recoleta (with a visit to its famous cemetery), San Telmo and La Boca, each with a personality and atmosphere of its own.
Spend the day just outside the city on the vast, fertile grasslands known as the pampas, on a traditional estancia (ranch). Here you'll get some insight into the life of a gaucho, and after a typical Argentinian asado lunch, accompanied by a fun folklore show.
Day 8: Board MS Fridtjof Nansen
Fly to Ushuaia. Called the ''End of the World'', Argentina's and the world's southernmost city. Transfer to the port and board your hybrid-powered expedition ship. Spend the rest of the day settling into your cabin, attending the expedition briefing and exploring the ship's facilities. While most activities onboard are included, there are a selection of optional activities which may be available at an additional cost. These are subject to conditions and a lottery-based allocation system.
Days 9-10: Cruise – Drake Passage
Set sail towards Antarctica, embarking on a two-day crossing of the legendary Drake Passage. Where the Pacific and Atlantic oceans meet, at the very tip of the South American continent, the Drake Passage is an exhilarating sea crossing with chances to spot seabirds like albatrosses and petrels and whales in the waves. During this time at sea, your Expedition Team will give lectures and briefings to prepare you for the adventure that lies ahead. You can also visit the onboard Science Centre and relax in the spa and wellness area or Explorer Lounge & Bar.
Days 11-15: Cruise – Antarctica
Your first glimpse of the 'White Continent' will be a moment you'll never forget, a vast, untouched kingdom of snow, ice, rock and water. Be prepared to be continuously awed by the sheer scale and silence of this ultimate wilderness as you explore. During your five days of Antarctic exploration, the itinerary will remain flexible to take advantage of the weather and conditions. You can expect landings and ice cruises, led by the Expedition Team, that allow you to get up close to extraordinary wildlife that include different species of penguins, whales and seals, and birds like the huge wandering albatross. Throughout your time here there will be lectures on wildlife, history, climate and conservation, to enrich your experience.
Days 16-17: Cruise – Drake Passage
Head north, back across the Drake Passage. Spend these two days reflecting on your adventures in Antarctica, sharing stories with fellow travellers, unwinding with spa treatments and relaxing into the peaceful rhythms of the voyage.
Day 18: Arrive in Ushuaia
Bid farewell to the MS Fridtjof Nansen as you disembark in Ushuaia and fly back to Buenos Aires. This evening you'll have a memorable farewell dinner at a passion-filled Tango Show. With music, dancing, singing and delicious food, it is a thrilling way to end your journey.
Days 19-21: Fly to Australia
Fly home from Buenos Aires, arriving home two days later.
