Welcome to Ushuaia – one of the world’s southernmost cities. On arrival at the airport, meet a Peregrine representative and take an included transfer to your pre-expedition accommodation. Before your embarkation tomorrow, attend a welcome meeting this evening to meet your leader and fellow travellers and discuss any further details. If you do happen to arrive early, you are free to explore Ushuaia, perhaps finding a local Argentinian meal.

This morning, you are free to explore Ushuaia before you transfer to your expedition vessel for embarkation. Once boarded, settle into your cabin and meet your polar crew, setting off in the late afternoon. An included welcome dinner on board will allow you to continue the introductions with staff and fellow travellers. Your ship will cruise down the renowned Beagle Channel, so keep your eyes peeled for your first look at some of the region’s wildlife. After dinner, perhaps enjoy a drink at the onboard bar or retire to your stateroom for the night.

The next two or so days will be spent crossing the Drake Passage. This stretch of water is named after Sit Frances Drake who sailed this in the 16th century and confirmed the convergence of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, but a few decades earlier, Spanish marine explorer Francisco de Hoces sailed south enough to discover this body of water – it is known in Spanish as the ‘Mar de Hoces’, or the Hoces Sea. While crossing this unpredictable passage, enjoy the amenities on board the Ocean Endeavour, including lounge areas, a fitness centre and other wellness facilities. You may also like to hear from leading researchers and scientists as they begin their onboard lecture program. If the conditions are favourable, head out on deck to scour the skies for migrating birdlife and the waters for pods of whales. Your voyage expects to catch sight of the Antarctic Peninsula on the evening of Day 4.

Appreciate three unforgettable days exploring the Great White Continent. Your expert crew has a general itinerary set and will consider the weather, sea and ice conditions to ensure maximum opportunity for shore landings and wildlife spotting opportunities. You can expect to explore the peninsula by land and Zodiac boat during daily excursions, with the chance to see leopard seals, multiple species of penguin and other marine life. After days experiencing the great white outdoors, let the party continue with potentially one or more of Paul Kelly’s three planned performances during this time.

Continue on your voyage towards Elephant Island. Located on the north-eastern fringes of the South Shetland islands, Elephant Island has tall and craggy rock formations. Depending on the weather and sea conditions, your crew will endeavour to cruise via Zodiac and explore this ice-covered island – the place where Sir Ernest Shackleton and his fellow explorers were stranded in 1915. Learn more about this area from your knowledgeable leaders and how impressive the survival of this fateful voyage actually was.

Voyage away from the Antarctic Peninsula towards the South Georgia cluster, hopefully arriving by the afternoon of Day 11. You may like to venture on deck for more open water sightseeing opportunities or to simply breathe in the crisp Antarctic air. Take advantage of your onboard health and wellness facilities and get to know your travellers over a drink or a game of cards.

The next couple of days are dedicated to exploring the natural wonders of South Georgia. Marvel at the many seabirds flying above, encounter penguin colonies and spy elephant and fur seal pups. While the wildlife is extraordinary, it’s not all about the animals. The glaciers, mountains and fascinating history of South Georgia are also captivating. The island has been a British Overseas Territory since 1775, and at 3755 square kilometres (1450 square miles) is the territory’s largest island.

Settle in for two days at sea as you cruise towards the Falkland Islands. As with your other times voyaging between these stellar destinations, you may like to spend your time relaxing, learning, or both.

Upon arrival in the Falklands, ride a Zodiac and begin exploring the two main islands (East and West), hugging the coastline and taking to the shores on foot. Wildlife sightings should include at least three species of penguin and two endemic bird species – Cobb’s wren and the flightless steamer duck. The expedition team will educate you on the local flora and fauna so you will know what you’re looking for. Probable landing sites include the quaint capital Port Stanley, West Point Island, Sea Lion Island and Bleaker Island.

Spend time on board the Ocean Endeavour as you make the journey back to Argentina. Enjoy more presentations from your onboard experts, perhaps with another performance from Paul Kelly, plus make the most of the facilities while you can. On your last night on board, enjoy a farewell captain’s dinner and toast to the epic journey that was.

As you arrive in Puerto Madryn, your Antarctic expedition comes to an end on disembarkation. If you have chosen to make onward flight connections for today, an airport transfer to Trelew Airport is included.