Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina
Although its nickname the “End of the World” – derived from its location along the southernmost tip of South America among the Tierra del Fuego archipelago – Ushuaia is far from the end of any adventure. Where the Andes meet the Beagle Channel and the snow-capped Martial Mountains sit behind a sprawling city of colorful buildings, lies a lively town ready and waiting to take you on the thrill ride of a lifetime. Scenes like Parque Yatana give you the chance to immerse yourself in the rich, indigenous culture.
Day 2: At Sea
Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore
Day 3-4: Exploring the Falkland Islands
Amid the Falkland Islands, also known as the Islas Malvinas, you’re sure to find a variety of wildlife like Magellanic penguins, sea lions, elephant seals and dolphins. As the connecting destination between the Seventh Continent and South America, you will find less ice and snow and more sandy beaches. It’s where the fauna and flora of both frozen and tropical ecosystems come together to create an altogether unique environment that piques your curiosity. Among the notable stops in this archipelago is Port Stanley, a destination with a big, local personality despite its small size. Other possible stops include Carcass Island, New Island, West Point and Prion Islands.
CAPTAIN’S CHOICE – Captain’s Choice ports of call add to the sense of adventure and an element of surprise. Your ship’s captain will sail around changing weather conditions as needed and take you to the best areas for wildlife viewing.
Day 5: At Sea
Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore
Day 6-7-8: Exploring South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
From the extraordinary wildlife found in Gold Harbor, such as elephant seals and hundreds of Gentoo penguins, to the lush scenescapes of Stromness Bay, Salisbury Plain and Cooper Bay, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands offer diverse environments that invite you to discover the world anew. Fields of tussock grass and rugged cliffs offer the perfect hiking grounds to get your blood pumping and be rewarded with impossible views. They’re also ideal locations to bird watch and find the many species of Antarctica, such as the graceful albatross as it glides through the sky.
CAPTAIN’S CHOICE – Captain’s Choice ports of call add to the sense of adventure and an element of surprise. Your ship’s captain will sail around changing weather conditions as needed and take you to the best areas for wildlife viewing.
Day 9-10-11: At Sea
Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore.
Day 12: Punta del Este, Uruguay
Punta del Este holds some of the finest beaches on the coast that call to you to play, sunbathe, or splash in the azure Atlantic Ocean. Playa Brava and Playa Mansa, “wild beach” and “tame beach,” respectively, perfectly depict the natural diversity along Uruguay’s coast. From rowdy waves to calm waters, it’s up to you to choose what kind of adventure you will have.
With a rich, cosmopolitan look and feel, Punta del Este has been compared to the likes of Cannes and Miami for its lively energy. Skyscrapers line the sandy shores of beaches, inviting travelers to explore the city’s modern treasures.
Among the contemporary architecture lie relics like Casapueblo, a structure that once stood as an art workshop turned museum but now acts as a boutique hotel. It’s the perfect example of how Uruguay incorporates its past into its present.
No one can resist the urge to capture an epic selfie with “La Mano,” the gigantic sculpted hand reaching out of the golden sands at Playa Brava. The sculpted fingers reaching toward blue skies give the impression of a sleeping giant ready and waiting to wake up and live life. Snap a photo at sunset for a positively beautiful shot that cannot compare.
Uruguay’s reputation for the art of cooking meat makes it a top choice for foodie travelers, and Punta del Este is no different. It’s seaside location also makes it a number one pick for fresh seafood meals that will leave explorers hungry for more. A rich mix of flavors in the city’s local fare makes it an adventure for the taste buds as well.
Day 13: Montevideo, Uruguay
Uruguay’s cool capital city Montevideo calls out with its cobbled streets, wide avenues, colonial buildings and verdant cityscapes along the waterfront, known as the rambla. To get social with the locals, share in their tradition of drinking yerba mate. Everywhere you go in Uruguay you see people drinking the strong, herbal tea out of cups that look like gourds, sipping through a long, thick straw. For the full color and vibrant life of the city, head to Mercado del Puerto, where you find a 19th-century restored building housing various stalls and eateries. About an hour drive outside the city explore the newest UNESCO World Heritage Site Church of Atlántida.
Day 14: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Few cities in South America share the ambiance and lifestyle that make Buenos Aires so endearing. From the Plaza de Mayo to the milongas along San Telmo’s cobbled streets, Buenos Aires is rife with historical and cultural sites for the curious mind.
The cosmopolitan capital of Argentina lies on the western shore of the Río de la Plata estuary. The combination of modern skyscrapers and colonial structures blends the country’s past and present in a way that calls out to the adventurer with a thirst for knowledge.
In the Plaza de Mayo you find a dotting of tropical palm trees amid old streets and buildings. The plaza holds much history as the site of the city’s foundation in 1580, the backdrop for the revolution of independence, and the scene of the latest political rallies.
At the heart of this historical site lies Casa Rosada, the Argentinian equivalent of the White House, but pink. It’s more than a novelty sight. It’s a symbol of the executive branch of government that leads the republic. Casa Rosada is best known as the location where famous first lady Evita Peron addressed the crowds
Day 15: Buenos Aires: disemarkation
A trip to Buenos Aires must include a visit to Recoleta Cemetery, the resting grounds of the powerful, rich, and famous. Stone paths lined with extravagant grave markers and aboveground tombs make it a celebration of the legacies that live on long after one is gone. Dive deep into Argentinian culture by joining an asado, a barbecue. As you indulge in the rich flavors of Argentinian steak and Malbec, you will come to understand and appreciate the culture’s finer points.