Arrive in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost town. Explore the quaint city or local countryside. Alternatively, consider a day trip off the beaten track to the raw, natural archipelago of Tierra del Fuego. This is a hiker's paradise, with rugged, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows and boggy quagmires. In the afternoon, you'll board your ship and your journey begins as you navigate through the Beagle Channel.

Sailing onward, you will cross the Drake Passage - a body of water that marks the intersection of the cold Antarctic with the warmer Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The Drake Passage is known for rollicking conditions and strong westerly winds, called the Roaring Fifties. While this passage may be challenging, you can rest assured aboard your ship, which is purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines and a highly-qualified crew. In the Drake, excitement builds as Antarctica comes into view, perhaps you will catch your first sight of seals and penguins!

Over the next two days, you will explore the sub-Antarctic Islands of the South Shetland chain. Projected landfalls include Elephant Island, home to elephant seals, sheer cliffs rising from the sea and snow-covered peaks; King George Island; Deception Island, an extinct volcano with waters warm enough for a polar swim; and Half Moon Island with nesting Wilson's storm petrels and chinstrap penguins.

As the white shimmer of Antarctica looms on the horizon, the presence of wildlife multiples by tens of thousands with many species of lively penguins, inquisitive seals, nesting birds and the spray of marine mammals. Wildlife abounds on the Antarctic Peninsula: leopard, fur and Weddell Seals of Cuverville Island; humpback whales of Gerlache Strait; Paradise Bay; the dramatic Lemaire Channel's orcas, explore as far south as possible to Pleneau and Petermann Islands, Crystal Sound and Fish Island. Visit research stations and the Antarctic Circle.

Today you'll depart Antarctica and spend two days at sea on your way back to the calms of the Beagle Channel and Ushuaia. En-route, cross the Drake Passage and cruise past Cape Horn, a legendary maritime landmark and the southern tip of South America. Enjoy a variety of activities onboard during your time at sea.

Arrive back in Ushuaia this morning for disembarkation and return to the airport for your journey home.

Secure your space today by calling one of our Travel Specialists on 0203 196 1000