Days 1 & 2 — U.S./Buenos Aires, Argentina
Depart on an overnight flight to Buenos Aires. Settle into your hotel before heading out on an afternoon tour of the city. Gather for a welcome reception and dinner.
Caesar Park Hotel (L,D)

Day 3 — Buenos Aires/Ushuaia, Argentina
Fly to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, and enjoy lunch on a catamaran cruise of the Beagle Channel. Then set sail on the National Geographic Explorer. (B,L,D)

Day 4 — At Sea/Drake Passage
While crossing the spectacular Drake Passage, spot whales and other marine life that glide alongside the ship. (B,L,D)

Days 5 through 10 — Exploring Antarctica
With nearly 24 hours of daylight at this time of year, we have ample opportunity to explore the Antarctic Peninsula and the surrounding islands. In keeping with the nature of an expedition, the schedule is flexible, allowing us to take advantage of the unexpected—watching whales perform off the bow, taking an after-dinner Zodiac cruise, or heading out on an extra landing during the day. We anticipate making several Zodiac landings each day to hike, kayak among the icebergs, and experience close encounters with wildlife. (B,L,D daily) br>
Depending on weather and sea conditions, we plan to make the following stops:
Paradise Bay
This pristine bay is edged by soaring ice-covered peaks. Hike to a summit for a breathtaking view, or kayak along a cliff-side rookery in search of blue-eyed shags.

Lemaire Channel and Petermann Island
Cruise through the Lemaire Channel between towering snowcaps and blue icebergs. Step ashore at Petermann Island to the cries of thousands of gentoo penguins standing along the shoreline as if awaiting your arrival. This is the site of the research group Oceanites, whose effort to inventory the region's many bird species is supported by National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions. Meet with the scientists and learn about their research.

Neko Harbor
Dock in Neko Harbor. Walk among the penguins on the beach or climb high onto an ice field for a panoramic vista of untouched peaks surrounding this idyllic bay.

Historic Port Lockroy
In 1944, the British government began a top-secret expedition code-named Operation Tabarin, creating a series of base stations in Antarctica. Base A, at Port Lockroy, is now a museum and Antarctica's only public post office.

Days 11 and 12 — At Sea
Enjoy the ship's amenities as the Antarctic coast disappears from view. Round the southernmost tip of South America, and see the meeting of the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. Celebrate your voyage at a farewell dinner on board. (B,L,D daily)

Days 13 & 14 — Ushuaia/Buenos Aires/U.S.
Disembark in Ushuaia. After lunch, fly to Buenos Aires and connect with your overnight flight home. (B,L)