Beyond the Antarctic Circle: Christmas & New Year's Voyage: 16 days Buenos Aires to Buenos Aires

Welcome to Buenos Aires, where you will enjoy an overnight city stay. Explore this cosmopolitan city which has been nicknamed the ‘Paris of South America’. Brimming with Belle Époque architecture, leafy boulevards and lively cafés, the city pulses with Latin passion – from the love of football and flame-grilled asado to the intimate rhythm of tango. 

Some of the highlights are La Boca, a colourful, creative mecca with a must-do art walk, and San Telmo, a former aristocratic neighbourhood that was abandoned during a 19th-century epidemic. 

Fly from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, cradled by the dramatic landscapes of Tierra del Fuego. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed on board your first-in-its-class next-generation Discovery Yacht, Scenic Ikon, by the Captain and crew. 

Toast the start of your voyage with a glass of Champagne as you sail through the legendary Beagle Channel, following in the wake of Charles Darwin’s historic journey. From your private verandah or out on the open deck, take in breathtaking views of the snow-capped Andean peaks and pristine Patagonian wilderness – marking the beginning of an unforgettable expedition. 

Due to the extraordinary nature of this region, Discovery Excursions throughout your Expedition Voyage are dependent on the ice and weather conditions. Your experienced Captain and specialist polar Discovery Team, who have made countless journeys to Antarctica, will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, making the most of your time in this spectacular destination.

Wake up at your leisure as your next-generation Discovery Yacht, Scenic Ikon, navigates the legendary Drake Passage, the gateway to Antarctica. As you sail toward the Great White Continent, take in the vast expanse of the Southern Ocean from your private verandah. 

Feel the excitement building as the Discovery Team shares with you all the details on how your zodiac, helicopter^, submersible^ and other Discovery Excursions will work. Get familiar with the team and your polar equipment – your expedition kit includes an expedition parka and water bottle that are yours to take home, plus the use of specialised polar boots, trekking poles, and specific equipment you need for kayak and stand-up paddleboard~ excursions. Between landings, your outdoor gear will be stored in a personal locker in our convenient Discovery Centre. Prepare yourself for unparalleled ‘pinch-me’ moments, and be exposed to the unpredictability of the region, with your expert team deciding the course of action in the coming days. 

Today, you’ll enter the pristine waters of Antarctica – a breathtaking and unpredictable world that never fails to inspire. Don your complimentary polar parka and step out onto the open deck to witness your first iceberg sightings – a moment that will stay with you for a lifetime. 

Watch out for whale blows in the distance, as your specialist Discovery Team is on hand to provide insightful information and answer any questions. 

Be sure to check your daily program for the essential biosecurity and boot fitting schedule. And attend the fascinating enrichment lecture on marine and seabird life. 

Wake up to a truly magical Christmas morning in the heart of Antarctica. Slide open the floor-to-ceiling doors of your verandah suite to see icebergs sculpted by nature and glacial mountains rising thousands of metres from the ocean.  

This breathtaking icy landscape provides a once-in-a-lifetime backdrop for this special day of celebration and exploration. 

Festive dining and entertainment throughout the day will ensure a celebratory spirit onboard. This will be the whitest Christmas you’ve ever experienced.  

Antarctica is a birdwatcher's paradise, with more than 40 different species, so keep your eyes peeled for wandering albatrosses, shearwaters, giant petrels and more. 

Scenic Discovery: Daily experiences may include cruising on zodiacs, stepping ashore to view vast penguin rookeries or historic huts, and kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding~ around icebergs. 

Every day, set out on unforgettable zodiac excursions to explore breathtaking glaciated bays, tranquil channels and pristine landing sites. Your dedicated expert polar Discovery Team will guide you as you trek across the awe-inspiring Antarctic wilderness, and meet the adorable chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins that inhabit this magical region. 

We believe the best way to experience an environmentally sensitive destination like Antarctica is with a small group of travellers. You will board the zodiacs according to your designated colour group, where your expert Discovery Team will guide you, ensuring an unforgettable and unique experience. 

Scenic Discovery: Daily experiences may include cruising on zodiacs, stepping ashore to view vast penguin rookeries or historic huts, and kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding~ around icebergs.

Various species of penguins can be found living on the Peninsula, including Adélie, chinstrap, gentoo and the very rare Emperor penguins. Guided by the expert Discovery Team, you will witness colonies up close; hear their mighty calls and watch as they clumsily waddle along and interact with each other.  

Whales are another of the majestic creatures you may encounter – whether it’s a curious minke, a breaching humpback or an orca. Witness these awe-inspiring giants from the comfort of your ultra-luxury yacht, up close on a Zodiac with an expert from the Discovery Team, or at water level in a kayak or stand-up paddleboard~ – an unforgettable experience. 

Scenic Discovery: When enjoying daily Discovery Excursions, ask your Discovery Team for photography tips and guidance on how to spot the wildlife around you. They will help you immortalise these incredible moments while cruising on the zodiacs, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding~ around impressive ice formations. 

On this unforgettable day, you’ll cruise past Antarctica's stunning icy mountains, before stepping ashore by zodiac to immerse yourself in the true polar wilderness. With ample time dedicated to exploration, this voyage ensures you experience the magic of these awe-inspiring landscapes up close and personal. You will have numerous opportunities to photograph Antarctica’s stunning icy landscapes, whether from the yacht or as you explore ashore, capturing the raw beauty of the region. 

In between Discovery Excursions, enjoy a warm specialty tea or coffee on board and watch the world float by outside. Book a helicopter^ flightseeing or submersible^ excursion for even further immersion in Antarctica. 

Today, embrace a leisurely pace, allowing ample time ashore to fully absorb the extraordinary landscapes of Antarctica.  

Towering glaciers provide one of the most awe-inspiring spectacles of your journey, with the chance to witness massive ice formations breaking away, creating brand-new icebergs before your eyes – a moment of pure wonder in the heart of the Great White Continent. 

Scenic Discovery: When enjoying daily Discovery Excursions, ask your Discovery Team for photography tips and guidance on how to spot the wildlife around you. They will help you immortalise these incredible moments while cruising on the zodiacs, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding~ around impressive ice formations. 

On board your ultra-luxury yacht, Scenic Ikon, every moment is designed for comfort and camaraderie, with the inviting lounge offering the perfect space to relax and share unforgettable experiences with like-minded travellers. 

For those seeking an exhilarating experience, the legendary Polar Plunge awaits — an unforgettable moment of pure adrenaline in the icy waters, carefully planned by the Discovery Leader and Captain.  

If you prefer to stay warm, find a prime viewing spot and enjoy the performance as fellow guests take the plunge, then join them for a toast with a glass of whiskey or a steaming cup of hot chocolate.

Scenic Discovery: Glide past towering icebergs on a zodiac, step onto untouched white snow and soar over vast mountain ranges. This is one of the world's few remaining pristine wildernesses, awaiting your exploration. 

As you continue your exploration, immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of this remote wilderness. Step ashore to witness the breathtaking beauty of Antarctica’s wildlife and landscapes, creating memories that will last a lifetime. 

Celebrate the beginning of an exciting New Year in the most extraordinary setting.  

As night falls, ring in the New Year in true ultra-luxury style. Enjoy a sophisticated evening with your fellow guests, complete with fine dining, live entertainment and joyful toasts to the year ahead, set against the pristine, icy landscapes of Antarctica — an unforgettable experience. 

Scenic Discovery: Daily experiences may include cruising on zodiacs, stepping ashore to view vast penguin rookeries or historic huts, and kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding~ around icebergs. Book a helicopter^ flightseeing or submersible^ excursion for even further immersion in Antarctica.  

Start your New Year’s Day with an invigorating workout in the state-of-the-art gym, a guided Pilates session or a moment of relaxation in the PURE: Yoga & Pilates Studio.  

After, if you haven’t yet, make sure to visit the bridge. Thanks to the Captain’s open bridge policy, you’re welcome to discover the advanced technology of your Polar Class 6 next-generation Discovery Yacht and watch it in action. The bridge offers some of the most stunning views on board. 

Throughout the day, the theatre comes alive with insightful talks and lectures from the expert polar Discovery Team. 

Scenic Discovery: Partake in daily Discovery Excursions. Cruise on the zodiacs around ice formations. Kayak and stand-up paddleboard~ around icebergs and hear the ice cracking and whales feeding below.   

Embrace the serene beauty of Antarctica as your yacht glides through the icy waters. Step onto your verandah to admire glistening icebergs and distant seabird calls. Join a zodiac excursion to explore hidden coves, guided by your expert polar Discovery Team, who offer photography tips to capture seals or glaciers.  

For a unique view, book a helicopter^ flight to soar above the vast wilderness. Relax with a hot chocolate out on the open deck or unwind at the spa. 

Scenic Discovery: Enjoy zodiac cruises, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding~, with expert guidance on how to photograph the wildlife and ice.

Begin your day with an energising workout in the fully equipped fitness centre or join a guided morning stretch to awaken mind and body. 

As you return across the Drake Passage toward South America, indulge in the ultra-luxury comforts of your yacht and reflect on the awe-inspiring moments you’ve experienced in the untouched wilderness of Antarctica. 

Awaken at your leisure and enjoy a morning beverage delivered by your butler, embracing a serene start to your final day at sea. 

A long and luxurious massage# in the spa is also an ideal way to start your day in pure bliss. Or simply relax and reflect on the unforgettable experiences you’ve shared while enjoying your favourite spaces on board one last time. 

This morning, your extraordinary journey comes to an end.  After one final indulgent breakfast on board your next-generation Discovery Yacht, Scenic Ikon, bid farewell to the crew and your fellow guests, taking with you stories for life from an extraordinary journey through Antarctica.

Please book your flight to depart out of Buenos Aires after 09:30 PM.

#Spa treatments and services at additional cost. Daily activities may be subject to change; please consult your Daily Wonder for updates. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board.
^Experiences on board our two helicopters and submersible are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather, ice and tidal conditions. ~Kayak and stand-up paddleboard not available in all locations. 

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.