Fly Stay Cruise - 14 Day Ultra-Luxury White Continent Voyage: A Discovery Yacht Expedition to Antarctica

Welcome to Buenos Aires, Argentina's vibrant capital. Today you arrive in Buenos Aires and are met at the airport for your included transfer to the Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta in one of the city's most refined neighbourhoods. Please note that flights from Australia typically depart one to two days prior given the long-haul nature of the journey. The rest of the day is yours to recover from your flight or begin to explore Buenos Aires at your own pace. Recoleta is known for its tree lined boulevards, grand cafes, the famous Recoleta Cemetery (resting place of Eva Peron), and Avenida Alvear, often referred to as Buenos Aires' Champs-Elysees. Arrival & Check-in informationAirport transfers from Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) to the Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta are included as part of your package. You will be met at the airport on arrival. Hotel check-in time is at 3pm. If arriving prior to this, you will be able to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel's discretion.

After breakfast at the Sofitel, you will be transferred to Aeroparque Jorge Newbery for your included flight to Ushuaia, the main island of Tierra del Fuego and the southernmost city in the world. On arrival you will be transferred directly to the cruise terminal where the Captain and crew of Scenic Eclipse welcome you onboard. Settle into your Deluxe Verandah Suite and toast the start of your once-in-a-lifetime expedition as the ship sails from South America through the calm and scenic Beagle Channel. Take in the dramatic Andean peaks from the comfort of your private verandah or from the Observation Deck. Special InformationAirport transfers between Aeroparque Jorge Newbery and the hotel, and between Ushuaia airport and the ship, are included as part of your package.

Wake in your own time as Scenic Eclipse crosses the Drake Passage, the legendary waterway connecting South America to Antarctica. A day at sea to settle into the rhythms of life onboard. Ask your butler to deliver breakfast to your suite or join fellow guests in the Yacht Club for a leisurely morning. Today, attend the introductory presentation by the onboard expedition team in the theatre. They will outline how your Zodiac excursions and Discovery experiences will work in the coming days. Excitement builds as Antarctica approaches.

Today the ship enters Antarctic waters, an unpredictable but stunningly beautiful environment that always surprises. Put on your complimentary polar parka and head to the Observation Deck to spot icebergs for the first time, an experience that stays with you forever. Watch out for whale blows in the distance and consult the expert expedition team, comprising up to 20 geologists, historians, ornithologists, marine biologists and glaciologists, all on hand to share their knowledge as Antarctica draws closer.

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. Antarctica is a birdwatcher's paradise, with more than 40 species including wandering albatrosses (the largest wingspan of any flying bird), shearwaters and giant petrels. Due to the extraordinary nature of the region, your experienced Captain and expedition team will design each day of your voyage as it unfolds, making the most of 18 to 20 hours of daylight. Daily experiences may include cruising on Zodiacs, stepping ashore to view vast penguin rookeries or historic huts, and kayaking or paddleboarding around icebergs. Special InformationExcursions throughout the Antarctic Peninsula are dependent on ice and weather conditions. The Captain and expedition team will adapt the itinerary daily to maximise your experiences.

Possible landing sites today include Portal Point, a former British refuge hut, or Deception Island. Nestled in the South Shetland Islands, Deception Island is one of the only places in the world where ships can sail directly into the centre of a submerged caldera of an active volcano. The island is home to a few small scientific outposts and hundreds of thousands of chinstrap penguins. Tonight, consider dining at one of the ship's specialty restaurants and stay up late to enjoy a drink at the bar or retire to the library for a moment of solitude. Special InformationLanding sites are subject to ice and weather conditions. The Captain and expedition team will confirm each day's program based on the conditions at sea.

Antarctica is home to several penguin species, with around 12 million living on the Peninsula. These include Adelie, Chinstrap, Gentoo and the very rare Emperor penguin. Guided by the expedition team, you may witness colonies up close, hear their calls and watch them waddle along the ice and interact with each other. Whales are another majestic creature you may encounter, whether minke, humpback or orca. Watch them from the comfort of the ship, from a Zodiac with the expedition team, or even at their level from a kayak or paddleboard. The expedition team will also offer photography tips and guidance throughout your time ashore.

Lemaire Channel, renowned for its picturesque views and often referred to as Kodak Alley, may be on the agenda today. If your voyage takes you through this channel, set your alarm to enjoy the cool air from the Observation Terrace as the ship navigates the 11 kilometre passage, just 700 metres wide at its narrowest point. The dramatic rocky mountains and glowing blue icebergs are some of the most photographed scenery in Antarctica. Between Discovery excursions, enjoy a specialty tea or coffee in the Observation Lounge and watch the world go by through Swarovski telescopes. Special InformationPassage through the Lemaire Channel is subject to ice and weather conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

On a clear day, Mount Francis stands tall in the distance as Anvers Island's highest peak, showcasing the rugged beauty of Antarctica. You may have the opportunity to hike or spend time on a pebbled beach, surrounded by curious penguins.Back onboard, explore the ship's indulgent spaces, from the welcoming Observation Lounge to the expansive spa. Soothe your muscles in the sauna, join a yoga or Pilates class, or choose from one of the ship's specialty dining venues for dinner tonight.

Pack your swimming costume because today you may have the opportunity to take part in the polar plunge, for many a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a rite of passage for any Antarctica expedition. Once during your voyage, the ship will pause and the team will set up the marina for those brave enough to jump into the freezing Antarctic waters. As you stand on the edge ready to jump, you will feel the adrenaline rush followed by an invigorating and surprisingly refreshing sensation. If you prefer to skip the plunge, watch from a good vantage point and toast the brave with a glass of whisky or a cup of hot chocolate as they emerge from the water. Special InformationThe polar plunge is offered once per voyage subject to weather and operational conditions. Participation is entirely optional.

Cruise the Drake Passage back towards South America. Today is a chance to reflect on the moments you have experienced in the Southern Ocean. Freshly squeezed juice and barista made coffee delivered to your door by your butler will help start the day. Head to the gym for a workout, the studio for a Pilates class, or take part in some guided stretching. In the evening, settle in at one of the ship's bars to enjoy a beverage of choice. With Scenic's all-inclusive ultra-luxury philosophy, top shelf spirits, premium wines and French Champagne are all included throughout the voyage.

Take advantage of the Captain's open bridge policy and learn more about the technical capabilities of the Discovery Yacht. The bridge is also one of the best viewing areas onboard. Consider booking a treatment at the spa before your expedition concludes tomorrow, perhaps a facial or massage or an alternative therapy such as Ayurvedic massage or Japanese shiatsu. Afterwards, hold on to that calm a while longer in the Vitality Lounge.

Your expedition voyage ends this morning. After breakfast onboard, farewell the Captain, crew and your fellow guests and disembark Scenic Eclipse in Ushuaia. You will be transferred to Ushuaia airport for your included flight back to Buenos Aires. On arrival in Buenos Aires you will be met and transferred to the Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta for your final night in Argentina. The afternoon is yours to enjoy a final taste of Buenos Aires, whether revisiting a favourite neighbourhood, picking up some last souvenirs, or enjoying a farewell asado dinner at one of the city's traditional parrilla restaurants. Special InformationTransfers between the ship, Ushuaia airport, and the Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta are included as part of your package.

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Ezeiza International Airport for your return flight to Australia. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope your White Continent voyage has been a truly memorable one. Special InformationAirport transfers from the Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta to Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) are included as part of your package. Due to the time difference between Argentina and Australia, customers typically arrive home one to two days after departing Buenos Aires.