Wonders of Patagonia & Antarctica - Cruise & Land Journey: 20 days Santiago to Buenos Aires

Welcome to Santiago and the start of your handcrafted land journey through Patagonia. A cultural hub with a rich history, Santiago combines stunning natural scenery with neoclassical architecture, expansive museums and lively public squares. The Chilean capital is renowned for its modern skyline set at the foot of the majestic Andes Mountains. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your elegant hotel for an overnight stay.

Fly south to Patagonia and discover the ultimate gateway to adventure at your hotel, nestled at the entrance of the Torres del Paine National Park. During your exclusive four-night Special Stay, you'll have ample time to delve into the wonders of the park and immerse yourself in the charm of the nearby town of Puerto Natales, the main gateway to the breathtaking southern Chilean Fjords.

Relax and unwind in the elegantly designed rooms and indulge in a range of included excursions each day, complemented by refreshing beverages and delectable meals showcasing the finest Patagonian delicacies.

Today, begin your journey into one of the world’s most spectacular national parks. Torres del Paine is famous for its shimmering glaciers, turquoise lakes, dramatic peaks, and golden pampas (grasslands). It’s also home to unique wildlife, including the guanaco and the elusive puma.
 

Each evening, return to your luxurious lodge to relax in the lounge and take in the magnificent views while sharing stories with your fellow travellers. Over the next three days, there are several small group Scenic Freechoice experiences for you to choose from and enjoy at your own pace.

Scenic Freechoice:
There are several small group activities for you to choose from and enjoy at your own pace.? 

Continue to explore Torres del Paine National Park and its spectacularly diverse landscapes by choosing from a range of Scenic Freechoice experiences. There are walking trails suitable for varying levels of fitness all throughout the park. Hike to the base of the rock towers that give the park their name or through the glorious scenery of the French Valley. Experienced trekkers can even explore the Grey Glacier on ice crampons. Or saddle up and discover the rolling pampas on horseback with an experienced guide.

Scenic Freechoice:
There are several small group activities for you to choose from and enjoy at your own pace.

Today you could choose to discover the magical waterways of the Torres del Paine. Kayaking is popular along the vibrant blue lakes and calm rivers. Get an incredible view of the face of the Grey Glacier as you kayak along the River Grey. The Serrano River also offers excellent fly fishing for trout and salmon.
 

Scenic Freechoice:
There are several small group activities for you to choose from and enjoy at your own pace.?

After each activity, return to the lodge for exceptional meals with cuisine inspired by the Patagonian environment, paired with South American wines.

Farewell the Torres del Paine this morning as you drive across the border into Argentina and the town of El Calafate. It’s named for the calafate berry and ancient local legend says that if you eat one of the small blue berries, you’ll return to Patagonia. The town is the gateway to the Los Glaciares National Park, renowned for its vast glacier fields and colourful glacial lakes surrounded by rugged mountain peaks. Enjoy a relaxing three-night stay.

The World Heritage-listed Los Glaciares National Park has been a highlight for visitors to Patagonia since it was established in 1937. The milky waters of Lake Argentino carry you to the impressive Perito Moreno Glacier, which rises an average of 74 metres above the surface. Marvel as huge ice shards calve from the glacier and crash into the icy depths, an incredible sight and sound. Enjoy a guided walk along the boardwalk for aerial views of the 250-square-kilometre glacier.

Scenic Sunset Drinks
Toast your day in this natural wonderland framed by the spectacular backdrop of Perito Moreno Glacier. 

Discover the traditional way of life on an estancia (ranch) in the Argentine countryside, surrounded by glaciers, snowy peaks and stunning lakes. You’ll get a taste of authentic Patagonian culture and experience the frontier spirit that is still alive in these vast properties. Learn about the history of gauchos and explore the rugged landscapes on horseback.

Join your Tour Director and fellow guests for a delicious farewell dinner this evening.

As your Patagonian land journey draws to a close, bid farewell to your Tour Director and fellow travellers before transferring to the airport for your flight south.  Arriving in Ushuaia, set on the remote island of Tierra del Fuego, you will board your ultra-luxury Scenic Discovery Yacht, where the Captain and crew welcome you on board. Settle into your suite and take time to become acquainted with your surroundings before your expedition begins.  As you sail through the Beagle Channel, raise a glass to the journey ahead and take in the final views of South America’s rugged southern landscapes, where the Andes meet the sea, marking the transition from land to the vast wilderness of Antarctica. 

Enjoy breakfast in your suite as your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht navigates the legendary Drake Passage bound for Antarctica. Take in the vast expanse of the Southern Ocean as moment brings you closer to an unforgettable adventure.  

Feel the excitement building up as the Discovery Team shares with you all the details on how your Zodiac, helicopter^, submarine^ and other discovery expeditions 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 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.  

The team will make every attempt to have many landings and Discovery Excursions, including Zodiac tours, kayaking and optional helicopter^ flights and submarine^ dives. 

Today you will enter Antarctic waters, an unpredictable but stunningly beautiful environment. Put on your complimentary polar parka and head to the Observation Deck to spot icebergs for the first time – it’s a feeling that will stay with you forever.

Watch out for whale blows in the distance. Your Discovery Team is available to provide insightful information.

Be sure to check your daily program for the essential biosecurity and boot fitting schedule. And join the fascinating enrichment lecture on marine and seabird life – a captivating experience that will enhance your knowledge and connection to the natural world around you. 

Slide open the floor-to-ceiling doors of your verandah suite to see icebergs sculpted by nature and glacial mountains rising from the ocean. Antarctica is a birdwatcher's delight, home to a variety of species, so keep your eyes peeled for wandering albatrosses, shearwaters, giant petrels and more. 

Due to the extraordinary nature of the region, excursions throughout your Expedition Voyage are dependent on weather conditions. Your experienced Captain and Discovery Leader, who have made countless journeys to Antarctica, will use their expertise to design a bespoke voyage, making the most of your time in this spectacular destination.  

Scenic Discovery:
Daily experiences may include cruising on Zodiacs, stepping ashore to view vast penguin rookeries or historic huts, and kayaking or paddle boarding around icebergs. Wherever your voyage takes you, you will have countless “pinch me" moments.

Start your day with freshly squeezed juice, steaming barista-made coffee or tea delivered to your door by your butler. Then set out on Zodiac excursions to explore breathtaking glaciated bays, tranquil channels and pristine landing sites. As you trek across the Antarctic wilderness, meet the adorable chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins that inhabit this magical region

Small groups offer the best way to experience an environmentally sensitive destination like Antarctica. Guests will board the zodiacs according to their designated colour, where our expert polar Discovery Team will guide them, ensuring an unforgettable and unique adventure.

Various species of penguins can be found in Antarctic and the sub-Antarctic region, including Adélie, Chinstrap, Gentoo, and the very rare Emperor. Guided by the expert Discovery Team, you’ll witness colonies up close; hear their calls and watch as they clumsily waddle along and interact with each other.  

Whales are another majestic creature you may encounter, whether a minke, a humpback or an Orca. Watch them up close in a kayak or a Zodiac with the Discovery Team or observe them from the comfort of your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht. However, you see them, it’s a breathtaking experience. 

Scenic Discovery:
Ask your expert Discovery Leader for photography tips so you can best capture the incredible wildlife and landscape around you. 

From the moment it was discovered, Antarctica has held an irresistible allure for intrepid adventurers. The bold exploits of legendary explorers like Scott, Shackleton, and Amundsen have fueled its mystique, inspiring generations to venture into this untamed wilderness. 

On this unforgettable day, you’ll cruise past Antarctica's stunning icy mountains before stepping ashore by Zodiac to immerse yourself in the polar wilderness. With ample time to explore, this voyage ensures you experience the magic of this awe-inspiring landscape up close. 

Back on board, enjoy a specialty tea or coffee in the Observation Lounge and take in the views through Swarovski telescopes. 

In the untouched silence of this frozen wilderness, nature’s rare sounds become unforgettable—whether it’s the endearing chatter of penguins squabbling over prized pebbles or the thunderous roar of a glacier calving into the sea. 

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. 

On board, explore some of your Discovery Yacht’s indulgent spaces, from the welcoming Observation Lounge to the expansive Senses Spa#. Choose one of up to 10 world-class dining experiences on board tonight.  

On your ultra-luxury yacht, every moment is crafted for both comfort and connection. Our inviting lounge provides the perfect setting to unwind and share unforgettable experiences with like-minded travellers. 
For those craving adventure, the legendary Polar Plunge offers a thrilling rush—an unforgettable dive into icy waters, expertly coordinated by the Expedition Leader and Captain. 

If you prefer to stay warm, find a prime viewing spot and enjoy the spectacle 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 cruise back across the Drake Passage toward South America, take this time to indulge in the ultra-luxury comforts of your Discovery Yacht and reflect on the awe-inspiring moments you’ve experienced. 

Start your 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.  

As evening arrives, unwind in the elegant Scenic Lounge Bar, where you can toast to your expedition with a perfectly aged whiskey, a glass of fine wine, or a flute of French Champagne—all part of Scenic’s truly all-inclusive ultra-luxury philosophy.

Make sure you book a treatment# at the tranquil Senses Spa before your expedition ends. Perhaps an ESPA facial or massage# or an alternative therapy including Ayuverdic massage or Japanese shiatsu. Afterwards, hold on to that feeling of calm for a while longer in the Zen-like space of the Vitality Lounge. 

On your last night onboard for dinner choose from Koko’s Asian Fusion Sushi @ Koko’s (available by on board reservation) to watch the chefs at work or enjoy the spectacle of teppanyaki-style dining inspired by the markets of Asia at Night Market @ Koko’s (available by on board reservation).  

This morning, bid farewell to your expert crew and fellow travellers as your extraordinary journey comes to an end. After a final indulgent breakfast on board, disembark in Ushuaia and board your flight to Buenos Aires, carrying with you memories of an unforgettable adventure in the pristine landscapes of Antarctica. 

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

#Spa treatments at additional cost. +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. ^Flights on board our two helicopters and submersible experiences are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather conditions. Sightings cannot be guaranteed.

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. Hotels are indicative and subject to change.