Welcome to Ushuaia, Argentina, the world’s southernmost city. You’ll be briefed at the hotel tonight on the journey and details for tomorrow’s embarkation, but if you happen to arrive early there are a surprising amount of ways to entertain yourself at ‘the End of the World’. Check out the Museo Maritimo to brush up on the region’s history, or take a stroll down Avenida San Martin if you’re after any last-minute essentials before departing. Oh, and did we mention this is Argentina – if all else fails, head to a local restaurant to get your fill of red wine and steak.

You will have some time this morning to shop for any last-minute items and take a final look around town before departing in the afternoon. This afternoon, take an included transfer from your hotel to the port and board the Ocean Endeavour. Meet your expert crew and take a tour of the amenities and services available on the ship. In the evening, set off through the Beagle Channel and towards the legendary Drake Passage. Join your shipmates and meet the polar crew this evening for drinks and a Captain’s Welcome.

Sailing south, your time at sea can be spent learning from your on board expedition team of experts and guides through a series of talks, workshops or casual conversation. Take to the Ocean Endeavour’s esplanade deck for panoramic views of the southern skies, while keeping your eyes peeled for the rare albatross that frequent them. These wanderers of the ocean will guide us towards Antarctica while lecturers in ornithology, geology, glaciology and biology will prepare you to understand this remote and unique wilderness. On the evening of day four, with favourable weather conditions, you can expect to arrive in the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula.

Today will see the Ocean Endeavour sailing among the icebergs and penguin colonies of the world’s last true wilderness – the Antarctic Continent. Set your eyes on the incredible terrain of the world’s most southern land. Get ready for onshore exploration over the next four days, stepping off the Ocean Endeavour and into a Zodiac and taking your first steps on the Antarctic Peninsula.

To begin the true Antarctic wildlife experience, you will immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of a gentoo or chinstrap penguin colony – a chance to marvel at these aquatic birds and witness their brief summer activities in this frozen land.

Across the following days, you'll venture even further south, your captain seeking the most prized of pristine Antarctic wilderness and aiming to access such famous sites as Neko Harbour, Port Lockroy and the Lemaire Channel. Along the way, join your captain and expedition team on the Ocean Endeavour's bridge, where you’ll scan for seals and the marine creatures that call these waters home during the austral summer.

Enjoy Zodiac cruises to get closer to marine life such as whales and seals, onshore exploration at penguin rookeries and paid adventure options such as kayaking and day paddle excursions, as well as snowshoeing and overnight ice camping on selected voyages. Wildlife encounters on the Antarctic Peninsula are likely to include Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals, gentoo, Adelie and chinstrap penguins and elephant seals. On board the Ocean Endeavour, the expedition team will keep the education going with a range of wildlife and history presentations and documentary screenings, or you can make the most of the onboard wellness facilities including a spa, saltwater pool, sauna and gym, or perhaps join a yoga class with the incredible backdrop of Antarctica!

An average day onboard begins with a wake-up call from your expedition leader around 7 am, giving you time to prepare for the day before joining your fellow expeditioners for breakfast in the Polaris restaurant. You will usually have two excursions per day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with a delicious lunch served on the Ocean Endeavour in between excursions.

Today we make for the ice-covered isle where Sir Ernest Shackleton and his team were stranded in 1915. Located on the north-eastern fringes of the South Shetland islands, Elephant Island has tall and craggy rock formations. If conditions allow, we will attempt a landing or Zodiac cruise around Elephant Island, which will give you a real sense of just how impressive Shackleton and co’s survival really was.

Hit the sea once again, bound for South Georgia, arriving by the evening of Day 10 if conditions are favourable. Attend lectures and presentations by the expedition team as they prepare you for what lies ahead in South Georgia, from the history and geology to the incredible wildlife. Take in panoramic views from the observation lounge and spacious decks or make the most of the onboard facilities.

Begin exploring South Georgia, not only one of the most remote and wild places on earth, but also holder of the nickname ‘Galapagos of the South’ due to the incredible wildlife that calls the island home. Marvel at the many seabirds, encounter penguin colonies and spy elephant and fur seal pups. While the wildlife is incredible, it’s not all about the animals. The glaciers, mountains and fascinating history of South Georgia are also captivating. The island has been a British Overseas Territory since 1775 and at 3755 square kilometres (1450 square miles) is the territory’s largest island.

Settle in for two days at sea as your ship cruises towards the Falkland Islands. As with your other times at sea, you can spend your time relaxing, learning, or both.

Explore the two main islands of the Falklands (East and West) by Zodiac and on foot over the next two days. Wildlife sightings should include at least three species of penguin and two endemic bird species – Cobb’s wren and the flightless steamer duck. The expedition team will educate you on the local flora and fauna so you will know what you’re looking for. Probable landing sites include the quaint capital Port Stanley, West Point Island, Sea Lion Island and Bleaker Island.

Hit the seas for the return journey to Argentina. Soak up the last of the knowledge shared by the onboard experts and make the most of the facilities while you can. On your last night on board, enjoy a farewell captain’s dinner and toast to the epic journey that was.

Disembark in Ushuaia after breakfast and enjoy an airport transfer included.