Embark on the Luxury Expedition Cruise of a lifetime to extraordinary Antarctica, where towering icebergs and massive glaciers showcase flawless beauty. Uncover the effects of rising global temperatures first-hand with enthralling lectures by climate scientist James McClintock, enjoy daily Zodiac excursions to the White Continent and witness rare and thrilling wildlife up close – from lively flocks of penguins to several species of whales. DAY 1 UK – Buenos Aires, Argentina Arrive in Argentina’s vibrant capital city, Buenos Aires. Transfer to your luxury accommodation – the incredible Park Hyatt Palacio Duhau – and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. DAY 2 Buenos Aires Latin passion and European romance define the beautiful city of Buenos Aires, a dynamic mecca known for its wide-ranging architectural styles, contemporary and historical arts, and culinary pleasures and parrillas (steakhouses). This morning, choose from a selection of included excursions and experience the city’s best treasures, such as a panoramic city tour complete with a tango demonstration alongside local A&K guides. Later this afternoon, meet with your fellow adventurers for a welcome cocktail reception and briefing. DAY 3 Ushuaia A flight takes you to the port town of Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world and gateway to Antarctica. Touch down and enjoy a gourmet lunch at the beautiful Arakur Resort. Sample fresh local flavours against a scenic backdrop of the city and nearby mountains. Afterwards, take a guided scenic stroll through the Cerro Alarken Nature Reserve or simply savour the mountains vistas. Later, board the exclusively chartered mega-yacht Le Lyrial and unwind in your luxurious accommodation. Soak up fantastic views of the Beagle Channel from your private balcony as you cruise out to sea. DAYS 4 - 5 Cruising the Drake Passage The journey south toward Antarctica is an exciting one, enriched by singular, voyage-long access to our knowledgeable expedition team. Set out into the Drake Passage, an 800-kilometre-wide swath of water where the Southern Ocean currents squeeze between South America’s southern tip and Antarctica’s northernmost reaches. An important trade route in the 19th and early 20th centuries, its stormy waters and icy conditions once made the journey a difficult one. However, the stabiliser-equipped Le Lyrial handles it with ease. DAYS 6 - 10 Antarctica With the White Continent hovering on the horizon, a palpable excitement builds on board Le Lyrial. The diverse conditions of Antarctic make every expedition unique. Your on-board expedition team use their knowledge of the region to plan an exciting itinerary of excursions and activities designed to excite and astonish. Start each day a hearty breakfast, followed by morning and afternoon Zodiac boat excursions. Observe polar wildlife and soak up the tranquillity of the ice as you visit Antarctica’s best-kept secrets, cruising the Antarctic Sound, South Shetland Islands and the Danco Coast. DAYS 11 - 12 Cruising the Drake Passage After five exhilarating days of exploration, it’s time to bid a fond farewell to Antarctica as Le Lyrial re-enters the Drake Passage. Use this leisure time to reflect on your incredible adventures and the magnificent photographs you’ve taken. By now, you’ll have observed colonies of penguin, discovered local research stations and delved into the long history of this icy wilderness. Relax and mingle with newfound friends you’ve made or head up to the observation deck with your binoculars to watch the seabirds swooping in the skies above. DAY 13 Ushuaia - UK Le Lyrial docks at Ushuaia this morning, bringing your extraordinary polar adventure to a close. After breakfast, wave goodbye to your fellow travellers and on-board expedition team as you disembark your luxury vessel for the final time. From here, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Buenos Aires and connect with your international flight to the UK. Alternatively, opt for a post-tour extension and set off to discover the wonders of Ushuaia.