DAY 1 – BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
Welcome to Buenos Aires, where you’ll have an overnight hotel stay. Perhaps plan to spend some time in the city, known as the ‘Paris of South America’. Resplendent with Belle Epoque buildings, sidewalk cafes and green spaces, there’s the fiery passion of Latin America – a collective love for football, flame-cooked meats (asado) and the tango.
Some of the highlights are La Boca, a colourful, creative mecca with an art walk, and San Telmo, a former aristocratic neighbourhood abandoned during a 19th-century epidemic. Mansions were turned into conventillos (shared housing), boutique hotels, antique shops, and tango clubs, exuding a captivating bohemian vibe.
DAY 2 – BUENOS AIRES to USHUAIA
From Buenos Aires your included transfer flights will take you to Ushuaia, the main island of Tierra del Fuego and the southernmost city in the world. The Captain and crew will warmly greet you as you board your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht.
Toast the start of your once-in-a-lifetime expedition as you depart South America and cruise through the calm and scenic Beagle Channel, named so for the ship that carried Charles Darwin on his five-year discovery journey. Admire the dramatic views of the Andean mountains from the comfort of your private verandah or from the Observation Deck with its commanding view of the bow.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 3 – AT SEA
Today take some time to explore the Discovery Yacht and familiarise yourself with all the areas on board your new ultra-luxury home. Visit the Sky Bar on Deck 10 and step into the tranquil Senses Spa# on Deck 6 with its steam rooms, saunas, and relaxing Salt Therapy Lounge.
Join an introductory presentation about your polar expedition by the Discovery Team in the state-of-the-art theatre. At night, enjoy world-class productions from musical theatre and cabaret to pop music, dance, and fun interactive game shows.
Due to the extraordinary nature of the region, Discovery excursions throughout your Expedition Voyage are dependent on the ice and weather conditions. Your experienced Captain and specialist polar Discovery Team, with extensive experience in the region will craft your voyage to maximise the 18–20 hours of daylight. They will prepare you for your first landing on the White Continent, providing valuable insights and practical information for your polar expedition.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4 & 5 – FALKLAND ISLANDS
Remote and sparsely populated, the Falkland Islands are a wildlife lover’s paradise. The world’s largest population of Gentoo penguins is found here, in addition to King, Magellanic and Rockhopper penguins. Watch as they waddle along, interacting with each other.
You can also find black-browed albatross, plus Cobb’s wren and Falkland’s flightless steamer duck, which are both endemic bird species. Make sure to ask for some wildlife insights from the expert Discovery Team – comprised of up to 20 polar experts this team of geologists, historians, ornithologists, marine biologists, and glaciologists is at the heart of your Antarctic Voyage.
While in the Falkland Islands, you’ll visit capital Stanley (subject to weather and operational conditions). Since its colonisation in the 18th century, the ownership of the Falkland Islands has been clouded in controversy between France, Britain, Spain and Argentina. This town offers a unique British outpost feel. Visit local shops, see the Christ Church Cathedral with its whalebone arch, or share a pint at an English pub.
Tonight could be the night you meet your new friends at Sushi* @ Koko’s for dinner. Enjoy entertainment in the state-of-the-art theatre and unwind with a nightcap at the Scenic Lounge Bar.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6 & 7 – AT SEA
Freshly squeezed juice, barista-made coffee or tea delivered to your door by the butler will help start your day. Head to the gym for a workout or the studio for a Pilates class, some guided stretching or aerial yoga. You may wish to book a treatment at the tranquil Senses Spa#. Perhaps an ESPA facial or massage or an alternative therapy including Ayuverdic massage.
In the evening, settle in at the spacious Scenic Lounge Bar to enjoy your beverage of choice. With Scenic’s signature all-inclusive ultra-luxury philosophy, indulge in top shelf spirits, over 130 whiskeys, a premium wine list and French Champagne.
As you cruise towards South Georgia, enjoy a specialty tea or coffee in the Observation Lounge and watch the world float by through Swarovski telescopes.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8 to 10 – SOUTH GEORGIA
Between the 3000-metre mountain range that forms the spine of South Georgia Island, shattered glaciers carve their way through tussock grass to the deeply indented coastline.
Today you’ll land at the deserted whaling village of Stromness (subject to weather and operational conditions) where after a gruelling 36-hour hike through the South Georgia Mountains, Sir Ernest Shackleton was helped by the Norwegian whaling station manager.
Next, you’ll head to Fortuna Bay (subject to weather and operational conditions) which has panoramic views of jagged summit peaks and remarkable Konig Glacier.
Pay your respects to the renowned explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton at his final resting place in the settlement of Grytviken. Here, you can also see the remnants of old whaling stations, with some ships left rusting around the bay.
At South Georgia’s southern tip, Cooper Bay (subject to weather and operational conditions), watch for giant petrels and brown skuas as they soar above and playful fur seals in underwater kelp forests. Climb a short but steep hill to find a macaroni penguin colony hidden among tussock grasses.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11 & 12 – AT SEA
After days of exploration, spend time relaxing in your spacious suite. The Discovery Team will help you prepare for your first landing on the White Continent, offering insight and inspiration as well as giving you practical information about your upcoming polar expedition.
Have you visited the bridge yet? Thanks to the Captain’s open bridge policy, guests are welcome any time to learn more about the technical abilities of The World’s First Discovery Yacht and see it in full operation. The bridge is also one of the best viewing areas on the ship.
Today you will enter Antarctic waters, an unpredictable but stunningly beautiful environment that always surprises. Put on your complimentary polar parka and head to the Observation Deck and feel the excitement building up as you search for icebergs.
Watch out for whale blows in the distance and your expert polar Discovery Team will be on hand to provide and answer any insightful information.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 13 to 17 – 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. True magic awaits as you witness the incredible wildlife spectacle: from the graceful seals to majestic whales and delightful colonies of penguins that dot the landscape.
Antarctica is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with more than 40 different species. Keep your eyes peeled for wandering albatrosses, which has the largest wingspan of any flying bird, as well as shearwaters, giant petrels and more.
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Brown Bluff (subject to weather and operational conditions), where towering canyon walls, dramatic boulders, and ice-capped volcanic wonders create a landscape like no other. Just across the Antarctic Sound lies Kinnes Cove (subject to weather and operational conditions), where the striking red hues of the Madder Cliffs paint a picture of untouched beauty. Keep your eyes peeled—you might just be lucky enough to encounter charming Gentoo penguins in their natural habitat. This is adventure redefined!
For a truly unique and exclusive experience, book a helicopter excursion^ to visit Snow Hill Island (additional cost, subject to weather and operational conditions). This is home to a significant colony of around 10,000 Emperor penguins, one of only two of its kind in the Peninsula. Departing by helicopter from your Discovery Yacht in the Weddell Sea, you’ll land on Snow Hill Island and walk 1.5 kilometres with your Discovery Team, including our ornithologist, to see the colony. The Emperor penguins are only present at this location at the start of the Antarctica season and there are only a couple of voyages with this experience each season.
Various species of penguins can be found in Antarctic and the sub-Antarctic region, including Adélie, Chinstrap, Gentoo, and the very rare Emperor penguins. Guided by the expert Discovery Team, you’ll witness colonies up close; hear their calls and watch as they waddle along and interact with each other.
Whales are another majestic creature you may encounter, whether a minke, a humpback or an Orca. Watch for them from the comfort of your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, in a Zodiac with an expert polar Discovery Team member, or from their level in a kayak or stand-up paddleboard – a breathtaking experience.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 18 – AT SEA
Cruising the Drake Passage back to the tip of South America, there is plenty of time to indulge in the ultra-luxury of your Discovery Yacht and reflect on the magic moments you’ve experienced in the Southern Ocean.
Curl up in one of the private cabanas on Deck 10 with a book or meet friends for a coffee or glass of wine in the Observation Lounge on Deck 5, where you’ll be enchanted by the endless horizons of the ocean from the panoramic glass windows.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 19 – AT SEA to USHUAIA
This is your final day on board your Discovery Yacht, so take the time to return to your favourite spots. That might mean one last treatment# in the luxurious Senses Spa or stretching out in a class at the PURE: Yoga & Pilates Studio.
Sit down for lunch with your new friends, sharing photos and travel experiences as you recall your favourite memories from these awe-inspiring days on the seventh continent. Later tonight, raise a glass to an unforgettable voyage at the spacious Scenic Lounge Bar. Enjoy your beverage of choice, whether it be aged whiskey or a glass of wine. Scenic Eclipse will arrive in Ushuaia, the main island of Tierra del Fuego and the southernmost city in the world, late this evening.
DAY 20 – USHUAIA TO BUENOS AIRES
Your voyage ends this morning as you farewell the crew and fellow guests. Disembark after breakfast in Ushuaia, Argentina for your included transfer flight to Buenos Aires where your journey concludes, taking away memories of a truly unforgettable experience.
Please book your flight to depart out of Buenos Aires after 09:30 PM.
^Flights on board our two helicopters and submersible experiences are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather, ice and tidal conditions. Helicopter not available in South Georgia. #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.
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. Locations listed within South Georgia, Falkland Islands and Antarctica are subject to weather and operational conditions. Sightings cannot be guaranteed. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.
Meals Included: Breakfast
