Compare Antarctica Multi-Sport Adventure by Wildland Adventures

DAY 1: BUENOS AIRES
Buenos Aires airport reception and transfer into the Own Palermo Hotel in the fashionable Palermo neighborhood.

DAY 2: USHUAIA
Fly south over the rugged Patagonian landscape to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Sitting on the shores of the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia actually means 'the bay facing westward' in the language of the original Yamana inhabitants. Once a penal colony (the presidio was disbanded in the 1940s) for political prisoners as well as hardened criminals, Ushuaia is now a major tourist attraction, particularly for those embarking on an Antarctica expedition. The town of 40,000 is also a major ski resort area for both alpine and cross-country skiers and offers magnificent hiking in Tierra del Fuego National Park, the only coastal national park in Argentina.
After arrival and transfer to the hotel, in the afternoon embark on an active exploration of the city. The hike starts in the El Mirador del Beagle area, a neighborhood located in the highest point of the city and an example of the development of the city in recent years. The trail takes you along the edge of the forest, featuring amazing views of the many landmarks which played a part in Ushuaia’s interesting sea-faring history. Overnight at Tierra de Leyendas(or similar)[B]

DAY 3: USHUAIA -TIERRA DEL FUEGO NATIONAL PARK
Today is a full day exploration of the famed Tierra del Fuego National Park. Upon arrival in the park, we start a 7 km trek (3.5 hours) to a wonderful scenic point overlooking Lake Roca, Lagunas Verde and Negra, Rivers Ovando and Lapataia and Bahía Lapataia. Hiking through this beech forest keep your eyes peeled for the incredible birdlife including the Magellanic woodpecker (the largest in South America), Austral parakeets, black-chested buzzard eagles and Andean Condors. After lunch, embark on an easy, downstream kayak trip in the crystal-clear, quiet waters of the Ovando River, and into Green Lake, one of the most beautiful places in the park. Approaching our final destination at Lapataia Bay, you may encounter sea birds flying over, looking curiously at us: sea petrels, albatross, and steamer ducks, among others. At the end of the day, take in the gorgeous southern sunset at the end of the world. Overnight at Tierra de Leyendas. [BL]

DAY 4: DEPART USHUAIA
Enjoy a free morning and early afternoon to explore Ushuaia on your own. Transfer to a pier in an afternoon for embarkation. Check-in with the Akademik Ioffe begins at 4:00 PM where you will be greeted by the Expedition Leader and staff and shown to your cabin. Overnight aboard the Akademik Ioffe [BD]

DAYS: 5&6: DRAKE PASSAGE   
Crossing the Drake Passage, there is so much excitement in the air as we make our way ever closer to the white continent. Guests eagerly soak up the friendly atmosphere onboard as our numerous Polar experts prepare us for our adventures with presentations on everything Antarctic, from wildlife to history. Eventually, we will cross the Antarctic Convergence where we will notice a distinct drop in temperature as we enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. Along the way, we will witness many spectacular sights from icebergs to an array of seabirds and even several whale species some of which are known on occasion to fully breach from the sea.Overnights aboard the Akademik Ioffe. [BLD]

DAYS:7-13: ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
In the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula, we make as much time as possible to explore by inflatable Zodiacs, getting close up and intimate views of nature at its most pristine.  Excursions may include Neko Harbour, Wilhelmina Bay, and Petermann Island to the south.  This is where we may observe Weddell, crabeater and elephant seals, skuas and countless other seabirds, as well as massive numbers of penguins, including a large colony of Adelie penguins.This environment offers the perfect opportunity for photography, and the specialists onboard Akademik Ioffe are there to assist you in finding the perfect angle, lighting, perspective.  Or perhaps hiking,
snow-shoeing, kayaking or ski touring appeal to you more.  Whatever the conditions allow, we endeavor to extend the adventurous spirit in all of us, to experience this magnificent landscape far from the normal limits, in all its glory.Once we arrive alongside the Peninsula, we will launch the overnight kayaking experience.  The kayaks will be packed with all necessary gear, as we set off to a chosen destination for a 2-night camping experience.  Upon landing, ascent to a summit for breathtaking views of  massive icebergs in every direction.  This is an experience-focused expedition, rather than wildlife, so there is far more flexibility in launching our kayaks for the perfect destination!  Overnight aboard the Akademik Ioffe. [BLD]

DAY:14&15: DRAKE PASSAGE   
Today, we will leave Antarctica and head north back across the Drake Passage. Now is the chance to compare and revise notes and dwell on the adventures of the past week, to take in the final lectures and to enjoy the delicious cuisine on board as you return to Ushuaia. Rounding Cape Horn and sailing up the Beagle Channel, we celebrate the conclusion of a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!  Overnight Akademik Ioffe. [BLD]

DAY 16: DISEMBARK IN USHUAIA &BUENOS AIRES
After an early breakfast, arrival in Ushuaia is around 9:00 AM. Thus ends an incredible and unique expedition. You’ll be met at the dock and transferred to the airport for your afternoon flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, a transfer for overnight at Own PalermoHotel.[B]

DAY 17: BUENOS AIRES &DEPARTURE
Spend the morning and early afternoon exploring one of the most atmospheric cities in South America -Buenos Aires. In the company of a local guide, explore historical sites such as the Barrio Norte with its splendid old homes; San Telmo where the artist and musicians live and work; La Boca, a neighborhood of brightly painted Italian family homes and restaurants; and the Avenida 9 de Julio with its towering obelisk as much a symbol to Buenos Aires as the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. On your own free time, you may also take in a tango show or visit some of the more than 150 art galleries and museums. In the evening, transfer to airport for your international flight home.
[B]