Is it the right vacation for you? Antarctica is a challenging and remote destination. You should be physically fit and ready to deal with uncertain weather and seas, able to hike comfortably and able to deal with extremes in temperature.

Testimonials about our trips: "This was our first trip with Alyson Adventures and it was the best vacation we've ever had!!"— Eric Britten, Anchorage, Alaska

"Far and away the best vacation I've ever had. Well planned with just the right balance of sightseeing, physical activity, great food, and most of all, fun people."— Susan Eaton, San Diego, Calif.

1: Ushuaia

Our trip starts in Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world. It is the capital of the Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica and Southern Atlantic Islands Province, and surrounded by mountains, sea and forests. For those arriving early you may want to check out a number of activities including: horseback riding, hiking, wind sailing, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, diving and beaver watching. You may want to visit the nearby Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego, or Lago Escondido and Fagnano (lakes).

2-11: Antarctica Calls!

As we sail toward the southernmost continent, sounds and shapes begin to form a new world around us. Antarctica, the last vast wilderness on the planet, is beautiful, scenic, serene, rugged and wild. Its huge icebergs, gigantic mountain ranges and endless polar plateaus boggle the mind. The scale is unfathomable, the weather can be inhuman, but the combination is magical and profound.

The South Shetland Islands and the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula form one of the most spectacular wilderness areas on earth. Responding to the weather conditions and passenger interests, no two voyages are the same. The itinerary focuses on the areas with the greatest promise of wildlife – opportunities abound for viewing and encountering nesting penguins and seals, and whales seem to be everywhere!

Our aim on this voyage is to head as far south as the ice and weather permit, beyond the Antarctic Circle, exploring areas that few travelers to this region ever see. Our ice-rated vessel, which was designed for the Russian Arctic, can explore narrow channels and glacier-filled bays that other ships cannot go near.

It wasn't until 1840 that Antarctica was confirmed as a continent. Speculation over the existence of a "southern land" began in the early 1820s when British and American commercial operators and British and Russian national expeditions began exploring the region. Several exploration "firsts" were achieved in the early 20th century. Following World War II, there was an upsurge in scientific research on the continent. Seven countries have made territorial claims on the mainland of Antarctica, but not all claims are recognized. There are several year-round research stations there, and a few makeshift cities which operate in the southern summertime. The United States maintains a base at McMurdo Station, on the opposite side of the continent, closer to New Zealand. Tourism, still relatively new to continent, continues to gain popularity, with 22 ships sailing between South America and Antarctica in the 2004-5 season.

At Paradise Bay, dotted with spectacular icebergs that seem to reflect every color of the rainbow, we observe gentoo and chinstrap penguins. Sailing through the narrow Errera Channel, glacial walls rise high on both sides, leading to an awesome archipelago of icy islands, harboring penguin rookeries, elephant seals and myriad seabirds. We will also attempt several land excursions, including a visit to an abandoned whaling station. We may take a dip in the thermal waters at Pendulum Cove, a warm welcome from the icy lap of wilderness. Weather permitting, there will even be an opportunity, for those who wish, to spend a night camping on the continent.

Our journey will be enriched by an expedition leader, several tour guides and naturalists with expertise in the region, video and slide presentations, lectures and coordination and support of an Alyson Adventures tour director.

12: Heading home

We return to Ushuaia, happy, healthy and hopefully wiser after our Antarctic Adventure. We will send information about post-cruise extensions to those who book the cruise.