You’ll have one summer’s night to spend in the bustling capital of Argentina. This is where passionate tango was born and you can watch, or better yet join in, shows at numerous locations across the city. To fuel your dance moves, there’s plenty of delicious local food to sample, like meaty empanadas, choripán, top-notch Argentinian steak, Malbec red wine and of course creamy dulce de leche for dessert.

If you arrive early enough in the day, take in history and architecture at the splendid Plaza de Mayo or head north to the garden district where you’ll find the largest Japanese gardens in the world outside of Japan itself. We also recommend popping into the impressive El Ateneo Grand Splendid, dubbed the ‘world’s most beautiful bookstore’. Buenos Aires is also the world capital of theatre and has more theatres than any city in the world. Almost every genre is showcased; circuses, musicals, drama, ballet, comedy. You name it, Buenos Aires has it.

Should you, however, have plenty of time on your hand, why not extending your stay with an optional Pre-Programme to explore wild Patagonia?

Not long now until you are in Antarctica, but first, it’s time to earn your sea legs as we cross the Drake Passage, named after famous English seaman, Sir Francis Drake. However, Drake only discovered these waters by accident when strong winds blew one of his ships off course. The first actual recorded voyage took place 40 years later when Dutch navigator William Schouten successfully sailed the route in 1616.

During the two days spent at sea, the Expedition Team will prepare you for your stay in the pristine wilderness. Want to know how to make your visit safe for the environment? The Expedition Team will teach you all you need to know, introducing you to important IAATO regulations that are there to protect you and these fragile habitats. After that, they will start their inspiring lecture programme in the Science Center. Topics are delivered by a range of experts, equipping you with key information about Antarctica’s explorer history from Shackleton to Scott to Amundsen, the continent’s diverse wildlife and its rapidly changing landscapes. They will also show you how you can get involved in Citizen Science projects to carefully observe wildlife in Antarctica and help collect data for current scientific research.

There’ll be time to enjoy a range of tastebud-tickling meals in the ship’s three onboard restaurants. Our guests, past and present, often have rave reviews about the food we serve on board. And don’t worry, you can always burn off the extra calories in the indoor or outdoor gym, infinity pool or sauna. Meanwhile, joggers can keep up on their kilometres on the outdoor track while racing against the seabirds that sometimes follow the ship.

Your exhilarating exploration of Antarctica had to come to an end sometime. Even after ten days, you’ll only have scratched the surface of all there is to discover. And yes, let’s say it, it really is just the tip of the iceberg!

Your head will likely still be a swirling kaleidoscope of special memories and new knowledge. You might even hanker for Antarctic scenery again and start to sift through your countless photos and videos just to recapture a sense of its magnitude. Likewise, without the landings you’ve grown accustomed to, you might need to defuse any added adrenaline you have by hitting the gym and sauna. If it’s still tough to switch off, a few relaxing treatments in the Wellness Spa are sure to cure you of that.