Upon arrival in Ushuaia - the world's southernmost city - check in between 10:00am and 5:00pm at 409 San Martín Ave. in downtown Ushuaia. At 6:00pm board the M/V Stella or Ventus Australis. After a welcome toast and introduction of the captain and crew, the ship departs on its voyage to one of earth's most remote corners. During the night, sail the Beagle channel and cross from Argentina into Chilean waters.

(Dinner & Accommodations, Australis Cruise)

At dawn, the ship crosses Nassau Bay and enters the remote archipelago that comprises Cape Horn National Park. Weather permitting, go ashore on the island that includes the legendary cape - a sheer 1,400-foot promontory overlooking the turbulent waters of the Drake Passage, where the Atlantic and Pacific meet. It is often referred to as "The end of the earth". The Chilean Navy maintains a permanent lighthouse on the island.

Sailing back across Nassau Bay, the ship drops anchor at historic Wulaia Bay. Originally, Darwin visited the bay in the 1830s on one of his Beagle voyages. This is an area of outstanding natural beauty. Visit the old radio station, now a museum about the Yámana aboriginals and the European missionaries who came to the area. Then choose from one of three hikes through with increasing degrees of difficulty - all including a stroll through a forest to a panoramic viewpoint. In the afternoon, cruise across Nassau Bay into Cape Horn National Park.

(Breakfast, lunch, Dinner & Accommodations, Australis Cruise)

Overnight the ship sails around the western end of Tierra del Fuego via three narrow channels. After rounding a western peninsula, the ship re-enters the Beagle Channel, heading eastward to Pia Fjord. Here board the Zodiacs for a shore excursion to Pia Glacier, taking a short hike to gain a panoramic view of the spectacular glacier, which extends from the mountaintops down to the sea. Back on board the ship, continue west along the Beagle Channel and drops anchor near Garibaldi Glacier for another shore excursion. Garibaldi Glacier is one of only three glaciers in Patagonia gaining mass rather than shrinking. Hike through a virgin forest to a glacial waterfall, and on to spectacular viewpoints looking down on the fjord. This is a strenuous hike; for those who choose to stay onboard, the captain will point the bow towards the beautiful sky blue Garibaldi Glacier so that everyone can enjoy the view.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Accommodations, Australis Cruise)

Early a.m. sail through Cockburn Channel and enter Agostini Sound, where there is a view of several glaciers. In the morning, disembark and go for an easy walk around a lagoon formed by the melting of the Aguila Glacier. The hike leads to a spot right in front of the glacier. In the afternoon, approach Cóndor Glacier via Zodiacs, with possible sightings of the Andean Condors in the area.

After an overnight cruise through Magdalena Channel and into the Strait of Magellan, the ship anchors off Magdalena Island, which lies halfway between Tierra del Fuego and the Chilean mainland. At break of dawn - weather permitting - go ashore and hike a path leading to thousands of Magellanic penguins. Visit a small museum lodged inside the 1902 lighthouse. In September and April - when the penguins dwell elsewhere - this excursion is replaced by a Zodiac ride to Marta Island to observe South American sea lions. After a short cruise along the strait, the ship reaches Punta Arenas. Disembarkation is scheduled for 11:30am. Explore the city or head to the airport, and on to your next Avanti Destination.

Note: A similar cruise can be taken in the opposite direction, departing from Punta Arenas and finishing at Ushuaia.