Book today for savings of up to $2,000 off the cabin fare on select 2011 cabin categories, with a complimentary charter flight (between Ushuaia/Buenos Aires). Plus, three extra days-with our compliments in Buenos Aires.

If the epic stories of discovery, endurance and polar explorers like Shackleton, or the sheer magnificence of ice-capped peaks don’t grab you, the wildlife certainly will: penguins (king, gentoo and macaroni), sea lions, fur seals and enormous elephant seals cozy up to these shores. Only here on South Georgia can you observe one of the world's great wildlife spectacles: literally, 100,000 king penguins on a single beach. This is the expedition for wildlife or photography enthusiasts, or for those who have already been to Antarctica and want more.

Decades of exploring South Georgia and the Falklands has given the Lindblad staff the expertise and time needed to survey the islands' terrain for hiking routes, as well as to uncover important landing spots that we will now be able to call on with ease. You'll go by Zodiac and kayak where few have gone.

When to go? Nowhere is springtime as intense as in the southern ocean. In October, the land is fueled by sunlight and food and life here explodes in a frantic race to breed. It is the best time to see the raucous courtship behavior of the penguins: calling for mates and flashing and preening their bright colors. You can walk the beaches as thousands of king parents go about their busy lives. October is also the absolute best time to visit the Peninsula Valdes, the main breeding site for the endangered southern right whales. The great whales concentrate here in large numbers to give birth and find mates. What makes them particularly captivating is their curiosity and interest in contact with humans--an unforgettable experience.

Depart your city for an overnight flight to Buenos Aires.

We arrive this morning in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, set on the Rio de la Plata, and check in to the luxurious Caesar Park Hotel. We have planned several exclusive events during our three days in Argentina's capital city. This afternoon, we visit the pink Presidential Palace, whose famous balcony is forever associated with Eva Peron, the old quarter of San Telmo, and La Boca, with its striking multi-colored houses. An exclusive event is planned at El Zanjon, a beautifully restored residence and the city's finest archaeological venue. Walk along the colorfully illuminated underground tunnels, unveiling the very beginnings of the city, and end our day with a wine toast. (L)

Today we explore the city's cultural heritage, seeing its Beaux Arts palaces, the Museum of Latin American Art and the impressive Evita Museum. A short walk through the famed Recoleta Cemetery shows us local history n a snapshot: presidents, artists and influential Argentineans lie in this eclectic landmark. In the bohemian neighborhood of San Telmo we witness another cultural icon: the Tango. After a delicious dinner of Argentine beef and wine, you'll have an exclusive visit to the most authentic tango venue in Buenos Aires. El Viejo Almacen has housed stories of treachery and love, singers and dancers, knives and poems--and always gathers the best musicians and dancers in town. (B,L,D)

Today we exeprience elegant country living at a beautiful private estancia (ranch). Enjoy the grounds, and savor a typical Argentinean barbecue, before ending the day aboard National Geographic Explorer, set on a southerly course. (B,L,D)

We relax and settle in to shipboard life, listening to informal discussions from our Naturalist staff to prepare us for the wildness ahead and spending time on deck and on the Bridge, scanning for seabirds and whales. There's time to take full advantage of the ship's amenities: workout in the Fitness Center, indulge in the spa or sauna, browse the library or relax in the Observation Lounge. (B,L,D)

Our staff has been longing to return to the Valdes Peninsula since 2005. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Valdes Peninsula is a wildlife haven where the endangered southern right whales come to breed, mate and calve their young. We will be there at the absolute peak of the migration season, and at this time of year the cows and newborn calves can be seen, often in water as shallow as 15 feet. We take smaller boats out to the bay and look for these behemoths, loaded with the characteristic barnacles and callosities on their heads. (B,L,D)

During our day at sea, we learn about the fascinating history of Antarctic exploration, as well as the flora, fauna and geology of South Georgia. A lookout is kept to identify the seabirds that follow our ship: wandering albatross, prions and black-browed albatross. (B,L,D)

Each Falkland Island is a variation on the theme of topographical beauty with white-sand beaches, vaulting cliffs, windswept moors and the sunlit yellows and sage greens of waving tussock grass. The Falklands boast the largest albatross colony in the world, thousands of irresistible gentoo, rockhopper and Magellanic penguins, as well as herds of fur and elephant seals. (B,L,D)

Seabirds above, whales beneath as we head to our next destination: South Georgia Island. (B,L,D)

These days are devoted to exploring the spectacular coastline of South Georgia Island. In keeping with the nature of an expedition, the schedule is flexible. Throughout our journey there will be opportunities for walking, hiking, kayaking and Zodiac excursions. Leisurely circumnavigating the island, we plan to make stops every day including Grytviken, the final resting place of Shackleton, and Stromness Bay where Shackleton, Tom Crean and Frank Worsley finally reached aid at a whaling station. And, we'll take you to a vast king penguin colony where you may come upon 100,000 kings! (B,L,D)

These days are spent relaxing at Sea in the Southern Ocean, enjoying the amenities of the ship, hearing talks from our expedition staff, and absorbing all that we've seen and heard so far. (B,L,D)

Our journey across the South Atlantic Ocean takes us once more to the island archipelago that teems with the wondes of nature and wildlife. Take a last walk along the beautiful white-sand beaches, meander through the tussock grass or sit atop a cliff and ponder the views. And, our visit to Port Stanley offers a chance to meet the hospitable locals, hoist a few at the famous Upland Goose pub and meander this remote Victorian town. (B,L,D)

Our final day at sea allows us time to relax and reflect on all that we have seen and learned. At the Bridge, observe expert navigation at work as our skilled Captain and officers navigate the same waters that Shackleton and his expedition sailed aboard the Endurance. Sometimes misty and gray, other times calm and clear, the crossing is unforgettable — a milestone in any adventurer’s personal travel history. (B,L,D)

Our journey ends in Ushuaia this morning, with time to explore before boarding our chartered LAN Chile flight to Buenos Aires, and an overnight flight to the U.S. (B,L)