Best of South America

Day 1 (Door to Door)

Arrive Rio de Janeiro (4)

Enjoy your private car door to door transfer to your departure airport before your flight to Rio de Janeiro where a transfer is provided to your first hotel.
Hotel: Rio Othon Palace (MD)

Day 2

Rio de Janeiro

This morning is at leisure. Enjoy the hotel's superb location overlooking Copacabana Beach, minutes from downtown Rio. We spend the afternoon with our Tour Director exploring the this marvellous city and its many contrasts, from the 18th century aqueduct and colonial Candelaria Church to the 20th century Opera House, Sambodromo, and city Cathedral. There is time to stretch our legs in Flamengo Park before ascending Sugarloaf Mountain via cable car for astounding views over the city and the bay. This evening, enjoy aWelcome Drink at the hotel with your Tour Director and fellow travellers. (BB)
Hotel: Rio Othon Palace (MD)

Day 3

Rio de Janeiro sightseeing and at leisure

We board a classic cogwheel train for the journey to the summit of Corcovado, site of the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. After admiring the panoramic views, we head down the mountain and see the song-inspiring Copacabana and Ipanema beaches on our way back to the hotel to spend the afternoon at leisure. This evening we learn how to mix the perfect Caipirinha, Brazil's national cocktail, and indulge in a traditional barbeque Highlight Dinner. Feel the spirit of Rio's world-famous Carnival as we're treated to a lively extravaganza of Samba song-anddance. (BB, HD)
Hotel: Rio Othon Palace (MD)

Day 4

Rio de Janeiro at leisure

Enjoy a full day to explore the wonders of Rio or choose from a selection of optional outings: perhaps embark on a half-day journey by jeep and foot into the lush Tijuca National Park, the world's largest urban rainforest; explore Petropolis, the Imperial City of Brazil; or cruise the emerald waters of Sepetiba Bay with a stop at an idyllic island for a tropical lunch and swimming. (BB)
Hotel: Rio Othon Palace (MD)

Day 5

Rio de Janeiro - Iguassu Falls (2)

Brazil is world renowned for its vast array of gemstones. This morning we watch the fascinating creative process as precious metals and rough gemstones are transformed into works of art, design and luxury. We then take a flight to Iguassu Falls, straddling the border of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. A UNESCOWorld Heritage Site, Iguassu National Park boasts one of the world's largest and most impressive waterfalls and is home to many rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. This evening we enjoy a convivial dinner with our travel companions. (BB, D)
Hotel: Mabu Thermas & Resort (FC)

Day 6

Iguassu Falls sightseeing and at leisure

We enter Iguassu National Park and spend the morning exploring the Brazilian side of the cascades with a local guide, including a scenic walk through the rainforest at the base of the falls. After enjoying a Highlight Lunch at a local restaurant with a view of the falls we return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure. Perhaps enjoy the hotel's thermal pools fed by the planet's biggest thermal water spring; visit the Parque das Aves, a tropical bird preserve that's home to more than 500 species of Brazilian birds, or embark upon an optional excursion into the lush Macuco rainforest to get acquainted with the flora and fauna of the jungle and then cruise the river to see the falls from below. (BB, HL)
Hotel: Mabu Thermas & Resort (FC)

Day 7

Iguassu Falls - Buenos Aires (3)

We cross the border into Argentina and spend some time getting to know the geography of the area at the Visitors Center. We take a walk along a scenic catwalk and board the open-air Ecological Jungle Train for a different perspective on the mighty falls and view the thunderous Devil's Throat Falls. We then fly to Buenos Aires. From our hotel's vantage point in the heart of the sizzling capital, we are in the centre of all the action: renowned designer boutiques, fine dining venues, museums, modern theatres and the famous Teatro Colon. Late afternoon, we enjoy a light buffet dinner with drinks followed by a presentation by a local expert on the essence of being an Argentinean learning about the country's culture, traditions and passions such as tango, Malbec wines, asado and empanada dishes and polo, just to name a few. (BB, D)
Hotel: Sheraton Libertador Hotel (SFC)

Day 8

Buenos Aires sightseeing and at leisure

We embark on an tour of the passionate city where the tango was born. We see the Casa Rosada, Metropolitan Cathedral and other government buildings; world-renowned Teatro Colon; the colourful neighbourhood of La Boca; San Telmo with its famed outdoor market and lovely Palermo, home to fashionable cafes and verdant parks.We stop at the workshop of a master leather artisan and learn how Argentine leathers are turned into fine leather goods. Lastly, we visit the elegant Recoleta, the museum dedicated to Argentina's former first lady Eva Peron (Evita) as well as the impressive cemetery where she is buried. Enjoy some time at leisure before joining your Tour Director and fellow travellers for an exclusive Be My Guest experience, as we are welcomed by a local family into their elegant mansion. Learn about our hosts' passion for art and paintings; then head for the kitchen where the family cook will teach us how to make delicious empanadas - rolled pies which can be stuffed with meat, corn, jam and cheese, among other ingredients. Savour these tasty creations and other hors d'oeuvres while learning about Argentina's wines and sample some of the best vintages from Cafayate and Mendoza. (BB)
Hotel: Sheraton Libertador Hotel (SFC)

Day 9

Buenos Aires at leisure

Relish a day at leisure to pursue your own interests in the "Paris of South America." Take advantage of your included "hop-on, hop-off" sightseeing ticket to further explore on your own. As an option, you can visit the UNESCO World Heritage city of Colonia del Sacramento across the Rio de la Plata in Uruguay. And if you'd like to experience a different side of Argentina, choose an optional trip into the countryside to a traditional estancia (ranch), share a drink with the local gauchos (cowboys), learn about their lives and marvel at their consummate horsemanship during a lively equestrian show before tucking into a sumptuous traditional parrillada (barbeque) lunch. This evening, do as the locals do and linger over a Highlight Dinner and a chance for an authentic taste of world-renowned Argentinean beef! Cap off the evening watching the best tango dancers in Buenos Aires and experience the passion and power of the traditional tango - the most representative and beloved music in Argentina. (BB, HL)
Hotel: Sheraton Libertador Hotel (SFC)

Day 10

Buenos Aires - Santiago (3)

Bid "Adios" to Buenos Aires and say "Hola" to Santiago as we fly across the Andes to the Chilean capital. We settle into our hotel, situated in the heart of one of the city's most beautiful neighbourhoods, close to charming boutiques, bars and restaurants. This evening is at leisure. (BB)
Hotel: InterContinental (MD)

Day 11

Santiago sightseeing

We meet our local guide and embark on a tour of this vibrant city, travelling past the Club Hipico, the regal racetrack, and sprawling Parque O'Higgins.We drive along Alameda Avenue, past the church of San Francisco and the University of Chile, on our way to the vibrant Plaza de Armas with its fountains and sculptures.We see the Palacio de la Moneda and stop at the bustling Central Market. We visit San Francisco Church and Monastery, reputed to be one of the oldest in Chile.We continue with a drive up San Cristobal Hill for panoramic views of the city and the snowcapped Andes. We then head for the Maipo Valley, the most traditional wine-producing valley in Chile and enjoy a private visit at an exclusive winery where we meet the winemaker who escorts us on a personal winery experience. We enjoy a tasting followed by a gourmet Highlight Lunch served in the beautiful grounds.We return to Santiago for an afternoon at leisure. (BB, HL)
Hotel: InterContinental (MD)

Day 12

Santiago at leisure

We enjoy a day of leisure in Santiago. Perhaps join an optional trip to Valparaiso, once known as "Little San Francisco" by the sailors who made it a frequent stopover on the long voyage between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans; then take the coastal road to see the graceful mansions, white-sand beaches and historic casino of the seaside resort of Vina del Mar. This evening we gather for a Farewell Dinner with folklore show of charismatic dancers in colourful costumes from northern, central and southern Chile, as well as Easter Island. (BB, FD)
Hotel: InterContinental (MD)

Day 13

Depart Santiago

Say "hasta luego" to Chile and transfer to Santiago International airport for your return flight back to the UK. (BB)

Day 14 (Door to Door)

Arrive UK

On arrival at your UK airport, your driver will greet you and escort you to your waiting private car for your door to door transfer to your home.

Dates and prices

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