Cultures & Contrasts of South America

Day 1 (Door to Door)

Arrive Rio de Janeiro

Enjoy your private car door to door transfer to your departure airport before your flight to Rio de Janeiro. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your first hotel.
Hotel: Rio Othon Palace (MD)

Day 2

Rio de Janeiro

The morning is at leisure. Spend the afternoon with your Tour Director exploring the cidade maravilhosa (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. Stretch your legs in lovely Flamengo Park before ascending Sugarloaf Mountain via cable car for astounding views over the city and the bay. This evening, enjoy a festive Welcome Reception at the hotel with your Tour Director and fellow travellers. (FB, HD)
Hotel: Rio Othon Palace (MD)

Day 3

Rio de Janeiro & at leisure

Board a classic cogwheel train for the journey to the summit of majestic Corcovado, site of the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. After admiring the panoramic views, head back down the mountain for a chance to learn about Brazil's precious gemstones. See the song-inspiring Copacabana and Ipanema beaches on your way back to your hotel. Spend the afternoon as you please. This evening, learn how to mix the perfect Caipirinha, Brazil's national cocktail made with cachaça, and indulge in a traditional barbeque Highlight Dinner at a local churrascaria. (BB, HD)
Hotel: Rio Othon Palace (MD)

Day 4

Rio de Janeiro

Enjoy a full day to explore Rio on your own - or choose from an array of optional outings. Perhaps take a half-day journey by jeep and foot into the lush Tijuca National Park, the world's largest urban rainforest. Or explore Petropolis, the Imperial City of Brazil, or cruise emerald Sepetiba Bay, stopping at a pristine island for lunch and swimming. (FB)
Hotel: Rio Othon Palace (MD)

Day 5

Rio de Janeiro - Iguassu Falls

Fly to magnificent Iguassu Falls, bordering Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. Enter Iguassu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to one of the world's largest waterfalls and to such endangered species as the giant otter and the giant anteater. Explore the Brazilian side of the cascades and take a scenic walk through the rainforest at the base of the falls. (FB, D)
Hotel: Mabu Thermas Resort (FC)

Day 6

Iguassu Falls - Buenos Aires

Cross the border to Argentina. Stop at the Visitors Center and take a scenic walk before boarding the open-air Ecological Jungle Train for a different vantage point on the mighty falls and a spectacular view of the thunderous Devil's Throat Falls. Fly to Buenos Aires and arrive at your stylish hotel in the heart of Argentina's sizzling capital. Enjoy a light buffet dinner with wine at your hotel, followed by a presentation by a Local Expert on the passions and traditions of the Argentinean people - the wine, the tango and the beef. (FB, D)
Hotel: Sheraton Libertador Hotel (SFC)

Day 7

Buenos Aires

Join your guide and embark on an in-depth tour of this passionate city. See the Plaza de Mayo, the pink Casa Rosada, and the renowned Teatro Colon where legendary stars Maria Callas and Caruso have performed, then view the colourful and fashionable neighbourhoods of La Boca, San Telmo and Palermo. Learn how Argentine leathers are turned into fine leather goods at the workshop of a master leather artisan. Drive along the stately Avenida 9 de Julio, said to be the widest street in the world, to the elegant Recoleta. Here you visit the museum dedicated to Argentina's former first lady Eva Peron (Evita) as well as the impressive cemetery where she is buried. Return to your hotel this afternoon. (FB, HD)
Hotel: Sheraton Libertador Hotel (SFC)
Dining Highlights: This evening, you are welcomed by a local family into their elegant mansion for an exclusive 'Be My Guest' experience. Your hosts share their passion for art and invite you to learn how to make scrumptious empanadas. Sample these treats and other hors d'oeuvres while learning about and tasting some of Argentina's best vintages and varietals from the Cafayate and Mendoza wine regions.

Day 8

Colonia del Sacramento excursion

Cross the Rio de la Plata by hydrofoil this morning. On the Uruguayan side, a guide takes you on a walk through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic district of the charming Colonia del Sacramento. After a leisurely Highlight Lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy time to stroll the exclusive art galleries and shops on your own. Return by hydrofoil to Argentina later this afternoon. (FB, HL)
Hotel: Sheraton Libertador Hotel (SFC)
Dining Highlights: Leisurely Highlight Lunch at a local restaurant.

Day 9

Buenos Aires at leisure

Relish a day at leisure in the Paris of South America. You can take an optional trip to a traditional Argentinean estancia (ranch) for the day or share a drink with the local gauchos (cowboys), marvel at their horsemanship during a lively equestrian show and then feast on a traditional parrillada (barbeque) lunch. Back in the city, linger over a Highlight Dinner and a chance for an authentic taste of world-renowned Argentinean beef! Cap off the evening watching a sensual performance of the best tango dancers in Buenos Aires. (FB, HD)
Hotel: Sheraton Libertador Hotel (SFC)
Dining Highlights: Highlight Dinner and a chance for an authentic taste of world-renowned Argentinean beef!

Day 10

Buenos Aires - Bariloche

Fly to the edge of the Andes and the lovely resort town of San Carlos de Bariloche. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore the town on your own. Tonight, share your stories with your travel companions during dinner at your hotel. (FB, D)
Hotel: Hotel Edelweiss (SFC)

Day 11

Bariloche sightseeing & at leisure

Discover the natural wonders of one of Argentina's prettiest areas, known as the "Switzerland of South America." Meet your local guide and travel along the "Circuito Chico" for spectacular vistas of forests, mountains and sparkling waters in Nahuel Huapi National Park. Visit lovely Playa Bonita, soak up the scenery from hilltop St. Edward's Chapel on the Llao Llao Peninsula, and ride a chairlift to the top of Cerro Campanario for sweeping views of Lake Nahuel Huapi, the Llao Llao Peninsula, and the high peaks of Catedral and Tronador. Then, find out about Bariloche's chocolate connection with a visit to the Chocolate Museum. After a briefing on some 2000 years of chocolate history, view the production area, and, of course, sample an array of chocolate treats. The rest of the day is at leisure in Bariloche. (FB)
Hotel: Hotel Edelweiss (SFC)

Day 12

Bariloche - Andean Lake District Cruise - Puerto Varas

Today, journey by land and water across the breathtaking Lake District straddling Argentina and Chile to marvel at some of the Southern Hemisphere's most stunning landscapes. Soak in the breathtaking scenery of snow-capped mountain peaks, gloriously green forests and sapphire blue lakes as you cruise upon lakes Nahuel Huapi and Frias and drive across the Chilean border to Peulla for an included Highlight Lunch. Board another catamaran for the scenic crossing of Todos Los Santos Lake with the mighty Osorno volcano looming in the background. Keep your eyes out for Andean condors gliding over the lakes and mountains. Make a stop at the Petrohue River to see the burbling waterfalls cascade over the black volcanic rock. Arrive in Puerto Varas, one of Chile's most charming villages, located on the banks of Lake Llanquihue. Check in to your lakefront hotel and enjoy a light dinner. (FB, HL, D)
Hotel: Cabana del Lago Hotel (FC)
Dining Highlights: Included Highlight Lunch in Peulla

Day 13

Chiloe Island excursions

Join your local guide and take a ferry across the Chacao Channel to the isolated island of Chiloe in northern Patagonia. Here, get acquainted with the mythical world of the island and its traditional architecture, including its typical wooden churches. Tour the 16th century fortress of San Antonio, and savour a Highlight Lunch of seafood in the provincial capital of Ancud. Then, depending on weather conditions, visit several Magellan and Humboldt penguin colonies located on tiny, barren islands just off the island's coast. This afternoon, return to Puerto Varas. (FB, HL)
Hotel: Cabana del Lago Hotel (FC)
Dining Highlights: Highlight Lunch of seafood in the provincial capital of Ancud.

Day 14

Puerto Varas - Santiago

Bid farewell to Patagonia and fly north from Puerto Montt to the Chilean capital. Upon arrival, meet your guide and embark on an orientation tour of this vibrant city, travelling past Club Hipico - the regal racetrack - and sprawling Parque O'Higgins. Cruise along Alameda Avenue past the Church of San Francisco and the University of Chile on your way to the vibrant Plaza de Armas with its fountains and sculptures. View the Palacio de la Moneda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Central Market. Drive up San Cristobal Hill for panoramic views of the city and the snow-capped Andes. Then head for the Maipo Valley, Chile's most traditional wine-producing valley known for its premium wines. Visit an exclusive winery where you will meet the Expert Winemaker for a personalized winery experience, from the vineyards to the bottling process. Celebrate Chile's proud wine-making traditions with a wine tasting, followed by a gourmet Highlight Lunch served alfresco on the beautiful grounds. Return to Santiago and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Your hotel is situated in one of Santiago's most beautiful neighbourhoods, near boutiques, bars and restaurants. (FB, HL)
Hotel: InterContinental (MD)
Dining Highlights: Gourmet Highlight Lunch served alfresco at a winery in Maipo Valley.

Day 15

Santiago at leisure

Enjoy a day in Santiago on your own. Explore further, or perhaps embark on an optional trip to Valparaiso, site of a historic naval battle and the seaside resort of Vina del Mar. This evening, gather for a festive Farewell Dinner with a folklore show featuring elaborately costumed dancers representing Chile and Easter Island's ethnic people. (FB, FD)
Hotel: InterContinental (MD)
Dining Highlights: Tonight we enjoy a Farewell dinner, complete with traditional music and dance.

Day 16

Depart Santiago

Say hasta luego to Chile and transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK (CB)

Day 17 (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.

Please note: In some locations, you will be required to walk on uneven terrain and climb stairs without handrails. You should be in good health and be able to walk without assistance. (Maximum elevation: 3,202ft in Santiago).

Dates and prices

Destination Info