Tour Details - 21 Day The Very Best of South America 11/12

Day 1. Arrive Buenos Aires (Argentina)
On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel before a Welcome Reception this evening.

Day 2. Buenos Aires
A tour of Buenos Aires this morning begins with a visit to the Avenida de Mayo, an avenue that connects with the city’s main downtown square, the Plaza De Mayo. See the pink Casa Rosada (Government House), the city’s cathedral and the Cabildo, the first city hall. Next, visit Café Tortoni, a famous literati coffeehouse established in 1858. As you enjoy fresh coffee and croissants, you’re invited to participate in a fun and informative introductory Spanish class, which will provide a basic understanding of words and phrases you’ll come across during your holiday. After, take a ride on the subway, the first of its kind in Latin America, then visit the city’s oldest barrio (district), San Telmo. Here, enjoy ample time to stroll around the charming square, which is lined with antique shops. Later, explore the Italian-influenced barrio of La Boca, with its colourful houses and picturesque pedestrian street, the Caminito. As you then drive along one of the widest avenues in the world, Avenida 9 de Julio, you’ll see the iconic Teatro Colón (Columbia Theatre). Continue on to see the parks, gardens and tree-lined streets of Palermo and visit La Recoleta Cemetery, the resting place for many famous Argentines including Eva Perón (Evita). This evening, head to the vibrant portside barrio of Puerto Madero, located on the Río de la Plata riverbank and home to the city’s most modern architectural trends. Here, enjoy a three-course dinner at a fine Argentinian parilla (steakhouse).

Day 3. Buenos Aires, Colonia del Sacramento (Uruguay), Dine Around Dinner
After a cruise across the Río de la Plata, you’ll arrive in Uruguay’s oldest town, Colonia del Sacramento. Here, a tour will take you to the World Heritage-listed historic quarter, Barrío Historico, where you’ll learn the history of this picturesque port, founded by the Portuguese in 1680. Afterwards, enjoy free time to further explore the cobbled streets, then return to Buenos Aires. Tonight, choose where you’d like to dine. Perhaps enjoy traditional French cuisine at Le Sud; indulge in Mediterranean cuisine at Sorrento Recoval; feast on an Argentinian BBQ at El Mirasol de la Recova; or sample Italian fare at Piegari Restaurant.

Day 4. Buenos Aires, Freedom of Choice Touring
Today, perhaps head to the island town of Tigre and cruise on a vintage mahogany boat over the waterways of the Paraná Delta. Or visit an estancia (ranch), for a full-day Fiesta Gaucha featuring horseback riding, folk music, dance and lunch. You may prefer to tour the Museo de Arte Hispanoamericano Isaac Fernández Blanco (the Spanish America Art Museum) and the Evita Museum or, alternatively, embark on a tour that will take you to the popular streets of Palermo as well as the Galerías Pacífico shopping mall. Afterwards, enjoy free time, then head to the Philippe Starck-designed cabaret, Rojo Tango, for dinner, drinks and the most exclusive tango show in the city. You’ll be dazzled as singers, a small orchestra and sublimely skilled dancers create an ambiance of romance and drama.

Day 5. Buenos Aires, Iguassu Falls (Argentina and Brazil), Dine Around Dinner
Board your flight to Iguassu Falls, a system of 275 falls on the border of Argentina and Brazil that has the second highest annual flow of any waterfalls in the world. Land on the Argentinian side of the falls and ride the Rainforest Ecological Train through forest to a series of walkways and viewing points, including one located directly over 82 metre-high Devil’s Throat. Afterwards, travel into Brazil and on to your hotel, located just a stroll from the falls. This evening dine at either the Ipê Grill or the Restaurante Itaipu, both within your hotel. Or perhaps head in to town to dine at Rafain Restaurant, a popular Brazilian BBQ establishment.

Day 6. Iguassu Falls
This morning enjoy time in Brazil’s World Heritage-listed Iguassu National Park. View the falls from close to the base of the Devil’s Throat then visit the Parque das Aves Bird Park, set just outside the national park. Walk through the giant aviaries and get up close to a range of native South American birds including flamingos, parrots and macaws as well as a number of species of the iconic toucan. You’ll then enjoy a special boat ride that will take you up the river close to the base of the Devil’s Throat and the Three Musketeers. With the mist still wet on your face, return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 7. Iguassu Falls, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
After flying to Rio de Janeiro today, check in to your hotel then, during time at leisure, perhaps visit the Ipanema workshop of the internationally acclaimed jeweller, H. Stern. At sunset, absorb one of the world’s truly exquisite views as you ride a cable car from Praia Vermelha (Red Beach) via Morro da Urca (Urca Hill) to the peak of Sugarloaf Mountain, situated at the mouth of Guanabara Bay. After time at the peak, head for Porcão Rio’s to sample Brazil’s national cocktail, the caipirinha, before a delicious and interactive Brazilian BBQ.

Day 8. Rio de Janeiro, Freedom of Choice Touring
This morning, perhaps embark on a jeep tour through two friendly local favelas. Or visit the Sambódrome - site of the Carnival Parade - then head to a local samba school to try on a costume and take part in a samba lesson. Alternatively, take an full-day excursion to Petrópolis, The Imperial City of Brazil, or experience the beauty of the Botanical Gardens and Tijuca National Park on a jeep tour. Your last option is a ferry ride across the bay to the island of Niterói for a visit to the Niterói Contemporary Art Museum. After your chosen activity, the evening is yours to spend at leisure.

Day 9. Rio de Janeiro, Dine Around Dinner
Today travel to Corcovado, a mountain that’s famous for its iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Visit the statue and travel to the platform at its peak for stunning views over downtown Rio, Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana Beach and much more. Tonight, choose from our Dine Around Dinner options. Perhaps dine at Plataforma Restaurant then enjoy a show, savour an Italian meal at Don Camillo, take in views over Copacabana Beach from Restaurante Atlantis or head to a samba bar for dinner and live samba music.

Day 10. Rio de Janeiro, Santiago (Chile)
Departing Brazil today, fly to Chile’s capital, Santiago, and check in to your five-star hotel. This evening is yours at leisure to settle in.

Day 11. Santiago, Dine Around Dinner
On a tour of Santiago, explore the city’s central square, the Plaza de Armas, and enjoy superb views over the city from San Cristóbal Hill. Then travel to the San Antonio Valley, where you’ll tour the boutique vineyards of Matetic then taste some Chilean wine before a delicious lunch. Back in Santiago, a Dine Around Dinner offers you the chance to sample Pacific Rim delicacies at Akarana; taste fresh seafood at Coco Loco; indulge in contemporary cuisine at the city’s oldest restaurant, Confiteria Torres; or head to the steakhouse, Happening.

Day 12. Santiago, Lima (Peru)
After breakfast, fly to the starting point for your Peruvian discovery and the country’s capital, Lima. On arrival, a city tour includes a visit to the World Heritage-listed Historic Centre of Lima, where you’ll see the Archbishop Palace, the Basilica Cathedral of Lima and much more. After checking in to your hotel, dine at Brujas del Cachiche - a local restaurant set in an old mansion overlooking a lovely park. This evening, learn about the adventure that awaits over the coming days.

Day 13. Lima, Cusco, Chincheros, Sacred Valley
Today you’ll fly to the World Heritage-listed city of Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire. On arrival, travel through the city by coach on the way to the lovely city of Chincheros, set high in the Andean highlands. During a traditional weaving demonstration, learn how the famously colourful materials of South America are created. Later, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, head for Wayra, a boutique restaurant and equestrian centre set in one of the most picturesque corners of the Andes. Enjoy a traditional BBQ lunch and watch a Peruvian Paso horse demonstration and a performance of the ‘la marinera’ - known as Peru’s national dance.

Day 14. Sacred Valley
A full day tour in and around the Sacred Valley begins with a visit to the markets of Pisac, a hilltop handicraft village that lies near Incan ruins. You’ll then appreciate the chance to contribute some of your time to the community of nearby Taray during a special school project we have organised. Then it’s on to the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo before you’ll visit the home of a local family to sample a typical Andean meal. This afternoon, enjoy some time at leisure before dinner at your hotel.

Day 15. Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu
Board PeruRail’s Vistadome train and admire the mountainous Andean landscape outside your large panoramic windows as you travel to Machu Picchu, located over 2,400 metres above sea level. On arrival at the ruins, enjoy a hearty lunch at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge then set off on a locally guided tour of the iconic Lost City of the Incas - Machu Picchu. Recently named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu was built around 1450, at the height of the Inca Empire, and abandoned just over 100 years later. The site remained undiscovered in modern times until the American historian, Hiram Bingham, brought it to international attention in 1911. Today, it’s a World Heritage-listed site and the most familiar icon of the Inca World. After your time here, return to town and check in to your charming hotel.

Hike the Famous Inca Trail
The more adventurous can replace Day 15 touring with a five-hour hike to Machu Picchu, before rejoining the group for dinner at your hotel. A box lunch is included along the walk. A$295 pp twin share. Must be pre-booked.

Day 16. Machu Picchu, Cusco
Awake today incredibly close to the ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu. With leisure time after breakfast, you have the chance to return to Machu Picchu to experience the site in true serenity - for the day travellers don’t arrive until later that morning. This afternoon, board Orient-Express’ exclusive Hiram Bingham train for what is the most luxurious rail journey from Machu Picchu to Cusco. On board, you’ll savour a Pisco Sour, enjoy live Peruvian music and indulge in a sumptuous four-course Andean-inspired dinner. On arrival back in Cusco following this remarkable rail journey, you’ll disembark and check in to your hotel.

Day 17. Cusco, Dine Around Dinner
A walking tour of Cusco this morning will take you to the square in the city’s historic heart, the Plaza de Armas, as well as the sacred sites of Koricancha and Santo Domingo. After free time, perhaps dine at Tupananchis Restaurant and Pizzeria; enjoy tapas at Cicciolina; try Italian cuisine at Incanto; indulge in fine dining at the MAP Café; or take in a folklore show and dinner at Tunupa Restaurant Bar and Grill.

Day 18. Cusco, Puno
Today, board the Andean Explorer for a day-long rail journey into the highlands and on to Puno, almost 4,000 metres above sea level. Travelling in Andean Explorer Class (first class), the start of your trip is dominated by the Andean mountains, towering over the valleys below. Later, you’ll reach the Andean Plains, home to wild vicuña and alpaca. On the way, enjoy access to the lounge car and the open-air observation bar car, and be treated to a three-course lunch. On arrival in Puno, check in to your hotel.

Day 19. Puno, Lake Titicaca
Located on the border of Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca is the largest high-altitude lake in the world. Today you’ll cruise to the home of the Uros people - a group of more than 40 man-made islands created from floating reeds. Then continue to the isolated Capachica Peninsula, where you’ll enjoy great views and a traditional BBQ lunch. Afterwards, visit the community of Llachon, overlooking the lake. Late this afternoon, return to your hotel.

Day 20. Puno, Lima
After flying back to Lima, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Tonight, enjoy a Farewell Dinner at Restaurant Huaca Pucllana - set within the ruins of the Huaca Pucllana, an archaeological compound built between 200 and 700 AD. As you dine, take in amazing views of the colourfully illuminated adobe pyramid, digs and walls of the complex.

Day 21. Depart Lima
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.