Tour Details - Cultures and Contrasts of South America 2012

Bemvindo ao Rio de Janeiro! On arrival at the airport, you will be met by a local rresentative and taken to your luxurious oceanfront hotel. Relax, get settled in and enjoy your hotel’s superb location overlooking Copacabana Beach, minutes from downtown Rio.(Full Breakfast)

Enjoy a leisurely morning before joining your Tour Director for an exploration of 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.

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. You’ll be fascinated by the creative process as you watch precious metals and rough gemstones transformed into works of art. 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. Feel the spirit of Rio’s world-famous Carnival as you’re treated to a lively extravaganza of Samba song-and-dance.(Full Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)

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

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.(Full Breakfast)

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, just steps from designer boutiques, fine dining, museums, theatres and the famous Teatro Colon. 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, the beef … and the soccer.(Full Breakfast / Dinner)

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. 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 - rolled pies stuffed with an array of delicious fillings. 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.(Full Breakfast / Be My Guest dinner)

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 colonial 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.(Full Breakfast / Highlight Lunch)

Relish a day at leisure in the "Paris of South America." If you like, take an optional trip to a traditional Argentinean estancia (ranch) for the day; 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.(Full Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)

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 – perhaps visit the many chocolate shops, browse the quaint boutiques or take a stroll in the parks along the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi. Tonight, share your stories with your travel companions during dinner at your hotel.(Full Breakfast / Dinner)

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.(Full Breakfast)

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 an eye 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.(Full Breakfast / Highlight Lunch / Dinner)

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.(Full Breakfast / Highlight Lunch)

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, traveling 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.(Full Breakfast / Highlight Lunch)

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.(Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

Say hasta luego to Chile this morning and transfer to the airport for your flight home (not included in tour price). For your comfort, your rooms are reserved until you are taken to the airport for your onward flight arrangements. (FB CB)