ITINERARY & MAP
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Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.
LONDON TO RIO DE JANEIRO
We depart London Heathrow on a direct flight to Rio de Janeiro where, on arrival, we embark on a guided tour taking in the Cathedral of Saint Sebastian, a modern building based on the ancient Mayan pyramids, the buzzing downtown area, Carioca Square and San Antonio Church. We then make the journey by cable-car up Sugarloaf Mountain, which offers us breathtaking panoramic views across the city and Guanabara Bay. After checking in to the 5-Star Windsor Atlantico Hotel for two nights, situated on the edge of the blue waters of Copacabana Beach, we head to Porcão Rio's, a restaurant designed by Oscar Niemeyer, for a traditional Churriscera barbecue dinner overlooking Guanabara Bay.
- Scheduled flights
- In-flight Meal
- Excursion
- Day 2 - Breakfast, Dinner
CHRIST THE REDEEMER
After breakfast, we embark on an excursion to the top of Rio's most recognisable landmark, Corcovado Mountain, on which perches the astonishing statue of Christ the Redeemer. We ascend via the Corcovado Rack & Pinion Mountain Railway, which takes us the 2.4 miles to the viewing platform 2,329 metres above Rio. On a clear day, the views of the surrounding area are sensational. The statue itself is equally remarkable, standing at an astonishing 98 feet tall with an arm span of 92 feet. Later we travel along the coast to see Ipanema and some of Rio's beautiful beaches, then this evening, we enjoy a seafood dinner, Rio's other great culinary speciality, at a local restaurant. On our February 2016 departure, this evening we experience the unparalleled atmosphere of the world famous Rio Carnival Winner's Parade, from the Grand Stand in the Sambadrome.
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Excursions
CURITIBA
After breakfast you have some free time before our flight to Curitiba. One of the greenest cities in the world, Curitiba is known as the home of the Oscar Niemeyer visual arts museum, as well as the vast, flower-filled Jardim Botânico. We spend the next two nights at the 5-Star Sheraton Four Points Hotel where we dine together this evening.
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Flight to Curitiba
THE SERRA VERDE EXPRESS AND MORRETES
This morning we join the Serra Verde Express train for a cinematic journey through the largest preserved area of Brazil's Atlantic rainforest. We pass pretty lakes, stunning gorges and dramatic scenery before arriving at the village of Morretes, where we sample Barreado; a traditional meal of Southern Brazil cooked in a special sealed clay pot. The return journey is made by minibus along the Gracious Road, a route that offers stunning views of the passing landscape including delightful waterfalls and masses of beautiful wild flowers.
- Breakfast, Lunch
- Excursion
THE IGUASSU FALLS
We take a flight to the Iguassu Falls this morning, on the border between Brazil and Argentina. We spend two nights here at the iconic Belmond Foz de Iguassu Hotel, which enjoys a fabulous location within the park overlooking the falls. This allows us to experience the Falls after the park has closed and other visitors have left. After lunch, we take a tour of the Brazilian side of the thundering waters, guided by an expert naturalist. We return to the hotel for dinner, after which you are free to relax or return to explore independently. On Day 7 we enjoy two walks to see the falls from the Argentinian side. From this vantage point you can see a much larger portion of the rapids, all of the San Martin Island and the massive torrent of Devil's Throat.
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Flight to Iguassu Falls
BUENOS AIRES
Today we fly to Buenos Aires where we take a guided tour that highlights the best of this stylish city such as Casa Rosada, the stately offices of the President; the imposing Metropolitan Cathedral with its spectacular dome, and the mausoleum of General San Martin, 'the liberator' of South America. We also visit the colourful Boca neighbourhood passing the famous Boca football stadium. Travelling on to La Recoleta, we visit the grave of Eva Duarte, known to the world as Eva Perón - Evita. After checking into our 5-Star hotel, the rest of your day is at leisure before an exclusive Argentinian wine-tasting at La Cava, lead by a professional sommelier and followed by a local steak dinner.
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Flight to Buenos Aires
- Guided City Tour
PATAGONIA
A morning flight takes us to Bariloche, in the heart of the Andes, for a two-night stay. On arrival, a scenic excursion showcases this region around the Patagonian mountain range. The Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi is one of the jewels of Argentina, with spectacular lakes and rivers formed by centuries-old glaciers. The famous Cerro Campanioro Chairlift transports us to the summit for 360° vistas over the lakes and mountains. We then proceed to our hotel, the 5-Star Llao Llao which boasts an unparalleled setting surrounded by the Cerro Lopez and Tronador mountain peaks, and the Moreno and Nahuel Huapi lakes, for a typical Patagonian trout dinner.
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Flight to Bariloche
- Excursion
THE OLD PATAGONIAN EXPRESS
We board a coach this morning for a scenic drive along Route 40 to El Bolson, situated at the foot of Piltriquitron Mountain. We have tine to wander around El Bolson's market which is packed with natural foods including local sweets, jams and honey. We continue to El Maitin for lunch followed by a journey on the Patagonia Express. This steam train is now something of a living museum, winding its way through the tree-lined valleys and desert-like high plains of the Patagonian tundra.
- Breakfast, Lunch
- Excursion
EL CALAFATE AND THE PERITO MORENO GLACIER
We fly to El Calafate, situated on the shores of Lake Argentino and the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. We visit the incredible Perito Moreno Glacier today, a vast ice formation covering 97 square miles. There is a visitor centre on site and a walking circuit which allows us to view the glacier's southern flank. On Day 12 we fly to Ushuaia, the southern most city in the world, for the night and a crab dinner in a local restaurant.
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Flight to El Calafate
- Flight to Ushuaia
- Excursions
‘THE END OF THE WORLD’
Today we set off on a cruise of the Beagle Channel to Sea Lion Island where, as well as sea lions, we may see a wide variety of sea birds and penguins. You then have some free time to perhaps visit the old prison, now a fascinating museum, ahead of a trip on the wonderful Tren Fin del Mundo - the 'End of the World Train'. This railway was built by prisoners and steam trains still chug through the magnificent backdrops. This evening we fly back to the Argentine capital. On Day 14 you are free until an evening Tango Class, where we learn the basics of this dramatic national dance before dinner and a special Tango show.
- Cruise to Sea Lion Island
- 'End of the World' train journey
- Flight to Buenos Aires
- Tango class and show
THE JOURNEY HOME
We transfer to the airport for our flight to London, arriving on Day 16.
- Scheduled flights
