Argentina escorted holidays, Central and South America » South America & Rio Carnival Special Departure

Highlights Include

Visit Chile, Argentina & Brazil
Santiago
The Andes
Buenos Aires
Iguaçú Falls
Rio de Janeiro
Rio Carnival

What's Included

Scheduled flights to Santiago, returning from Rio de Janeiro
Flights within South America – Mendoza/Iguaçú/Buenos Aires/Rio de Janeiro as detailed
Transfers between airport and hotel
All other transportation as detailed
Thirteen nights’ accommodation including breakfast; six nights in Brazil, five nights in Argentina and two nights in Chile
Reserved seat in the Sambadromo for the Carnival Parade
Services of a Travelsphere Tour Manager and English speaking local representatives
All hotel baggage handling for one piece of luggage per person
All State and local taxes
All UK and overseas airport taxes and security charges

Excursions as follows

City sightseeing in Santiago, Mendoza, Buenos Aires & Rio de Janeiro
Visit to Isla Negra and Pomaire
Visit to a Winery in Mendoza
Iguaçú Falls
Pampas, including barbecue & folklore show
Corcovado Statue of Christ
Lunch on Days 3 & 8

Special Departures

South America
15 days from £2344

Accommodation

You will stay in the Intercontinental Hotel in Santiago, Cordillera Hotel in Mendoza, Elevage Hotel in Buenos Aires, Hotel Bourbon in Iguaçú Falls and the Hotel Mar Palace in Rio de Janeiro. All rooms feature private facilities, air-conditioning, TV and telephone. Hotel facilities include a restaurant and bar.

Itinerary

February 10th 2009
Depart on your scheduled flight to Santiago, the capital of Chile.

February 11th
Arrival in Santiago. Transfer to your hotel for a two night stay.

Chile occupies an extraordinary ribbon of land lying between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean, 2,700 miles long, and never more than 110 miles wide. The central region is Chile’s heartland. Great farms and vineyards cover the countryside, which is exceptionally beautiful.

This afternoon we have included a city tour. You will visit the Club Hipico, the Presidential Palace and the city museum where you can discover Chile’s history. You will see the residential districts of Las Condes and Providencia, famous for their lively streets and beautiful homes and gardens. You will then take a drive up San Cristobal Hill where you will enjoy a spectacular view of the city and the foothills of the snow-capped Andes.

February 12th
Full leisurely day visit to Isla Negra and Pomaire. Depart Santiago for the drive to Algarrobo, a small seaside town sheltered in a small bay. Continue to El Quisco and Isla Negra, where you can visit the home of Pablo Neruda, a famous Chilean poet, where his collection of shells and nautical objects are kept. The tour continues to the picturesque village of Pomaire, known for its distinctive form of clay pottery sold at very reasonable prices. Lunch is included today.

February 13th
Morning departure by coach from Santiago for the drive to the border with Argentina. Our journey takes us over the Andes with views of Mount Aconcagua which at 23,000ft is the highest peak in the Americas. Even the foothills outreach the peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Today you will retrace the steps of the Cuzco Indians, Incas and the first Spanish settlers, all of whom have left their mark on the ‘Spine of South America’. After crossing the border into Argentina you will continue to Mendoza for an overnight stay.

February 14th
Argentina stretches from tropical jungle in the north to the polar ice of the far south. Mendoza lies at the foot of the Andes and is located in the very heart of the beautiful wine country. This morning we have included a city tour.

Mendoza is the wine capital of Argentina and produces more than 60% of the country’s wine. This afternoon we include a visit to one of the many vineyards where you can enjoy a tasting and tour of the winery. The high quality grapes from this region are used to produce the Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc white wines and the Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Tempranilla red wines. The country’s most successful wine is the delicious Malbec red wine which has an intense colour, velvety texture and soft flavour.

February 15th
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Iguacu Falls. Situated at the meeting point of three countries (Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina), the Iguacu Falls are one of the world’s largest natural wonders. They are higher than Niagara, wider than Victoria and consist of 275 separate falls, pouring up to eight million gallons of water every second into the swirling river below. It is a sight of stunning beauty and magnitude. Afternoon tour of the Brazilian side of the falls is included. Two nights on the Brazilian side of the Iguacu Falls at the Hotel Mabu Thermas or similar has been arranged.

February 16th
At leisure with optional tours, including a boat safari or helicopter flight over the falls.

February 17th
Morning tour of the Argentine side of the falls prior to your transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires, the glamorous capital of Argentina, which is situated on the estuary of the famous River Plate and is considered to be the most elegant city in South America. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel for a three night stay.

February 18th
This morning we have included a city tour of Buenos Aires, often referred to as ‘The Paris of the Americas’. Your tour will include visits to Plaza de Mayo where the Casa Rosada (Government House) is situated. Also in the square is the Cathedral of Buenos Aires where the tomb of General San Martin, the hero and liberator of Argentina, is located. You will also visit the La Boca District. It is renowned for its brightly painted houses and has now become an artists’ colony. The 'tango' was born here. A visit will be made to the Recoleta cemetery, famous for its beautiful family tombs and the burial place of Eva Peron. This evening you can enjoy an optional dinner and exciting tango show.

February 19th
Today we have included a full day tour to the heart of Argentina’s Pampas. Here you will experience a day at a typical ‘estancia’ (ranch). You will see the gauchos displaying their horsemanship skills. A typical Argentine barbecue lunch is included today.

February 20th
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Rio de Janeiro, the most exciting city in Brazil. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel for a three night stay. This immense country (fifth largest in the world) is a land of warm sun, bright colours, irresistible rhythms, unsurpassed natural beauty and captivating contrasts. It is a country of carnival, coffee, soccer and samba. Rio de Janeiro is unique – simply bursting with energy, excitement and entertainment. It is beautifully situated beneath Sugar Loaf Mountain, and blessed with magnificent beaches such as Copacabana and Ipanema. It has the world’s largest carnival, the largest football stadium, the beautiful parks and the most legendary night life. With its exciting rhythms, bustling shops and fashionable bars, it is an informal and intriguing city.

February 21st
To introduce you to the excitement of Rio we will take you on a morning tour of the city. You drive firstly along the world famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema to the Sugar Loaf cable car. From the top you will enjoy spectacular views over the city of Rio. You will then continue through the city centre past the Opera House and National Theatre and the Sambadromo, which is used for the annual Rio Carnival parades. This evening you can join an optional excursion of ‘Rio by night’ including dinner and a samba show.

February 22nd
Join the greatest party on earth in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Experience an explosion of colour as the city comes alive as tens of thousands of dancers in glittering costumes take to the streets. Enjoy the spectacular parade and giant floats from your reserved seat in the specially built Sambadrome Stadium and party till dawn.

February 23rd
This morning we have included a tour to the peak of Corcovado and the famous Statue of Christ. To reach the statue it is necessary to ascend in a small cog railway which winds up the mountain. During your stay in Rio there will be many optional excursions available including a cruise to the tropical islands.

February 24th
Free in Rio until departure to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

February 25th
Arrival in the UK.

Dates, Prices & Departure

holiday ref: LCABR

Please select a departure point

Departure Date	Price	Book Holiday
10/02/2009	£3424

Deposit £150 per person
All prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin or double-bedded room with private facilities

Surcharges

The price of fuel has risen dramatically over the past months in line with oil prices. As a result many airlines and cruise lines have imposed additional fuel charges. In common with other businesses our prices now include an additional charge for all new bookings which has been introduced to cover these costs.

Supplements

Single Room £995
Insurance

Travel Information

Flights are by scheduled services of Air France via Paris
Depart Heathrow at 1800 hrs / Return arrival 1015 hrs
All timings are approximate and may be subject to variation.

Essential Information - General

Booking Conditions | Insurance

We know that your holiday is very important to you. It is also extremely important to us since we want you to enjoy it and continue to entrust your holiday arrangements to us in years to come. We also care about our reputation and want to be sure that you understand both your and our obligations when you book a holiday with us. Please therefore spend a few minutes reading the following Booking Conditions together with the General Information, as they form the basis of your contract with us. Your contract is with Travelsphere a division of Travelsphere Ltd.

Select a heading from the dropdown: show all

Essential Information - Booking Conditions

General Information | Insurance

We know that your holiday is very important to you. It is also extremely important to us since we want you to enjoy it and continue to entrust your holiday arrangements to us in years to come. We also care about our reputation and want to be sure that you understand both your and our obligations when you book a holiday with us. Please therefore spend a few minutes reading the following Booking Conditions together with the General Information, as they form the basis of your contract with us. Your contract is with Travelsphere a division of Travelsphere Ltd.

Select a heading from the dropdown: show all

Essential Information - Insurance

Booking Conditions | General Information

We know that your holiday is very important to you. It is also extremely important to us since we want you to enjoy it and continue to entrust your holiday arrangements to us in years to come. We also care about our reputation and want to be sure that you understand both your and our obligations when you book a holiday with us. Please therefore spend a few minutes reading the following Booking Conditions together with the General Information, as they form the basis of your contract with us. Your contract is with Travelsphere a division of Travelsphere Ltd.

Select a heading from the dropdown: show all

Travel Extras

We know that picking your dream destination is the biggest part of making your perfect holiday come true. But there are a number of other decisions that have to be made such as where to park at the airport and who to change your money with, to name but a few. So to really get every aspect of your holiday sorted we have set up a one stop travel shop and useful links section for you to organise all your travel needs, leaving you to concentrate on having a memorable and relaxing holiday with Travelsphere.

	Airport hotels, parking and more from www.holidayextras.co.uk/Travelsphere We have teamed up with Holiday Extras to help get your holiday off to a great start. Airport and Port Parking Airport and Port Hotels VIP Airport Lounges Airport Chauffeur Drive London Theatre Breaks UK Theme Park Breaks Airport Car Hire

	Airport Lounges from Lounge Pass Start your holiday off refreshed and relaxed by taking advantage of our VIP airport lounge offer, available at a number of airports, both here and abroad. From as little as £15 each, you’ll enjoy a peaceful and tranquil environment, where you can enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks, read the papers, check your email or simply relax and watch TV until your flight is called. For details, please visit www.travelsphere.co.uk/loungepass

	Casual Clothing from Lands’ End Lands' End offer an extensive range of high quality casual and tailored clothes for men and women. Choose from their selection of jackets, knitted tops, trousers, dresses, skirts and more. To view their full range and buy online visit www.landsend.co.uk

	Currency Exchange from Travel Money My Travel Money offers competitive exchange rates on a wide range of currencies. Order cash and travellers' cheques on-line, with guaranteed next day delivery to your home. You pay one simple delivery charge, with no complicated commission fees. So for a fast, efficient and secure way to order your travel money over the internet, visit www.mytravelmoney.com

	Door to Door Service with Voyager Travel If you would like the security of having a professional private hire service to pick you up from your home and drive you to and from the airport at a competitive rate simply call Voyager Travel free on 0870 252 8080 for a special Just You price by quoting reference JYI. Your smartly dressed, experienced driver will assist you with your luggage. Then you can enjoy a relaxing start to your holiday as you sit back in comfort and are driven along in a stylish, non-smoking, air-conditioned car. If you wish you can also book an in-car portable DVD player for longer journeys. Your contract will be with Voyager Travel. We do not accept any responsibility for delays or missed departures etc, caused by Voyager Travel’s services. Your contract will be with Voyager Travel.

	Hotel Hoppa Linking London Heathrow & Hotels. Hoppa tickets are available. Ask our Holiday Advisors for details on 0870 240 2426.

	£15 coach offer Save up to 50% We have teamed up with National Express, to offer you a great way to join your holiday. For just £15 each, you can travel from any of the National Express 1200 pick up points around the country. If you’d like to take advantage of this offer, please call our holiday advisors on 0870 240 2426 and we will add the cost to your booking. We recommend that you contact National Express directly, to find out if suitable services exist. You can do this by calling them on 08705 80 80 80, or by visiting their website www.nationalexpress.com We are unable to accept any liability if things go wrong, and you miss your flight or ferry, or if National Express don’t offer a service that’s convenient for you.

	Overnight hotels for holidays by coach at Dover & Folkestone We can also offer you overnight hotels in Dover & Folkestone. Typical of the hotels we use are the Ramada Dover Hotel in Dover and the Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone. Prices start from £50 per room including a transfer to the terminal. To book or for further information please call on of our Holiday Advisors on 0870 240 2426.

	Photography from Jessops Jessops is the UK's leading specialist photographic retailer. With great on-line savings on hundreds of products, including digital cameras, camcorders, lenses, batteries and much more, plus free delivery on mainland UK orders over £75, Jessops has all your photographic needs covered. Visit www.jessops.com see their full range of photographic equipment.

	Port Parking for holidays by coach at Dover & Folkestone If you want to park your car at Dover, when crossing the Channel by ferry, please call the Dover Harbour Board on 01304 241 427 to pre-book your space. If you want to park your car at Folkestone, when crossing the Channel by Eurotunnel, please call Relyon Car parks on 01304 201 227 to pre-book your space.

	Regional Connecting Flights You can fly from many regional airports to connect with your international flight on a selection of our Worldwide holidays. Look out for information on tour pages for holidays offering regional connecting flights, which operate with airlines such as British Airways and bmi. Click here for further information.

	Travel Accessories from Travel with Care Travel With Care offers a comprehensive range of travel accessories, with everything you need for your holiday. From First Aid, DVT Prevention and Healthcare to money belts, wallets, waterproofs, toiletries, alarm clocks, and much, much more, www.travelwithcare.com is the place for all those holiday essentials.

	Travel Insurance from Travelsphere To view our excellent value for money holiday insurance please click here.