DAY 1
Depart on your scheduled flight to Santiago, the capital of Chile.
DAY 2
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. The bustling cosmopolitan city of Santiago lies in a lovely setting beneath the majestic Andes. It is a city of wide boulevards and delightful parks and gardens. 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 cable car ride up San Cristobal Hill where you will enjoy a spectacular view of the city and the foothills of the snowcapped Andes.
DAY 3
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.
DAY 4
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 a two night stay.
DAY 5
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.
DAY 6
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, which is situated on the estuary of the River Plate and is considered to be the most elegant city in South America. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for a three night stay.
DAY 7
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 barbeque is included today. This evening you can enjoy an optional dinner and exciting tango show.
DAY 8
Today you can enjoy a day at leisure and explore Buenos Aires or you can choose to take one of our amazing optional excursions.
DAY 9
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Iguaçú Falls. Situated at the meeting point of three countries (Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina), the Iguaçú 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 Argentinian side of the Iguaçú Falls. Two nights accommodation on the Brazilian side of the falls has been arranged.
DAY 10
Morning tour of the Brazilian side of the falls and an afternoon at leisure with optional tours including a boat safari or helicopter flight over the falls.
DAY 11
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.
DAY 12
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.
DAY 13
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 other optional excursions available.
DAY 14
Free in Rio until departure to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
DAY 15
Arrival in the UK.