Itinerary for: Glimpse of South America 2012 (LGSA)
Day 1 : ARRIVE RIO DE JANEIRO (4 NIGHTS)
Board your overnight flight to South America (not included in vacation price). Bemvindo ao Rio de Janeiro! Upon your early morning arrival on Day 2, you will be met by a local representative and taken to your hotel where your room is available for immediate occupancy. The morning is at leisure - enjoy your oceanfront hotel overlooking Copacabana Beach, minutes from downtown Rio. This afternoon, join your Travel Director and explore the cidade maravilhosa (marvelous city) including the 18th century aqueduct, colonial Candelaria Church, Opera House, Sambodromo and city Cathedral. Stroll in Flamengo Park and ascend Sugarloaf Mountain via cable car for astounding views over the city and the bay. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Reception at the hotel.(Full Breakfast)
Accommodation : Rio Othon Palace (Moderate Deluxe)
Day 2 : RIO DE JANEIRO AT LESIURE & SIGHTSEEING
Enjoy a leisurely morning before joining your Travel 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 Travel Director and fellow travellers.
Day 3 : RIO DE JANEIRO SIGHTSEEING & AT LEISURE
Journey by cogwheel train to the summit of majestic Corcovado, site of the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Back down the mountain see the song-inspiring Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. This afternoon is at leisure. This evening, learn to mix the national cocktail – Caipirinha, and indulge in a traditional barbeque Highlight Dinner at a local churrascaria, followed by a Rio Carnival extravaganza of Samba song-and-dance.(Full Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)
Day 4 : RIO DE JANEIRO AT LEISURE
Enjoy a full day to explore the wonders of Rio on your own. Perhaps explore the historic mountain resort of Petropolis, site of the second Brazilian Emperor’s former Summer Palace; choose to embark on an optional half-day journey by jeep and foot into the lush Tijuca National Park, or cruise the emerald waters of Sepetiba Bay stopping at one of the idyllic islands for lunch, time for swimming and relaxing on the beach.(Full Breakfast)
Day 5 : RIO DE JANEIRO - IGUASSU FALLS (2 NIGHTS)
This morning, watch and learn the process of precious metals and rough Brazilian gemstones transform into works of art before flying to magnificent Iguassu Falls, on the border of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. These 275 separate falls cover nearly two miles along the Iguassu River. This evening, enjoy a convivial dinner with your companions at the hotel.(Full Breakfast / Dinner)
Accommodation : Mabu Thermas & Resort (First Class)
Day 6 : IGUASSU FALLS SIGHTSEEING & AT LEISURE
Enter Iguassu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the Brazilian side of Iguassu, including a scenic walk through the rainforest at the base of the falls. After a Highlight Lunch at a restaurant overlooking the falls, return to your hotel for a leisurely afternoon. Maybe enjoy the hotel’s thermal pools, visit the Parque das Aves home to more than 500 species of tropical birds, or take an optional excursion into the lush Macuco rainforest full of flora and fauna of the jungle and then cruise the river to see the falls from below.(Full Breakfast / Highlight Lunch)
Day 7 : IGUASSU FALLS - BUENOS AIRES (3 NIGHTS)
Cross the border into Argentina and take a guided walk along a scenic catwalk. Board the open-air Ecological Jungle Train for a different perspective on the falls and see the thunderous Devil’s Throat Falls. Fly to Buenos Aires where your hotel is in the centre of all the action: boutiques, fine dining, museums and the famous Teatro Colon. This evening, enjoy a light buffet dinner with drinks followed by a presentation by a Local Expert on the country’s culture, traditions and passions such as tango, Malbec wines, beef, soccer and polo to name a few.(Full Breakfast / Dinner)
Accommodation : Sheraton Libertador Hotel (Superior First Class)
Day 8 : BUENOS AIRES SIGHTSEEING & AT LEISURE
Embark on an in-depth tour - see the Casa Rosada, Metropolitan Cathedral and other government buildings; world-renowned Teatro Colon; the colourful neighbourhood of La Boca; San Telmo’s famed outdoor market, and lovely Palermo. Watch and learn how Argentine leathers are turned into fine leather goods at the workshop of a master artisan. Lastly, visit the Recoleta Cemetery and Evita Museum, dedicated to Argentina’s former First Lady. After some free time, join your Travel Director for a Be My Guest experience hosted by a local family. Learn about your hosts’ passion for art as you visit their beautiful residence, then head for the kitchen where the family cook will teach you how to make delicious empanadas - rolled pies with various fillings. Savour traditional local fare while learning about Argentina’s wonderful wines and sampling some of the best vintages of the region.(Full Breakfast / Be My Guest dinner)
Day 9 : BUENOS AIRES AT LEISURE
A full day at leisure - explore on your own with your included ‘hop-on, hop-off’ sightseeing ticket, or perhaps take an optional excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay, or to a traditional estancia (ranch) to learn about the life of a gaucho (cowboy) while enjoying a barbeque lunch and equestrian show. This evening, get ready for a festive Farewell Dinner and a chance to savour renowned Argentinean beef followed by a sensual tango dance performance.(Full Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)
Day 10 : DEPART BUENOS AIRES
Say hasta luego to Argentina today and transfer to the airport for your flight home (not included in holiday price). For your comfort, your rooms are reserved until 5p.m. (CB/FB)