Discover South America 2012

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DAY 1 – Fly from North America to Lima, Peru.
Welcome and transfer to hotel.

DAY 2 – Lima, Peru
Enjoy a full day in this captivating Colonial capital. A morning city tour features the Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, the 17th-century Baroque Cathedral, the Church of San Francisco and the Palacio Torre Tagle (Lima’s most elegant Colonial mansion). Rest of day at leisure.  (B)

DAY 3 – Lima – Cuzco, Peru
We fly to Cuzco then enjoy an afternoon excursion including an historic city tour as well as the nearby sites of Sacsayhuaymán, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay.  (B)

DAY 4 – Cuzco – Pisac, Peru
Today’s full-day excursion includes the colonial town of Pisac followed by the ruins of Ollantaytambo. Later, we return to Cuzco via Lake Huayro and Iscuchacha.   (B/L)

DAY 5 – Machu Picchu, Peru
Early in the morning we journey to the fabled “Lost City of the Incas” by train.  Following a guided tour of the ruins we enjoy lunch, then return to Cuzco by evening.  (B/L)

DAY 6 – Cuzco – Santiago, Chile
Following breakfast you fly to Santiago via Lima. The remainder of the day is at leisure.  (B)

DAY 7 – Santiago, Chile
Following breakfast you are treated to a city tour of Santiago featuring the city’s main attractions. Highlights include the Palacio De La Moneda, the nerve center of the Chilean government and a stunning example of neoclassical architecture, the Plaza de Armas (main square), and the bustling Mercado Central (market).  Ascend to the top of the city for a dramatic panoramic view from the beautifully landscaped Cerro Santa Lucia. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore Santiago’s many fine museums or shops.  (B)

DAY 8 – Santa Cruz (Wine Country), Chile
The Colchagua valley, 130 kilometers from Santiago, is an important winemaking zone with 19.860 hectares of vineyards, which for many enologists is "a paradise." Its exceptional weather conditions allow most grape varieties to adapt optimally. Fine stocks like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Carmenère among the red varieties, and Chardonnay, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc among the white varieties, are produced here. We will get a deeper knowledge of the winemaking process by visiting two important vineyards: Viu Manent, Bisquertt, MontGras or Estampa. In Santa Cruz we will have lunch at Hotel Santa Cruz and then we will visit the Colchagua Museum, one of the most outstanding in the country. Return back to Santiago and your hotel.   (L)

DAY 9 – Santiago - Montevideo, Uruguay
Your morning flight to the delightful capital of Uruguay is followed by a private city tour featuring highlights of both Modern Montevideo as well as the Ciudad Vieja (Old City).  Your evening is at leisure.  (B)

DAY 10 – Punta del Este, Uruguay
Following breakfast you depart for a full-day excursion to the celebrated seaside resort town of Punta del Este.  White sandy beaches and sophisticated boutiques are only two hours from Montevideo in this beachfront community.  You return to Montevideo in the evening.   (B)

DAY 11 – Montevideo - Buenos Aires
Your morning flight to Buenos Aires is followed by an afternoon at leisure.  (B)

DAY 12 – Buenos Aires, Argentina
Today’s highlight is a private tour of Buenos Aires featuring the city’s main attractions.  Unlike other South American cities with colonial roots, Buenos Aires was influenced by Parisian architecture and urban design.  Wide boulevards lined with palatial mansions, flower markets, and bustling outdoor cafés add to its appeal.  Attractions include the Plaza de Mayo, the historic Cabildo (Town Hall), the Casa Rosada (Presidential Palace), the Congress Palace and the quaint La Boca district.  The evening highlights the essence of Argentinean culture—the Tango! To cap the day we suggest a dinner (not included in the tour price) and a once-in-a-lifetime show at one of the city’s most renowned clubs such as Senor Tango or Esquina Carlos Gardel.     (B)

DAY 13 – Buenos Aires, Argentina
You have the entire day at your leisure. You may decide to choose a full day excursion “Fiesta Gaucha” which includes a BBQ at an authentic Argentinean ranch as well as traditional songs and dance (not included in tour price).  (B)

DAY 14 – Buenos Aires – Iguaçu Falls
An early morning flight to Iguaçu. Upon arrival, welcome by our local representative and transfer to your hotel. Twice as large as Niagara, Iguaçu Falls overwhelms visitors with its majesty and dramatic natural power. One of the first protected natural areas in the Americas, the park is now a UNESCO declared World Heritage Site and boasts over 200 species of flora and 400 different birds and animals. Named by the indigenous Guarani, the name aptly means “big waters”. A private full day tour of the falls, will allow us to discover both the Argentine & the Brazilian side of one of the wonders of the world.  We explore the lower and upper paths on foot, admiring the awe-inspiring 275 cascades which spread across a 2-mile gulf.  Lush, tropical vines evoke the spirit of the jungle. Later we board a train to the “Devil’s Throat Balcony” for spectacular views.  (B)

DAY 15 – Iguaçu Falls - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Enjoy a morning of leisure before driving to the Brazilian side of Iguaçu Falls. There is time for a brief visit of the falls before your afternoon flight to Rio.  (B)

DAY 16 – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
After breakfast a private morning exploration of the best of Rio: its famous beaches Copacabana and Ipanema, followed by a spectacular cable car ride to the top of Sugar Loaf.  All the while your senses are truly engaged as you begin to discover what the Cariocas (locals) cannot keep secret—that a visit to Rio is a celebration of life.  In the afternoon you are free to further explore this city and its life-affirming ethos.   (B)

DAY 17 – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Day at leisure to further discover the captivating pleasures this city beholds.  Suggested excursions include:  Train ride to top of Corcovado Mt. Drive through the Tijuca Rainforest Angra dos Reis and a full day cruising its tropical islands on board a small schooner.  A visit to Stern’s gemcutting factory follows.   (B)

DAY 18 – Rio de Janeiro – Sao Paulo, Brazil - Toronto*, North America
The day is at your leisure to further enjoy Rio or complete any last minute shopping. Evening flight to North America.   (B)

DAY 19 – END OF TOUR
Morning arrival in North America*.

This tour is operated by one of our Preferred Travel Partners.
TC~GI

Price per Person*, based on Double Occupancy:
Please call for pricing.....

*Please call for dates and other departure cities*........1-800-661-4326

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