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South America Revealed (Summer 2011/2012)

15 day tour from A$6551.00*

Tour Style: South America Discoveries

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Overview

Immerse yourself in the music, cuisine and history of South America through the celebrated sites of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, the energetic streets of Buenos Aires in Argentina and the Mayan archaeological sites of Machu Picchu, Cuzco and Lima in Peru. Stand in awe at Iguassu Falls and the Sacred Valley for a taste of South America’s famed natural beauty.

Highlights

Buenos Aires, Machu Picchu, Iguassu, Lima, Machu Picchu, Rio de Janeiro, Sacred Valley

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Itinerary

Day 1

ARRIVE IN RIO DE JANEIRO – BRAZIL (3 nights)

Welcome to exciting Rio de Janeiro! You will be met and transferred to your hotel where rooms are ready for early check in. The rest of the day is free to begin exploring on your own. This evening, relax over a delicious dinner followed by a colourful Folklore and Carnival show.

Meal(s): (Dinner)

Hotel: Rio Othon Palace (MD)

Day 2

RIO DE JANEIRO

Join an exciting full day tour of Rio. Start with a cog-train ride up Corcovado Mountain. Disembark and walk up to the top lookout where the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer stands. Descend by train and pass by Rio’s world-famous beaches to board a cable car for a two-staged ascent up Sugar Loaf Mountain. Enjoy the spectacular views of the city before travelling down and continuing on to see the main sights. Your evening is free.

Meal(s): (Breakfast / Lunch)

Day 3

RIO DE JANEIRO

A full day free. Sightseers can choose between several optional tours, including a full day schooner cruise from a nearby village with lunch and swimming, a half day jeep excursion through a rainforest and a selection of walking tours, or simply relax at your beachfront hotel.

Meal(s): (Breakfast)

Day 4

RIO DE JANEIRO – IGUASSU FALLS (2 nights)

Fly to Iguassu Falls late this morning. The balance of the day is free to begin exploring this magnificent natural wonder on your own.

Meal(s): (Breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Mabu Thermas & Resort (SF)

Day 5

IGUASSU FALLS

A local guide will show you the Falls from the Brazilian side. The two-mile-wide torrent is nothing short of spectacular. The rainbows, thundering roar and plunging cascades of water make this truly one of nature’s wonders. Your afternoon and evening are at leisure. You might want to join an optional hike down the canyon followed by a boat ride on the Iguassu River to the base of the Falls.

Meal(s): (Breakfast / Lunch)

Day 6

IGUASSU FALLS – BUENOS AIRES – ARGENTINA (3 nights)

This morning, see the Argentine side of the Falls. Board the Ecological Train and ride to a spectacular viewpoint to see the famous Devil’s Throat. Then transfer for your flight to Buenos Aires. Tonight, enjoy dinner and a Tango show.

Meal(s): (Breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Hotel Elevage (F)

Day 7

BUENOS AIRES

Start sightseeing with views of the Plaza de Mayo. On to see San Telmo and colourful La Boca. Drive down Avenida 9 de Julio, the world’s widest avenue. After views of Palermo Park, visit the famous Recoleta Cemetery to see the graves of many of Argentina’s leaders, including Eva Duarte, who later became Evita Perón. The afternoon is free. Tonight, savour a special “Be My Guest” home-hosted dinner featuring traditional Argentine cuisine and wine. This is a wonderful opportunity to interact with a local family in their own home.

Meal(s): (Breakfast / Be My Guest Dinner)

Day 8

BUENOS AIRES

A free day. Your Tour Director will have many suggestions, including a day trip to the Pampas to learn the life of the Gaucho (Argentine cowboy) or perhaps take a fun and informative Tango lesson (both own expense).

Meal(s): (Breakfast)

Day 9

BUENOS AIRES – LIMA – PERU

This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima. A city tour shows you the highlights of the colonial Peruvian capital.

Meal(s): (Breakfast)

Hotel: Melia Lima (SF)

Day 10

LIMA – CUZCO – SACRED VALLEY

Fly to Cuzco this morning. Head into the scenic Sacred Valley and stop at the market in Pisac. There is time to bargain for Peruvian arts and crafts before driving across the Valley. This is one of the most beautiful areas found anywhere in the world. At Ollantaytambo, a walking tour introduces you to the quaint village. Just outside of town, admire the ruins of a mighty Inca fortress. Later, travel to your hotel in Yucay.

Meal(s): (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Hotel: Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay (F)

Day 11

SACRED VALLEY – MACHU PICCHU

Take the Vistadome Valley train to Machu Picchu. There is time to explore the magnificent ruins of the “Lost City of the Incas” on your own after a guided walking tour. Enjoy lunch before making the short trip to your hotel in Aguas Calientes, at the foot of Machu Picchu. NOTE: On the train to Machu Picchu, only hand luggage can be taken. Your main suitcase will be transferred to Cuzco and stored. Machu Picchu is built on a steep hill, with uneven pathways, rocky terrain and no handrails. Visitors should be in good health and be able to walk without assistance.

Meal(s): (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Hotel: Hatuchay Tower (ST)

Day 12

MACHU PICCHU – CUZCO (2 nights)

Return to Machu Picchu for last impressions of this extraordinary site. This afternoon, travel by train and coach back to Cuzco. The altitude of Cuzco is 11,444 feet.

Meal(s): (Breakfast)

Hotel: Novotel Cuzco (F)

Day 13

CUZCO

A morning city tour shows you the Plaza del Regocijo, Plaza de Armas, and the Cathedral. Then head to the San Blas district. You will also visit several Inca ruins, including the fortresses of Sacasayhuaman and Tambomachay. The balance of the day is free to continue exploring on your own. Tonight, savour a Farewell Dinner with newfound friends.

Meal(s): (Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

Day 14

CUZCO – LIMA

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima. Your afternoon and evening are at leisure to explore the city, do some last-minute shopping, or enjoy a cup of coffee in a little café.

Meal(s): (Breakfast)

Hotel: Melia Lima (SF)

Day 15

DEPART LIMA

Depending on their homebound destination and connection, some guests will transfer to Lima’s airport in the late evening of Day 14 for an overnight flight home.

Meal(s): (Breakfast)

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2011/2012 Rates

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Child Prices: a 25% discount will apply to children under the age of 16 at time of travel. (Optionals for American tours are already discounted.)