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DAY 1 - Arrive Rio de Janeiro (3 nights)
Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.The balance of the day is free. This evening, relax over a delicious BBQ dinner followed by a colorful Folklore and Carnival show. A perfect introduction to your vacation of South America! (Dinner)

Hotel: Hotel: Rio International

DAY 2 - Rio de Janeiro
Join an exciting full day tour of Rio. Start with a cog-train ride through Tijuca Forest and up Corcovado Mountain.Disembark and walk up to the top lookout where the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer stands. Then, descend by train and head to a seafood restaurant for lunch. Afterward, 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 traveling down and continuing past Guanabara Bay and Flamengo Park. Visiting the downtown area, pass by the financial and business center, the Candelaria Church, Saint Sebastian Cathedral, Lapa Arches, Municipal Theatre, National Library, Fine Arts Museum, and the Sambadrome, site of Rio’s famous Carnival parade.Your evening is free. (Breakfast / Lunch)

DAY 3 - Rio de Janeiro
A full day at leisure to see Rio your own way. For shoppers, jewelry, art and crafts arealways good buys.Perhaps sunbathe on Copacabana or Ipanema Beach.Sightseers can choose between two tours:A full day schooner cruise froma nearby fishing village with lunch and swimming or a half day 4x4 jeep excursion through a nearby rainforest (both own expense). (Breakfast)

DAY 4 - Rio de Janeiro – Iguassu Falls (2 nights)
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Iguassu Falls. Later, your Tour Director will show you the Falls from the Brazilian side. The rainbows, and plunging cascades of water make this one of nature's wonders. (Breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Bourbon Cataratas

DAY 5 - Iguassu Falls- Buenos Aires (3 nights)
A morning tour will take you to the Argentine side of the Falls. Board the Ecological Train and ride to see the spectacular Devil’s Throat. Then transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Tonight, delight in dinner and a performance of the Tango. (Breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel:Hotel Elevage

DAY 6 - Buenos Aires
Start sightseeing with views of the Plaza de Mayo, including the Casa Rosada, Metropolitan Cathedral,and Cabildo.On to see San Telmo and colorful La Boca.Drive down Avenida 9 de Julio, the world’s widest avenue, and see Teatro Colon. After views of Palermo Park, visit the famous Recoleta Cemetery, where you will find the grave of Eva Duarte,who later became Evita Peron.The rest of the day is free. (Breakfast)

DAY 7 - Colonia del Sacramento excursion
Transfer to the Buenos Aires Pier for the hydrofoil ride to Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay. Founded in 1680 by Portuguese explorers, Colonia has a delightful colonial ambience,with twisting cobblestone streets and colorful houses, an interesting contrast to modern Buenos Aires. The well-preserved historic quarter was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995. See the city on a tour, and then explore on your own.There are arts and crafts shops, museums, and cafes, all vying for your attention. Later this afternoon, return by hydrofoil to Buenos Aires,where the rest of the day is free. (Breakfast / Lunch)

DAY 8 - Buenos Aires
Take advantage of a free day, and do as you please.Your Tour Director will havemany suggestions, including a day trip to the Pampas to learn the daily life of the Gaucho (Argentine cowboy).You will enjoy a traditional BBQ lunch with traditional music as well as a demonstration by the cowboys and their horses. For the shoppers, downtown is full of gallerias and boutiques with great buys in leather, clothing and arts and crafts. (Breakfast)

DAY 9 - Buenos Aires – Bariloche
Fly to Bariloche, in the shadows of the Andes and the heart of the scenic Lake District.The balance of the day is free to stroll through this picturesque town on your own. For chocolate lovers, you will find small chocolate factories located throughout town. (Breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel:Hotel Edelweiss

DAY 10 - Bariloche
Sightseeing in this region of Patagonia takes you along the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi. See Playa Bonita, and then to Campanario Mountain. Take a chairlift ride to a lookout point at the summit.Travel to the Lao Lao Peninsula and over the Angostura Bridge for the splendid view.The rest of the day is at leisure. (Breakfast)

DAY 11 - Bariloche – Puerto Varas
Leaving Bariloche, coach west, to the northern shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi and the picturesque village of Villa la Angostura. Continue to the pier for a catamaran ride to the Quetrihúe Peninsula. Here, step into the silence of the astonishing forest of ancient Arrayanes trees. Later, return by catamaran to Villa La Angostura. Board a coach and travel along the lakes and through the splendid scenery. Keep an eye open for views of Osorno Volcano towering above.Continue to the border with Chile, and on to Puerto Varas. (Breakfast / Box Lunch / Dinner)

Hotel: Hotel Cabanas del Lago

DAY 12 - Puerto Varas – Puerto Montt – Santiago
Stop in the seaport of Puerto Montt, where a sightseeing tour includes Angelmó, a traditional Chilean seafood market. Then transfer to the airport for your flight to Santiago.On arrival you are transferred to your hotel,where the balance of the day is at leisure to begin exploring this culturally exciting city. (Breakfast)

Hotel: Park Plaza Providencia

DAY 13 - Santiago
Sightseeing in Chile’s capital city begins in the older residential area,passing the Club Hípico, a beautiful horseracing track, the Parque O’Higgins and the Cousiño Palace. Then on along Santiago’s colorful main avenue to the heart of the city.Visit the Plaza de Armas and the cathedral. At the Pre-Colombian Art Museum, view one of the most complete collections of ceramics, ancient textiles and relics of American culture. Stop at the Central Market, dating back to the 1800s. Finally, cross the Mapocho River and through the Bellavista district on the way to San Cristóbal Hill for splendid views of the city.This afternoon your Tour Director will suggest an optional tour to the Maipo Valley, Chile’s premier wine growing region. (Breakfast)

DAY 14 - Santiago and Optional Valparaiso and Viña del Mar Excursion
A free day to do as you please.Maybe take an optional outing to the beautiful coastal region including the historic port of Valparaiso. and the chic seaside resort of Viña del Mar.Tonight,enjoy a festive Chilean Farewell Dinner at a favorite restaurant, complete with traditional music and dance. (Breakfast / Dinner)

DAY 15 - Santiago/Homebound Flight
A free day before your late afternoon transfer to the airport. Your room is available until 3:00 p.m. (Breakfast)

* Actual airfares from your hometown will be advised at the time of booking. Prices include airline fuel surcharges. Additional taxes and fees will apply. Additional restrictions will apply..
** 2009 dates are subject to price and itinerary modifications. Details will be available in August 2008.
*** Airport Transfers will be provided on arrival and departure, and will be coordinated with your flights.
**** Australian passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Brazil.
For details on discounts that apply to this tour please refer to a brochure or see your Travel Agent.
The displayed prices are based on twin-share accommodation. A single supplement price is available on request.
These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
- All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
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Cultures & Contrasts of South America What's Included

Cultures & Contrasts of South America Optional Excursions

No optionals excursions available. Thank you for enquiring about the optional excursions available on this tour. Please check back at a later date or make enquiries via your local travel agent.