DAYS 1 & 2 UK/Santiago, Chile
We take an overnight flight to Santiago, arriving on Day 2. This afternoon, an included city tour starts with a walk around the centre, past the Plaza de Armas, the main square overlooked by the cathedral; La Moneda, the presidential palace; and bustling Ahumada Boulevard.
Continuing by coach, we drive through the old city and the bohemian area of Bellavista and take a cable car ride to the San Cristobal Hill. Topped by a massive statue of the Virgin, the hill offers superb views over the city and the distant Andes. Returning to the city, we drive to Los Graneros del Alba, a craft market. Dinner is included this evening.
DAY 3 Concha y Toro Vineyard & Maipo Canyon
We head into the Maipo Valley, considered the best wine-producing region in Chile. Here we visit the country’s largest exporter of wine, Concha y Toro, where we can stroll among the company’s vineyards, tour the cellars and taste the vintages. We continue to Maipo Canyon to take in the enchanting views over this Andean river valley. Lunch is included today.
DAY 4 Valparaiso & Vina del Mar
Today we enjoy a full-day excursion travelling west through dramatic mountain ranges and fertile farmlands. We enjoy a wine tasting at the Veramonte Vineyard en route to Vina del Mar before continuing to the distinctive port city of Valparaiso on the Pacific Ocean.
DAY 5 Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas & the Chilean Lakes
We fly south to Puerto Montt and the Chilean Lake District, a scenic region characterised by snow-capped volcanic peaks, glaciers, waterfalls and ancient forests. From our lakeside hotel at Puerto Varas, we explore the stunning landscapes dominated by the Osorno Volcano; visit Puerto Montt; and the fishing port of Angelmo with its craft market.
DAY 6 Frutillar
A charming summer resort, Frutillar is notable for its Germanic architecture and delightful gardens. This morning’s visit gives us the opportunity to take in the wonderful views of the Osorno and Puntigudo volcanoes, see the pretty church and spend some time in the museum.
DAY 7 Across the Andes to Bariloche, Argentina
A day of spectacular scenery awaits as we cross the mighty Andes. We take in the beauty of the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes, before pausing at the Petrohue Waterfalls. Our adventure continues as we sail by catamaran across the Todos los Santos Lake to Peulla, a tiny hamlet at the foot of the Andes. After an included lunch we rejoin the coach and climb high into the Andes and across the border into Argentina. At Puerto Frias, another boat takes us across the lake, and at Puerto Blest we cross the beautiful Lake Nahuel Huapi to Puerto Panuelo, where a final coach takes us on to Bariloche for our two-night stay.
DAY 8 Villa la Angostura & the Arrayanes Forest
We discover more of the wonderful Argentine scenery today, skirting the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi to Villa Angostura, a pretty town and busy port. From here we travel by motorboat to the island National Park of Los Arrayanes for a guided walk through the enchanting forest of coloured myrtle trees.
DAY 9 Circuito Chico & Buenos Aires
Known as the Circuito Chico, our scenic tour takes us around the scenic southern shore, calling at the resort of Playa Bonito and Campanario Hill, where a chairlift ascent reveals a panoramic view. We see St Eduard’s Chapel at Llao-Llao, then take the bridge over Lake Moreno, following the edge of El Trebol Lagoon back to Bariloche. In the afternoon we fly to Buenos Aires for a three-night stay.
DAY 10 Buenos Aires
Experience life in this elegant city as we embark on a morning tour taking in parks and gardens in Palermo; the bohemian San Telmo district; the noble government buildings; and Recoleta Cemetery, the last resting place of Eva Peron. This evening we enjoy a dinner of Argentine steak and wine, with a dance performance at a famous tango club.
DAY 11 Buenos Aires
Enjoy a free day in the Argentine capital. Perhaps spend time in the Plaza de Mayo, a beautiful plaza with tall palm trees and elaborate flower gardens; stroll down the Avenida Corrientes, and see the Teatro Colon, the city’s impressive opera house.
DAY 12 Iguazu Falls
We fly to Iguazu and check into our hotel before witnessing the fantastic natural spectacle of Iguazu Falls on the Argentine-Brazilian border. On the Argentine side of the falls we take a short train journey to the Devil’s Gorge, a semi-circular cascade of awe-inspiring grandeur. Walkways enable us to get up close and even under the falls themselves.
DAY 13 Iguazu Falls
This morning we cross to the Brazilian side of the falls and visit the Iguazu River Canyon, with its superb views of the cascades.
DAY 14 Rio de Janeiro
We fly to Brazil and the lively city of Rio sandwiched between the mountains and the sea. We transfer to our hotel for a three-night stay and the rest of the day is free.
DAY 15 Rio de Janeiro
Our morning tour features two of the city’s most famous landmarks. We ride the cog railway to the top of Mount Corcovado, famous for its statue of Christ the Redeemer; then take the cable car to the summit of Sugar Loaf Mountain for unbelievable views of the city and beaches below. Lunch is included at the Churrascaria Barra Grill, one of the most sophisticated barbecue restaurants in Rio.
DAY 16 Rio de Janeiro
Enjoy a free day for independent sightseeing. Perhaps take a trip to the Tijuca rainforest or enjoy a cruise around Rio’s tropical islands.
DAYS 17 & 18 Rio de Janeiro/UK
We transfer to the airport and fly overnight to the UK.