Chile, Argentina & Brazil Rio Carnival Special Departure

Itineraries

• Day 1 UK to Santiago
• Today you'll fly to Santiago, via Sao Paulo.
• Day 2 Santiago
• The capital of Chile, Santiago lies in a lovely setting beneath the majestic Andes and is a city of wide boulevards and delightful parks and gardens. The Presidential Palace and the residential districts of Las Condes and Providencia, famous for their beautiful homes, are must-see sights and we will take them all in on our tour today. At San Cristobal Hill, we'll round off our day with the spectacular views of the foothills of the snow-capped Andes. Get to know your travelling companions better over a drink this evening
• Day 3 Santiago
• Wine production is an important industry in Chile and a drive through dramatic mountain ranges and the colourful orchards and citrus groves of the region will lead us to the Indomita vineyard, where we can taste award-winning wines on an optional excursion. Via del Mar, known as the 'Garden City', is bursting with colourful blooms as its nickname suggests. You will have the chance to admire the unique Flower Clock, palm-fringed avenues, Fine Arts Museum, Municipal Casino and the beautiful Rioja Palace. We then move on to the coastal city of Valparaso. Alemania Avenue is the only road that traverses the famous hills on which the city is built. As we drive along the road we will enjoy panoramic views of the impressive port. You will also visit La Sebastiana, one of the former homes of the laureate Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda, plus Fisherman's Wharf, Plaza Sotomayor, and the Naval Academy.
• Day 4 Mendoza
• Driving over the Andes offers views of Mount Aconcagua, which at 23,000ft is the highest peak in the Americas. On our journey we'll retrace the steps of Native Indians, Incas and the first Spanish settlers on our way to Mendoza, where today more than 60% of the country's wine is produced. The grapes from this region are used for white wines including chenin blanc and reds such as cabernet sauvignon.
• Day 5 Mendoza
• Today has been left free for you to enjoy at leisure. However, if you'd like to join an optional excursion, you can join a vineyard tour by bicyle. We'll head to the wine region of Maip, where we'll stop at two vineyards to learn about production methods and sample the famed wines of the region including Chardonnay, Syrah and Malbec. Our tastings will be accompanied by a selection of cheeses and sausages, and of course a lovely cycle through vineyards with the stunning backdrop of the Andes.
• Day 6 Buenos Aires
• Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, is dubbed the 'Paris of the Americas' and is our destination today. Highlights include Plaza de Mayo, where the Casa Rosada (Government House) is the focal point. La Boca District is renowned for its brightly painted houses, and is now an artists' colony, while Recoleta cemetery is famous as the burial place of Eva Peron. This evening, why not join The Argentine Experience. This optional fun night out is perfect if you want to learn more about the Argentinian culture and its cuisine. You'll enjoy some delicious food, learn how to order your steak just how you like it, in Spanish, and prepare the perfect empanada. You'll also get to make your very own 'mate', a traditional caffeine-rich drink.
• Days 7 & 8 Buenos Aires
• Tigre and Parana Delta is a labyrinth of magnificent waterways fed by the Parana River. You can explore this maze of riverside villas, Victorian docks and English-style gardens from a traditional riverboat on an optional excursion on day 7. For a taste of the city's culture, join us for an optional dinner and tango show this evening. On day 8, take the option to travel to the heart of Argentina's Pampas to experience a typical 'estancia' (ranch). Alternatively, enjoy a couple of days getting to know the city at your own pace.
• Days 9 & 10 Igua Falls
• Journey into the Igua National Park, taking the small train that leads through the jungle to the Argentinian side of the Igua Falls. Situated at the meeting point of three countries – Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina – the Falls are one of the world's largest natural wonders.
• Day 11 Rio de Janeiro
• Today you could take the option to view the Falls from the Brazilian side. This afternoon we'll fly to Rio de Janeiro.
• Day 12 Rio de Janeiro (Carnival)
• This evening you will enjoy the 'greatest party on earth'. The Winner's Parade is the last event of the annual Rio Carnival. Take your reserved seats in the Sambadromo and prepare to be amazed as the five best samba schools parade in front of you. The music, costumes and floats are simply spectacular and the atmosphere is one of fun, frivolity and celebration.
• Day 13 Rio de Janeiro
• Rio is beautifully situated beneath Sugarloaf Mountain and blessed with the magnificent beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. Corcovado, home to the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer, is the perfect introduction to the city and we include a visit here today. To reach the statue well ascend via cog railway, enjoying superb views as we go. To view the city from the top of the mountain, join our optional excursion via cable car. Alternatively, explore Rio at your own pace this afternoon. This evening well gather as a gr oup f or a farewell dinner.
• Days 14 & 15 Rio de Janeiro to UK
• There's time to explore Rio before your return flight on day 14, arriving in the UK on day 15.