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Details South American Sampler
Visit a selection of distinctly different countries on this magnificent 12-day Panorama vacation to
South America. The journey begins in Santiago, Chile, where you step back into the 16th century
as you local guide traces the city's history and heritage. Visit San Cristobal Hill, the
18th-century cathedral and the Pre-Colombian Art Museum. Also enjoy free time before taking a scenic
flight over the Andes to Buenos Aires, Argentina, the "Paris of South America." You have plenty
of time to visit quaint neighborhoods and cafes, as well as the Metropolitan Cathedral and the
burial site of Eva Peron. Next fly to Iguassu Falls and the magnificent panorama of 275 waterfalls.
Next is Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where you enjoy a visit to Sugar Loaf Mountain, a drive
along the famous Ipanema and Copacabana Beaches, plus a scenic cog railway ride to the top of
Corcovado Mountain. Enjoy a farewell dinner and samba show.
Day 1
Arrival In Santiago, Chile
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| Welcome to Santiago, Chile's capital. This country is more than ten times longer than
wide, with 2,650 miles of beautiful Pacific coastline. Rooms are ready so that you can freshen
up and rest before taking a first look at Santiago. This afternoon meet your Tour Director and
traveling companions for an orientation drive through the city before this evening's WELCOME
DINNER. (D)
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Day 2
Santiago
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| Located in the center of the country and perched between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes,
Santiago has evolved as the country's political, commercial, and cultural capital. Step back
into the 16th century as your local guide traces the city's history and heritage. Start at
La Moneda, the official Government Palace, and nearby SAN CRISTOBAL HILL with its landmark
statue of the Virgin Mary. After visiting the PRE-COLOMBIAN ART MUSEUM, your tour ends at
the Plaza de Armas, the main square, with a visit to the 18th-century CATHEDRAL.
The afternoon and evening are at your leisure. (B)
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Day 3
Santiago
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| The day is free for independent activities. You may want to take advantage of an optional
excursion to the beautiful coastal region west of Santiago. Drive through the undulating hills
of Chile's wine country to the historic port of Valparaiso and continue along the coast to
nearby Vina del Mar. This chic seaside resort with palm tree-lined avenues and lovely villas
truly deserves the sobriquet "Pearl of the Pacific." (B,D)
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Day 4
Santiago-Buenos Aires, Argentina
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| This morning, relax during a scenic flight over the Andes before arriving in Buenos Aires,
proud capital of the vast country that occupies most of the southern part of the continent.
En route to your central hotel, an orientation drive acquaints you with the "Paris of South
America" and its wide boulevards and outdoor cafes. (B)
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Day 5
Buenos Aires
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| Your included sightseeing this morning starts in La Boca, a colorful district and site of the
city's first port. Take a short walking tour of this unique neighborhood at the mouth of the
river and then on to San Telmo-famous for its late colonial buildings and as a popular gathering
spot for artists. At the Plaza de Mayo, see La Casa Rosada (the President's Pink House) and the
METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL, housing San Martin's Mausoleum. Drive past the ornate Colon Opera House
before reaching THE CEMETERY OF THE RECOLETA, the burial site of Eva Peron. After an afternoon
at leisure, savor the atmosphere of this cosmopolitan capital on the included evening excursion:
dinner at a typical restaurant featuring succulent Argentine steaks and other specialties,
followed by a flawless PERFORMANCE of Latin America's most sensuous dance-the tango! (B,D)
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Day 6
Buenos Aires
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| Today enjoy an included excursion to the PAMPAS. Experience the atmosphere of Argentine
country life as you visit an estancia (ranch). Get acquainted with the lifestyle of the
gauchos and enjoy a typical asado (barbeque) lunch and the warm hospitality of your hosts before
returning to the city. (B,L)
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Day 7
Buenos Aires-Iguassu Falls
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| Fly to Iguassu. The afternoon is dedicated to enjoying the magnificent panorama of
IGUASSU WATERFALLS. The spectacle of this two-mile-wide torrential downpour-with some cataracts
as high as 250 feet-is nothing short of hypnotic. The clouds of spray, the incessant roar,
and the surrounding luxuriant tropical growth make this an unforgettable natural wonder. (B,D)
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Day 8
Iguassu Falls-Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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| A morning tour of the Brazilian side of the falls before your flight to Rio. The remainder
of the day is at leisure for you to experience this vibrant city on your own. (B)
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Day 9
Rio de Janeiro
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| Your guided city tour starts in downtown Rio, where modern office towers stand next to
relics of the Portuguese colonial past. View the Sambodromo and visit the CATHEDRAL. Drive
along famous Ipanema and Copacabana beaches to the base of 1,300-foot SUGAR LOAF MOUNTAIN.
Ascend by cable car to its summit, from where you savor spectacular vistas of the city while
toasting a memorable vacation with caiparhinas, a favorite Brazilian cocktail. Tonight enjoy a
dinner at a popular local restaurant. (B,D)
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Day 10
Rio de Janeiro
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| Enjoy a full day at leisure to fill as you wish. This morning you may choose to join the
optional 4x4 tour to visit the Botanical Gardens, with its splendid orchid exhibit, and the
bird sanctuary in Tijuca National Park. This afternoon sightseers might elect to discover
historic Petropolis, a mountain resort and the site of the former summer palace of Emperor Dom
Pedro II. The shoppers will want to seek out silver jewelry, leather goods, and lacework.
Evening at leisure. (B)
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Day 11
Rio de Janeiro
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| The city's landmark, the statue of Christ the Redeemer, crowns CORCOVADO MOUNTAIN, a rounded
peak rising 2,300 feet from the bay below. A scenic ride by cog railway leads to the top,
where a breathtaking 360-degree panorama affords sweeping views. This afternoon you may opt
to relax on one of the world famous beaches or participate in world class shopping or fine
dining. Your Tour Director will be available throughout the day to advise you on any special
activities or available optional tours. This evening your Tour Director hosts a FAREWELL DINNER
at a churrascaria for a feast of barbecued meats marinated and roasted over charcoal in true
Brazilian style, followed by a SAMBA SHOW where the sheer vitality of this country explodes
in a colorful extravaganza. (B,D)
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Day 12
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| A full day at leisure. (B)
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Day 13
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| Tour ends. (B)
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Additional Information
Meals
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| - American breakfast daily (B); barbeque lunch in the pampas (L); and 6 dinners (D),
including a welcome dinner in Santiago, a steak dinner with tango show in Buenos Aires and
a churrascaria farewell dinner with samba show in Rio
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City Highlights
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- SANTIAGO Sightseeing with local guide, visit San Cristobal Hill, the Pre-Columbian
Art Museum, and the cathedral BUENOS AIRES Sightseeing with a local guide, visit the
Metropolitan Cathedral and Cemetery of the Recoleta, visit an estancia, enjoy a tango
show IGUASSU FALLS Sightseeing with local guide, visit both sides of the falls RIO DE
JANEIRO Sightseeing with local guides, visit Sugar Loaf, Corcovado Mountain and the
cathedral, enjoy a samba show
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- Please note surcharges may apply due to special events on in the different cities -
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