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Day 1
ARRIVE RIO DE JANEIRO (4 NIGHTS)
Bemvindo ao Rio de Janeiro! On arrival at the airport, you will be met by a local host and taken to your luxurious oceanfront hotel. Relax, get settled in and enjoy your hotel’s superb location overlooking Copacabana Beach, minutes from downtown Rio. (Check-in time is 3 p.m. Depending on your flight schedule, or if flying from the USA/Canada, you may arrive in Rio de Janeiro early morning of Day 2 where your hotel room is ready for immediate occupancy.)
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 2
RIO DE JANEIRO AT LEISURE & SIGHTSEEING
Enjoy a leisurely morning before joining your Travel Director for an exploration of the cidade maravilhosa (marvellous city) and its many contrasts, from the 18th century aqueduct and colonial Candelaria Church to the 20th century opera house, Sambodromo, and city Cathedral. Then, ascend Sugarloaf Mountain via cable car for astounding views over the city and the bay. This evening, enjoy a festive Welcome Reception at the hotel with your Travel Director and fellow travellers.
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Day 3
RIO DE JANEIRO SIGHTSEEING & AT LEISURE
Journey by cogwheel train to the summit of majestic Corcovado, site of the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Back down the mountain see the song-inspiring Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. Stop for a Highlight Lunch at a local restaurant then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 4
RIO DE JANEIRO AT LEISURE
Enjoy a full day to explore the wonders of Rio on your own. This evening, learn to mix a Local Speciality, the national cocktail—Caipirinha—and indulge in a traditional barbeque Highlight Dinner at a local churrascaria, followed by a Rio Carnival extravaganza of Samba song-and-dance.
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Day 5
RIO DE JANEIRO - IGUASSU FALLS (2 NIGHTS)
This morning, experience a Local Speciality as you watch and learn the process of transforming precious metals and rough Brazilian gemstones into works of art before flying to magnificent Iguassu Falls, on the border of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. These 275 separate falls cover nearly two miles along the Iguassu River. This evening, enjoy a convivial dinner with your companions at the hotel.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 6
IGUASSU FALLS SIGHTSEEING & AT LEISURE
Enter Iguassu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and meet your Local Guide to explore the Brazilian side of Iguassu, including a scenic walk through the rainforest at the base of the falls. After a Highlight Lunch at a restaurant overlooking the falls, return to your hotel for a leisurely afternoon. Maybe enjoy the hotel’s thermal pools or visit the Parque das Aves home to more than 500 species of tropical birds.
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Day 7
IGUASSU FALLS - BUENOS AIRES (3 NIGHTS)
Cross the border into Argentina and take a guided walk along a scenic catwalk. Board the open-air Ecological Jungle Train for a different perspective on the falls and see the thunderous Devil’s Throat Falls. Fly to Buenos Aires where your hotel is in the centre of all the action: boutiques, fine dining, museums and the famous Teatro Colon. This evening, enjoy a light buffet dinner with drinks followed by a presentation by a Local Expert on the country’s culture, traditions and passions such as tango, Malbec wines, beef, soccer and polo to name a few.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 8
BUENOS AIRES SIGHTSEEING & AT LEISURE
Embark on an in-depth tour with a Local Guide to see the Casa Rosada, Metropolitan Cathedral and other government buildings; world-renowned Teatro Colon; the colourful neighbourhood of La Boca; San Telmo’s famed outdoor market, and lovely Palermo. Watch and learn how the Local Speciality of Argentine leathers are turned into fine leather goods at the workshop of a master artisan. Lastly, visit the Recoleta Cemetery where Argentina’s former First Lady, Eva Peron (Evita), is buried. Enjoy some time at leisure before joining your Travel Director and fellow travellers for an exclusive Be My Guest experience in Palermo Soho this evening. You will be welcomed by a local family and long-time residents of this now trendy neighbourhood in the fashionable Palermo Viejo. Be delighted, as they wine and dine you with homemade family recipes in the kitchen, smelling and tasting the fresh produce, herbs and spices used in the evening meal. Discover the secrets of kneading country bread and even try with your own hands. Watch as your hosts demonstrate the art of typical Argentinean crafts. Spending time with these lively people will be an insider memory you won’t soon forget.
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Day 9
BUENOS AIRES AT LEISURE
A full day at leisure—explore on your own or perhaps take an optional excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay, or to a traditional estancia (ranch) to learn about the life of a gaucho (cowboy) while enjoying a barbeque lunch and equestrian show. This evening, get ready for a festive Farewell Dinner and a chance to savour renowned Argentinean beef followed by a sensual tango dance performance.
Day 10
DEPART BUENOS AIRES
Say hasta luego to Argentina today and transfer to the airport for your flight home (not included in holiday price). For your comfort, your rooms are reserved until 5 p.m.