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Bear witness to South America's iconic cities and landscapes as you journey to World Heritage Sites and unlock a diverse continent steeped in dynamic cultures and ancient Inca history.
Travelstyle D Icon
Travel Style - Discoveries
For those wanting to visit multiple countries in a single trip.
Welcome to the "City of Kings". On arrival in the Peruvian capital of Lima, you'll be transferred to your hotel in the exclusive barrio of San Isidro. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Reception where you will meet your fellow travellers and Travel Director.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Novotel Lima
Embark on a full day exploring Francisco Pizarro's Capital of the New World. Immerse yourself in Lima's UNESCO-listed Historic Center, admiring the Plaza de Armas with its iconic cathedral and government palace. Visit the Church of San Francisco, descending into the catacombs where Lima's residents were buried for centuries. Later this morning, we'll meet local chef Ignacio Barrios, joining him for a walk through a local market while he explains how the local produce is used in traditional Peruvian cooking. Visit his cooking school for a Be My Guest lunch where you'll gain insights into preparing some of the most popular local dishes, then 'Connect with Locals' over lunch, sampling some of the dishes that were prepared. The rest of the afternoon and evening are yours to explore on your terms.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Be My Guest
Optional Experience
La Dama Juana Restaurant And Folklore Show
La Dama Juana Restaurant combines typical Peruvian food with traditional folkloric dancing. The food is served buffet-style in clay pots. As you dine, watch the energetic dancers perform colonial and Inca ceremonial dances. The costumes are colorful and the music is lively. Gratuity included. Total duration is approximately 3 hours.
Adult Price: $65.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Magic Circuit Of The Water
The Magic Circuit of the Water is the world's largest fountain complex of beautiful interactive fountains featuring swaying water, colored lights and lasers dancing with the music. The Magic Fountain forces water to a height of more than 250 feet (80 meters). This optional experience is available Wednesday to Sunday. Total duration is approximately 2.5 hours
Adult Price: $27.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 3
Lima – Cusco – Sacred Valley
We'll visit the Pisac market and admire the exquisitely crafted Quechuan wares. 'Dive into Culture' and meet Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, a master Quechua weaver, and the first person from her village to attend university. She been an ambassador for Andean traditions since she began learning ancient pre-Columbian weaving techniques as a young girl in the 1960s. 'Make a Difference' as your visit helps to preserve and promote traditional pre-Columbian weaving techniques in the 21st century.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay
Our first stop on our journey back to the time of the Incas is Ollantaytambo, a former stronghold built using colossal stone blocks. We journey to the Lost City in the Clouds next, boarding the Vistadome train to the great citadel of Machu Picchu. Join your Local Specialist to explore the UNESCO-listed hilltop fortress including the great Temple of the Sun, the House of the Priest, the Sacred Plaza and intricately carved Intihuatana. We'll dine at our hotel this evening.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - El Mapi by Inkaterra
Reconnect with Machu Picchu this morning. If you're feeling adventurous, hike up to the Gate of the Sun to witness first-hand the beauty of the misty peak and valley below. Take a moment to admire the stonework and ancient engineering feats that went into building this mystical city on top of an isolated mountain. This afternoon, we board a train to Cusco, stopping en route at a local chicheria for a taste of chicha. 'Dive into Culture' and learn how this traditional Peruvian corn beer is brewed by the local women of the nearby village.
Gear up for a full-day of Cusco sightseeing. Explore the Inca and Spanish roots of the "Imperial City", unlocking its best kept secrets with a Local Specialist. See the baroque Cathedral on the main Plaza de Armas, then delve deeper into the history of the Church of Santo Domingo, built atop Korikancha, the Temple of the Sun. Venture beyond the city to visit the intriguing megalith ruins of Sacsayhuaman. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure before gathering for a Regional Dinner at a local restaurant,. Savour Cusquenian gastronomy against the backdrop of a traditional dance performance.
Visit Moray, the Inca agricultural greenhouse or laboratory that consists of four platforms that seem to disappear into a crater. At a depth of 500 feet (150 meters), the overlapping concentric circular stone rings widen as they rise. It was an experimental location the Incas used to study the adaptation of plants with agriculture. Next is the village of Maras, renowned for its ancient salt mines and wells. The salt has been used for economic purposes since the time of the Inca. You will meet the villagers who explain ancient salt mining techniques and have a chance to participate. Total duration is approximately 4 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 5 Guests)
Adult Price: $86.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Visit and Workshop at Choco Museum
Visit the Choco Museum where you will learn the Peruvian chocolate making process from the cacao bean to the chocolate bar. You will participate in making the chocolate and experience the true feeling of a chocolate maker. Space is limited. Total duration approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 4 Guests)
Adult Price: $45.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 7
Cusco – Lima
We return to Lima where we'll have an afternoon at leisure to explore the city or simply relax. Later, meet your Local Specialist and curator at the Larco Museum, home to the largest private collection of 7th century pre-Columbian art in the world. Gain insights into the evolution and culture of ancient Peruvian societies as you explore this 18th century vice-royal mansion. Tonight, we enjoy a Regional Dinner alfresco in the museum's garden restaurant with all the essentials taken care of.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Novotel Lima
Bid farewell to Peru and fly to Chile's fashionable capital, Santiago. On arrival, you'll be taken to your luxury hotel in Las Condes.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - InterContinental Santiago
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 9
Santiago Sightseeing
Join a Local Specialist this morning for an in-depth orientation of the city. The flavours of crisp Chardonnay beckon after a visit to the city's Central market. We journey to Casablanca Valley, Chile's wine region, stopping at a popular winery for a gourmet lunch served out on the exquisite surrounds. 'Dive into Culture' and meet a local winemaker for a personalised winery experience with exclusive tasting.
We fly to the coastal port of Puerto Montt this morning. From there it's on to Puerto Varas for a tour of the "City of Roses". On arrival at your lakeside hotel, you'll have the rest of the day at leisure before joining your travel companions for dinner.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Cabanas del Lago
Puerto Varas – Lake Crossing – Bariloche (2 Nights)
This morning's first stop will see you admire the waters of Petrohue River cascading dramatically over volcanic rocks. We'll cruise over Todos Los Santos Lake, keeping a keen eye for Andean condors against the backdrop of the Osorno Volcano. Journey through unforgettable landscapes of snow-capped mountains, lush forests and alpine lakes. Enjoy a lunch stop in Peulla before crossing the border into Argentina. We'll cruise Lake Nahuel Huapi en route to Swiss-inspired Bariloche.
Meet a Local Specialist this morning, making your way along the "Circuito Chico" for epic mountain views and shimmering lake waters in Nahuel Huapi National Park. We visit Playa Bonita and admire the beautiful natural setting below from the hilltop of St. Edward's Chapel. Take a ride on the chairlift up to Cerro Campanario for a bird's eye view of the peaks of Catedral and Tronador. Today's "sweet spot" lies in Bariloche's centuries-old chocolate heritage. We 'Dive into Culture', exploring the production area and sampling a tantalising variety of melt-in-your-mouth selections.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 13
Bariloche – Buenos Aires (3 Nights)
Fly from the edge of Patagonia to the lively city of Buenos Aires where you will join your Travel Director and fellow travellers this evening for an exclusive 'Connect with Locals' dinner in Palermo Soho. A local family and long-time residents of this trendy neighbourhood welcome us into their home sharing the fruits of homemade family recipes for a Be My Guest experience. Discover the secrets of kneading fresh country bread and learn about the art of the Tango.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Alvear Art
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
Day 14
Buenos Aires Sightseeing
Connect with Argentina's capital this morning, joining a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of the iconic Casa Rosada and barrios of La Boca, San Telmo and Palermo. Spend some time admiring the ornate façades of Teatro Colon, then head to Recoleta cemetery to pay tribute to Argentina's former first lady, Eva Peron (Evita). Spend the afternoon at leisure, before meeting your travel companions for a Regional Dinner this evening to savour the authentic taste of Argentina Asado. 'Dive into Culture' as you witness the fire and passion of a traditional Tango performance by some of the best dancers in Buenos Aires.
Relish a morning and afternoon to explore the "Paris of South America" on your terms. Perhaps visit the country's finest museum, admiring the art on display at the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes or consider a visit into the country at a traditional estancia where you'll enjoy an authentic parrillada lunch.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Fiesta Gaucha With BBQ Lunch
Enjoy a great day as you head out into the pampas to visit an authentic 3,000 acre (1200 hectare) working estancia (Argentinean ranch) that dates back to the late 19th century. A BBQ will be served family style by Gauchos. Enjoy activities throughout the day including a folklore show, carriage rides and horse demonstrations. Total duration is approximately 7 hours. (For Private Trafalgar Transportation, a Minimum of 15 Guests is Required.)
Adult Price: $170.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Tigre Delta
Head to the northern outskirts of Buenos Aires to the lush countryside of the Tigre Delta on this outing. This area is a popular weekend getaway for Buenos Aires residents. The delta features pretty scenery, lovely summer residences, relaxing vibe, yachting and a chance to see another way of Argentine life. Your tour includes a cruise on the delta and if you are visiting on Saturdays, you can stroll through the local outdoor market. Total duration is approximately 4 hours.
Adult Price: $74.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 16
Buenos Aires – Iguassu Falls (2 Nights)
Fly to Iguassu Falls in Argentina and meet a Local Specialist for a visit to the UNESCO-listed Iguassu National Park. Take a front-row seat on board an open-air ecological jungle train, keeping your camera close at hand as you stroll along the walkways to get an up-close view of the fury of Devil's Throat Falls. We cross the border into Brazil and enjoy a relaxing evening and dinner at our resort.
Wake up in paradise and return to Iguassu National Park - this time to explore the Brazilian side of the falls. Your Local Specialist will be close at hand to take you on an immersive walk through the evergreen rainforest fed by the spray of the falls.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Bird Park
This family owned park is home to more than 900 native birds from 150 species. Enjoy a self-guided walking tour along a well-marked trail through subtropical forests. Enter aviaries to get more of an up close and personal view of the birds. Total duration is approximately 2.5 hours.
Adult Price: $55.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Dinner and Show at Churrascaria Rafain
Journey through South America Culture with a folkloric performance of Samba, Tango and Paraguayan Music while enjoying at traditional Brazilian barbecue dinner. Total duration approximately 5 hours. Gratuity Included (No Minimum)
Adult Price: $120.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 18
Iguassu Falls – Rio de Janeiro (3 Nights)
Enjoy a soul-stirring encounter with Iguassu National Park this morning, meeting your Local Specialist to gain further insights into this extraordinary natural wonderland. We'll fly to vibrant Rio de Janeiro this afternoon and transfer to our hotel with magnificent oceanviews over the playground of Copacabana Beach.
Your Rio adventure begins today as you join a Local Specialist to ascend Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car for spectacular city views. Make the most of your afternoon by exploring this vibrant city at your leisure.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 20
Rio de Janeiro Sightseeing
Hop aboard a classic cogwheel train to the summit of Corcovado, the site of the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. As the day unfolds, visit the iconic and unexpected sites with a Local Specialist including an 18th century aqueduct and colonial Candelaria Church. Later this afternoon, we'll 'Dive into Culture' at a Samba school for in-depth insights into how the school operates and prepares for the annual Rio Carnival. Admire the original costumes used in the celebrations. Then, sway those hips Samba-style as you take part in a private dance lesson accompanied by a musical Samba Trio. This evening, we'll visit a churrascaria for a Farewell Dinner complete with a splash of festive caipirinha mixing.
Today marks the last day of this Icons of South America adventure. Fit in some last-minute exploring and souvenir shopping until your transfer to the airport or consider extending your stay in Rio at the Miramar by Windsor.
La Dama Juana Restaurant combines typical Peruvian food with traditional folkloric dancing. The food is served buffet-style in clay pots. As you dine, watch the energetic dancers perform colonial and Inca ceremonial dances. The costumes are colorful and the music is lively. Gratuity included. Total duration is approximately 3 hours.
Adult Price: $65.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 2
Magic Circuit Of The Water
The Magic Circuit of the Water is the world's largest fountain complex of beautiful interactive fountains featuring swaying water, colored lights and lasers dancing with the music. The Magic Fountain forces water to a height of more than 250 feet (80 meters). This optional experience is available Wednesday to Sunday. Total duration is approximately 2.5 hours
Adult Price: $27.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 6
Moray And Moras
Visit Moray, the Inca agricultural greenhouse or laboratory that consists of four platforms that seem to disappear into a crater. At a depth of 500 feet (150 meters), the overlapping concentric circular stone rings widen as they rise. It was an experimental location the Incas used to study the adaptation of plants with agriculture. Next is the village of Maras, renowned for its ancient salt mines and wells. The salt has been used for economic purposes since the time of the Inca. You will meet the villagers who explain ancient salt mining techniques and have a chance to participate. Total duration is approximately 4 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 5 Guests)
Adult Price: $86.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 6
Visit and Workshop at Choco Museum
Visit the Choco Museum where you will learn the Peruvian chocolate making process from the cacao bean to the chocolate bar. You will participate in making the chocolate and experience the true feeling of a chocolate maker. Space is limited. Total duration approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 4 Guests)
Adult Price: $45.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 15
Fiesta Gaucha With BBQ Lunch
Enjoy a great day as you head out into the pampas to visit an authentic 3,000 acre (1200 hectare) working estancia (Argentinean ranch) that dates back to the late 19th century. A BBQ will be served family style by Gauchos. Enjoy activities throughout the day including a folklore show, carriage rides and horse demonstrations. Total duration is approximately 7 hours. (For Private Trafalgar Transportation, a Minimum of 15 Guests is Required.)
Adult Price: $170.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 15
Tigre Delta
Head to the northern outskirts of Buenos Aires to the lush countryside of the Tigre Delta on this outing. This area is a popular weekend getaway for Buenos Aires residents. The delta features pretty scenery, lovely summer residences, relaxing vibe, yachting and a chance to see another way of Argentine life. Your tour includes a cruise on the delta and if you are visiting on Saturdays, you can stroll through the local outdoor market. Total duration is approximately 4 hours.
Adult Price: $74.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 17
Bird Park
This family owned park is home to more than 900 native birds from 150 species. Enjoy a self-guided walking tour along a well-marked trail through subtropical forests. Enter aviaries to get more of an up close and personal view of the birds. Total duration is approximately 2.5 hours.
Adult Price: $55.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 17
Dinner and Show at Churrascaria Rafain
Journey through South America Culture with a folkloric performance of Samba, Tango and Paraguayan Music while enjoying at traditional Brazilian barbecue dinner. Total duration approximately 5 hours. Gratuity Included (No Minimum)
Adult Price: $120.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Visit a local market and meet Ignacio Barrios, award-winning chef, and visit his cooking school where you'll see a demonstration on how to prepare some of Peru's most popular foods and dine at the home of a local family in the bohemian neighbourhood of Palermo Soho with its European-style houses and hip attitude. (Days 2, 13)
DIVE INTO CULTURE
Meet a Quechua scholar to learn about Peruvian weaving. Visit a local chicheria for some traditional chicha tasting. Visit a winery in Chile's Casablanca valley and meet the winemaker for a personalised winery experience including a wine tasting. Learn about La Chocolaterie Van Wynsberghe bean to bar demonstration and sample a delicious array of locally made chocolates. Experience the beauty of the Tango and learn about its traditions. Visit a Samba school to see and experience this symbol of Brazil. (Days 3, 5, 9, 12, 14, 20)
LOCAL SPECIALIST
For included sightseeing in Lima, Machu Picchu, Cusco, at the Larco Museum, in Santiago, Bariloche, Buenos Aires, on both sides of Iguassu Falls and in Rio de Janeiro. (Days 4, 6, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
Sightseeing highlights
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ORIENTATION of Puerto Varas
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CRUISE in Chile's Lake Region
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SCENIC DRIVE through the Sacred Valley, in Peru's Andean highlands
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ICONIC TRAIN journey aboard the Vistadome train
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VISIT the Christ the Redeemer statue, Pisac, Sacsayhuaman, Ollantaytambo, two visits to Machu Picchu, Chile's wine country, Sugarloaf Mountain, Corcovado, Iguassu Falls
Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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A Trafalgar bonus - all Intra-Air Flights: Lima to Cusco, Cusco to Lima, Lima to Santiago, Santiago to Puerto Montt, Bariloche to Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires to Iguassu Falls and Iguassu Falls to Rio de Janeiro, including porter service at all airports
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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Handcrafted Highlights
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Optional Experiences and free time
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All porterage and local charges included
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Airport transfers on the first and last day of your guided holiday
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VIP entry to many sights
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LIVE, UNEDITED & INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS REVIEWS
Icons of South America Trip Reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
Overall Rating
4.5
Out of 5
Based on 53 independent reviews
Trip Rating
Customer experience
Trip rating is the overall quality of the itinerary and trip
4.6
Out of 5
5
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33
4
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19
3
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Customer experience is the standard of service you receive
We already did our survey while on our trip. We filled two different ones for the two different guides that we had. We gave high ratings on everything.
First I want to say that everything went well, the hotels, guides and many other services; all good and I’ll continue to use Trafalgar again. My issue was with the food. Beware, this trip is for meat eaters.
I thought this tour was really great. Peru was awesome and our Travel Director, Harvey, was one of the best TD’s we’ve ever had. He really gave off a vibe that it was his pleasure to make sure everyone was having a happy trip. Rodrigo was our Travel Director for the latter 2/3 of the trip (the rest of South America) and he was good too. He did what was necessary, kept us all on time, was really pleasant and fun to be around and took care of the folks who were not feeling the greatest. I would have preferred a bus rotation schedule as I found we had to go out to the bus earlier and earlier each day in order to get the front half of the bus. I really like Trafalgar’s policy on creating the bus rotation but they don’t seem to do that in S. America. Granted, it is more difficult there, as there are many different vehicle changes in the 21 days, but I found that annoying. I was also disappointed that Trafalgar canceled all the optional tours in Rio as they were maybe not 100% safe. We did them anyway and never felt unsafe at all. I do understand their hesitation and caution however. Both tour directors did a great job recommending restaurants, etc on our free time. Would definitely recommend this tour.
Crossovers: All 2021 departures will operate as per the 2020 brochure. Itineraries, durations, hotels and inclusions may vary. Please inquire at the time of booking.
Land and Intra Air prices include economy air and air-related charges for flights between Lima-Cusco, Cusco-Lima, Lima-Santiago, Santiago-Puerto Montt, Bariloche-Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires-Iguassu Falls and Iguassu Falls-Rio de Janeiro and require purchase of round-trip air travel on LATAM between your gateway city and the itinerary's start and end gateway cities. Prices are accurate as of 1 May 2020. For up-to-date information, see Terms and Conditions.
Guaranteed Room Share is not available on this trip.
Please note: In some locations, you will be required to walk on uneven terrain and climb stairs without handrails. You should be in good health and be able to walk without assistance.
Guaranteed Room Share is not available on this trip.
Note: On the train to Machu Picchu, only hand luggage (overnight bag) can be taken. Your suitcase will be securely stored and returned to you in Cusco.
Passport: Guest passport information for flights is required at time of final payment.
Trafalgar offers a selection of optional Itinerary Extensions to customize your vacation in South America. Please note, you cannot book these extensions online. To book and for more information, please contact your local Travel Agent or Trafalgar directly. For more information about the optional extensions offered on this program, please go to www.trafalgar.com/extensions.
"When you arrive at the city of Puerto Varas, visit the deck on the second floor of Cassis coffee shop. Try a Nutella crepe with strawberries and enjoy the view of the great Osorno Volcano surrounded by the Llanquihue Lake." Rodrigo Winterstein, Travel Director
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA). Does not apply to trips operated by Inspiring Journeys & our Mini-stays.
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
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