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.)

Day 2: RIO DE JANEIRO FREE TIME & 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.(Full Breakfast / Welcome Reception)

Day 3: RIO DE JANEIRO SIGHTSEEING & FREE TIME
Board a classic cogwheel train for the journey to the summit of majestic Corcovado, site of the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. After admiring the panoramic views, head back down the mountain for a chance to learn about a Local Speciality, Brazil's precious gemstones. You'll be fascinated by the creative process as you watch precious metals and rough gemstones transformed into works of art. Stop for a Highlight Lunch at a local restaurant and then see the song inspiring Copacabana and Ipanema beaches on your way back to your hotel. This evening, learn how to mix the perfect Caipirinha, a Local Speciality, and Brazil's national cocktail made with cachaça. You'll also indulge in a traditional barbeque Highlight Dinner at a local churrascaria. Feel the spirit of Rio's world-famous Carnival as you're treated to a lively extravaganza of Samba song-and-dance.(Full Breakfast / Highlight Lunch / Highlight Dinner)

Day 4: RIO DE JANEIRO FREE TIME
Enjoy a full day to explore Rio on your own—or choose from an array of optional outings: take a half-day journey by jeep and foot into the lush Tijuca National Park, the world's largest urban rainforest; perhaps explore Petropolis, the Imperial City of Brazil; or cruise emerald Sepetiba Bay, stopping at a pristine island for lunch and swimming. Enjoy the rest of the day on your own.(Full Breakfast)

Day 5: RIO DE JANEIRO - IGUASSU FALLS
Fly to magnificent Iguassu Falls, bordering Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. Enter Iguassu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to one of the world's largest waterfalls and to such endangered species as the giant otter and the giant anteater. Explore the Brazilian side of the cascades with a Local Guide and take a scenic walk through the rainforest at the base of the falls.(Full Breakfast / Dinner)

Day 6: IGUASSU FALLS - BUENOS AIRES (4 NIGHTS)
Cross the border to Argentina. Stop at the Visitors Centre and take a scenic walk before boarding the open-air Ecological Jungle Train for a different vantage point on the mighty falls and a spectacular view of the thunderous Devil's Throat Falls. Fly to Buenos Aires and arrive at your stylish hotel in the heart of Argentina's sizzling capital, just steps from designer boutiques, fine dining, museums, theatres and the famous Teatro Colon. Enjoy a light buffet dinner at your hotel, followed by a presentation by a Local Expert on the passions and traditions of the Argentinean people—the wine, the tango, the beef and the soccer.(Full Breakfast / Dinner)

Day 7: BUENOS AIRES SIGHTSEEING
Join your Local Guide and embark on an in-depth tour of this passionate city. See the Plaza de Mayo, the pink Casa Rosada, and the renowned Teatro Colon where legendary stars Maria Callas and Caruso have performed; then view the colourful and fashionable neighbourhoods of La Boca, San Telmo and Palermo. Learn how the Local Speciality of Argentine leathers are turned into fine leather goods at the workshop of a master leather artisan. Drive along the stately Avenida 9 de Julio, said to be the widest street in the world, to the elegant Recoleta. See the impressive cemetery where Eva Peron (Evita), Argentina's former first lady, is buried, as well as the museum dedicated to her in Palermo. Return to your hotel this afternoon and enjoy some time on your own. Later, join 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.(Full Breakfast / Be My Guest)

Day 8: COLONIA DEL SACRAMENTO EXCURSION
Cross the Rio de la Plata by hydrofoil this morning. On the Uruguayan side, a Local Guide takes you on a walk through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic district of the charming Colonia del Sacramento. After a leisurely Highlight Lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy time to stroll the exclusive art galleries and shops on your own. Return by hydrofoil to Argentina later this afternoon.(Full Breakfast / Highlight Lunch)

Day 9: BUENOS AIRES FREE TIME
Relish a day on your own in the “Paris of South America”. If you like, take an optional trip to a traditional Argentinean estancia (ranch) for the day; share a drink with the local gauchos (cowboys), marvel at their horsemanship during a lively equestrian show and then feast on a traditional parrillada (barbeque) lunch. Back in the city, linger over a Highlight Dinner and a chance for an authentic taste of world-renowned Argentinean beef! Cap off the evening watching a sensual performance of the best tango dancers in Buenos Aires.(Full Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)

Day 10: BUENOS AIRES - BARILOCHE (2 NIGHTS)
Fly to the edge of the Andes and the lovely resort town of San Carlos de Bariloche. Enjoy the afternoon to explore the town on your own—perhaps visit the many chocolate shops, browse the quaint boutiques or take a stroll in the parks along the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi. Tonight, share your stories with your travel companions during dinner at your hotel.(Full Breakfast / Dinner)

Day 11: BARILOCHE SIGHTSEEING & FREE TIME
Discover the natural wonders of one of Argentina's prettiest areas, known as the “Switzerland of South America”. Meet your Local Guide and travel along the “Circuito Chico” for spectacular vistas of forests, mountains and sparkling waters in Nahuel Huapi National Park. Visit lovely Playa Bonita, soak up the scenery from hilltop St. Edward's Chapel on the Llao Llao Peninsula, and ride a chairlift to the top of Cerro Campanario for sweeping views of Lake Nahuel Huapi, the Llao Llao Peninsula, and the high peaks of Catedral and Tronador. Then, find out about Bariloche's chocolate connection with a visit to the Chocolate Museum. After a briefing on some 2,000 years of chocolate history, view the production area, and, of course, sample an array of this Local Speciality. The rest of the day is free in Bariloche.(Full Breakfast)

Day 12: BARILOCHE - ANDEAN LAKE DISTRICT CRUISE - PUERTO VARAS (2 NIGHTS)
Today, journey by land and water across the breathtaking Lake District straddling Argentina and Chile to marvel at some of the Southern Hemisphere's most stunning landscapes. Soak in the breathtaking scenery of snow-capped mountain peaks, gloriously green forests and sapphire blue lakes as you cruise upon lakes Nahuel Huapi and Frias and drive across the Chilean border to Peulla for an included lunch. Board another catamaran for the scenic crossing of Todos Los Santos Lake with the mighty Osorno volcano looming in the background. Keep an eye out for Andean condors gliding over the lakes and mountains. Make a stop at the Petrohue River to see the burbling waterfalls cascade over the black volcanic rock. Arrive in Puerto Varas, one of Chile's most charming villages, located on the banks of Lake Llanquihue. Check in to your lakefront hotel and enjoy a light dinner.(Full Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 13: PUERTO VARAS FREE TIME
Relish an entire day to relax, pursue your own interests and perhaps explore the city at your own pace. Puerto Varas is renowned for its spectacular views of the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes. Discover why it is also known as the “City of Roses” with its stunning rose arbors and Germanic-style architecture gracing the many centuries-old houses and churches that dot this tranquil town. Relax at one of the many cafés, trendy restaurants or delve into the budding bar scene. As an option, take an excursion to the isolated island of Chiloe to get acquainted with the mythical world of the island and its traditional architecture, including its typical wooden churches (depending on local weather conditions, a visit to several Magellan and Humboldt penguin colonies is also included as part of this optional excursion).(Full Breakfast)

Day 14: PUERTO VARAS - PUERTO MONTT - SANTIAGO (2 NIGHTS)
Bid farewell to Patagonia and fly north from Puerto Montt to the Chilean capital. Upon arrival, meet your Local Guide and embark on an orientation tour of this vibrant city, travelling past Club Hipico—the regal racetrack—and sprawling Parque O'Higgins. Cruise along Alameda Avenue past the Church of San Francisco and the University of Chile on your way to the vibrant Plaza de Armas with its fountains and sculptures. View the Palacio de la Moneda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Central Market. Drive up San Cristobal Hill for panoramic views of the city and the snow-capped Andes. Then head for the Maipo Valley, Chile's most traditional wine-producing valley known for its premium wines. Visit an exclusive winery where you will meet the winemaker, and Local Expert, for a personalised winery experience, from the vineyards to the bottling process. Celebrate Chile's proud wine-making traditions with a Wine Tasting, followed by a gourmet Highlight Lunch served alfresco on the beautiful grounds. Return to Santiago and enjoy the rest of the day on your own. Your hotel is situated in one of Santiago's most beautiful neighbourhoods, near boutiques, bars and restaurants.(Full Breakfast / Highlight Lunch)

Day 15: SANTIAGO FREE TIME
Enjoy a day in Santiago on your own. Explore further, or perhaps embark on an optional trip to Valparaiso, site of a historic naval battle and the seaside resort of Vina del Mar. This evening, gather for a festive Farewell Dinner with a folklore show featuring elaborately costumed dancers representing Chile and Easter Island's native people.(Full Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

Day 16: DEPART SANTIAGO
Say hasta luego to Chile this morning and transfer to the airport for your flight home (not included in holiday price). For your comfort, your rooms are reserved until 6 p.m., or until you are taken to the airport for your onward flight arrangements.(Continental Breakfast/Full Breakfast)