Rio de Janeiro to Santiago, (from Valparaiso) - 16 nights, January 2014

Take in the highlights of the city, visit Pitamigilio’s House, and listen to the sounds of tango music.

Your panoramic drive will take you into the old town, passing by many historic sites including Constitution Square, the Cathedral, Colonial Town Hall and the Solis Theatre. Marvel at Independence Square which features a monument dedicated to Uruguay’s national hero, General José Gervasio Artigas. Continue past the Prado neighbourhood, hosting the famous sculpture La Diligencia (the stage coach), view the obelisk, La Carreta (covered wagon monument) and the football stadium. Stop at Plaza Virgilio to view the monument dedicated to the Fallen Soldiers of the Navy, and enjoy excellent views of the city.

Visit Pittamiglio’s House for a glass of local champagne, while tango music is played by musicians. Humberto Pittamiglio was an acknowledged engineer and architect of Montevideo born in Italy in 1886. This castle is a genuine labyrinth of 1300 square metres distributed in
architecture of unfounded levels, that become broken as they follow one another without apparent logic, representing the successive transformations of man in its passage through the earth life.

Note: There is a moderate amount of walking on this tour with several steps at the Congress Building and at Pittamiglio’s house.

Step back in time with a memorable trip on a steam train to Colon and then take in the highlights of the city by coach.

You will embark the steam train directly from the pier so you can sit back, relax and enjoy your ride to Colon station. After your exciting steam train ride, your awaiting coach will take you on a highlights tour of the city of Montevideo.

Drive past the Prado neighbourhood, home to one of the oldest parks in the city which hosts the famous sculpture La Diligencia (the stage coach). You will have the opportunity to stop and admire this celebrated piece before continuing on past the monuments to the last Charruas Indians. Enjoy a photograph stop at the Congress building before continuing to the Batlle & Ordoñez Park, view the Obelisk, La Carreta (Covered Wagon) monument and the Football Stadium.

Explore the residential area of Carrasco stopping at Plaza Virgilio to view the monument dedicated to the Fallen Soldiers of the Navy and enjoy excellent views of the city. Driving onwards take in the views of the striking coastline and its beaches.

Your scenic return drive will take you into the Old City, where you will have time at Independence Square at the centre of which stands a monument dedicated to Uruguay’s national hero, José Gervasio Artigas, also known as ‘the father of Uruguayan independence.’

Note: Guests are required to negotiate several steps to embark the steam train. This tour may return slightly earlier than scheduled if traffic is light.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city of Rio with a visit to the historic summer getaway of Petropolis.

Petropolis is a beautiful mountain town, located in the north eastern region of Brazil. The town’s name ‘City of Peter’ honours the first emperor of the nation.

A spectacular scenic drive takes you through the often unseen mountains outside of Rio to the popular summer resort of Petropolis. Also known as ‘The Imperial City of Brazil’, this quaint European-like town was once the summer residence of Dom Pedro II, Brazil’s last emperor.

Spend time at the beautiful Cathedral before visiting the Imperial Museum, home of the crown jewels as well as an impressive collection of fine china, furniture, paintings and tapestries from the imperial court.

Luncheon is served in a typical churrascaria (traditional steakhouse) in Petropolis.

After luncheon, you will have an opportunity to visit Santos Dumont House, former home of the aviation pioneer, Alberto Santos Dumont, also known as Casa Encantada (enchanted house).

Note: Order of highlights may be reversed. Please be advised that there is approximately one hour of walking on this tour over mostly flat terrain.

This tour offers the fantastic opportunity to witness the beautiful coastline of the Guanabara Bay by schooner.

Your scenic transfer will take you to the appealing Marina da Gloria to board your schooner and set off on your unique journey to unforgettable shorelines.

The schooner will sail along the coastline of Rio de Janeiro, passing by the famous beaches such as Flamengo, Botafogo and Urca, offering outstanding views of Sugar Loaf Mountain. Glide towards the Niterói beaches; Niterói is separated from the capital by the Guanabara Bay.

Relax onboard whilst enjoying local refreshments admiring the brilliant coastlines of Jurujuba, Charitas and Icaraí. You will also enjoy views of Fiscal Island, Rio-Niterói Bridge and historic fortresses.

This cruise is a wonderful opportunity to become acquainted with Rio and the beautiful Guanabara Bay from a totally different perspective.

Note: Please be advised that there is approximately 15 minutes of walking from the coach to the pier. The operation of this tour is dependent on weather and sea conditions and the boat is only partially covered.

The perfect option for those who would like to see the sights of Rio, without the walking.

Your scenic drive will take you through downtown Rio, where the colonial past meets the modern day skyscrapers. Visit Rio’s modern Cathedral, which in spite of its size, has no columns inside to support it, making it a most interesting piece of architecture. The Cathedral is the seat of the cardinal archbishop of Rio De Janeiro and stands at a height of 246 feet. Pass the Sambodromo district where the famous world Carnival parades are held. See Flamengo Park, the largest leisure area and urban park in Rio with its strong sporting traditions.

Continue to the exclusive Botafogo Bay, the high class commerce community area, which offers stunning views of the legendary Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Pass by the Botanical Gardens, the Barra da Tijuca district and travel along the coast passing Rio’s popular beachfronts. See São Conrado, Leblon, famous Ipanema and, of course, Copacabana with its vibrant bars, elegant hotels and fashionable nightclubs.

Note: This tour does not include entrances and involves little walking. Neither flash photography, short sleeves nor shorts are permitted in the Cathedral.

A unique opportunity to witness the great and worthwhile work of the SOS Children’s Village Organisation.

SOS Children’s Villages are an independent, non-governmental social development organisation that works to meet the needs and protects the rights of children without parental care, providing a family-based care system that continues until adulthood. Families are built for children in need, so every child can belong to a family, where they can grow up loved and sheltered.

The village you will visit is situated on the outskirts of Montevideo, about ten miles to the east of the city. At present this is home to 85 children and youngsters living in 14 families, each in its own house. The village also includes the home of the village director, communal hall and a gym. Join the children for some activities, which may include painting, gardening, cookie-baking and handcrafting with the girls.

Note: There is minimal walking on this tour around the village over paved surfaces. A donation to the Organisation has been included in the tour cost. The order of the visits may change in accordance to the village co-ordinators. For more information please visit www.sos-childrensvillages.org.

Experience the lifestyle of a Uruguayan gaucho on this visit to the Estancia La Rábida; a day of relaxation and enjoyment.

Your tour begins with a scenic drive, allowing you to enjoy the sights of Montevideo city, including a stop at Independence Square and the Congress Building.

Travel to Estancia La Rábida, where a traditional Uruguayan family will welcome you into their home. This authentic working ranch with its 650 milking cows produces 12,000 litres of milk daily, with a little help from some state of the art technology.

Enjoy the perfect blend between rustic simplicity and cultural refinement, which characterise La Rábida. The ranch is a chosen location of Uruguayan Government officials, where distinguished guests are entertained and offered an authentic glimpse of Uruguayan life.

The scenery around the ranch is stunning with fields stretching onto high cliffs overlooking the striking beach coast of Rio de la Plata. Luncheon will be a traditional asado (barbeque).

As you relax and enjoy the ranch, take in the country sights and local birdlife or learn about the daily chores of gaucho life, such as sheep shearing or milking. The friendliness of the owners and staff at this unique place of beauty will leave you with a feeling that the ranch is a home away from home.

Note: This tour involves moderate walking over some muddy surfaces. Guests must be able to climb in and out of a dray truck or carriage on their own. Comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Seating at luncheon will be on straw bales.

Embrace the magic of this amazing city from the iconic mountain of Corcovado.

The mountain of Corcovado is topped by the immense 150-foot-high statue of Christ the Redeemer facing out over Guanabara Bay; it is one of the great enduring images of Rio de Janeiro. On a clear day you can virtually see the entire city, from the bustling downtown business district to the fantastic beaches of Copacabana.

Your scenic drive to Corcovado station will show you the sights and sounds of the city before boarding the cogwheel train to reach the peak of this outstanding monument. Climbing the 2,400 feet to the top is a breathtaking experience; be sure to take your camera to capture the incredible sights. Marvel at the magnificence of the statue and the wonderful views from this world famous landmark.

Your return drive will take you via some of the famous beaches in Rio including Leblon, Ipanema and the well known and beautiful Copacabana Beach.

Note: This tour involves approximately one hour of walking. Please be advised that there are many stairs to negotiate and possible long queues at Corcovado. The duration of the tour may be extended due to possible heavy traffic.

An opportunity to see virtually every landmark in Rio, with breathtaking views from Sugar Loaf and Corcovado Mountains.

Start your day with a fascinating city tour taking in the highlights and sights of this amazing city, featuring a ride along Rio’s most celebrated Guanabara Bay.

Ascend via cable car to the stunning Sugar Loaf Mountain rising 1,299 feet above sea level and experience breathtaking views of the Corcovado, sandy beaches, Rio de Janeiro-Niteroi Bridge and the city of Niteroi across the Bay.

A drive along Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon beaches leads you to a delightful luncheon venue, where you can relax and soak up the atmosphere of this unique city.

After luncheon, visit one of the new seven wonders of the modern world, the famous and awe inspiring Statue of Christ the Redeemer at the top of the Corcovado Mountain. You will reach the monument aboard the cogwheel railway, climbing 2,400 feet. From here, you can enjoy an outstanding view of Guanabara Bay.

Note: There are approximately 20 steps or a ten-minute walk up an incline at Sugar Loaf. Although there are now elevators and escalators available to reach the final summit of Corcovado, they may not, however, always be operational. Please be advised that due to the popularity of both highlights, especially at peak times, boarding of the train and cable car may involve a long wait, which is unavoidable as tickets cannot be pre-booked. The highlights on this tour may operate in reverse order to avoid congestion and the tour duration may be extended due to possible heavy traffic.

Discover the outstanding sights of Rio from the famed Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Your scenic drive takes you to the bustling downtown area, the heart of the commercial city, where traditional Rio blends with modern architecture. Passing through Rio Branco Avenue, you will see the classic Candelaria Church. Highlights en route include the Opera House, Cariocan Square and the 17th century Church of Santo Antonio. The dramatic contrasts between old and new Rio can clearly be seen during the tour.

Visit Rio’s modern Cathedral, with its fascinating architecture: in spite of its size, there are no columns inside to support it. Towering at 246 feet, the Cathedral has the capacity to hold 20,000 people.

The highlight of your tour will, without doubt, be a visit to the infamous Sugar Loaf Mountain. Transfer by cable car to the first stage of the giant rock, towering over the entrance to Guanabara Bay. The midway station invites you to admire the surroundings, before embarking on the second stage of the ride to the peak. From 1,230 feet, enjoy breathtaking views of the city on both sides.

Note: Order of highlights may be reversed. There is little walking involved on this tour, however guests are advised that there are approximately 20 steps or a ten-minute walk up an incline at Sugar Loaf. Please be prepared for queues at the cable car. Neither flash photography, short sleeves nor shorts are permitted in the Cathedral.

This city tour is perfect for a comprehensive overview of Montevideo´s monuments, parks and gardens.

Your scenic drive will take you into the old town, passing by many historic sites including Constitution Square, the Cathedral, Colonial Town Hall and the Solis Theatre. Marvel at Independence Square which features a monument dedicated to Uruguay’s national hero, General José Gervasio Artigas. Your drive continues past 18 de Julio, the main street of the commercial area lined with shops, cafés and office buildings, before stopping for a visit inside the Congress Building. Constructed between 1908 and 1925 with local marble of 52 colours and 12 types of wood, this immense building is the pride of Uruguay.

Leaving the old town area, drive past the Prado neighbourhood, where one of the oldest parks in the city hosts the famous sculpture La Diligencia (the stage coach). You will have the opportunity to stop and admire this celebrated piece before continuing to view the monuments to the last Charruas Indians. Before leaving the Prado area, stop at the Batlle and Ordoñez Park; view the obelisk, La Carreta (covered wagon monument) and the football stadium.

The final call on this tour will be in the residential area of Carrasco. Stop at Plaza Virgilio to view the monument dedicated to the Fallen Soldiers of the Navy, and enjoy excellent views of the city. On your charming return drive, take in the views of the striking coastline and its beaches.

Note: There is approximately one hour of intermittent walking on this tour.