Splendours of South America

Splendours of South America

Explore the highlights of Brazil, Chile and Argentina on a tour combining some of South America's most spectacular nature and exciting cities. Begin in the foothills of the Andes with a tour of Santiago's historical centre. Continue to the peaks, lakes and glaciers of Patagonia, before visiting the birthplace of tango in Buenos Aires. After admiring the Iguazú Falls, unwind on Rio de Janeiro's most famous beach.

What's Included:

• Small group size - average 14 people (max 20)
• 4- & 5-star accommodation
• Flexible - extensions, room & flight upgrades available
• International flights with British Airways
• Internal flights
• Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
• Experienced local tour guides in each destination
• 15 breakfasts & 1 lunch
• Guided sightseeing & entrance fees except at Iguaçu/ Iguazú
• Porterage at airports

Day 1: Fly to Santiago

Fly from London (regional connections available) to Santiago with British Airways. (N)

Day 2: Santiago

Arrive and transfer to the Pullman Santiago El Bosque for a 2-night stay. Optional afternoon visit to a nearby winery. (N)

Day 3: Santiago

Morning city tour including the historic centre, San Cristobal hill and the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art. Afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 4: Fly to Punta Arenas - Patagonia

Fly to Punta Arenas for a short tour and views of the Strait of Magellan. Continue through the vast wilderness to Puerto Natales. Overnight at Hotel Costaustralis (fjord-view room). (B)

Day 5: Torres del Paine

Full-day excursion to Torres del Paine National Park to see its peaks, glacier lakes and Patagonian wildlife. Stay 2 nights at Hotel Lago Grey (upgrade to a superior room with glacier view from £45 per person). (B, L)

Day 6: Torres del Paine

Morning walk in the national park, close to Lake Sarmiento and Amarga lagoon. Afternoon at leisure or optional excursions in the park. (B)

Day 7: El Calafate, Argentina

Cross the border to El Calafate in Argentina and stay 2 nights at the Hotel Kosten Aike. (B)

Day 8: Perito Moreno Glacier

Full-day tour of Perito Moreno Glacier. Optional boat trip in front of the gigantic glacier wall. (B)

Day 9: Fly to Buenos Aires

Fly to Buenos Aires and transfer to the Alvear Art Hotel for 3 nights. (B)

Day 10: Buenos Aires

Half-day tour of the elegant capital city and the colourful La Boca district. (B)

Day 11: Buenos Aires

Day at leisure or take optional excursion to an estancia in the Pampas or Colonia in Uruguay (B)

Day 12: Fly to Iguazú

Fly to Iguazú Falls and visit the Brazilian side of these striking cataracts. Transfer back to the Argentinian side of the falls and stay for 2 nights at the Gran Melia Iguazú inside the national park (upgrade to a falls-view room from £125). (B)

Day 13: Iguazú

Day at leisure to explore the various walkways on the Argentinian side at your own pace. Take the chance to experience the falls at dawn or sunset when the park is closed to other visitors.(B)

Day 14: Fly to Rio Janeiro, Brazil

Fly to Rio, set on a natural bay and surrounded by mountains. Stay at the luxury Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana (deluxe city/partial ocean view room) on the iconic beach for 3 nights. Upgrade to a deluxe oceanfront room from £115. (B)

Day 15: Rio de Janeiro

Full-day city tour including Corcovado, the statue of Christ the Redeemer and a cable car ride up Sugar Loaf Mountain. (B)

Day 16: Rio de Janeiro

Day at leisure or optional excursions including a visit to the old centre of Rio or a 4x4 tour to Tijuca forest.(B)

Day 17: Fly overnight to London

Overnight flight to London with British Airways. Please enquire for supplements for day room if required. (B)

Day 18: Arrive in London