Day 1: Rio de JaneiroArrival at the airport. You will be met by our driver and transferred to the hotel. Free time.
Take in the breathtaking view as your plane descends upon Rio de Janeiro – the 'Marvelous City' where rolling green hills, turquoise ocean, sandy beaches and high-rise urban development is all packed together in a unique blend of life and humanity. While you are driving to the hotel, you can get a different perspective of the city, passing through the colonial style buildings and along the world-famous beachfront. The natural beauty of Rio is almost transcendental and gives you a taste of the Amazon rainforest while still retaining everything that is so incredible about a Latin American city. A walk along the mosaic tiles of Copacabana reveals much about the life of a 'carioca' (Rio local) – a refreshing caipirinha as the waves lap against the shore, a fiercely competitive game of foot volleyball, and thousands of beachgoers sunning themselves on the white sands. You have truly arrived in paradise.
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Day 2 : Rio de JaneiroAfter breakfast in your hotel you will be taken to the mythical Sugarloaf mountain, protruding abruptly from out of the ground like an asteroid just fallen from space. A magnificent cable car ride will take you up to Urca Mountain, the stop off between ground level and Sugarloaf. From there you can enjoy a smooth cocktail or sample some of Brazil’s many signature dishes. Once arriving at the top of Sugarloaf mountain you will see the captivating beauty of Rio from a different angle, To your left you can see Copacabana beach stretching off into the distance, and on the horizon the faint outlines of Two Brothers and Gávea mountains. Below you is the quaint and intimate Red Beach, while to your right you can see across Guanabara Bay to Niterói and, closer in, Rio’s Botafogo and central neighborhoods, with the unmistakable silhouette of Christ the Saviour casting its eternal gaze over the city. This trip is essential to gain a different perspective on Rio, and to truly understand its beauty.
After descending the mountain by cable car, you will head into the Old Town and Centre, where colonial architecture still remains and many old churches such as the Candelária are still in use. The cobbled streets and bright colors are a stark contrast to the whitewashed, sunsoaked streets of Ipanema but in many ways are part of the authentic, nearly-forgotten Rio of old, and one can almost feel the hustle and bustle of hundreds of years ago when these streets were filled with merchants and citizens of the Portuguese Empire.
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Day 3: Rio de JaneiroBreakfast at the hotel
Free time. We advise you to relax and prepare for the big Carnival party coming up! A fantastic evening is waiting for you – Rio’s famous Carnival! You will be picked up at your hotel and taken to the Sambodromo where Brazil’s biggest party takes place. You will be able to be part of this huge festival and watch the representatives of the best Samba Schools of Brazil dancing and singing in front of you in their marvelous colorful costumes. The energy coming from the passers-by can be felt in every inch of the venue, and you will definitely fall for it. Sing along with the coral, dance to the drums, get excited with each School and emotional with it’s components, all this and more. You can enjoy this mind-blowing show the whole night – as long as you want to! You also have the option to be taken back to your hotel – in case you are too tired - after every samba school.
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Day 4: Rio de JaneiroTour to Corcovado Mountain + Christ the Redeemer Statue
After a delicious tropical breakfast in your hotel, you will head out on a trip to see the world-famous Christ the Saviour statue on top of Corcovado Mountain. A specially designed train will take you from the foot of the mountain along a winding road through the magical Tijuca rainforest where you will see some of the enchanting tropical wildlife on constant display in Rio, such as toucans, monkeys and armadillos. At the summit of Corcovado, 700m above sea level, proudly stands the iconic image seen around the world – a 38m high statue of Christ the Saviour. But that is not the only breathtaking thing about this place – when up close to the statue you will be overwhelmed by the stunning panoramic view of the city, so high up it seems as though you are truly flying with the birds around you. From the far reaches of Guanabara Bay, to the Maracanã Stadium, all along to Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana, Ipanema and Gávea Mountain, you can see the whole of Rio de Janeiro.
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Day 5: Rio de Janeiro – Foz do IguacuBreakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport with a driver only. Flight to Foz do Iguacu. Arrival in Foz do Iguacu airport. Meeting at the airport with your driver.
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Day 6: Foz do IguacuAfter breakfast you will have an excursion to the Brazilian side of the falls. A tranquil and calming walk along the edge of the falls provides the most spectacular view you have ever seen; over 250 overflowing with millions of gallons of water racing furiously down straight from the Amazon River. The sunlight flashing off the water has the mesmerizing effect of creating hundreds of rainbows as far as the eye can see. It is almost hard to believe, such is the breathtaking beauty of the rainforest paradise. After taking in the incredible views, the path takes you to the eye of the storm, the largest waterfall in the park, The Devil’s Throat. Water crashes off an 80m cliff edge into the Iguazu River, but you have the chance to meet the water via a walkway that leads you into the heart of the waterfall. Feel the power of the water as it surrounds you from all sides, before heading up a stairway to look down from above on the mother of all waterfalls. At the end of the tour, your guide will drop you off at your hotel (entrance ticket included).
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Day 7: Foz do Iguacu – Buenos AiresAfter breakfast you will go to the Argentinian side of Waterfall. The Argentinean side is different from the Brazilian; you will walk on paths through the falls which give you the opportunity to have a look under the falls. You feel the strength of the falling water from up close and enjoy the 55.500 hectares natural park surrounding this spectacular beauty! Within the park, take the train to the marvelous devil's throat the strongest of all the waterfalls. Stand directly above the falling water and admire the strength of this natural phenomenon.
After that you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. Arrival in Buenos Aires. Transfer to the hotel in Buenos Aires. Accommodation and rest in the hotel.
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Day 8: Buenos AiresAfter breakfast, our guide will pick you up at your hotel for a half day city tour in Buenos Aires. This panoramic tour will take you through the highlights of South America's most European and cosmopolitan city. We'll drive along 9 de Julio Avenue where the renowned Colón Theater and the Obelisk, symbols of our city, are located. We'll visit Plaza de Mayo, surrounded by important historic buildings like the Casa Rosada, the Cathedral and the City Hall. We'll also visit Plaza San Martin, Alvear and Plaza del Congreso. The tour will drive us along the old fashion Avenida de Mayo and the dynamic Avenida Corrientes. Explore neighborhoods filled with colors and history, like La Boca and San Telmo, and the sumptuous neighborhoods of Palermo, Recoleta and the modern Puerto Madero, a busy gastronomic and entertainment area.
In the evening enjoy an amazing Tango Show and Dinner. Tango is still alive. A good way of penetrating its spirit is visiting one of the restaurants that offers tango shows of an excellent level, to enjoy tango´s sensual magnetism taken to the stage by some of the best dancers, singers and musicians in Buenos Aires! After a delicious dinner, you will follow a spectacular presentation of acclaimed popular and sensuous Tango, performed by the world's best. It is the music of Buenos Aires par excellence. Tango is felt in the air of the city, as humidity!
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Day 9: Buenos AiresToday you have the day free to enjoy the city as you want! Or take some optional tours.
1) Tigre Tour and Northern Zone( SIB with English guide USD 140 P/P)
We will leave Buenos Aires city heading for the town of Tigre, one hour away, where we will board a tourist boat to navigate along the Delta and its islands. The life of the isleños (people who live on the islands of the Delta) is very special. We will learn about their customs, culture and ways of life. On the way back to Buenos Aires city we will drive by the elegant residences of the well-off, located in the northern suburbs, and the San Isidro neighborhood. Additionally, you will also get a glimpse of the Presidential Residence (Quinta de Olivos) as we drive by it.
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2) Full day tour in Montevideo from Buenos Aires(SIB with English guide / USD 560P/P)
(Private excursion min.2 pax . USD 850 P/P)
A driver will take you to the port of Buenos Aires, where you will pick up a ferry boat to Montevideo city by Colonia del Sacramento. Upon arrival at Montevideo, a guide will be waiting for you for a panoramic city tour. This walk covers the most important points of the city's Old Town and new residential neighborhoods. Inside the old city is visited: Independence Square, where the old Citadel Gate (Montevideo was a fortified city), then comes Matrix Square where the Montevideo Cathedral, The Cabildo, Plaza Zabala and Teatro Solis, all these pieces of history of the city. Then its the Palacio Salvo, first high-rise building in the city, Plaza de El Entrevero, continuing to the Legislative Palace where the Uruguayan Parliament meets. The tour continues visiting the following suburbs: The Prado, with its ancient history which houses the Government House, the Parque Batlle, which runs the Estadio Centenario, La Carreta Monument and the residential neighborhoods of Carrasco and Pocitos. The return is by the coast to the center of Montevideo. At the end of the tour, you will get back to port to take a ferry boat back to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, only a driver will take you to your hotel.
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3) Day Ranch and Fiesta Gaucha in Santa Susana Ranch. (SIB with English guide USD 250 P/P)
Escape the city and journey back to simpler times with this Gaucho Party tour. Let us pick you up and transport you to an 'estancia' or ranch for a fun filled day.
Once we arrive at the estancia, Santa Susana, we’ll have some time to get to better acquainted with one another while indulging in handmade empanadas. After which, we will have some free time to take in the sights, explore the area, go horseback riding etc. The grounds are literally at your disposal.
You won’t have to worry about going hungry on this tour. After our free time we will be invited to partake in an 'asado', which is a traditional Argentinean barbeque that includes – both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and dessert with coffee or tea. The fun doesn’t stop there; after lunch we will be treated to both a folkloric and a tango show.
The cultural experience doesn’t end there. The real show will start when the gauchos come out to show you their skills. They will demonstrate ring-races, horse mildness among many others. This part of the day is also interactive, so you better have your boots on and ready to go.
Once we have said goodbye we will hop back on our comfortable and air conditioned bus for a relaxing trip back to Buenos Aires.
Itinerary
11:00 am - Reception with handmade empanadas and wine at the ranch's pulperia (traditional argentine bar).
11:30 am - Free activities. Walk around the beautiful garden, visit the local museum and church, go horseback riding or try the typical carriages.
1:00 pm - Lunch Time. Traditional Argentine barbecue with salads.Your choice of drinks includes soft drinks, beer, and red or white wine. For dessert taste traditional pastries accompanied with coffee or tea. Enjoy a lively folklore show with traditional singing and dancing as well as tango.
3:00pm - The gauchos will show you their skills such as ring-races, horse mildness, and troops retail-trade including the participation of the public.
4:30pm - Return to Buenos Aires
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Day 10: Buenos AiresAfter breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the international airport to take your departure flight on time.
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