Brazil & Argentina Discovered

Day 1-3: Buenos Aires

On arrival at Buenos Aires International Airport, you are met and transferred to your hotel for the next two nights. Please look for your transfer guide at the airport - they will be holding a sign with your name on it. Once you have checked into the hotel the remainder of your first day is free. In the evening you meet your tour leader and the other members of your group for a pre-tour briefing. This is usually held at 6:30pm, but please check the notice board at the hotel reception to confirm the exact time and place of your meeting. Please bring your passport and travel insurance documents along to the briefing. Following this briefing there is generally an optional group dinner at a nearby restaurant. Buenos Aires is home to 11 million 'portenos', a name given to the inhabitants of Buenos Aires that literally means 'residents of the port'. It has been shaped by a history riddled with conflict and struggles. Even the achievement of independence in 1816 did not resolve ongoing disputes between local residents and conservative provincial landowners. However, following a succession of military juntas, Argentina now has a stable, democratic government. Our city tour of the Argentine capital combines bus transportation and walking and takes us to the district of Recoleta, famous for its cemetery and often referred to as a miniature 'city-within-a-city' because to its size. This place is also famous as the resting place for Argentina's favourite First Lady, Eva Peron. We also visit Palermo, Plaza San Martin, Plaza de Mayo and the colourful neighborhood of La Boca, with its colourful wooden buildings. It is also possible to book on optional tours to the Costanera Sur Bird Sanctuary, Tigre Delta or Madero Harbour (please note that these additional tours will be at extra costs).

Meals included: 2 breakfasts

Day 4 & 5: Iguazu Falls - Puerto Iguazu (Argentinean side)

Today, we take a flight north to Puerto Iguazu, a frontier town in the province of Misiones, Argentina. The afternoon is free to relax by the pool, or stroll around the town, which is home to many talented artisans. The group may also venture to a local restaurant for an optional dinner, where river fish fresh from the Rios Parana and Iguazu, are in abundance and make for a very tasty seafood experience. The following morning we head out to view the falls close up, from the Argentinean side. One of the main attractions is the incredible "Devils Throat" balcony, which provides a sensational view of the horse-shoe shaped waterfall 150 metres long. The water is so powerful, it creates dense clouds of vapour as it falls into the Iguazú River below. Later in the day we are able to witness the awesome power of the falls even closer, as we take a boat ride up to the falls thunderous base. (wet weather clothing - highly recommended). In the evening we return to our hotel in Puerto Iguazu.

Meals included: 2 breakfasts

Day 6: Foz do Iguacu (Brazilian side)

This morning we bid farewell to our Argentine guide, and meet our Brazilian tour leader who will stay with us until the end of the tour. There's time for breakfast before we travel by private van to the Brazilian side - Foz do Iguacu, where we are immediately confronted by fantastic panoramic views. Twenty metres higher than Niagara Falls, Iguazu Falls are without doubt one of the most impressive waterfalls in the world. Located at the confluence of the Rio Iguazu and the Rio Alto Parana, the water cascades over the edge of a 2.5 kilometre-wide plateau in 275 separate falls. In the afternoon we travel by overnight deluxe bus to the city of Curitiba, which was once the capital of Brazil for a very short period - 24 to 27 March 1969. The buses have full reclining seats and leg rest, which makes for a comfortable journey throughout the night.

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 7 & 8: Serra Verde Express - Itupava Colonial Trail - Rainforest stay in Porto de Cima

On arrival in Curitiba, we make our way to the train station, where we board Brazil’s oldest train, the Serra Verde Express, for our ride through rainforest to the Marumbi State Park station. Lush rainforest dissected by rivers and superb mountain scenery makes for an exciting and spectacular journey along this magnificent old railway line that has linked Curitiba to the town of Paranagua since 1885. We disembark at Marumbi Station and enjoy an easy four to five hour walk along the Itupava Colonial Trail, which descends through the rainforest. During our walk we hope to spot the incredible Blue Morpho butterfly, found mostly in South and Central America. They are coloured gorgeous, shimmering shades of blue and green, but be warned, they are very tricky to capture on film! Please note: If you do not wish to hike the Itupava Trail it is possible to continue on the train to Morretes, where you are met and transferred to the rainforest lodge to await the arrival of those members in our group doing the walk. After our walk, we arrive at our pousada (rainforest lodge), located in the small village of Porto de Cima. There’s time to wander around the village, relax or further explore the surrounding rainforest and its flora and fauna. Otherwise, why not take a swim in the cool waters of the Nhundiaquara River or swimming pool? In the evening, we enjoy a cozy dinner together in the pousadas dining area. The following day we travel by van to the colourful towns of Antonina and Morretes, founded in 1733 and 1714 respectively. Tranquil and charming, Antonina is a small but quaint coastal town, that slowly slipped into decadence as it lost pride of place as the region's main port. Morretes is a delightful little place with cobbled streets lined by old colonial houses, a winding river and a great view of the mountains. There are also many lovely handicraft shops. Next, we return to the pousada for our second night in Port de Cima.

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 2 dinners

Day 9 & 10: Honey Island

A short drive takes us to the major port city of Paranagua, built on the shores of a large bay 29 kilometres inland from the sea. Paranagua is a colourful city and its old section at the waterfront is lined with shops and houses from the Portuguese colonial era. The whole area has an ambience of tropical decadence. The city, founded in 1585, is one of the chief ports for the export of coffee beans. From here we take a boat trip to Ilha do Mel (Honey Island), where we spend the night at a rustic beach lodge. The island is very popular because of its excellent beaches, scenic walks and relative isolation. During the afternoon or following morning, we can take one of the walks to the lighthouse for the best views of the island or perhaps visit the historical fortress area. Those wanting to relax can head to one of the many beautiful beaches to be found on the island. In the evening, it may be possible to listen to some live music, and enjoy the local seafood. Around 3pm, we take the boat back to Paranagua and are transferred to Curitiba airport for our flight to Rio de Janeiro. On arrival, we transfer to our hotel in Copacabana for the next two nights, and enjoy an optional group dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Meals included: 2 breakfasts

Day 11-12: Rio de Janeiro

Rio is a beautiful city with so many things to see and do. The Portuguese established a small, fortified settlement on the western side of Rio de Janeiro Bay in 1560. The name means 'River of January', a reference to the month when it was founded. The sugar boom and resulting slave trade saw the settlement grow so rapidly that by the 18th century, the population had reached 50,000 and the city had also become the chief port for a thriving gold industry. Rio is today regarded as the holiday capital of Brazil and its inhabitants, known as 'Cariocas', pursue life with a zest. The city is characterised by beautiful white sandy beaches and rolling surf, with towering mountains forming a spectacular backdrop. During our time here we visit Sugar Loaf Mountain and the statue of Christ the Redeemer, which stands on top of a peak known as Corcovado 704 metres above sea level. Clear visibility allows for spectacular views of the southern districts of Leblon, Ipanema, Copacabana and of Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas close to the Botanical Garden. We also drive through downtown Rio, with its fine colonial-style Portuguese buildings and visit the Catedral Metropolitana and view the huge stained-glass windows. Rio is divided into two zones. The upper and middle classes reside in the zona sul (South) and the lower classes in the zona norte (North). Favelas (slums) cover steep hillsides on both sides of town, and on your final day, it is possible to organise an optional tour to Rocinha, Brazil's largest favela in Gavea, one of Rio's richest neighbourhoods. Please ask your tour leader for details. The beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, the colourful and vibrant nightlife and the laid-back and friendly nature of Brazilians will help make your visit to Rio a memorable one. Our tour ends after breakfast on Day 12. If you wish to extend your stay in Rio, additional nights can be arranged for you. Please ask your travel agent at the time of booking your holiday.

Meals included: 2 breakfasts