Best of South America 2012

Dining Highlights
Welcome Reception with your Travel Director in Rio de Janeiro.12 full breakfasts.2 three-course or buffet dinners.2 Highlight Lunches in Iguassu and Santiago.2 Highlight Dinners with wine and shows in Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires.Be My Guest Dinner with wine in Buenos Aires.Farewell Dinner with wine and show in Santiago.

First Class Travel Highlights
A Trafalgar bonus - guaranteed early hotel check-in and immediate use of your room upon arrival in Rio de Janeiro on Day 2, and guaranteed late hotel check-out until 6 p.m. in Santiago on Day 13.A Trafalgar bonus - all Intra-Air Flights: Rio to Iguassu, Iguassu to Buenos Aires and Buenos Aires to Santiago, including porter service at all airports.Qualified local guides in Iguassu, Buenos Aires and Santiago.Capture treasured memories of your trip with a complimentary group photo taken at a landmark location.

Day 1: DEPART GATEWAY - ARRIVE RIO DE JANEIRO (4 NIGHTS)
Board your overnight flight to South America (not included in vacation price). Bemvindo ao Rio de Janeiro! You will arrive in Rio de Janeiro early morning on Day 2 and will be met on arrival at the airport by a local representative and taken to your luxurious oceanfront hotel where your room is available for immediate occupancy. The rest of the morning is at leisure. Enjoy your hotel’s superb location overlooking Copacabana Beach, minutes from downtown Rio. Spend the afternoon with your Travel Director exploring the cidade maravilhosa (marvelous city) and its many contrasts, from the 18th century aqueduct and colonial Candelaria Church to the 20th century Opera House, Sambodromo, and city Cathedral. Stretch your legs in lovely Flamengo Park before ascending 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 travelers.(Full Breakfast)

Day 3: RIO DE JANEIRO SIGHTSEEING & AT LEISURE
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 and see the song-inspiring Copacabana and Ipanema beaches on your way back to your hotel. Spend the afternoon as you please. This evening, learn how to mix the perfect Caipirinha, Brazil’s national cocktail made with cachaça, and 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 Dinner)

Day 4: RIO DE JANEIRO AT LEISURE
Enjoy a full day to explore the wonders of Rio on your own. Or you can choose from an exciting selection of optional outings: perhaps embark on a half-day journey by jeep and foot into the lush Tijuca National Park, the world’s largest urban rainforest; explore Petropolis, the Imperial City of Brazil; or cruise the emerald waters of Sepetiba Bay with a stop at an idyllic island for a tropical lunch and swimming. Your Travel Director will be happy to help you plan your day.(Full Breakfast)

Day 5: RIO DE JANEIRO - IGUASSU FALLS (2 NIGHTS)
Brazil is world renowned for its vast array of gemstones. This morning, you’ll learn and watch the fascinating creative process as precious metals and rough gemstones are transformed into works of art, design and luxury. Then take a flight to magnificent Iguassu Falls, straddling the border of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Iguassu National Park boasts one of the world’s largest and most impressive waterfalls and is home to many rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. This evening, enjoy a convivial dinner with your travel companions at the hotel.(Full Breakfast / Dinner)

Day 6: IGUASSU FALLS SIGHTSEEING & AT LEISURE
Enter Iguassu National Park and spend the morning exploring the Brazilian side of the cascades with a local guide, including a scenic walk through the rainforest at the base of the falls. After enjoying a Highlight Lunch at a local restaurant with a view of the falls, return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure. Perhaps enjoy the hotel’s thermal pools fed by the planet's biggest thermal water spring; visit the Parque das Aves - a tropical bird preserve that’s home to more than 500 species of Brazilian birds; or if you prefer, embark upon an optional excursion into the lush Macuco rainforest where you get acquainted with the flora and fauna of the jungle and then cruise the river to see the falls from below.(Full Breakfast / Highlight Lunch)

Day 7: IGUASSU FALLS - BUENOS AIRES (3 NIGHTS)
Cross the border into Argentina and spend some time getting to know the geography of the area at the Visitors Center. Take a walk along a scenic catwalk and board the open-air Ecological Jungle Train for a different perspective on the mighty falls and view the thunderous Devil’s Throat Falls. Then fly to Buenos Aires and arrive at your stylish hotel. From your hotel’s vantage point in the heart of Argentina’s sizzling capital, you are in the centre of all the action: renowned international designer boutiques, fine dining venues, museums, cultural pursuits, modern theatres and the famous Teatro Colon. Late afternoon, enjoy a light buffet dinner with drinks followed by a presentation by a Local Expert on the essence being an Argentinean – learn all about the country’s culture, traditions and passions such as tango, Malbec wines, asado and empanada dishes, soccer, polo, just to name a few.(Full Breakfast / Dinner)

Day 8: BUENOS AIRES SIGHTSEEING & AT LEISURE
Embark on an in-depth tour of the passionate city where the tango was born. See the Casa Rosada, Metropolitan Cathedral and other government buildings; world-renowned Teatro Colon; the colourful neighbourhood of La Boca; San Telmo with its famed outdoor market and lovely Palermo, home to fashionable cafes and verdant parks. Stop at the workshop of a master leather artisan and learn how Argentine leathers are turned into fine leather goods. Lastly, visit the elegant Recoleta, the museum dedicated to Argentina’s former first lady Eva Peron (Evita) as well as the impressive cemetery where she is buried. Enjoy some time at leisure before joining your Travel Director and fellow travellers for an exclusive Be My Guest experience, as you are welcomed by a local family into their elegant mansion. Learn about your hosts’ passion for art and paintings; then head for the kitchen where the family cook will teach you how to make delicious empanadas - rolled pies which can be stuffed with meat, corn, jam and cheese, among other ingredients. Savour these tasty creations and other hors d’oeuvres while learning about Argentina’s wonderful wines and sample some of the best vintages and varietals from Cafayate and Mendoza, the regions where the country's most prestigious wineries are found.(Full Breakfast / Be My Guest dinner)

Day 9: BUENOS AIRES AT LEISURE
Relish a morning and afternoon at leisure to pursue your own interests in the “Paris of South America." The possibilities are endless. Take advantage of your included “hop-on, hop-off” sightseeing ticket to further explore on your own. Delve into one of the country’s finest museums at the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, set in a lovely park in the Recoleta neighbourhood. Follow in the footsteps of Argentina’s most revered writer, Jorge Luis Borges, as you browse the many bookstores of Buenos Aires and sip a coffee at the famed Cafe Tortoni. As an option, you can visit the UNESCO World Heritage city of Colonia del Sacramento across the Rio de la Plata in Uruguay. And if you’d like to experience a different side of Argentina, choose an optional trip into the countryside to a traditional estancia (ranch); share a drink with the local gauchos (cowboys), learn about their lives and marvel at their consummate horsemanship during a lively equestrian show before tucking into a sumptuous traditional parrillada (barbeque) lunch. This evening, do as the locals do and linger over a Highlight Dinner and a chance for an authentic taste of world-renowned Argentinean beef! Cap off the evening watching the best tango dancers in Buenos Aires perform, and experience the passion and power of the traditional tango - the most representative and beloved music in Argentina.(Full Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)

Day 10: BUENOS AIRES - SANTIAGO (3 NIGHTS)
Bid “Adios” to Buenos Aires and say “Hola” to Santiago as you fly west across the Andes to the Chilean capital. Settle into your hotel, situated in the heart of one of Santiago’s most beautiful neighbourhoods, and a prime location close to charming boutiques, bars and restaurants. This evening is at leisure.(Full Breakfast)

Day 11: SANTIAGO SIGHTSEEING
Meet your local guide and embark on a tour of this vibrant city, travelling past the 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 and stop at the bustling Central Market. Visit San Francisco Church and Monastery, reputed to be one of the oldest in Chile. Continue your tour with a drive up San Cristobal Hill for panoramic views of the city and the snow-capped Andes. Then head for the Maipo Valley, the most traditional wine-producing valley in Chile with the best conditions for premium wines. Enjoy a private visit at an exclusive winery where you meet the Winemaker who escorts you on a personal winery experience, from the vineyards to the bottling process. Enjoy a wine tasting celebrating Chile’s proud wine-making traditions, followed by a gourmet Highlight Lunch served on the beautiful grounds of the winery. Return to Santiago later this afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.(Full Breakfast / Highlight Lunch)

Day 12: SANTIAGO AT LEISURE
Enjoy a day of leisure in Santiago. Perhaps join an optional trip to Valparaiso, once known as “Little San Francisco” by the sailors who made it a frequent stopover on the long voyage between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans; then take the coastal road to see the graceful mansions, white-sand beaches and historic casino of the seaside resort of Vina del Mar. This evening, gather for a festive Farewell Dinner with folklore show of charismatic and agile dancers in colourful ethnic costumes from northern, central and southern Chile, as well as Easter Island.(Full Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

Day 13: DEPART SANTIAGO
Say hasta luego to Chile and transfer to the airport for your onward flight arrangements (flight not included in vacation price). For your comfort, your rooms are reserved until 6 p.m. depending on your next destination and flight schedule, you may arrive back home on Day 13 or Day 14.(Continenatl Breakfast / Full breakfast)

Don't miss our current specials: Get Up To 3 FREE Nights In Australia With Trafalgar Tours There's nothing like Australia Australia is just made for exploring. It’s a land of such extraordinary diversity. A wide array of destinations beckon, including some of the southern hemisphere’s most exciting cities, breathtaking coastal regions and, of course, the majestic outback. Book a 2012 air-inclusive Trafalgar vacation to Australia and get up to     3 free nights* on us - a value of up to $870 per couple! Offer ends February 29, 2012. Terms and Conditions: *Offer is valid on new 2012 air-inclusive bookings to Australia only, when booked and paid in full between 01/09/12 and 02/29/12. Receive 1 free pre- or post-night on departures between 04/01/12 and 08/31/12 (promo code: 12AUSFREE1). Receive 3 free pre- or post-nights on departures between 09/01/12 and 12/31/12 (promo code: 12AUSFREE3); **except on Trafalgar’s Sydney, Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef itinerary, in which only 2 free nights are available (promo code: 12AUSFREE2). Offer is not valid with any other promotions, but is combinable with other brochure discounts (except Early Payment Discount). Other conditions apply.  Trafalgar Tours Anniversary Sale..Save up to $1,000 Trafalgar's 65th Anniversary Sale We're celebrating 65 years of insider experiences with our limited-time Anniversary Sale! Save up to $1000 per couple on 2012 air-inclusive First Class Europe guided vacations!* Dine with a local family at their olive grove estate in Tuscany. Join a chef for a cookery class in France. Capture your imagination at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello. 2012 is your year to travel with an insider. Offer ends March 30, 2012.   It pays to travel with an insider. Here are Trafalgar Tours different savings options based on the destination, airline, travel date and itinerary. For a specific quote, email or call us at 800-942-3301. Savings Number of Days Travel Period Promotion Code Airline Destinations $1000 per couple* ($500 per person) 12 days or more (Peak) May 22 - August 23, 2012 12BAPK12500 British Airways Europe, inclusive of Ireland and Greece (exclusions apply) $800 per couple* ($400 per person) 12 days or more (Shoulder) April 2 - May 21, 2012, or August 24 - October 25, 2012 12BASH12400A 12BASH12400B $900 per couple* ($450 per person) 11 days or less (Peak) May 22 - August 23, 2012 12BAPK11450 $700 per couple* ($350 per person) 11 days or less (Shoulder) April 2 - May 21, 2012 or August 24 - October 25, 2012 12BASH11350A 12BASH11350B $500 per couple** ($250 per person) Any April 2 - October 25, 2012 12EBAIR250 Any other airlines Europe and Britain (exclusions apply) $350 per couple*** ($175 per person) 12 days or more April 2 - October 25, 2012 12EB12LD175 Land only Europe and Britain (exclusions apply) $250 per couple*** ($125 per person) 11 days or less 12EB11LD125 Conditions and exclusions apply to all tiers. Not valid on all itineraries or all destinations within Continental Europe or Britain. Some restrictions may apply, please call for details.
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
2/24/2012 - 3/7/2012	$3,995
3/9/2012 - 3/21/2012	$3,895
3/23/2012 - 4/4/2012	$3,895
4/6/2012 - 4/18/2012	$4,095
4/20/2012 - 5/2/2012	$3,895
5/4/2012 - 5/16/2012	$3,895
6/1/2012 - 6/13/2012	$3,895
6/29/2012 - 7/11/2012	$3,845
7/13/2012 - 7/25/2012	$3,845
8/10/2012 - 8/22/2012	$3,845
9/21/2012 - 10/3/2012	$3,925
10/5/2012 - 10/17/2012	$3,950
10/19/2012 - 10/31/2012	$3,950
11/2/2012 - 11/14/2012	$3,950
11/9/2012 - 11/21/2012	$3,950
11/16/2012 - 11/28/2012	$3,950
12/14/2012 - 12/26/2012	$3,975
12/21/2012 - 1/2/2013	$3,975
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Sightseeing Highlights
Rio de Janeiro Discover the city’s main sights; enjoy a cogwheel train ride up Corcovado Mountain to see the famous Christ the Redeemer statue; ride a cable car up to Sugarloaf Mountain for awe-inspiring views; experience a Samba Show extravaganza.Iguassu Explore the falls from both the Brazilian and Argentinean side; ride the Ecological Jungle Train.Buenos Aires Discover the “Paris of South America’s” main sights; visit the Evita Museum and the Recoleta Cemetery; enjoy a captivating tango show.Santiago Get acquainted with the city on a city tour; visit the San Francisco Church and Monastery; travel to Chile’s wine country to visit a local winery; delight in a Chilean folklore show.

Get Up To 3 FREE Nights In Australia With Trafalgar Tours

Trafalgar Tours Anniversary Sale..Save up to $1,000

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