Brazil & Argentina Fling

Day 1 Arrival in Buenos Aires

Meeting services upon your arrival to Buenos Aires and transfer to your hotel. Built in the 19th Century, an era of plenty for the wealthy Gaucho land barons of Argentina, this city of 10 million rivals the architecture and sophistication of Paris. This afternoon city tour takes us along the 9th of July Avenue, the widest in the world, passing the Plaza de Mayo where we view the "Casa Rosada" (Pink House) before continuing on to the chic quarter of Recoleta with sidewalk cafes. Nearby is its famous cemetery, a necropolis of elaborate mausoleums, including that of Eva Peron. Return to hotel for overnight.

Day 2 Buenos Aires

Enjoy the rural life in Argentina and the Gaucho traditions visiting a typical "Estancia" (Ranch) with this full day tour. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the ranch owners and their family to experience the warm hospitality of the Argentinean "gauchos". They will serve you empanadas, asado (barbeque), while performing folkloric songs and dances. In the afternoon you will see different skills that show the domain that the gauchos have on their horses. Also a lot of activities can be chosen in the ranch; for instance, horseback riding, walks, birds watching, explore the place at your leisure, or take time to relax. Before heading back to Buenos Aires, you will be offered a typical countryside "tea". A visit to an Estancia (ranch) in Argentina is a tour to learn and enjoy yourself; it is a vivid approach to get to know the Argentinean countryside and its culture. Return to hotel for overnight. (B,L)

Day 3 Buenos Aires

Day is at leisure for walking or shopping along the Florida walkway or take an optional tour. This evening a special treat as we step into the Buenos Aires night to Esquina Carlos Gardel, with over 100-year history. Here you’ll enjoy superb cuisine amid this exquisitely decorated Art Nouveau style ambience, recreating the sophistication of old Buenos Aires. Enjoy dinner sampling the famous Argentine beef followed by a show where we are mesmerized by sensual national dance… The Tango (B,D)

Day 4 Buenos Aires / Iguassu Falls

This morning we transfer to the airport for the flight to Iguassu Falls where Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay share borders. Here you will be treated to a sensational sound and light show brought to you courtesy of Mother Nature. A show with no intermissions - 275 separate waterfalls, spanning 2-miles, wider than Victoria, higher than Niagara and more magnificent than both. We visit the Argentine side of the falls including the national park and "Devil's Throat", one of the most impressive lookout points where 14 separate falls cascade down 350 foot cliffs. We cross the bridge as we transfer to the Brazilian side of Iguassu for a different panoramic view with overnight at your hotel. (B)

Day 5 Iguassu Falls

More than just a thundering water falls, Iguassu is also a national park of tropical forests sheltering more than 1,100 species of birds and mammals and this morning we take an unforgettable guided walking tour to visit the Brazilian side of the falls offering the best vantage points to appreciate the wondrous spectacle. Next we join the Macuco Safari excursion combining nature and adventure. You are seated in an open trailer towed by jeep as we make our way through the forest viewing the exotic flora and fauna of the exotic remnants of the Atlantic Rainforest. At the end of the drive we walk through an old Indian track ending at the river shore along the Macuco Falls where we board zodiacs and travel upstream of the Iguassu River close to the thundering waters of the Iguassu falls. Return to the hotel for overnight. (B)

Day 6 Iguassu Falls / Rio de Janeiro

Today we transfer to the airport on the Brazil side for the flight to Rio de Janeiro. Rio … the very sound of it evokes images of sun, fun and rhythm of the sensuous samba. Blessed with a wonderful natural setting, nestled among towering hills and the sea, watched from above by Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain, and surrounded by tropical forests and lagoons, Rio de Janeiro has transformed into one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Meeting services upon arrival and transfer to your hotel. (B)

Day 7 Rio de Janeiro

This morning we drive through the fashionable Lagoa District to the base of Corcovado Mountain for a short train ride to the summit. Here, at 2,400 feet above the city stands one of South America's most famous landmarks, the 125-foot statue of "Christ the Redeemer". The panorama of the city below is testament to why most visitors consider Rio to be one of the most spectacular and beautiful cities in the world. Continue to have lunch at one of Rio’s famous Churrascaria’s (barbecue house) for a sampling of Brazil’s appreciation for beef and fun eating. Here you’ll be introduced Brazil’s national cocktail, the “Caipirinha”, a traditional Brazilian drink prepared with “cachaça” (made of sugar cane), once Brazil's best-kept secret, now it's the connoisseur's cocktail of choice from New York City to Miami. Continue our tour this afternoon as we drive along Copacabana and Ipanema, two of the world's most famous beaches as we make our way to Flamingo Park where we board the cable cars to ascend to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain - 1,200 feet of sheer rock overlooking Guanabara Bay for a breathtaking view of the beaches and sunset. Balance of day at leisure and overnight at the hotel. (B,L)

Day 8 Rio de Janeiro

Today is free to enjoy the fun, sun and vibrancy of this city. This evening a special treat as we set out for the Rio by night Tour. First stop for dinner at one of Rio’s best restaurants, followed by a Brazilian Extravaganza show at Plataforma where you will be treated to the contagious rhythms of the Brazilian samba with the percussion instruments unique to Brazil. The show consists of lavishly and colorfully costumed dancers and musicians presenting the richness of the nation's musical and cultural heritage. The grand finale displays some of the dazzling costumes used in the Carnival parade. (B,D )

Day 9 Depart Rio de Janeiro

Today is free for more sunbathing, or to continue exploring he “Cidade Maravilhosa” (Marvelous City), at your own pace. Rio offers world-class restaurants, shopping, and varied active sports. Beaches are an integral part of the Rio’s envied lifestyle, highlighted by two of the world’s most famous -- Copacabana and Ipanema.

Evening transfer to the airport for the overnight flight home. (B)

Remarks

Not included:Airfare, airport departure taxes, meals unless included in the itinerary, beverages, travel insurance, gratuities of any kind, or items of person nature.

Note: US Citizens require Brazilian Visa for this program. Other citizens must check with the Brazilian Consulate for requirements.

Inquire about our special airfare on TAM or American Airlines for this program.