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Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1, Arrive Rio de Janeiro

The first day of your tour is simply an arrival day with no pre-organised activities. In order to allow time to relax and see some of the sights you may wish to add pre tour accommodation. On arrival please ask at the reception for information on when the pre departure meeting will be held.

Fantastic Rio de Janeiro has many things to see and do. There are trips up Sugar Loaf Mountain by cable car and Corcovado, with its famous Statue of Christ, for great city views. Another interesting journey is on the old tram system across the viaduct into the cobblestone neighbourhood of Santa Teresa. A walking tour of Rio's historic buildings is also a lovely way to pass an afternoon, or you may like to visit the Botanical Gardens or one of the famous beaches, such as Copacabana, Ipanema or Leblon. If you are in Rio de Janeiro around February/March get ready for the world's biggest party, the Rio Carnival

Day 2 - 5, Parati – São Paulo

Following the stunning coastline south, we come to colonial Parati, an old pirate town with streets made of stone slabs designed to let the tide wash over and clean them. You have an option to go on a full day boat cruise around the bay with plenty of time to swim in the turquoise waters and eat fresh seafood. We then visit the world's fastest growing city, Sâo Paulo, which has a metropolitan population of 19 million. We can visit a snake farm and the Latin American Exhibition Centre designed by renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer, who also designed Brasília, the country's capital (optional tours). After a hard day of sightseeing we can relax and perhaps have a meal in the Japanese quarter.

Day 6 - 8, Curitiba – Foz do Iguaçu

Next we arrive at the university town of Curitiba where we spend the night before you have the option to take a scenic train trip to the coast. An overnight bus takes us through the rolling hills of Southern Brazil to the Brazilian town of Foz do Iguaçu, our base for visiting the famous Iguazú Falls - the most magnificent waterfalls in the world. Unlike most other waterfalls that have just one or two cataracts, at Iguazú there are 275 cataracts in a magnificent 3 kilometre long U shape that we will visit from both the Brazil and Argentinean sides.

On the Brazil side you can see the falls by walking through the rainforest and along catwalks above and below the rushing water or, for a bird's eye view a helicopter flight is on offer (optional). You can also visit the world's largest hydroelectric dam at Itaipu (optional) where you can learn more about the ecological issues faced during the dam's construction. There is also a very interesting bird park nearby, perfect for that must-have photo with a toucan!

Visiting the Argentine side of the falls you can board a speed boat which will take you under the falls soaking you from head to toe, an optional adventure you'll never forget! On the Argentine side you'll also find the famous "Devil's Throat" where fourteen falls drop with such force that there is always a massive cloud of spray overhead.

Day 9 - 11, Puerto Iguazú – Concordia

When we visit the Argentinean side you will get a completely different perspective of the falls. Here you may board a speed boat (optional) which will take you under the falls soaking you from head to toe - an adventure you'll never forget! On the Argentine side you'll also find the famous ‘Devil's Throat’ where fourteen falls drop with such force that there is always a massive cloud of spray overhead. We stay in Puerto Iguazú, a small frontier town positioned on the confluence of the Paraná and Iguazú rivers, just 18 kilometres from Iguazú Falls.

Next we head for our included ranch tour. We will spend the afternoon at Estancia Las Mercedes, an authentic working ranch. We will be welcomed with light snacks while our hosts tell tales of the history of the ranch. We will then be treated to an included lunch prepared on a traditional Argentine barbeque, including beef, chicken and local sausages. Delicious salads and local produce will also be served, along with delicious desserts. Argentine wines and beers will be available at additional cost. You will have free time to explore the ranch, relax by the pool, wander around the gardens or take a horseride or canoe excursion with a local guide (excursions not included).

We continue by bus to the Jesuit ruins at San Ignacio Mini, which were featured in the film ‘The Mission’. Built in 1696, these are some of the best kept Jesuit ruins in the region and show how the Jesuits lived when they came here to convert the Guarani Indians to Catholicism. The site, together with the nearby missions of Santa Ana and Loreto, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We then head onto Posadas where we travel by overnight bus the prosperous city of Concordia de Sacrimento in southwestern Uruguay. Founded in 1680 by the Portuguese, the city was later taken by the Spanish and used as part of a smuggling route. The barrio histórico or old city has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is well worth exploring. Around the plaza mayor (the main square) you'll find plenty of museums and churches to explore.

Day 12 - 15, Salto – Colonia de Sacrimento – Montevideo – Buenos Aires

Crossing the river and the border to the well presented town of Salto, a centre for growing and processing citrus fruits. The town centre is beautifully kept and there are several delightful parks you can stroll through. A popular excursion is to the nearby Salto Grande dam and hydroelectric plant. We have time to soak in the nearby hot springs or visit the aqua park before travelling across Uruguay to its capital, Montevideo. This city has a blend of many capitals and architectural styles with an international port and seaside at either end of the interesting old city. You might get the feeling that time has turned back to the 1930s as much of the architecture is from that era, as are many of the vehicles. Many buildings in the centre have fine stone and iron work and there are many museums and historic houses to visit. There are also plenty of outdoor markets and indoor malls if you want to shop.

Near the port, the old railway station is now remodelled and overflowing with steak and seafood restaurants. But if steak and seafood is not your thing, Montevideo has a thriving café culture to keep you busy while you listen to the strains of tango music. Along the river's edge we travel to charming Colonia de Sacrimento in southwestern Uruguay. Founded in 1680 by the Portuguese, the city was later taken by the Spanish and used as part of a smuggling route. The atmospheric barrio histórico or old city has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is well worth exploring.

Leaving Colonia de Sacrimento we head across the River Plate to the beautiful city of Buenos Aires.

Day 16, Depart Buenos Aires

The beautiful city of Buenos Aires is known as the "Paris of South America" due to its lovely green parks, plazas and wide boulevards. The reputation of the city's nightlife is not exaggerated, as there are many nightclubs, bars, restaurants and cinemas open until all hours. For a great evening, you could see a tango show in the city where the dance originated and you shouldn't leave Buenos Aires before trying one of the best steaks in the world!

Your adventure of a lifetime comes to an end today, please confirm with the reception the check out time. If you have a late flight or have lengthened your stay by adding post tour accommodation you will have more time to explore the sights.