Day 1 : Arrive in Buenos Aires
Nicknamed the “Paris of South America”, this glamorous destination really does live up to its European counterpart. Neoclassical, Art Nouveau and Art Deco buildings line its streets, attracting equally sophisticated travelers. On arrival, you’ll be transferred to your luxury hotel. Relax and unwind before meeting your Travel Director and fellow guests for a three-course Welcome Dinner with wine.
Accommodation : MGallery Palladio, Buenos Aires
Day 2 : Explore Buenos Aires Relaxed Start
Start your first full day in Buenos Aires with a city tour. Take in the capital's key sights including the Metropolitan Cathedral, Casa Rosada and Plaza de Mayo. Witness a private demonstration and performance by professional tango dancers in El Viejo Almacén, which is one of the oldest Tango venues in Buenos Aires. Here you will be introduced to this passionate dance and upbeat music. Later, enjoy a unique fireside dining experience at El Fogón Asado.
Accommodation : MGallery Palladio, Buenos Aires
Day 3 : On to Colonia del Sacramento
Travel by ferry across the Rio de la Plata, otherwise known as the River Plate. Visit the city of Colonia del Sacramento with its cobbled streets and historic buildings. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this colorful destination was originally founded by the Portuguese in the 1600s. Enjoy lunch with wine at a local olive farm, Viñedos y Olivares del Quintón, known for their characteristic terrain and thermal air, the perfect setting for vineyards and olive groves. In the afternoon, take a guided walking tour of the protected old city and its 16th century buildings before arriving in Uruguay's capital, Montevideo.
Accommodation : Costanero MGallery, Montevideo
Day 4 : Visit Juanicó Winery
Explore Montevideo on a city tour. Just north of Montevideo sits Juanicó winery, one of the leading wineries of the country. You’ll be welcomed with a tour of the vineyards, state-of-the-art facilities, and the wine cellar built in 1840. After learning how the past and present blend to create wines that receive gold medals and international recognition, sit down to a leisurely lunch. A sip of one of their Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Riesling and Sauvignon Gris or flagship full-bodied red will leave you with a new appreciation for Uruguayan wines.
Accommodation : Costanero MGallery, Montevideo
Day 5 : Return to Buenos Aires Relaxed Start
Enjoy a leisurely morning before your transfer to the ferry escorting you back to Buenos Aires. Curate your afternoon with Insight Choice. Select from two insightful walking tours tailored for the curious traveler. In the city with one of the highest number of bookstores per person in the world, visit the ritzy Recoleta neighborhood's Ateneo Bookstore. Discover its history as the former Teatro Grand Splendid theater when it hosted performances by the famous tango singers Carlos Gardel and Ignacio Corsini. Or, delight your palate on a walking tour to Avenida Corrientes, including stops at the nearly 100-year-old Guerrin pizzeria and world-famous Cadore ice cream store known for its sculpted, decadent ice cream made fresh daily. With another evening in this vibrant city, seize the opportunity to watch a tango performance or ask your Travel Director where to enjoy a relaxing dinner of the region's famous steak.
Accommodation : MGallery Palladio, Buenos Aires
Day 6 : Buenos Aires to Iguassu Falls
With over 270 waterfalls, rare flora and fauna, and lush rainforest, your destination really is as impressive as the photos suggest. Meaning “big water” in the Guaraní language, the stunning falls land in both Argentina and Brazil. Stay on the Argentinian side of the National Park for two nights, at the luxurious Gran Melia hotel. With two outdoor pools, a modern spa and a stylish interior, you’ll be able to relax and rejuvenate in a fitting manner. Have a night at leisure as you take in your beautiful surroundings.
Accommodation : Gran Meliá, Iguazú National Park
Day 7 : Sightseeing at Iguassu Falls
Take in breathtaking views of the jungle and falls, before heading out with a Local Expert to explore the Argentinian side of the park. Take an optional Gran Aventura boat ride to Devil’s Throat, the largest and perhaps most famous water cascade in the park. This u-shaped waterfall contains 14 falls in total and is more than 262 feet (80 meters) high. Your dinner will be served at The Argentine Experience where you'll learn how to prepare your own wine based cocktail, and your own empanadas. Afterwords, savor an Argentinian picada and sample mate and Alfajores, Argentina's famous national sweet. To enhance your dining experience, your dishes will be complemented by Argentinian wines.
Accommodation : Gran Meliá, Iguazú National Park
Day 8 : The Brazilian Side
Wake up inside the National Park and enjoy breakfast with a tropical view at your hotel. Today you’ll take a guided visit to the Brazilian side of Iguassu Falls. While the walk around the Brazilian side is shorter, it's no less impressive. The falls are further away which allows you take in all of them at once with a unique vantage point. Your Local Expert will show you panoramic views of San Martin Island, before you head to the airport for your flight to Rio. Move on to the capital of samba and the home of iconic Copacabana Beach, famous for its stretch of golden sand. Located by Copacabana Beach, your hotel is the perfect place to relax. Take a dip in the rooftop pool, sit back and watch the sunset, or explore the bars and restaurants on your doorstep.
Accommodation : Hilton Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro
Day 9 : Explore Rio de Janeiro
This morning, visit a local produce market and sample some of Brazil's unique fruits. Afterwards, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a local botanist for a special guided visit to Rio’s Botanical Garden, a preservation site for a rare collection of bromeliads and orchids (seasonal exhibit), as well as old trees and exotic plants. Made up of museums, research and cultural centers, the park showcases over 6500 different species of plants, both local and foreign. Enjoy lunch sipping on a classic caipirinha cocktail at Casa Camolese, a contemporary restaurant situated next to the garden. Conclude your day with a cable car ride up to Sugarloaf Mountain.
Accommodation : Hilton Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro
Day 10 : Leisure time in Rio de Janeiro
In the morning, board a cogwheel train through the Tijuca Forest to the top of Corcovado Mountain, home to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. After descent, enjoy a scenic drive past some of the most beautiful beaches in Rio before arriving at your hotel for an afternoon at leisure. Spend the afternoon soaking up the sun on Copacabana Beach or ask your Travel Director for the best spot to grab a Brazilian coffee. In the evening, commemorate your holiday as you join your new friends for a memorable dinner at a traditional Brazilian barbecue, known as a churrascaria, offering views of Sugarloaf Mountain.
Accommodation : Hilton Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro
Day 11 : Depart Rio de Janeiro
It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travelers as your trip comes to an end. Take our organised transfer to Rio de Janeiro's Antônio Carlos Jobim International Airport.