Depart from one of 8 UK airports with KLM for your overnight flight to Quito, Ecuador via Amsterdam.
On arrival in Quito you are met and transferred* to your hotel. Tonight meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome drink and briefing on your tour.
Two Night Stay: Quito
Mid morning depart on our tour of Quito, situated in a lush green valley, surrounded by peaks and volcanoes. Visit the old city centre with its quaint cobblestoned streets and colourful buildings. Tonight dine in a local restaurant sampling traditional Ecuadorian Cuisine. Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
Fly to the Galapagos Islands and on arrival board the MV Galapagos Legend for a four night cruise, staying in an Ocean View Junior Suite. After lunch we set sail for Bartolomé Island where we climb to the summit of a dormant volcano. Snorkel with schools of fish in the crystal clear waters and encounter sea turtles and white-tipped sharks.*Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
*Day to day itinerary is a guideline only, subject to change and exact itinerary will be confirmed once you board the ship.
Today we visit Isabela Island, the largest in the Galapagos. Discover a salt-water lagoon, a scenic overlook, and a spectacular view of lava fields, volcanic formations and the ocean. Explore Tagus Cove home to Galapagos penguins and other seabirds. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we tour Puerto Egas at low tide to catch a glimpse of marine iguanas as they feed on exposed green algae. Our walk ends at the grottos, home to fur sea lions. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, protecting the Galapagos through research and conservation. At Santa Cruz, walk to the lagoon and the trail up to Dragon Hill, which offers a beautiful view of the bay. This area is a nesting site for a large number of land iguanas. There is the opportunity to take a panga (zodiac) ride in Venice islet and observe the marine animals. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Las Bachas are two small beaches, one of which contains the remains of a World War II floating pier. The shoreline and saltwater ponds behind the beach are a habitat for blue herons and other shore birds and a favourite nesting place for the green sea turtle. Take an afternoon flight to Lima via Guayaquil.
Two Night Stay: LimaMeals: Breakfast, Lunch
Relax at leisure or you may choose to take an optional** tour to Pachacamac Ruins which are situated 30 kilometres south of Lima. These ruins were inhabited for over 5,000 years by various civilizations, culminating with the Incas. Walk among the many temples, palaces, dwellings, reservoirs and the irrigation works built by the Incas. Climb the tallest pyramid at the complex for stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Lurin Valley. Tonight enjoy dinner at the beautiful La Rosa Nautica restaurant. Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
After breakfast, we fly to Cuzco and travel to the Sacred Valley of the Incas where we enjoy a fantastic highlight lunch at the Hacienda Huayoccari whilst admiring the spectacular views over the magnificent valley. This afternoon watch a private weaving demonstration by the women of Chinchero Village.
Two Night Stay: Sacred Valley Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Lunch
This morning we visit the Andean village of Misinmay, the community supported by Scenic Tours. We meet the students and teachers at the local school to learn about their culture and lifestyle. We continue to the colourful markets at Pisac to snap up a bargain on traditional Peruvian goods. This afternoon we tour Ollantaytambo, the oldest continuously occupied settlement in the entire Americas and discover the imposing Inca fortress which towers high above the town.Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy the unsurpassed scenic views as we journey aboard the Vistadome train from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu. Enjoy a guided tour through this historic lost city of the Incas before enjoying lunch at Sanctuary Lodge. Take our guided tour of the ruins of the lost city of the Incas, situated 7,000 feet above sea level and nestled on a small hilltop in the Andes Mountain Range.
Overnight Stay: Machu Picchu Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We have a free morning to continue exploring the mysterious Machu Picchu and the township of Aguas Calientas at leisure. Enjoy afternoon tea onboard the Vistadome train as we return to Cuzco.
Two Night Stay: Cuzco Meals: Breakfast
This morning we tour Cuzco which is full of charm and built on the foundations of ancient Inca palaces. Our guided tour includes the main square, the city Cathedral, and the Koricancha, the most important temple in the whole the Inca Empire. The final stop is Sacsayhuaman, probably the most important Inca fortress in South America. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. This evening dine in a local restaurant and be entertained with a traditional folklore show. Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
Board the Andean Explorer this morning for your first class rail journey to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Travel in comfort and style into the heart of the Andes; viewing glaciers, snow capped mountains and tiny villages through the picture windows of the beautifully restored carriages. The open air observation carriage offers unrivalled photograph opportunities.
Two Night Stay: PunoMeals: Breakfast, Lunch
Enjoy an excursion to the remarkable floating islands which are built of layers of totora reeds and are home to the traditional Uros community. This afternoon relax at leisure and enjoy the fabulous views of Lake Titicaca from your hotel. Tonight we venture into town to sample local cuisine. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast we take a short flight to Lima and on arrival, we take a city tour. Tonight we have a sumptuous meal at Huaca Pucllana, a fabulous restaurant set within the compound of a 1,500 year old adobe pyramid.
Overnight Stay: LimaMeals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
Today we visit the Larco Herrera Museum, a private museum with one of the greatest ceramic collections in the world. The tour gives an insight into South America’s past and the fascinating Inca culture. Afterwards fly to Santiago, Chile.
Three Night Stay: SantiagoMeals: Breakfast
This morning we take a city tour of Chilean capital, including a visit to the Pre–Columbian museum. Tonight we dine at Akarana Restaurant, famous for Chilean Pacific Rim Cuisine and the Chilean Pisco Sour cocktail.Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
Travel to the Emiliana Winery, situated in the Casablanca Valley where we enjoy a sumptuous lunch in the grounds of the vineyard. Included in the tour is the chance to sample some of the fine Chilean wines produced in the local area.Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Lunch
Take an early morning flight to Rio de Janeiro. On arrival, delight in a local specialty, a ‘caipirinha’ cocktail. The rest of the day is yours to spend exploring the areas of Copacabana and Ipanema.
Three Night Stay: Rio de JaneiroMeals: Breakfast
This morning we travel to the top of Corcovado Mountain to see the famous ‘Christ the Redeemer’ statue, situated high above the city and recently named one of the new ‘Seven Wonders of the World.’ Lunch today is at the delightful Confeitaria Colombo. After lunch, we visit the Sambadrome Cultural Centre and try on the colourful costumes from Rio’s infamous Carnival Parade. Next we head to Sugar Loaf Mountain which rises from the Atlantic Ocean, dominating Rio de Janeiro’s coast line. First we take a cable car to the top of Urca Hill before transferring to a second car to climb the additional 1300 feet to the pinnacle of Sugar Loaf Mountain to admire the stunning views.Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Lunch
Today is a SCENIC FREECHOICE day where you choose what you would like to do from the following Scenic FreeChoice inclusions: tour the famous Maracana Stadium; a walking tour of old Rio to marvel at the historical buildings; a jeep tour of Tijuca Forest and the Botanical Gardens; or a visit to a Favela, a Brazilian shanty town. Tonight is a SCENIC FREECHOICE dining evening choose from the following inclusions: dine at Marius Carnes, a unique Brazilian Churrascaria – a barbeque serving numerous types and cuts of meat; enjoy a typical Brazilian dinner with live music at a traditional Samba Bar; or Dine at Atlantis Restaurant, the Sofitel’s elegant restaurant overlooking Copacabana beach. Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
Take an early morning flight to Iguaçu Falls. Enjoy a guided afternoon walk and the panoramic views from the Brazilian side of the falls.
Two Night Stay: Iguaçu FallsMeals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we take the exciting Macuco Safari adventure which first takes us into the middle of the forest. We then board an inflatable motor boat for an up-close experience with the falls as the captain manoeuvres the boat as close as he can to the cascades, it is certainly a thrill you won’t forget. The afternoon and evening are yours to spend at leisure.Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast we cross the border and tour the Argentinean side of the falls, where the many walkways allow you to get as close as possible to the edge of the cascades. This afternoon we take a flight to Buenos Aires.
Three Night Stay: Buenos AiresMeals: Breakfast
This morning we tour this elegant city including the Recoleta Cemetery which is home to the graves of several presidents and the legendary Eva Peron.Your tour ends with a visit to one of Buenos Aires’ famous old cafes where you will have the chance to learn to dance the Tango. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Tonight enjoy your SCENIC FREECHOICE Dining Evening, choose from the following inclusions: a palate-teasing Argentine steak in a traditional Parilla grill house; dine in a Chic International cuisine restaurant specialising in seafood; or delight in fine dining at the elegant Le Sud restaurant located in your hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
Today is a SCENIC FREECHOICE day, choose from the following inclusions: visit the Pampas to see the Fiesta Gaucha; tour Tigre and sail the Parana River; absorb the culture on a private Museum and Gallery Tour; or take a private tour of the stunning Gardens of this beautiful city. Tonight enjoy our Farewell Dinner and spectacular Tango Show. Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
After breakfast, the day is free to explore at your leisure before transferring* to airport for your evening flight home with Air France via Paris to one of 8 UK airports. Meals: Breakfast
Welcome home.
**Optional tours are at your own cost and must be booked before departure.
*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary.
Brochure: IS/SAM/GBP1011
Tour code: USAG.1