The Best of Brazil & Argentina with Uruguay

Welcome to spectacular Rio de Janeiro, home to whitesand beaches and host of the 2016 Summer Olympics! After arrival, settle into your hotel and meet your Tour Director, who will have pointers for your free time exploration.

Sprawling between majestic granite peaks and the blue South Atlantic, Rio is a city of beauty, wonder, and energy. Guided sightseeing with a Local Guide begins with a drive along Rio's famed Leblon, Ipanema, and Copacabana beaches. Take the cog railway 701 metres (2,300 feet) up to the summit of CORCOVADO to view the famous Christ the Redeemer statue and enjoy 360-degree views of Guanabara Bay and the bustling city below. Your afternoon is free to explore-perhaps join an optional excursion to a nearby favela for a glimpse into the life of these colourful communities that nearly 20% of the people call home. (B)

A free day in Rio allows you to relax on one of the famous beaches or take an optional excursion to the historic city of Petropolis to see the former summer palace of Emperor Pedro II. (B)

A morning flight takes you to IGUASSU FALLS, one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. Upon arrival, journey to the Brazilian side of the falls to see the mammoth series of 275 waterfalls cascading over a precipice almost two miles wide and 84 metres (250 feet) deep. Walk into Devil's Throat Canyon, where the clouds of mist, thundering roar, and 180-degree rainbows surround you- an unforgettable experience! (B/D)

Cross the border for a visit of the Argentine side of IGUASSU FALLS. Begin with a short ride on the open-air ECOLOGICAL JUNGLE TRAIN through the rainforest. A series of boardwalks takes you above the falls to see the water crashing down into the Devil's Throat. Your afternoon is free to explore, or you may opt to visit the Bird Park, home to many species of endemic birds, as well as flora from the area. (B)

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina's cosmopolitan capital. After settling into your hotel, an orientation tour familiarises you with the "Paris of South America" and its wide boulevards, outdoor cafes, and charming shops. (B)

Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide focuses on the city's landmarks, including the Teatro Colon Opera House and Plaza de Mayo, site of La Casa Rosada (the President's Pink House), and Metropolitan Cathedral. Also, visit La Boca and San Telmo, one of Buenos Aires' oldest neighbourhoods, and RECOLETA CEMETERY, where Eva Peron is buried. End your day with an Argentinean meal, followed by a sensuous TANGO SHOW highlighting the alluring dance that is so popular here. (B/D)

Today is free for independent activities, or you can take an optional excursion to visit a local estancia (ranch) to experience the life of the gauchos (cowboys), as well as traditional dance performances and a barbecue lunch. (B)

Board a high-speed catamaran bound for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay. Your Local Guide takes you on a guided tour of this colonial city founded by Portuguese settlers in 1680. Later, board a bus for Uruguay's capital city, Montevideo. (B)

On a city tour of Montevideo, drive along the Atlantic Coast to the city centre and visit Constitution Square, the cathedral, the colonial Town Hall, and Independence Square. Other areas visited include the Prado area, Batlle y Ordonez Park, the residential area of Carrasco, and Plaza Virgilio. (B)

Your holiday ends after breakfast this morning. (B)