Classic South America

Expedition

See the sights of Santiago, enjoy wine tasting in Casablanca Valley and get up close with Eva Peron’s famous balcony in Buenos Aires—all on this immersive tour of South America.

EXPERIENCE OVERVIEW

See the sights of Santiago, enjoy wine tasting in Casablanca Valley and get up close with Eva Peron’s famous balcony in Buenos Aires—all on this immersive tour of South America. Step out with a Local Expert in Brazil for a stunning walk past the misty rainbows and thundering gravity of Iguassu Falls—with panoramic views of San Martin Island. In Rio de Janeiro, explore the iconic Copacabana Beach before recharging with a lavish Highlight Lunch at Confeitaria Colombo—the prestigious coffee shop and café dating back to 1894. Across the border in Argentina, Buenos Aires beckons with a once in a lifetime choice to join South America’s Gaucho cowboys for a horseback ride through the rugged wilderness or a guided sojourn around the Estancia, to learn about cattle-raising and life on the ranch.

highlights

Dining Summary

6 Dinner (D)
11 Breakfast (B)
3 Lunch (L)
1 Lunch with Wine (L)

Choice Highlights

Choose between two carefully selected activities

Santiago: Enjoy lunch with wine at El Castillo Forestal, a converted castle located in the Parque Forestal. This unique dining experience offers French cuisine with a turret room and a terrace with views of the park.
Santiago: Enjoy a Chilean seafood lunch with Wine. Mestizo Restaurante has incorporated aspects of international gastronomy to Chilean cuisine to create delicious ceviches, main dishes and desserts.

Choose between two carefully selected activities

Buenos Aires: Enjoy an indigenous dinner crafted with contemporary flair. Specializing in native meats and alternatives, El Baqueano works with small producers and fishermen to create extraordinary seasonal delights.
Buenos Aires: An iconic gastronomic hub, enjoy a traditional steakhouse dinner featuring fresh and local ingredients that make for an exceptional experience.

Choose between two carefully selected activities

Buenos Aires: Meet the local gauchos and learn about the traditions of these South American Cowboys on a horseback ride.
Buenos Aires: Explore the beautiful ranch on a leisurely walk, learning all about the gaucho lifestyle.

Choose between two carefully selected activities

Rio de Janeiro: Visit this beautiful library that was built in the heart of Rio by the Portuguese monarchy.
Rio de Janeiro: Take a behind the scenes look at Rio's iconic circa 1909 Municipal Theater with a Local Expert.

Additional Included Highlights

You will be escorted by one of our fine Travel Concierges, handpicked to serve as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary, available on departures with 15 or more guests.
Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
At every hotel, you'll be treated to seamless baggage handling, with prompt delivery inside your room.
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
Complimentary, airport transfers are included on start and end dates and when additional accommodation has been booked through Luxury Gold. Guests will be transferred with fellow Luxury Gold Travellers that arrive on the same flight. Complimentary, private train station transfers are included when train travel is included within the itinerary. Transfers to train stations or alternate hotels, in the same start or end city of the itinerary, may be requested but are not guaranteed.

Exceptional Dining

Santiago: At 18:00, join your Travel Concierge and fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner.
Buenos Aires: Savour a delicious meal, and enjoy fabulous live music, solo singers and a breathtaking display of authentic tango at Rojo Tango.
Get a taste of gaucho life with a delicious asado Highlight Lunch.
Iguassu Falls: Enjoy dinner with wine surrounded by a subtropical forest at Ipe Grill where you'll choose from a selection of traditional Brazilian barbecue or international cuisine.
Rio de Janeiro: Dine at a local churrascaria, a traditional Brazilian steakhouse, where you'll be served a variety of quality meats, a quintessentially Brazilian experience.
Rio de Janeiro: Enjoy an authentic lunch at a local churrascaria, a traditional Brazilian steakhouse. Here, servers come to your table with knives and skewers of delectable cuts of meat. A quintessential Brazilian experience.
Rio de Janeiro: Your Farewell Celebration Dinner is served at the French-Brazilian E'toile Restaurant. Enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean from the 26th floor as you toast to your journey.

Journey Highlights

Santiago: Meet a Local Expert for an in-depth city exploration. Start out at the heart of the city, seeing the Chilean University, San Francisco Church and the Santa Lucia Hill. Then visit the Plaza de Armas and the cathedral. Cross the Mapocho river to the bohemian Bellavista district on the way to San Cristobal Hill, where you will have the best views of Santiago and the Andes Mountains.
Santiago: Visit Kingston Family Winery, a small boutique winery located in Casablanca Valley for an introduction to and tasting of their exquisite wines.
Valparaiso: From Santiago, head west towards Valparaíso. Pass by the main square where you can see the monument honoring the 1879 Naval Battle of Iquique. Declared a World Heritage by UNESCO, Valparaíso offers unique ocean landscapes with colorful neighborhoods, picturesque cobblestone streets, and old cable cars.
Buenos Aires: Take a tour of this historical and prestigious opera house and explore the Main Hall, Foyer, Bustos Gallery and the Golden Hall.
Iguassu Falls: Head to the Argentinean side of Iguassu Falls and view the unfathomable Devil's Throat.
Iguassu Falls: Join a local expert for a spectacular walk past thundering curtains of water and misty rainbows on the Brazilian side of the falls. Explore the base of the falls and see the impressive panoramic view of San Martin Island.
Iguassu Falls: See several native birds in their natural habitat. One of the largest bird parks in Latin America, The Bird Park is an integrated conservation center for birds of the Atlantic Forest and his home to 120 species of birds.
Rio de Janeiro: Experience sightseeing with a Local Expert and a cable car journey to the lofty heights of Sugarloaf Mountain.
Rio de Janeiro: Take a train ride up Corcovado Hill through the Tijuca National Forest to the open arms of Christ the Redeemer and magnificent views over the legendary bay.

Luxury Hotels

Iguassu Falls: Step through the doors into a world of understated luxury. The luxurious Belmond das Cataratas is the only hotel inside the National Park and sits alongside the falls. Soak up the jungle chorus while you float in the pool, stroll gardens bejewelled with orchids and sip caipirinhas as the sun goes down. Embark on the ultimate adventure at South America's first and only Forbes Five Star hotel, and you’ll never want to leave.

Personalize your day

Santiago: Enjoy lunch with wine at El Castillo Forestal, a converted castle located in the Parque Forestal. This unique dining experience offers French cuisine with a turret room and a terrace with views of the park.
Santiago: Enjoy a Chilean seafood lunch with Wine. Mestizo Restaurante has incorporated aspects of international gastronomy to Chilean cuisine to create delicious ceviches, main dishes and desserts.
Buenos Aires: Enjoy an indigenous dinner crafted with contemporary flair. Specializing in native meats and alternatives, El Baqueano works with small producers and fishermen to create extraordinary seasonal delights.
Buenos Aires: An iconic gastronomic hub, enjoy a traditional steakhouse dinner featuring fresh and local ingredients that make for an exceptional experience.
Buenos Aires: Meet the local gauchos and learn about the traditions of these South American Cowboys on a horseback ride.
Buenos Aires: Explore the beautiful ranch on a leisurely walk, learning all about the gaucho lifestyle.
Rio de Janeiro: Visit this beautiful library that was built in the heart of Rio by the Portuguese monarchy.
Rio de Janeiro: Take a behind the scenes look at Rio's iconic circa 1909 Municipal Theater with a Local Expert.

VIP Experiences

Ipanema: Meet Local Expert Cecelo, a local guitarist, music aficionado, and studio owner from Ipanema. Join him on a walking tour of Ipanema, the birthplace of Bossa Nova in the 1950s. Enjoy the sounds and sights of the place that inspired this new genre of samba music. After your tour, head back to your hotel where Cecelo will play you some Bossa Nova classics over a caipirinha cocktail.

Well-being

Your Well-Being Director takes a proactive approach to your welfare ensuring all well-being regulations are met. On tours fewer than 15 guests, your Traveling Concierge will act as your Well-Being Director.
Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19. All Travelling Concierge's, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Highlights

Dining Summary

6 Dinner (D)
11 Breakfast (B)
3 Lunch (L)
1 Lunch with Wine (L)

Choice Highlights

Choose between two carefully selected activities

Santiago: Enjoy lunch with wine at El Castillo Forestal, a converted castle located in the Parque Forestal. This unique dining experience offers French cuisine with a turret room and a terrace with views of the park.
Santiago: Enjoy a Chilean seafood lunch with Wine. Mestizo Restaurante has incorporated aspects of international gastronomy to Chilean cuisine to create delicious ceviches, main dishes and desserts.

Choose between two carefully selected activities

Buenos Aires: Enjoy an indigenous dinner crafted with contemporary flair. Specializing in native meats and alternatives, El Baqueano works with small producers and fishermen to create extraordinary seasonal delights.
Buenos Aires: An iconic gastronomic hub, enjoy a traditional steakhouse dinner featuring fresh and local ingredients that make for an exceptional experience.

Choose between two carefully selected activities

Buenos Aires: Meet the local gauchos and learn about the traditions of these South American Cowboys on a horseback ride.
Buenos Aires: Explore the beautiful ranch on a leisurely walk, learning all about the gaucho lifestyle.

Choose between two carefully selected activities

Rio de Janeiro: Visit this beautiful library that was built in the heart of Rio by the Portuguese monarchy.
Rio de Janeiro: Take a behind the scenes look at Rio's iconic circa 1909 Municipal Theater with a Local Expert.

Additional Included Highlights

You will be escorted by one of our fine Travel Concierges, handpicked to serve as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary, available on departures with 15 or more guests.
Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
At every hotel, you'll be treated to seamless baggage handling, with prompt delivery inside your room.
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
Complimentary, airport transfers are included on start and end dates and when additional accommodation has been booked through Luxury Gold. Guests will be transferred with fellow Luxury Gold Travellers that arrive on the same flight. Complimentary, private train station transfers are included when train travel is included within the itinerary. Transfers to train stations or alternate hotels, in the same start or end city of the itinerary, may be requested but are not guaranteed.

Exceptional Dining

Santiago: At 18:00, join your Travel Concierge and fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner.
Buenos Aires: Savour a delicious meal, and enjoy fabulous live music, solo singers and a breathtaking display of authentic tango at Rojo Tango.
Get a taste of gaucho life with a delicious asado Highlight Lunch.
Iguassu Falls: Enjoy dinner with wine surrounded by a subtropical forest at Ipe Grill where you'll choose from a selection of traditional Brazilian barbecue or international cuisine.
Rio de Janeiro: Dine at a local churrascaria, a traditional Brazilian steakhouse, where you'll be served a variety of quality meats, a quintessentially Brazilian experience.
Rio de Janeiro: Enjoy an authentic lunch at a local churrascaria, a traditional Brazilian steakhouse. Here, servers come to your table with knives and skewers of delectable cuts of meat. A quintessential Brazilian experience.
Rio de Janeiro: Your Farewell Celebration Dinner is served at the French-Brazilian E'toile Restaurant. Enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean from the 26th floor as you toast to your journey.

Journey Highlights

Santiago: Meet a Local Expert for an in-depth city exploration. Start out at the heart of the city, seeing the Chilean University, San Francisco Church and the Santa Lucia Hill. Then visit the Plaza de Armas and the cathedral. Cross the Mapocho river to the bohemian Bellavista district on the way to San Cristobal Hill, where you will have the best views of Santiago and the Andes Mountains.
Santiago: Visit Kingston Family Winery, a small boutique winery located in Casablanca Valley for an introduction to and tasting of their exquisite wines.
Valparaiso: From Santiago, head west towards Valparaíso. Pass by the main square where you can see the monument honoring the 1879 Naval Battle of Iquique. Declared a World Heritage by UNESCO, Valparaíso offers unique ocean landscapes with colorful neighborhoods, picturesque cobblestone streets, and old cable cars.
Buenos Aires: Take a tour of this historical and prestigious opera house and explore the Main Hall, Foyer, Bustos Gallery and the Golden Hall.
Iguassu Falls: Head to the Argentinean side of Iguassu Falls and view the unfathomable Devil's Throat.
Iguassu Falls: Join a local expert for a spectacular walk past thundering curtains of water and misty rainbows on the Brazilian side of the falls. Explore the base of the falls and see the impressive panoramic view of San Martin Island.
Iguassu Falls: See several native birds in their natural habitat. One of the largest bird parks in Latin America, The Bird Park is an integrated conservation center for birds of the Atlantic Forest and his home to 120 species of birds.
Rio de Janeiro: Experience sightseeing with a Local Expert and a cable car journey to the lofty heights of Sugarloaf Mountain.
Rio de Janeiro: Take a train ride up Corcovado Hill through the Tijuca National Forest to the open arms of Christ the Redeemer and magnificent views over the legendary bay.

Luxury Hotels

Iguassu Falls: Step through the doors into a world of understated luxury. The luxurious Belmond das Cataratas is the only hotel inside the National Park and sits alongside the falls. Soak up the jungle chorus while you float in the pool, stroll gardens bejewelled with orchids and sip caipirinhas as the sun goes down. Embark on the ultimate adventure at South America's first and only Forbes Five Star hotel, and you’ll never want to leave.

Personalize your day

Santiago: Enjoy lunch with wine at El Castillo Forestal, a converted castle located in the Parque Forestal. This unique dining experience offers French cuisine with a turret room and a terrace with views of the park.
Santiago: Enjoy a Chilean seafood lunch with Wine. Mestizo Restaurante has incorporated aspects of international gastronomy to Chilean cuisine to create delicious ceviches, main dishes and desserts.
Buenos Aires: Enjoy an indigenous dinner crafted with contemporary flair. Specializing in native meats and alternatives, El Baqueano works with small producers and fishermen to create extraordinary seasonal delights.
Buenos Aires: An iconic gastronomic hub, enjoy a traditional steakhouse dinner featuring fresh and local ingredients that make for an exceptional experience.
Buenos Aires: Meet the local gauchos and learn about the traditions of these South American Cowboys on a horseback ride.
Buenos Aires: Explore the beautiful ranch on a leisurely walk, learning all about the gaucho lifestyle.
Rio de Janeiro: Visit this beautiful library that was built in the heart of Rio by the Portuguese monarchy.
Rio de Janeiro: Take a behind the scenes look at Rio's iconic circa 1909 Municipal Theater with a Local Expert.

VIP Experiences

Ipanema: Meet Local Expert Cecelo, a local guitarist, music aficionado, and studio owner from Ipanema. Join him on a walking tour of Ipanema, the birthplace of Bossa Nova in the 1950s. Enjoy the sounds and sights of the place that inspired this new genre of samba music. After your tour, head back to your hotel where Cecelo will play you some Bossa Nova classics over a caipirinha cocktail.

Well-being

Your Well-Being Director takes a proactive approach to your welfare ensuring all well-being regulations are met. On tours fewer than 15 guests, your Traveling Concierge will act as your Well-Being Director.
Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19. All Travelling Concierge's, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Trip details

Trip Type: Group Tour

Comfort: Deluxe

Travel Styles: Family, 55+, Luxury

Starts: Santiago (Chile), Chile

Finishes: Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Duration: 12 days

ITINERARY

1Day 1: Welcome to Chile Arrival Flight

On arrival at Santiago International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your luxurious hotel. At 18:00, join your Travelling Concierge and fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner.

Accommodation: The Singular Santiago Lastarria Hotel.
Meals: Dinner

2Day 2: The Sights of Santiago

Meet a Local Expert for an in-depth city exploration. You'll start out at the heart of the city, with the Chilean University, San Francisco Church and the Santa Lucia Hill, the site of Santiago’s foundation in 1541. From there, you'll visit the Plaza de Armas and the cathedral. Continue your exploration of Santiago by crossing the Mapocho River to reach the bohemian Bellavista district on the way to the San Cristóbal Hill. Your Journey, Your Way. Choose to enjoy a Chilean seafood lunch with wine at Mestizo Restaurant. Alternatively, enjoy a French lunch with wine at El Castillo Forestal. Your evening is at leisure.

Accommodation: The Singular Santiago Lastarria Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

3Day 3: Valparaiso and Wine Country

Travel to the beautiful coastal towns of Viña del Mar and UNESCO-listed port of Valparaíso. Enjoy lunch at Cafe Turri, a Chilean restaurant that offers panoramic harbor views. Next, you'll visit Kingston Family Vineyard in the Casablanca Valley for a tasting of one of the best-rated Pinot Noirs in Chile. Return to Santiago for the evening.

Accommodation: The Singular Santiago Lastarria Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch with Wine

4Day 4: Fly to Buenos Aires

Fly to Buenos Aires this morning. Your Journey, Your Way. Choose to dine at Piegari Steakhouse, which offers a traditional feast of Argentinian meats, as well as an impressive and surprising selection of Italian fare. Alternatively, you can enjoy a more adventurous dinner at El Baqueno, featuring rare dishes in a quest to highlight native ingredients such as llama and alligator.

Accommodation: Alvear Palace Hotel, Buenos Aires (Palace Premier Room).
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

5Day 5: Beautiful Buenos Aires

Get to know Buenos Aires with a Local Expert as you explore the neighborhoods of Palermo, San Telmo and Recoleta. View the balcony made famous by Eva Peron, the former First Lady of Argentina, and walk the colourful streets of La Boca. Visit the Belle Époque Teatro Colón and view its grand architecture. Experience an electrifying evening of live music, singers and dancers at Rojo Tango during your Highlight Dinner with wine.

Accommodation: Alvear Palace Hotel, Buenos Aires (Palace Premier Room).
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

6Day 6: Pampas, Estancias and Gauchos

Experience a traditional Argentinian estancia. Your Journey, Your Way. Choose to go on a horseback ride with the gauchos, South America’s original cowboys. Experience local life as you ride through the rugged wilderness and soak up the landscapes. Alternatively, you can take a guided stroll around the estancia while you learn about life on the ranch and cattle-raising. Get a taste of the life of an Argentinian gaucho and try the traditional mate tea as you are served a delicious asado Highlight Lunch.

Accommodation: Alvear Palace Hotel, Buenos Aires (Palace Premier Room).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

7Day 7: The Falls of Iguassu

Fly to Iguassu Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Venture to the Argentinean side of the falls to see the unfathomable Devil's Throat with your Local Expert. Dinner with wine is served at the Ipe Grill within your luxurious resort, the only hotel inside the Brazilian Iguassu National Park, where you'll choose from a selection of traditional Brazilian barbecue or international cuisine.

Accommodation: Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, Iguassu (Superior Room).
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

8Day 8: The 'Great Waters' of Iguassu Falls

Wake up inside the park and beat the crowds. Meet a Local Expert for a walk on the Brazilian side of the falls, where you'll witness incredible panoramic views of San Martin Island. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and visit the incredible Bird Park, which provides shelter for over a thousand birds, butterflies and reptiles from across South America.

Accommodation: Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, Iguassu (Superior Room).
Meals: Breakfast

9Day 9: Rio de Janeiro, City of Sea and Samba

Fly to vibrant Rio de Janeiro and transfer to your hotel on iconic Copacabana Beach, famous for its three-mile stretch of golden sand and bustling energy. Settle into the local way of life, with a Highlight Dinner at a traditional Brazilian steakhouse.

Accommodation: Belmond Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro (Deluxe Ocean View Room).
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

10Day 10: Exploring Rio de Janeiro

Join a Local Expert on a cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. Savour an authentic Brazilian lunch at Asador Churrascaria, a traditional steakhouse. Your Journey, Your Way. Choose to visit the Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading. Alternatively, visit Rio's Iconic Municipal Theater with a Local Expert.

Accommodation: Belmond Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro (Deluxe Ocean View Room).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

11Day 11: A Farewell to Rio de Janeiro

Join your Local Expert on a train ride up Corcovado Hill to Christ the Redeemer, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and modern wonder of the world. Meet Cecelo and join him on a walking tour of Ipanema, where Bossa Nova originated. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the place that inspired this new genre of music. Toast your journey over a remarkable Celebration Dinner at the exceptional E'toile Restaurant, a French-Brazilian restaurant with breathtaking views of the Ipanema coastline from the 26th floor.

Accommodation: Belmond Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro (Deluxe Ocean View Room).
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

12Day 12: Depart Rio de Janeiro Departure Flight

A private transfer will take you to the Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport, locally known as Galeao International.

Meals: Breakfast

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Partner Details

Luxury Gold

In Business Since 1978

A world of immersive journeys awaits you, each with VIP experiences, exceptional dining, magnificent hotels and a Travelling Concierge who’s there to tailor everything to your desires.