Essence of South America
Tauck – Essence of South America
Classic Land Journey: 12 days / 11 Nights
Departs: Jan-Mar, Sep-Dec
Cities & Landmarks: Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Iguazú Falls, Santiago, Millahue Valley
From $15,140pp* twin share
One of Tauck’s most comprehensive South American tours inspires with 12 days of in-depth discoveries of natural and architectural wonders throughout Brazil, Argentina and Chile. Spend multiple nights in world-class cities at fine hotels in the heart of each city. View spectacular Iguazú Falls; sample the fine wines of Chile and famous Argentinian beef; get a behind-the-scenes look at Rio’s colorful Carnaval; feel the passion and the heat of the tango and the samba; visit once of the most famous silversmiths of Argentina, the Draghi family; and so much more.
Note: *Prices subject to change. Terms and conditions apply.
An Electronic Visa is required for entry into Chile & Brazil. Please visit CIBT Visas for more information or contact your travel agent for further details.
Day 1: Arrive Rio de Janeiro
Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Belmond Copacabana Palace.A transfer is included from Rio de Janeiro International Airport to Belmond Copacabana Palace, an Art Deco landmark overlooking Copacabana Beach. Join us for a welcome reception and dinner with traditional entertainment.
Stay: Belmond Copacabana Palace
Included meals: Dinner
Day 2: Sugarloaf Mountain and a cruise
Your morning in Rio begins with a private boat cruise on Guanabara Bay. Enjoy seaside glimpses of beautiful beaches, historic forts, a modern museum, outlying islands and the city skyline. Next, dramatic scenic views await at the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain where a two-stage cable car ride takes you up a quarter mile into the air to see what the birds see as they fly over Guanabara Bay and the city. Feast on a typical churrascaria barbecue lunch before returning to Rio. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Stay: Belmond Copacabana Palace
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Corcovado, Samba City and more
Arise in amazing Rio for an unforgettable excursion up Corcovado Hill by train to Tijuca National Park to see the world-famous statue of Christ the Redeemer. Enjoy a walking tour of Rio’s historic downtown, including the Cathedral and other Belle Époque landmarks. Then discover the passionate nature of Rio’s beloved Carnaval celebration, which draws visitors from around the world each year, on a visit to Samba City.
A local guide leads you on a behind-the-scenes look at the business of Carnaval and the creation of its dazzling costumes and floats, which includes an exclusive samba performance. Have lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel to spend the afternoon as you please.
Dinner tonight is at a renowned local restaurant.
Stay: Belmond Copacabana Palace
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Fly to Iguaçu Falls
Taller than Niagara Falls and twice as wide, Iguazú Falls was named a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site and one of the “New Seven Wonders of Nature.” You’ll have to visit two countries to get a complete look at the falls – 275 cascades spread in a horseshoe shape across two miles of the Iguazú River, straddling the borders of Argentina and Brazil. Today experience the Brazilian side, walking on paved trails with a local guide to the catwalks along the falls for amazing views of the thundering water.
Your hotel is ideally located inside the national park with nature’s wonders as a welcome showpiece.
Stay: Belmond Hotel Das Cataras
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Discover the falls your way
Immerse in the natural splendors of the park your way today on a choice of excursions. Board a helicopter for a flightseeing ride over the falls; drive into the jungle for a jet boat ride to the base of the falls and “shoot the rapids” on the way back to the dock; or take a behind-the-scenes backstage tour of the Bird Park, a recovery and conservation center for exotic birds, where you will meet and perhaps feed toucans, flamingos and more.
After time at leisure to do as you like, work up an appetite for our private tasting dinner tonight that immerses you in the culinary history of the different regions of Brazil.
Stay: Belmond Hotel Das Cataras
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: On to Argentina
Drive across the Tancredo Neves Bridge over the border into neighboring Argentina where you will experience the falls from a different perspective. Take a walk along the “Superior Circuit” to “Devil’s Throat” on metal grated walkways and up steps for stunning views, before lunch and an afternoon flight to Buenos Aires. Settle in at the elegant Alvear Palace Hotel, a city landmark since 1932 and the “grande dame” of Buenos Aires hotels.
Stay: Alvear Palace Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: The tango & more in Argentina’s “Big Apple”
No doubt about it, Buenos Aires defines “sizzle”… and you’ll discover why today when a local guide shows you the city. First up is a visit to Plaza de Mayo, Metropolitan Cathedral and Casa Rosada (government palace) where you’ll see the balcony made famous by Evita Perón. Explore the colorful La Boca neighborhood, which is both a working class barrio and artist colony, and then enjoy lunch in the San Telmo District, a mix of colonial-style homes, narrow lanes, artist lofts and hip bars.
This evening, experience the allure of the infamous tango when a superb show follows dinner in Buenos Aires.
Stay: Alvear Palace Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Visit a silversmith and a horse ranch
Experience time-honored Argentine traditions today as you venture out to the countryside to the artist community of San Antonio de Areco for a very special visit with one of the most famous silversmiths in the country. The Draghi family have created priceless pieces in pure silver for celebrities and local gauchos alike and today you will have the opportunity to see the artists at work.
Continue on to a traditional estancia (ranch) for lunch and a fascinating gaucho demonstration with a horse whisperer. Your evening is free to enjoy Buenos Aires as you like.
Stay: Alvear Palace Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9: Teatro Colón and a day to explore Buenos Aires
Today begins with a privately guided, behind-the-scenes tour of Teatro Colón, the city’s seven-tiered opera house that first opened in 1908, and ranks among the best concert venues in the world. Its opulent stained glass, marble staircases and excellent acoustics recently underwent a three-year refurbishment.
The remainder of the day is free to explore Buenos Aires as you please.
Stay: Alvear Palace Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 10: Fly to Chile
A morning flight brings you to Santiago in Chile and the final stop on our tour of South America. Drive south on the Pan-American Highway to the Millahue Valley in the heart of Chile’s famous winelands for a two-night stay. Your hotel is acclaimed for its unique architectural design and on-site winery; enjoy dinner at your leisure tonight.
Stay: Vik Chile Millahue
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11: Visit a silversmith and a horse ranch
Immerse in the beauty of wine country today as you choose how you want to spend the morning. Saddle up for a guided horseback ride through the vineyards or pedal your way on a bicycle through vines meticulously grown and cared for. Or join us for a cooking class or a wine and chocolate pairing at the hotel. Everyone meets up for a wine pairing lunch before a tasting tour at the winery. A farewell reception and dinner features regional specialties and incredible scenic views.
Stay: Vik Chile Millahue
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Travel home from Santiago
Tour ends: Santiago. Drive to Santiago this morning for a city tour and lunch at The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago, where day rooms have been reserved for you before your flight home. A transfer is included from The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago to Santiago Airport.
Allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Inclusions
- A special visit to a silversmith and lunch at an estancia where gauchos and a horse whisperer demonstrate their skills
- A walk along the base of thundering Iguazú Falls during two nights at a hotel with views of the waterfall
- On-Tour Air included (3 flights)
- Three nights in Rio de Janeiro on Copacabana beach, featuring dazzling oceanfront views
- A three-night stay in Buenos Aires featuring a private visit to Teatro Colón Opera House, and dinner and a tango show
- Private tour of Rio’s Samba City for a behind-the-scenes look at Carnaval costumes, floats and sensational samba dancing
- Private cruise on Guanabara Bay for breathtaking views of Rio de Janeiro
Terms & Conditions
Our professional services are available for the purchase of any type of travel, however the following charges apply:
1. Administration Planning Service
Should a detailed itinerary/quote be requested a non-refundable planning fee will be charged per itinerary, as per the Schedule of Fees, prior to each itinerary being prepared.
2. Itinerary/Reservation Cancellation
The itinerary/reservation deposit is payable at the time the reservation is requested and is in addition to any deposit fees charged by the tour operator/airline or other travel supplier. The itinerary/reservation deposit is non-refundable BUT if you proceed with the booking, the amount of the itinerary/reservation deposit will be credited against the final amount payable. If you do not proceed with or subsequently cancel the booking, the itinerary/reservation deposit is non-refundable and is in addition to cancellation fees imposed by travel principals and Southside World Travel.
3. Amendments
Any changes made to a confirmed, deposited or finalised booking prior to departure will attract an amendment fee as per the Schedule of Fees, plus any communications costs incurred in securing further confirmations.
4. Visa, Re-entry Permits etc.
A fee, as detailed in the Schedule of Fees, inclusive of registration postage and/or courier fees is payable in addition to any Government and/or Consular fees.
5. Extraordinary Costs
In the unlikely event we are unable to meet your requirements through our normal booking process or you request a late booking which requires urgent attention, we will let you know. If you wish us to continue with the booking any additional costs as notified to you, such as telephone and other communication expenses, courier charges, any associated bank costs for urgent remittance of funds, etc. will be payable by the client.
6. Insurance
We may ask you to sign a declaration if you do not accept our recommendation that you affect travel insurance. Travel insurance provides cover when the premium is paid and the policy issued, and so should be taken out as soon as any deposit or payment is made.
In the event that you elect to take out insurance with another provider (not supplied by us), the following fees will apply when providing documentation for any claim:
Administration fee for Insurance
Domestic: from $75.00 per person
Asia Pacific: from $110.00 per person
International from $150.00 per person*
7. GST Provision
If a goods and services tax (GST) or similar tax is or becomes payable in respect of any supply made to you under this agreement, then in addition to the fee payable, you must pay the amount of GST payable in respect of that fee. The GST is payable at the same time and in the same manner as the fee or at such later time as Southside World Travel may request.
SCHEDULE OF FEES (including GST)
Please note: Any fees that apply to your booking will be documented in your quote and confirmation letter.
Itinerary Planning Fee / Reservation Deposit
from $150.00
*Itinerary/reservation deposit taken off final balance
Should a detailed itinerary/quote be requested with flight times and availability, combined with a tour or accommodation component, a non-refundable planning fee will be charged prior to each itinerary/reservation being prepared.
Itinerary / Reservation Cancellation Fee
from $150.00
* In addition to fees charged by operators
* Cancellation Fee once travel is paid in full – from 10% of total value of trip (see your travel insurance policy)
Airfare Ticketing Fees
Domestic: from $75.00 per person
Asia Pacific: from $110.00 per person
International: from $150.00 per person*
*Dependent on destination and routing
Amendment Fees
Domestic: from $75.00 per person
Asia Pacific: from $110.00 per person
International: from $150.00 per person*
*Per amendment after payment of deposits and in addition to fees charged by operator
Frequent Flyer Bookings
Domestic: from $75.00 per person
Asia Pacific: from $110.00 per person
International: from $150.00 per person*
*Only applies where Southside World Travel processes Frequent Flyer Bookings on behalf of clients
Payment
Our preferred method of payment is by direct deposit or credit card. We use TravelPay to process all credit and debit card transactions.
Payment by credit card/debit cards to suppliers MAY incur a surcharge between 1.0% and 3.0% (ask your consultant for details). Credit card payments made to Southside World Travel (via Travelpay) will incur a surcharge as follows:
– Mastercard/Debit Card – 1.4%
– Visa Card/Debit Card – 1.6%
– Amex Card – 2.2%
*Credit Card/Debit Cards refunds require 5 x business working days to process.
*Personal cheques take 5 x business working days to clear.
Responsibility Clause
All coupons, vouchers, receipts and tickets are issued subject to the terms and conditions specified by the suppliers. By accepting the coupon, vouchers, tickets and utilizing our services, you agree that, apart from certain rights you have under the Trade Practices Act, neither Southside World Travel nor any subsidiary company or representative, shall be liable for any loss, injury or damage to you or your belongings or otherwise arising in any way of our services to you.
Your travel consultant will advise you on passport and visa requirements, but it is your responsibility to ensure you comply with these regulations before travelling.
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