YOUR fabulous ITINERARY

Day 1 - Friday 5 May

Australia/Buenos Aires

Upon arrival to Buenos Aires, we will be met at the airport and privately escorted to our hotel. After check-in, the rest of the day will be at leisure.

ACCOMMODATION: Recoleta Grand Hotel

MEALS INCLUDED: In-flight Meals

Day 2 - Saturday 6 May Buenos Aires

Argentina is a passionate land of contradictions, from the cosmopolitan elegance of Buenos Aires to the macho traditions of the gauchos (cowboys) of the pampas plains - from the flirtatious seduction of the Tango to a colourful and timeless immigration history. Passion for life spills from the myriad cafes, theatres, boulevards, and parks of Buenos Aires. It is a city with its own style, wide tree-lined boulevards, a combination of baroque, neo-classical and modern architecture, numerous cafes and restaurants, and vast green parks - plus it is also the home of Pope Francis. Buenos Aires is also the home of Pope Francis. The 1940’s and the 1950’s saw the emergence of Peronism at the famous hands of Juan Peron and his wife Eva Peron (Evita).

Today Buenos Aires has the feel of a cosmopolitan European city, home to more than 11 million people. We start today with an exploration of the Recoleta neighbourhood. The influences from the Italian, Spanish, French and British become tangible as we observe the wide boulevards, elegant homes, fashionable shops and art museums. We will follow the story of Eva Peron in Recoleta’s cemetery. Afterwards we stop for coffee at one of the most magnificent cafes from Buenos Aires’ Belle Epoque, ‘Café Tortoni’. In downtown Buenos Aires you will find ‘Teatro Colon’ (Opera House), a global theatrical landmark for opera, ballet and classical music. Built at the end of the 19th century the Opera House is a monumental symbol of the cultural life of

Buenos Aires. A visit to one of the most spectacular bookstores in the world, El Ateneo Grand Splendid in downtown Buenos Aires, an exceptionally charming bookstore that retains all the splendour of its former life as a 1920s old theatre. We then make our way to ‘La Boca’, without a doubt, one of the most visited destinations in Buenos Aires. Caminito Street is the heart of the La Boca Italian Quarter where houses are painted vibrant blue, yellow, orange, red and green. We will visit La Boca’s outdoor museum of sculptures and paintings. Free time is scheduled so you can enjoy lunch and some bargain shopping in this vibrant colourful area. This evening we attend a fabulous Tango dinner show at La Ventura in the midst of San Telmo – one of Buenos Aires most traditional neighbourhoods. La Ventura’s authentic interior in a historic building makes it the ideal setting for a unique tango experience. Here we can enjoy music, and dance performed by 35 artists.

ACCOMMODATION: Recoleta Grand Hotel

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Dinner and Tango S

Day 3 - Sunday 7 May Buenos Aires & THE GAUCHOS

Before we drive out of town, we drive through the Palermo-Soho districts. This is an iconic neighbourhood of cobblestone streets named after its New York counterpart. Palmero-Soho is host to chic boutiques opened by young designers, art galleries, cafes and unique shops. We have a relaxing day being entertained at an Argentinian country residence, ‘Santa Susana’ Ranch, on the outskirts of Buenos Aires. A day in the country. The flat and rich pampas plains around this capital city are an ocean of crops and pasture – home of the Gaucho riders, skilled exponents of horsemanship, with an expert reputation as cattle herders.

The Gauchos maintain their creole traditions and the unique art of roasting the most delicious beef in the world. After a onehour drive from the city we arrive and will be greeted with a freshly baked empanada and a glass of wine. We can enjoy the traditional songs and dances of these Argentinean cowboys whilst we enjoy lunch. It’s a full day fiesta, including a barbeque lunch (all you can eat) and drinks (all you can drink!). We have the chance to see the legendary horsemanship skills of the Gauchos at work. You can ride with the Gauchos, take carriage rides, and visit the little museum, filled with the family’s furniture, gadgets and clothes from the past, and their small chapel.

ACCOMMODATION: Recoleta Grand Hotel

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, BBQ Lunch with drinks.

Day 4 - Monday 8 May IGUASSU FALLS

After breakfast we will be transferred to the airport for our flight to Iguassu.

This afternoon we visit the Brazilian side of the Falls which are very close to (right in front of) our hotel. After breathtaking views from the observation deck, we use the walkway to get almost within touching distance of these tremendous falls.

To further enhance our Iguassu Falls experience, we take you for a boat ride under the Falls. The tour starts in the Brazilian Iguassu National Park with a ride through the jungle in open jeep-towed vehicles, where orchids, bromeliads and butterflies can be seen. We descend to board a twin-engine inflatable boat to cruise into the canyons and shoot several small rapids before arriving at the base of the Falls, where you will get quite wet! You will experience awe-inspiring views of rainbow arcs and the roaring falls against a backdrop of verdant rainforest.

ACCOMMODATION: Belmond Das Cataratas Hotel.

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 5 - Tuesday 9 May

Iguassu Falls

We head towards the Argentine side of Iguassu National Park this morning. Most of the falls (approx. 80%) are on the Argentine side of the park covering an area of 550 sq.km. We take a mini-train ride into the jungle and then join one of the walking trails to experience the many aspects of the falls. The trail has six spectacular view points with panoramic views of the Falls. A boardwalk bridge (2200m round trip) takes us out and over the Iguassu River and small islands to the mighty ‘Devil’s Throat’. The ‘Devil’s Throat’ is 150m wide and as tall as 82m. The walking bridge goes right out to the horse-shoe shaped head of the falls, so be prepared for plenty of spray and excitement.

ACCOMMODATION: Belmond Das Cataratas Hotel.

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 6 - Wednesday 10 May

Iguassu Falls – Rio De Janeiro

We visit one of the world’s best Exotic Bird Parks and you will be amazed at how close you can get to the birds, the magnificence of their colour and number. There is also time this afternoon for an optional helicopter flight over the Falls. The helicopter rides high above the falls (10 minutes) and gives you a unique birds eye view of this stunning landscape. In our view, it’s a ‘must do’.

Later this afternoon, we join our flight to Rio De Janeiro.

ACCOMMODATION: Hotel JW Marriot

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast and inflight snacks

Day 7 - Thursday 11 May Rio de Janiero

Sweeping along a narrow strip of land between beaches and steeply domed mountains, Rio’s beauty is undeniable. Locals say God made the World in six days – the seventh day he devoted to Rio! Views of the city from the 11 story statue of Christ the Redeemer crowning Mt Corcovado are simply awesome, while Ipanema and Copacabana beaches are like cities in themselves – ‘Manhatten in Bikinis’.

Despite its beauty, Rio has some 10 million people, one of the most densely populated places on earth – and the locals pursue pleasure like nowhere else.

This morning we make the pilgrimage to the top of Corcovado (709m high) and stand beneath the giant 30 metre statue of Christ the Redeemer to enjoy one of the worlds truly legendary sights. The Christ Statue has been elected as one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World. Corcovado rises from the Tijuca Rainforest which surrounds the city – the largest urban forest in the world, the green lung of the city. We travel to the top by cog wheel train, constructed by Swiss engineers, passing through lovely parts of the forest with panoramic views of the city.

We lunch at Fogo de Chao Botafogo, a Brazil BBQ restaurant, featuring a large variety of BBQ meat, side dishes and desserts.

ACCOMMODATION: Hotel JW Marriot

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8 - Friday 12 May Rio de Janeiro

Today we enjoy sightseeing along Rio’s many famous beaches (Ipanema and Copacabana etc.) before taking a cable car to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain, where we have prime views of the city and the coastline.

Dinner, tonight at Marius Degustare Restaurant - Recognized worldwide as a place that everyone should know, the Marius Degustare restaurant offers a sophisticated selection of meats, fish, and seafood, in a charming, exotic and fun environment.

Tonight, we enjoy a great evening out watching a vibrant performance of authentic Brazilian dance styles, including samba, bossa nova and lambada, joined by a local band and singers. The Gina tropical show starts at 9pm and ends at 10.30pm

ACCOMMODATION: Hotel JW Marriot

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9 - Saturday 13 May

Rio De Janeiro - Lima

This morning we experience the famous Favelas (slum areas) of Rio. This tour will give us a better understanding of Brazilian society. This afternoon we suggest you enjoy the beach culture of Rio, visit the local markets, perhaps take a swim, and soak up the vibrant local atmosphere of exciting Rio. Late afternoon we will be transferred to the airport for our flight to Lima.

ACCOMMODATION: Wyndham Airport Hotel

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast.

Day 10 - Sunday 14 May

Lima - Paracas.

This morning we join our luxury air-conditioned coach and travel the Pan American Highway to Paracas, a journey of some 4 hours. This will be a fascinating drive as we first pass many of the slum areas of Lima, then drive through a coastal arid region of the Atacama Desert, before reaching the rich agricultural areas of Inca and Paracas.

Today we enjoy a delightful lunch in a historic country house, the Hacienda San Jose, a 17th Century building that has been declared a Cultural Heritage site. Located just a 3 hour drive from Lima, this country house is one of the hidden gems in South Peru.

The Paracas National Reserve, a 280,000 hectare coastal park includes a spectacular conglomeration of hills, desert and islands.

ACCOMMODATION: La Hacienda Bahia Paracas Hotel

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 11 - Monday 15 May Paracas, Nazca Lines & Ballestas Islands

We take a fast boat ride to Ballestas Islands to view the amazing wildlife in their natural habitat. Wildlife is everywhere in this stunning reserve, particularly the bird colonies and sea creatures.

From our speed boat we also see carved into the highest point in the cliffs above Paracas Bay, the Candelabra, the famous candlestick design from the Nazca civilization - it is etched into the desert face. On this morning’s boat trip, we will see more birds than you can possibly imagine. The rocky landscape is simply covered in more than 60 species of sea-birds, including the Humboldt penguin. There are many sea lions on the rocks. This is a mini Galapagos!!

Your second highlight for today will be the fascinating flight over the Nasca Lines. One of the great mysteries of South America, the Nazca Lines are a series of animal figures and geometric shapes - none repeated and some measuring up to 300m across. They have been preserved for more than 2000 years.

There are 11 major figures, decipherable only from the air: including the hummingbird, a monkey, spider, pelican, condor and a whale, plus the mysterious astronaut, and various triangles and trapezoids. This will be one of the strangest and most unforgettable sights we visit in South America. Additionally, we will fly over the Palpa Lines, the recently discovered drawings near Ocucaje left by the Paracas culture and the archaeological complex built by the Nazca culture in Cahuachi. After our flights, we have free time in the quaint sea-side town of Pisco (home of the famous Pisco Sour), for personal exploration, lunch and shopping.

ACCOMMODATION: Double Tree by Hilton, Paracas MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast.

Day 12 - Tuesday 16 May Paracas to Lima

We travel by coach on the Pan American Highway back into Lima.

We arrive in time for a wonderful seafood lunch at the beautiful Cala Restaurante, where a mouth-watering three course lunch with wine in a beautiful ocean-front setting is ready for us. Cala is a sophisticated & Creative perched over the water with views of the Pacific Ocean and coastal cliffs. It provides the perfect scenic location to enjoy a leisurely lunch.

After lunch, your visit to the Larco museum will take you on a journey into the legacy of pre-Inca cultures and the context in which they developed. The museum’s didactic galleries have been renovated in 2010, offering a detailed look at 3,000 years of Peruvian pre-Columbian history. Its masterpieces are considered worldwide icons of pre-Columbian art and have been displayed in the world’s most renowned museums. The museum itself is an attraction, since the colonial mansion housing the exhibition, was built on top of a pre-Inca pyramid from the 7th century.

ACCOMMODATION: Double Tree by Hilton, Paracas MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast and Lunch at Cala Restaurante

Day 13 - Wednesday 17 May

Lima

This morning we enjoy a tour of Peru’s capital city, Lima, founded by Francisco Pizaro in 1534. Many of the beautiful old colonial buildings remain. The heart of the city is the Plaza Mayor, a colourful public square flanked by Government Place, the Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace and other amazingly beautiful buildings. The Plaza Mayor is linked to Plaza San Martin by a pedestrian mall. Since the 1920’s Lima has struggled to contain a population explosion of largely poorer rural folk migrating to the capital searching for a better life. Shanty towns surround the capital today. Our sightseeing tour will cover Lima’s historic center, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. We also visit Casa Aliago, the oldest colonial house in Latin America. It has been owned by the family Aliaga and their descendants since Francisco Pizarro granted this ancient temple to one of his followers, Jeronimo de Aliago in 1535. It features a series of salons that represent life in Lima in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. Lunch is at the archaeological complex Huaca Pucllana with superb views of the pyramid.

ACCOMMODATION: El Paardo Double Tree by Hilton Hotel

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast & Lunch

Day 14 - Thursday 18 May

Lima to Sacred Valley.

Today is a travelling day as we take our flight from Lima to the beautiful city of Cusco, the archaeological capital of the Americas, and the oldest continuously inhabited city on the continent. When we arrive we will board our comfortable coach and head straight down to Sacred Valley to a lower altitude.

ACCOMMODATION: Sol y Luna

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Inflight Snacks, Dinner.

Day 15 - Friday 19 May

Sacred Valley

Today we drive though the scenic landscape of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with its spectacular scenery. We have several stops along the way for photographs, stopping to visit a wildlife park to see up close, the magnificent Condorbird, Llamas and alpacas. We visit the famous Pisac markets. Colonial Pisac is a quiet Andean village renowned for its colourful markets, and Sunday is one of its busiest market days. The plaza is full of local Indians selling produce, weavings, alpaca sweaters and souvenirs, just as they have done for centuries. Or if observing and shopping for handicrafts is not your thing, you can rest in one of the many bars and cafes, and enjoy a beer and some freshly baked empanadas with the locals. We arrive at Sol y Luna for lunch. This countryside restaurant provides a high quality Cusqueno-style barbecue lunch in a sheltered outdoor setting, followed by a fabulous Peruvian Pasco horse show ACCOMMODATION: Sol y Luna

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, BBQ Lunch

Day 16 – Saturday 20 May

Moray, Moras, Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu)

A fascinating morning as we continue our coach journey through stunning scenery to Moray and Moras. The Incas created huge circular agricultural terraces at Moray, built inside sink holes on a limestone plateau overlooking the Urubamba Valley. It has been suggested that they have a cosmological meaning, but their function other than as an experiment in agriculture remains a mystery. Today we visit these agricultural terraces and the nearby age old terraced salt pans that sit below the old colonial town of Maras – an amazing sight. Today we enjoy a beautiful three-course lunch cooked by the families of the Misminay community with naturally cultivated ingredients from their fields.

Following lunch we travel to Ollanta to join the 3.30pm Vista dome rail journey to Aquas Calientes, at the base of Machu Picchu. The train’s one hour journey follows the Urubamba River through the steep sided gorges to Aguas Calientes. This is the closest village to Machu Picchu, where we stay for two nights - a delightful mountain village at the foot of Machu Picchu.

ACCOMMODATION: El Mapi Inka Terra Hotel

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 17 – Sunday 21 May

Machu Picchu

From Aguas Calientes we join local mini coaches to travel the Hiram Bingham Highway, 700 metres to the top of Machu Picchu, one of the world’s best known and most spectacular archaeological sites – the ‘Lost City of the Incas’ – the most renowned example of Inca architecture, surrounded by cloud forest. Lost in history, it was not discovered until 1911.

Our guide this morning will help us understand and appreciate the air of grandeur and mystery that is uniquely Machu Picchu as we explore the site. During the guided tour you will experience the uniqueness of the location and the genius that went into its construction, making this Inca site one of the seven new wonders of the world.

This afternoon you have personal time to further explore and enjoy Aguas Calientes. Squeezed between towering mountains, the village has interesting restaurants, a town plaza, hot springs, local markets, and the wonderful Indian culture of the Peruvian Andes. However, should you wish to return to Machu Picchu an afternoon ticket can be purchased for an additional US$65pp.

ACCOMMODATION: El Mapi Inka Terra Hotel

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast and Dinner.

Day 18 - Monday 22 May

To Ollanta, and onto Cusco

This morning we take the 11am vistadome train from Aguas Calientes into Ollanta. Lunch at El Chuncho. Over 40 years ago North American couple Randall-Weeks fell in love with the beauty of the Sacred Valley and decided to open the cozy ‘El Albergue’ hotel in Ollantaytambo train station. Today, their two children, Joaquin and Ishmael, run the inn while being passionately committed to making the valley a sustainable destination. The Randall brothers support the reforestation of the Sacred Valley with hands-on initiatives in cooperation with Valle Sagrado Verde. Local dishes are reinterpreted at their restaurant El Chuncho using seasonal fruits and veggies cultivated with ancestral techniques from their own organic farm.

Lunch (Banquet) includes variety of dishes to share.

After lunch, we visit to Ollantaytambo town.

We rejoin our coach in Ollanta and head back into Cusco. En route we visit a local Peruvian weaving village for a demonstration of weaving techniques used in the Andean highlands for centuries. Chinchero is renowned for the production of textiles done on backstrap looms. We watch as the local women work, the wool is carded, spun, and dyed, and we learn about the different techniques used to create belts, ponchos and shawls.

This evening is at leisure in the beautiful city of Cusco, one of the most colourful and interesting cities in South America, and the hub of Inca civilization.

ACCOMMODATION: Aranwa Cusco Hotel

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 19 - Tuesday 23 May Cusco

This morning we explore with our guide the major sites of interest in Cusco. We visit the famed cathedral with its magnificently carved woodwork, ornate altar and many hundreds of canvases from the 17th century Cusco Painting School. We continue to Sacsayhuaman, a spectacular hilltop fortress that overlooks the city of Cusco. The largest stones used in its construction are nearly 8.5m high and weigh 360 tons, fitting so perfectly together that a single piece of paper would not fit between the two stones.

The afternoon is yours to explore and enjoy the cultural and historic wonders around the heart of the city and its central plaza. Explore Avenida Sol, the main business street of Cusco. The narrow streets around the Plaza de Armas have changed little in centuries, many are now for pedestrians only. The picturesque Plaza features colonial arcades on several sides.

The magnificently ornate Cathedral and the Church of La Compania dominate two sides of the Plaza, which proudly display both the Peruvian and Inca flags. You might like to take a local taxi to the art deco area of San Blas. Explore the quaint alleys filled with art. We suggest taking a taxi (around $5 per taxi) to San Blas and walking back down the steps into the Plaza de Armas. The narrow street from San Blas back down into the Plaza offers many fascinating sights and shopping opportunities.

This evening we stroll back into the Plaza de Armas to dine at Tunupa Cusco. A buffet of Peruvian traditional dishes are on offer, before a live music and dance show commences at 8pm. The show offers a colourfuk & vibrant insight into Peruvian dance and folklore.

ACCOMMODATION: Aranwa Cusco Hotel

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Dinner.

Day 20 – Wednesday 24 May

DELUXE RAIL to Lake Titicaca (Puno)

Our spectacular rail journey today begins in historic Cusco and travels south to the city of Puno, on the shores of beautiful Lake Titicaca. This train journey cuts across the formidable Peruvian Altiplano. The first half of the full day journey is dominated by the magnificent Andean mountains which tower over the deep valleys of the meandering Hutanay river. It then reaches the gentler, rolling Andean Plains, where vicuna and alpaca can be seen in large numbers. The observation bar car will provide the perfect opportunity to view this beautiful changing scenery. A gourmet lunch with wine will be served at your seat. Traditional dances and music will be presented during the journey to make the special train experience complete. We suggest you take your place in the Observation lounge as soon as possible after boarding the train as Observation Lounge seats are limited and in high demand.

ACCOMMODATION: Libertador Lago Titicaca Hotel.

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea on the train.

Day 21 - Thursday 25 May

Floating Islands of the Uros Indians, Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca is one of the highest navigable lakes in the world and the largest freshwater lake on the continent of South America. Today we enjoy an excursion to the unusual floating islands of the Uros Indians. Made of totora reeds, the islands were constructed as a defensive measure to enable them to be moved should a threat arise. Today we experience the lifestyle of the Uros Indians, their homes, and observe their way of living. Scattered all around Lake Titicaca you will find chulpas, gargantuan white stone towers up to 12m in height in which the Colla tribe, who dominated the region before the Incas, buried their dead. After our floating island visit, our boat calls into the city wharf, where we join local Tuk Tuks to visit downtown Puno. Leisure time is scheduled so that you can have lunch at one of the many cafes and explore the shops and sights along the pedestrian mall, and/or visit the local markets and black market stalls.

ACCOMMODATION: Libertador Lago Titicaca Hotel

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 22 - Friday 26 May

Sun Island, Copacabana and Bolivia

We drive along the south side of Lake Titicaca to the ancient shrine of Copacabana, on the boundary between Peru and Bolivia. On the way, we pass through the colourful Andean towns of Juli and Pomata, whose churches are jewels of colonial architecture. Once in Copacabana we visit it’s attractive pilgrim church and then join a catamaran to the mythic Sun Island. Morning tea is served on the way over to Sun Island.

According to legend, the Inca couple Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo appeared here to found the Empire of the Sun. We visit the Inca Gardens and fountain, then the Inti Wata Cultural Centre Complex.

This complex features the an undeground Museum and an interesting demonstration of Andean crops, medicinal herbs and Andean fauna. Activities at Sun Island today include a traditional shaman’s ceremony, a visit to the Titicaca reed shipbuilders display centre, and a unique sailing experience aboard a huge Titicaca traditional reed vessel visiting the Pikokaina Inca Palace ruins. Buffet lunch will be served on the catamaran on the way back to Copacabana.

We then return to Puno and to our hotel.

ACCOMMODATION: Libertador Lago Titicaca Hotel.

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 23 - Saturday 27 May

Puno - Juliaca - Iquitos.

This morning we leave Puno and travel to the nearby town of Juliaca where the airport is situated. Here we join our flight to Lima and onto Iquitos, located in the amazing Amazon. Half of Peru is in the Amazon basin, and Iquitos is Peru’s largest jungle city. Founded in the 1750’s as a Jesusit Mission, it is the largest city in the Amazon without any road links. In the late 1900’s it was a rubber boom-town, and signs of the opulence still exist. You’ll find the people are friendly and easy going.

ACCOMMODATION: Doubletree Iquitos by Hilton hotel.

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast and inflight snacks.

Day 24 - Sunday 28 May

Iquitos - La Perla’ for our Amazon Cruise

The Belen market is in full swing early in the morning, so we take local Tuk Tuks to and from the hotel. The markets are amazing. These local markets display strange items like piles of dried frogs and fish, armadillo shells, piranha teeth and an enormous variety of tropical, jungle fruits. We then return to our hotel and are transferred by coach to Nauta, where the river ship M/V La Perla awaits. The cruise will begin along the Maranon towards the confluence of Maranon and Ucayali – birthplace of the majestic Amazon. Over the next four days we navigate through both rivers and numerous tributaries. Lunch is on board La Perla.

The Amazon Jungle is known as the ‘lungs of the earth’, a thick blanket of green interspersed with winding rivers and dotted with traditional villages. This precious habitat houses many of the earth’s animal species and half it’s tropical rainforest. There is no other place as rich in plant and animal life.

This afternoon, we will visit the Samiria Reserve and observe the Charpas turtles. As night falls, together with our naturalist guides, we will search for caimans, owls and capybaras.

ACCOMMODATION: La Perla

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - accompanied by local music from a live band.

Day 25 - Monday 29 May

The Amazon

This morning we head off to explore Yanayacu de Pucate, taking a picnic breakfast with us to enjoy in the Pacaya Samiria Natural Reserve, as we keep our eyes peeled for pink dolphins. It is also possible to observe blue and yellow macaws, toucans and different species of monkeys. We take a canopy walk where we can observe the jungle wildlife and enjoy breathtaking jungle views. After lunch, on board our ship, we take part in a Ceremony with Shamans in St Regis where we learn about the ancient secrets of the rainforest. Later, we can take part in the tree planting ceremony.

Before dinner, we are welcomed back on board by the cruise ship’s live band. At night when the temperature is still agreeable, we participate in a night excursion. From the dark waters, the reflecting moonlight will allow us to perfectly observe the nocturnal wildlife such as lizards, frogs and many other jungle

Day 26 - Tuesday 30 May The Amazon

After a hearty breakfast, we will reach Piranha Creek. This place is known to the locals as a great place for Piranha fishing. You will be amazed with the traditional techniques of Piranha fishing, and we can all try to catch the infamous fish. We then continue to Kukama Prado village and learn about ancient traditions and medicine used by the ancestors, some of which will be totally new to you. We take part in a cooking demonstration, to learn about local techniques and the variety of vegetables and dishes that exists in the Peruvian Amazon. In the late afternoon, we cruise through the impressive sunset of the Amazon, and enjoy the symphony of colours and sounds. Our Amazon guides are on the top deck in search of caimans, frogs, spiders, snakes like the Anacondas to point out to you. We relax and enjoy the passing scenery as the ship continues along the river.

ACCOMMODATION: La Perla

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 27 - Wednesday 31 May Iquitos – Lima

After breakfast we leave the La Perla and transfer to Iquitos Airport. On our way from Nauta to Iquitos we visit the Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre of River Mammals where you have the chance to meet baby manatees and learn about these wonderful and docile creatures, and why they are on the endangered species list. There will be an opportunity for you to pet and feed these docile manatees. We then join our flight to Lima.

ACCOMMODATION: Wyndham Airport Hotel

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast and inflight meals

Day 28 – Thursday 1 June Lima – Santiago

This morning you’ll enjoy breakfast at your hotel before transferring to the airport for our flight to Santiago. After arriving in our hotel, we will take the short walk to the Sky Costanara, the tallest building in South America for panoramic views over Santiago, before enjoying a wonderful dinner at Don Carlos.

ACCOMMODATION: Intercontinental Hotel Santiago

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Inflight snack, Dinner

Day 29 - Friday 2 June Santiago

Today, we will visit of the vineyards in Casablanca Valley (70 km northwest from Santiago). Situated on the coastal plain between Santiago and Valparaiso, Casablanca is Chile’s fastest growing wine region. Soil and climate favour the production of top quality Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. You will visit Casas del Bosque. Enjoy a tour of vineyards and cellars and sample in its Aromas Bar from one Reserva and two Gran Reserva labels. After the vineyard visit you will continue your journey to Valparaiso. With its colorful hillside homes overlooking the Pacific and winding stairways, the Chilean port city of Valparaiso, a UNESCO World Heritage, is alive with avant-garde culture and vibrant street art.

ACCOMMODATION: Intercontinental Hotel Santiago

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 30 - Saturday 3 June Santiago - Australia

Our sightseeing of Santiago starts with the main attractions of the city. Santiago occupies a spectacular basin at the foot of some of the highest peaks in the Andes. It is a modern and bustling city with almost 16 million inhabitants, founded by the Spaniards almost 500 years ago. Our tour takes us to some of the places where the story started in 1541 and see how it has evolved with different styles. We visit La Moneda, the Government Palace, where our guide will explain the historical and actual signifigance of the Palace. We visit Santa Lucia Hill, the hill upon which the Spanish founded Santiago in 1541. From the Santa Lucia Hill you can see the Parque Forestal (park) on one side, and the Mapocho River on the other. We will cross the river to visit Bellavista, the cultural and artistic neighbourhood of Santiago. We visit the beautiful Santiago racecourse in the suburbs of this intriguing city, before exploring the new and developing suburbs of Santiago. Housed in an exquisite 19th century wrought iron building is the Central Market, famous for its seafood and seafood restaurants. We then return to our hotel for an evening at leisure before transferring to the airport for our flight back to Australia

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast and Lunch.

Day 31 - Sunday 4 June

Crossing the International Date Line

Day 32 - Monday 5 June

Arrive Australia. Welcome Home!