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Tauck Essence of South America

Please call free – 0800 707 6229 – for Huge Extra Savings on your Tauck Essence of South America tour

Tauck’s comprehensive 14-day South America holidays inspire with in-depth discoveries of the many natural and architectural wonders of this remarkable continent. Spend multiple nights in world-class cities – two in Santiago, and three in Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro – at fine hotels in the heart of each city. Cross the Andes overland and by private boat. View spectacular Iguazú Falls from both Brazil and Argentina. 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. This most enriching of South American tours is the experience of a lifetime!

A walk along the base of thundering Iguazú Falls during two nights at a hotel with views of the waterfall

  • On-Tour Air included (4 flights)
  •  A three-night stay in Buenos Aires featuring a private visit to Teatro Colón Opera House, and dinner and a tango show
  • Three nights in Rio de Janeiro on Copacabana beach, featuring dazzling oceanfront views
  •  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
  •  A crossing of the Andes Mountains from Chile to Argentina, including a cruise in Patagonia’s beautiful Lake District
  • Two nights in Bariloche, the “Switzerland of South America”
  •  A tour and gourmet lunch at a renowned Chilean winery to discover the secrets of Chile’s fabulous wine during two nights in Santiago
  • Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
  • 32 meals; gratuities to local guides, service charges, taxes and porterage

Day 1 Arrive Santiago, Chile
Tour begins: The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago at 6:00 PM. A transfer from Santiago Airport to The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago is included. Please join us for our welcome cocktail reception and dinner tonight. Stay Two Nights: The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago (D)

Day 2 Santiago, Chile

Get acquainted with Santiago today – the city is a mix of skyscrapers and classical buildings – beginning with a visit to the Plaza de Armas. Head outside of the city to a winery for a tour and a gourmet lunch that celebrates generations of Chilean winemaking traditions. Back in Santiago, the rest of the day is free to explore as you please. (B/L)

Day 3 Puerto Varas, Chile
Fly this morning to the Lake District of southern Chile, renowned as a wonderland of mountain lakes, snowcapped volcanoes, waterfalls and lush forests. Have lunch in Puerto Montt, reflecting the German heritage of the area’s original settlers, en route to the Patagonian resort town of Puerto Varas on the shore of Chile’s largest man-made lake, Lago Llanquihue. Time at leisure lets you enjoy the flavor of this resort town. Stay: Hotel Cumbres Puerto Varas (B/L/D)

Day 4 Bariloche, Argentina
Today, you’ll cross the majestic Andes Mountains – a highlight of South America tours – traveling from Chile to Argentina. Following a morning drive from Puerto Varas to the Argentine border, board a private boat and cruise to Bariloche, the “Switzerland of South America” on Nahuel Huapi Lake in Nahuel Huapi National Park; have dinner à la carte this evening at your leisure at Llao Llao Resort, your home for the next two nights, where you’ll enjoy a Lake Suite in the Moreno Wing. Stay Two Nights: Llao Llao Hotel & Resort (B/L/D)

Day 5 Bariloche, Argentina
Today… an entire day for you to immerse in the natural splendors of your idyllic lakeside setting. Enjoy the amenities at your award-winning resort (some at an additional charge) including archery, golf, tennis and sailing or spa treatments. Hotel shuttles are available if you wish to explore downtown Bariloche on your own. This afternoon, join us for a private tango lesson for Tauck guests only. (B/D)

Day  6 Buenos Aires, Argentina
You’ve basked in the beauty of Patagonia from the ground up. Today you will experience it from a different perspective when you take a chairlift up Cerro Campanario for stunning views of the surrounding mountains, wide open sky and the lake waters below. Another change of scenery awaits this afternoon on a flight to Buenos Aires for a three-night stay at the Alvear Palace Hotel, a landmark in La Recoleta, one of the city’s most elegant and distinguished neighborhoods. Dine as you please tonight at the hotel. Stay Three Nights: Alvear Palace Hotel (B/L/D)

Day 7 Buenos Aires, Argentina
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. After dinner, you’ll discover the allure and passion of the tango at the Esquina Carlos Gardel, a landmark in Buenos Aires. (B/L/D)

Day 8 Buenos Aires, Argentina
Today’s discoveries begin with a fascinating behind-the-scenes visit to Teatro Colón, Buenos Aires’ seven-tiered opera house first opened in 1908. Its opulent stained glass, marble staircases and excellent acoustics recently underwent a three-year refurbishment. The remainder of the day and evening are free for you to explore more of this fascinating city as you wish. (B)

Day 9 Iguazú Falls, Argentina
Sightseeing continues today when you see the immense Avenida 9 de Julio, a stately avenue traversing Buenos Aires that was modeled after Paris’ Champs Élysées in the 1930s, along with the posh Embassy District and the Rose Garden, an oasis of green. On foot, explore La Recoleta Cemetery, the final resting place of many of Argentina’s famous and wealthiest families, including the grave of Evita Perón. Have lunch at a popular local restaurant, before taking an afternoon flight to Iguazú, reigning as one of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls and set in a wildlife rich subtropical setting. Wherever you look, the views are breathtaking. Your hotel is set in the heart of the national park; dine tonight at the hotel’s restaurant, boasting wonderful views of the thundering waters! Stay Two Nights: Meliá Iguazú (B/L/D)

Day 10 Iguazú Falls, Argentina
Taller than Niagara Falls and twice as wide, Iguazú Falls, named a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, claimed another title as one of the “New Seven Wonders of Nature” by the New Seven Wonders of the World Foundation in 2011. You’ll have to visit two countries to get a complete look at the falls – its 275 cascades are spread in a horseshoe shape over nearly two miles of the Iguazú River, straddling the borders of Argentina and Brazil. Today you’ll experience the Argentinian side, walking along grated walkways of metal and climbing steps as you view the thundering water. Do as many walks as you like; intriguing names like the “Devil’s Throat,” the “Superior Circuit,” and the “Lower Circuit” offer a descriptive hint of what you’ll see. Optional activities like boat rides, hikes and other excursions are available at an additional charge and give you the opportunity to experience nature at her finest in South America. (B/L)

Day 11 Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Cross the Tancredo Neves Bridge from Argentina to Brazil to view the famous falls (known as Iguaçu here) from a different perspective this morning; you’ll never forget your walk along the base of the falls on the Brazilian side – 275 cascades form a 1 1/2 mile-long waterfall. Later, fly to Rio de Janeiro and your iconic Art Deco landmark hotel overlooking Copacabana Beach, the 5-star Belmond Copacabana Palace. Stay Three Nights: Belmond Copacabana Palace (B/L/D)

Day 12 Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
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, and lunch at the famous Colombo Tea Room. 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 – where 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. Spend the evening as you please on your own in Rio tonight. (B/L)

Day 13 Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
An incredible day in and around Rio de Janeiro begins with a private boat cruise on Guanabara Bay, to see some of the city’s iconic beaches, fortresses and the breathtaking Rio skyline. After lunch at a traditional Brazilian churrascaria, a two-stage cable car ride to the 1,390-foot summit of iconic Sugarloaf Mountain rewards with stunning views. Return to the Belmond Copacabana Palace in the late afternoon, and join us this evening for a farewell cocktail party in one of the hotel’s magnificent ballrooms, followed by dinner at a local Rio restaurant. Truly saboroso! (B/L/D)

Day 14 Depart Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Tour ends: Rio de Janeiro. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Belmond Copacabana Palace to Rio de Janeiro International Airport. Spend your last day in Rio as you wish, browsing in the city’s museums and shops or savoring the sights on Rio’s beautiful beaches. While hotel check-out time from Belmond Copacabana Palace is 12:00 noon, if you are on a later flight Tauck has reserved a hospitality room to refresh and relax before making your flight; plan to arrive at the airport at least 3 1/2 hours before your flight departs. (B)

The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago
SANTIAGO, CHILE

Ranked as one of the best hotels in the world by the readers of Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler, The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago is a luxurious home from which to take in the history and admire the stunning natural beauty of Chile’s capital. Its excellent location in one of the city’s most prestigious neighborhoods within sight of the Andean Mountain Range is sure to please. Enjoy splendid vistas of the mountains or the city, as well as such appreciated amenities as an in-room safe, computer and fax connections, and honor bar, in the beautifully appointed guest rooms. A 690-square-foot Health and Fitness Center awaits under a rooftop glass cupola affording magnificent views with an indoor heated swimming pool, whirlpool, exercise equipment and a range of spa treatments and services. Marble and Lapizlazuli surround diners savoring delectable Mediterranean-style cuisine in the sophisticated Adra restaurant. Chile’s fine wines are world-famous and, at Wine 365, you’ll find a selection of 365 Chilean vintages as well as one-of-a-kind French wines.

Llao Llao Hotel & Resort
BARILOCHE, ARGENTINA

In a stunning setting high on a hill between Lake Nahuel and Lake Moreno and framed by Mt. López, Mt. Capilla and Mt. Tronador, the magnificent Llao Llao Hotel & Resort was completely refurbished in 1993. All tastefully furnished guest rooms are equipped with cable TV, a minibar and a safety box. Numerous choices for leisure time activities (some at additional cost) include a heated indoor swimming pool, golf, mountain biking, rafting, archery and horseback riding. Visit the well-equipped Health Club & Fitness Center or indulge yourself at the Llao Llao Spa while drinking in its panoramic views. Enjoy “Cordero Patagónico” (Patagonian lamb) and fine international cuisine at the Los Césares restaurant or choose to dine at the cozy and informal Café Restaurant Patagonia. Live entertainment is featured each evening at the Lobby Bar.

 

Alvear Palace Hotel
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA

Opened in 1932 as a luxury hotel for European visitors, the Alvear Palace Hotel continues to exude Belle Époque splendor in the heart of Buenos Aires’ fashionable Recoleta neighborhood, close to some of this legendary city’s finest boulevards, parks, museums and boutiques. The hotel’s grand, French-inspired public areas boast crystal chandeliers, velvet fauteuils and gilded-wood-paneled walls. Elegant guest rooms, sumptuously decorated in Empire, Louis XV and Louis XVI styles, offer butler service, fresh flowers and Hermès bath amenities. Award-winning chef Jean Paul Bondoux delights and surprises his guests with an extensive dinner menu of classic French dishes – alongside a well-considered wine list – at La Bourgogne, famed for serving what is arguably the best French cuisine in Buenos Aires. High tea, served in L’Orangerie, draws an elegant crowd. Indulge yourself in the 8,600-square-foot Alvear Spa, a serene, light-filled space offering a range of wellness and beauty treatments, including the Radiant Treatment, designed by La Prairie especially for Alvear.

Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 2 people sharing and don’t include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment’s notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote.

Please call us free on 0800 707 6229 for pricing and availability

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