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South America
From: €4999
Dates: 02nd -16th September 2024
Visiting;
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Corcovado Mountain, Sugar loaf Mountain, Foz do Igassu, Montevideo (Uruguay), Buenos Aires (Argentina) & Tigre
MONDAY, 02ND SEPTEMBER | TUESDAY, 03RD SEPTEMBER
We will meet at the airport at 3.00am for our flight to Rio de Janeiro via Frankfurt. The flight departs at 5.55am and arrives in Frankfurt at 8.40am. Between flights, we will visit Frankfurt and have some free time. We will then return to the airport to board our flight to Rio de Janeiro which leaves at 10.15pm and arrives at 5.35am (03rd September). On arrival, we will be transferred to our Hotel Mirador Rio (or similar). Later we explore the landmarks in Rio. We will have a walking tour through Rio’s downtown narrow streets and old historical buildings. Visit the Casa França-Brasil and on Gonçalves Dias Street, go to Rio’s century-old coffee shop: “Confeitaria” Colombo. Walk by some of the city’s most important landmarks like the Candelaria Church, the “Banco do Brasil” Cultural Center, the Paço Imperial, Praça XV, and the “Travessa do Mercado”. We end at the Metropolitan Cathedral. Then drive to the Gamboa district near the port, to the Samba City. At the “Acadêmicos da Grande Rio” warehouse, we learn about the famous parade’s history and get into the Carnival spirit. After a “caipirinha” tasting, we learn Afro and Samba beats during a percussion and dance workshop and learn how to make costumes.
WEDNESDAY, 4TH SEPTEMBER
Breakfast and we start the day driving through the Tijuca forest up the Corcovado Mountain. At the top of one of Rio de Janeiro’s most privileged belvederes, admire the well-known Christ the Redeemer statue and the stunning views of the “Marvelous City”. Afterwards, drive along the city’s beautiful beaches to the Urca district. From here, take two glass cable cars to appreciate the beautiful lush views surrounding the iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain. At the top, appreciate the spectacular views of Rio de Janeiro. Later we discover Rio at night as we head downtown to the bohemian area of Lapa. At the Rio Scenarium, an old baronial town house, we immerse in Brazilian culture: music, eclectic antiques and a mix of vintage items. Listed as one of the best bars/nightclubs in the world, locals and tourists enjoy fun evenings to the rhythms of excellent live Brazilian music. Dinner included.
THURSDAY, 5TH SEPTEMBER
Today after breakfast we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Foz do Iguassu and later check in at our hotel – Wyndham Golden Foz Suites (or similar). Later we drive to the Iguassu National Park. From here, walk along the paths and appreciate the lush vegetation, butterflies, and cascades. Take the 1.5km path that leads to an amazing panoramic view of the Devil’s Throat. From here, appreciate the incredible panorama of the other iconic sites in Argentina like Two Sisters and Bozzeti waterfalls, the Superior Circuit, and San Martin Island, where the movie “The Mission” was filmed. In the evening, leave our hotel to Rafain Barbecue House. We spend the evening enjoying a great buffet dinner and a typical folk show that includes Samba, Tango, and Paraguayan music.
FRIDAY, 6TH SEPTEMBER
This morning, we make our way to the Iguazú National Park in Argentina. From the visitor’s center, take the train and go to the Upper Circuit and appreciate the panoramic views of the falls. Arrive at the Devil’s Throat, the park’s most impressive and immense waterfalls. Measuring 150m long and 80m high; its horseshoe shape creates a stunning waterfall one will remember forever. From here, walk along the Iguazú River canyon for about 3km to the lower circuit as we admire the regional fauna and flora and feel the constant presence of the waterfalls. Note: For the border crossing from Brazil to Argentina, travelers need their passports and visas (if necessary).
SATURDAY, 7TH SEPTEMBER
Breakfast and today we visit the Bird Park located before the entrance of Brazilian National Park, an environmental area that combines ecological tourism and preservation. The sanctuary is home to over 500 species and aims to rehabilitate and release them back into nature. We walk along the paths in the subtropical forest, home of butterflies, alligators, snakes, and monkeys. Later we make our way to the airport for our flight to Buenos Aires, the land of tango and the country’s capital. Upon arrival, we will be welcomed at the Aeropark Domestic airport and transferred to our hotel – Pulitzer Buenos Aires (or similar).
SUNDAY, 8TH SEPTEMBER
Today, we get in touch with the birth city of the Tango! During your city tour in Buenos Aires, we will drive close to the Colon Theatre, one of the world’s best known opera houses and the cultural pride of the “porteños” (as the inhabitants of Buenos Aires are called). We visit the famous Avenida de Mayo that runs into the Plaza De Mayo, surrounded by the Casa Rosada, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Cabildo. At the other end of Avenida de Mayo, the cupola of the Congress building can be seen. We then continue to San Telmo, an historical neighbourhood, and the eldest district of Buenos Aires. Here we have some time to stroll around Plaza Dorrego with its many antique shops On Sundays a visit to Plaza Dorrego is a “MUST” for its famous antique market. Our next stop is La Boca, a most colourful area with the famous street Caminito. After driving by the stadium, we will stop for a walking tour at Caminito street, full of local painters offering their Tango pictures and tango dancers.
MONDAY, 9TH SEPTEMBER
Breakfast and later set off to the Hydrofoil pier to board our ferry to Montevideo. With the Buquebus ferry we cross the Río de la Plata river to Uruguay. For the border crossing travelers need their passports. Upon arrival, we start our city tour. We appreciate the beautiful colonial architecture that surrounds the Plaza de Constitución like the Cathedral, City Hall, and the Solís Theatre. At the Independence Square, see a monument honoring José Gervasio Artigas, a national hero. We continue our tour to the Mercado del Puerto, an old market hall now filled with grill restaurants. Near the port market, at the Mercado de los Artesanos one has the possibility to purchase handicraft works of local artists made of typical materials. Enjoy some free time for lunch at the old market hall filled with street musicians and local artists. Afterwards, drive along the lively 18 de Julio street until we reach the Legislative Palace. We stop at Mercado Agricola, we discover Uruguay’s culinary customs or try fresh pastries like “bizcochos” or “torta frita”. Continue our tour around the city and pass by the Batlle and Ordoñez Park, the Obelisk, and the Centenario Soccer Stadium that was built for the first World Cup in 1930. We end the tour at the Plaza Virgilio and in the residential area of Carrasco. Appreciate and photograph the stunning views of the city before driving along the coast and its beaches back to the pier.
TUESDAY, 10TH SEPTEMBER
Breakfast at the hotel and today we visit the North Area of the city, enjoying a guided tour to La Recoleta, one of the city’s most glamorous spots. People say this area is “a urban piece extracted from Paris”. La Recoleta is a wonderful walking area that combines upscale stores, restaurants, and boutiques. This residential area is famous for its sculptures and French style buildings. Restaurants, cafes, and luxurious stores stretch along Alvear Avenue and on the small square. The Recoleta Cultural Center, the National Museum of Fine Arts and the Palais de Glace shelter a very important part of Buenos Aires cultural activities. During weekends, visitors may enjoy the crafts fair and find a variety of objects as well as outdoor shows. We visit Recoleta Cemetery, occupying six hectares and is one of the most prominent worldwide. It has sculptures and vaults made by famous national and foreign artists. Many Argentina’s national heroes, presidents, well-known writers, scientists and artists are buried here. Recoleta visit will include it’s parks, Floralis Generica at United Nations Park, Libertador and Figueroa Alcorta Avenues,Fedderativa Brazil Park, Plaza Vicente Lopez y Planes, Plaza Francia. We then drive to the district of Palermo with its beautiful parks and artificial lakes. The City Zoo, Botanical Garden of Buenos Aires, the Argentine Horse Track and National Polo Fields are all located in this area. We will also visit one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in Buenos Aires Palermo Soho & Palermo Hollywood. Later in the day, we set off to the tango house to enjoy a dinner and show. While visiting Buenos Aires, watching a tango show should be on one’s bucket list. Originally from the poorer districts and only danced by men, the music included flutes, violins, and guitars. At the city’s tango houses, indulge in exquisite food, and enjoy a live tango show. After the show, return to the hotel around midnight.
WEDNESDAY, 11TH SEPTEMBER
Breakfast and later during the day, we will have the opportunity to visit the first home of Diego Armando Maradona and his family in Buenos Aires, in the neighbourhood of La Paternal and a few meters from the stadium that today bears his name from the Argentinos Juniors Athletic Association, the Club of his origins and where he took his first steps as a professional player. The home that Argentinos Juniors, the Soccer Club, gave to Diego for his 18th birthday was recovered by the Board of Historical Studies of the La Paternal and Villa General Miter neighbourhoods through its president, Dr. Alberto Miguel Perez Martin, valued and recognized as a Historical place and in Tribute to the best soccer player in history.
THURSDAY, 12TH SEPTEMBER
Today, we Buenos Aires and drive to San Antonio de Areco, the heart of the “gaucho” traditions. Arrive at El Ombu de Areco, a traditional ranch dedicated to agriculture and animal farming. The late-colonial style mansion was built in 1880 by Lieutenant-general Pablo Riccheri and its magnificent “casco” contribute to the ideal setting for an unforgettable time. We enjoy a full day here horseback riding, or walk along the Areco River. Indulge in a delicious and typical BBQ lunch called “asado” that includes fine meats, salads, wine, and dessert. Then, enjoy an intimate folklore show as a gaucho plays the guitar and see a horse skills demonstration.
FRIDAY, 13TH SEPTEMBER
Breakfast and today we have a full-day tour to Estancia Gamboa. The day begins with a reception with a glass of Gamboa sparkling wine and a guided visit to the premises and the vineyard. At noon, we will have wine tasting in the cava with three exclusive wines and a variety of cheese. Afterwards, enjoy a gourmet lunch at Casa Gamboa restaurant (depending on the weather conditions this can be done outdoors). Here you can enjoy “Terruño Experience” which is the gastronomic proposal elaborated with local ingredients, it is a menu designed to share different dishes (family style) in a natural environment and of course, enjoy the conversation and of course, the best wines! Bodega Gamboa is an exceptional vineyard in a small oasis located just an hour away from the city. The experience offers a place to enjoy, have a nice time and create memories in fantastic ambience.
SATURDAY, 14TH SEPTEMBER
After breakfast we leave our hotel and make our way to San Isidro. In the colonial and aristocratic area, see the mansions and houses by the Río de la Plata. Continue the drive to Tigre, a popular weekend getaway for many “porteños” that boasts many summer homes as well as yacht and rowing clubs. Here we take a 1 hour – boat excursion (shared) along the Paraná Delta and its channels, rivers, streams, and numerous islands, appreciating the lush vegetation. After our cruise, enjoy lunch (included) at a local restaurant before driving back to Buenos Aires city.
SUNDAY, 15TH SEPTEMBER / MONDAY, 16TH SEPTEMBER
Breakfast and we enjoy our last hours in Argentina. We then are transferred to the airport for our flight back to Malta. Our flight leaves at 4.45pm and arrives in Frankfurt at 11.00am (16th September). Later we have our final flight that departs at 1.35pm and arrives in Malta at 4.10pm.
PRICE INCLUDES
Lufthansa flights to Rio de Janeiro / from Buenos Aires via Frankfurt
Internal flights from Rio de Janeiro to Iguassu / Iguassu to Buenos Aires
12 nights accommodation in 4* hotels as per programme
12 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 2 dinners
All transfers as per program
All excursions guided by English speaking guide, as indicated in itinerary
Entrance fees as per program
Services of tour leader
All taxes
Insolvency fund
PRICE PER PERSON
Adult in Triple € 4999
Adult in Twin € 5189
Adult in Single € 5869
Minimum group size is based on 20 passengers
Note: A Maltese passport with a validity date of 6 months beyond
departure dates.
Visa: Please ask at the desk for requirements.
Vaccines: Kindly check with the National Immunisation Service at Floriana Health centre.
