26 Nights MS Zaandam
Includes Flights, Hotels, Meals, Guided Sightseeing
Departures
Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Puerto Madryn, Argentina; Montevideo, Uruguay; Stanley, Falkland Islands; Punta Arenas, Puerto Chacabuco, Isla Chiloe, Puerto Montt, Santiago, Chile, Antarctica
Visiting Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Puerto Madryn, Argentina; Montevideo, Uruguay; Stanley, Falkland Islands; Punta Arenas, Puerto Chacabuco, Isla Chiloe, Puerto Montt, Santiago, Chile; Antarctica.
Designed to carry fewer guests while providing more space for maximum comfort, MS Zaandam is a prize in the mid-size ship category. Offering spacious public areas and plush accommodations, many staterooms have private verandahs.
The musically themed Zaandam offers a unique shipboard atmosphere. Inspired by the world’s great music, artefacts and memorabilia from a variety of musical genres decorate the ship. You’ll find musical instruments such as Bill Clinton’s saxophone and signed guitars from Queen, Iggy Pop, Eric Clapton and the Rolling Stones used as art objects throughout the ship.
At the heart of Zaandam, in a soaring three-story atrium a Baroque-style Dutch pipe organ, inspired by the traditional barrel organs still found on the streets of The Netherlands.
A voyage on the MS Zaandam is a unique experience to be savoured and remembered.
During the day casual clothing is typical, although shorts and swimwear are not permitted in the formal restaurants. Nights at sea are classified as formal for dress purposes and nights in port are classified as informal. During the evening on formal nights, a dinner suit or dark suit for gentlemen and eveningwear for ladies is required in the main restaurants. On informal nights, a jacket and tie is required for gentlemen and equivalent for ladies. Casual nights require a collared shirt for gentlemen. The self-service restaurants are casual.
DAY 1 Wednesday January 29, 2020 Buenos Aires, Argentina
Today we board our flight to Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. As we cross the International Date-Line we will arrive on the same date that we depart Australia. After clearing Customs, we will be transferred to our hotel, with free time to relax.
DAY 2 Thursday January 30, 2020 Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires has been dubbed the “Paris of South America.” One writer described it as having “seductive charm.” On our tour of this fascinating, South American city, we travel down 9 de Julio Avenue – said to be the widest avenue in the world, passing some of the city’s important buildings – the famous Colon Opera House, the Obelisk, commemorating the founding of the city in 1536, to get to Plaza de Mayo, Government House, the Metropolitan Cathedral, with the mausoleum of General Jose de San Martin – one of Argentina’s greatest independence heroes and political leaders. From there, we head into La Boca, intriguingly, a “typically Italian” quarter where Argentina’s first Italian immigrants settled. These days it’s known for its colourful houses, tango-dancing and its soccer team. We continue our tour to the city’s port area and onto Palermo Chico, a “cool” residential district with plenty of cafés, bars, restaurants, galleries, shops and artisan markets. Our tour ends in the elegant Recoleta district and a visit to the tomb of “Evita” – the infamous late Eva Peron
DAY 3 Friday January 31, 2020 Buenos Aires
Today we visit a ranch on the Pampas, South America’s fertile grassland plains – to experience some of the heritage of this country, including an authentic Argentinean BBQ – arguably a BBQ like no other in the world. We also see a group of Gauchos (legendary Argentinean cowboys) show us their prowess at throwing bolas (balls connected by strong cord used to catch cattle) and, lassoing. Originally, gauchos roamed most of Argentina and also much of Brazil and Uruguay. There’s an entire genre of dances, folktales, songs and even words exclusive to the gaucho culture. Later we will be transferred to the port to board the MS Zaandam. We don’t depart until the following evening, making it possible to go ashore to explore the exuberant night life of enthralling Buenos Aires.
DAY 4 Saturday February 1, 2020 Buenos Aires
A free day to enjoy, relax and shop in the city. This evening, join fellow group members at our welcome drinks to celebrate the start of our fabulous adventure to Antarctica.
DAY 5 Sunday February 2, 2019 Montevideo, Uruguay
Today, we arrive in Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, often referred to as the “Switzerland of South America.” Geographically, Lonely Planet cleverly described this small country as “wedged like a grape between Brazil’s gargantuan thumb and Argentina’s long forefinger.” We have a sightseeing tour of the city with its blend of traditional and European architecture. We will visit the Old Town of Ciudad Vieja, the city’s cultural heart.
DAY 6 Monday February 3, 2020 At sea
A day at sea to enjoy the facilities of the ship.
DAY 7 Tuesday February 4, 2020 Puerto Madryn, Argentina
Today we tie up at Puerto Madryn in the mind-boggling region of Patagonia, in the province of Chubut. Taking in both Argentina and Chile, at ‘the south of the world’, Patagonia is one of those places that has the lot – immense natural beauty; vast plains, forests, lakes, snow-capped mountains, fertile valleys, ocean shores and glaciers! We will visit nearby Peninsula Valdés, a wildlife sanctuary for birds and marine species, including rheas, oystercatchers, flamingos, egrets, whales, elephant seals, sea lions and many other species of wildlife. In addition, Puerto Madryn itself has an interesting history. Long after Spanish explorers landed, this area was settled by Welsh colonists.
DAY 8 Wednesday February 5, 2020 At sea
Today we have a day at sea to enjoy the facilities of the ship. This afternoon we have a game of Bingo with prizes for the winners.
DAY 9 Thursday February 6, 2020 Stanley, Falkland Islands
Today, we arrive in Stanley, the capital of an archipelago of more than 700 islands that make up the Falklands, located off the east coast of South America. This quaint seaside town is dotted with colourfully painted houses, small shops and restaurants and a truly unique scenic landscape. On our sightseeing tour we will see the traditional British charm that is preserved in this overseas territory of the United Kingdom. We will see Stanley House, the only brick house in town and Government House, the home of the islands’ governor and beautiful flower gardens. We also take in some sights from the nasty 10-week Falklands conflict in 1982.
DAY 10 Friday February 7, 2020 At sea
Today we have a day at sea to enjoy the facilities of the ship.
DAY 11 Saturday February 8, 2020 Antarctic Sound
After 10 absorbing days of travel and on-board relaxing, we’re in the Antarctic, starting with Antarctic Sound, a body of water about 50kms long and anything from 11 to 19kms wide. Cruise ships have been visiting this part of Antarctica for more than 10 years; The Sound separates the Joinville Island group from the northeast end of the Antarctic Peninsula.
DAY 12 Sunday February 9, 2020 Antarctic Sound
As we continue south we begin to pass one iceberg then another. On board over these few days viewing the Antarctic region, expert lectures are on offer for those who prefer to stay indoors. Or, despite the potentially icy winds, you may find it hard to resist the lure of remaining outdoors all day to absorb the beauty of this area.
DAY 13 Monday February 10, 2020 Antarctic Sound
On your Antarctic Expedition you will sail through the bays and islands of the Palmer Archipelago, off the northern tip of the long Antarctic Peninsula, which reaches out toward South America. Encircled in a landscape of snow and ice in every direction, your ship will slowly navigate the iceberg-dotted waters. The surroundings are hauntingly quiet as well, an aspect of the continent that comes as a surprise to many first-time visitors. Along the way, the ship’s naturalists will point out the birds—terns, petrels, and gulls—found on the coast and on small islets at stops like Dallmann Bay. As you pass dark, rocky Cuverville Island, you’ll see some of the 6,500 pairs of gentoo penguins that make their home there, the largest known colony in the world. Continuing on to Paradise Harbor, you’ll have a chance to observe not only gentoo and chinstrap penguins but possibly humans as well: Both Argentina and Chile have manned research stations here.
DAY 14 Tuesday February 11, 2020 Antarctic Sound
Cruising A day to further enjoy the unique sights of the Antarctic and to enjoy the facilities of the ship.
DAY 15 Wednesday February 12, 2020 At sea
A day to further enjoy the facilities of the ship. This afternoon join us for a fun game of Scattegories with prizes for the winners.
DAY 16 Thursday February 13, 2019 Cape Horn, Argentina
We continue our journey through Drake Passage, then around the bottom of South America, past the tip of the continent. This deep waterway connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Cape Horn – the southernmost tip of South America – remains a maritime legend. Sailing around this remote point has always been regarded as one of the most challenging nautical routes on the planet with big seas and unpredictable conditions.
DAY 17 Friday February 14, 2020 Ushuaia, Argentina
This morning we arrive in Ushuaia, for all the obvious reasons known as the “City on the bottom of the World”. Located on the island of Tierra del Fuego (“Land of Fire”), it’s a breathtaking landscape, known for its plains surrounded by snowcapped mountains. After disembarking, we take a sightseeing tour of the city and the surrounding Tierra del Fuego National Park to marvel at its endless nature and ever-changing geography. We cruise through Cockburn Channel – a strait in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago on the extreme southern tip of South America, partly in Chile and partly in Argentina. We then enter Beagle Channel (with its tell-tale Charles Darwin connections) about 240 kilometres long and at its narrowest point only about 5 kilometres wide. It extends east to Darwin Sound and Cook Bay in the west. Glacier Alley is literally embedded in the Darwin Range on the north-west arm of the Beagle Channel. From a lookout at Pia Glacier, we have a spectacular view of the entire glacier tongue, stretching from high in the mountains all the way to the sea. Prepare to hear thunderous noises caused by large masses of ice cracking and dropping into the bay. Weather permitting; we will sail past glaciers such as Italia, Holanda, Alemania, Francia and Romanche, among others.
DAY 18 Saturday February 15, 2020 Punta Arenas, Chile
This morning we arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile’s most southerly city with a rich sheep farming history, as it is surrounded by Patagonian grazing plains. On our tour we explore the town lined by the impressive townhouses of the sheep barons and the tree-lined Plaza de Armas Square and La Cruz Hill. Back on board, we cruise through the Straits of Magellan, a 580km strait named for the Portuguese explorer, Ferdinand Magellan, who famously discovered a way to circumnavigate the globe. We’ll retrace Magellan’s route as we make the only natural crossing available between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans – with the notable alternative, of course, being the mechanised Panama Canal, far to the north of South America, in Central America!
DAY 19 Sunday February 16, 2020 Chilean Fjords & Canal Samiento
The goal of these two days of cruising is to sight the Amalia Glacier, which is a highlight of the memorable few days of natural beauty all around us. In the central Southern Patagonian Ice Fields, the Amalia descends from the Andes Mountains and sits towering above the sea (and us). Here’s a bit of fascinating natural science – the glacier’s immense weight causes the oxygen to be pressed out of the ice, giving it a startlingly beautiful crystalline appearance. Amalia is hailed as one of three spectacular glaciers that are genuine once-in-a-lifetime sights. Cruising through the Tierra del Fuego gives us a chance to witness what some observers have poetically described as the “ethereal blue” glaciers of Canal Sarmiento.
DAY 20 Monday February 17, 2020 Chilean Fjords
Today, we continue cruising through the Chilean Fjords stretching from the Strait of Magellan to Puerto Montt, some of the most magnificent fjords in the world. As your eyes work their way up the jagged walls of mammoth glaciers, you may also be rewarded with an Andean condor sighting. As you’re probably aware, the condor is the largest flying bird in the world! On the ocean’s surface, the Magellan penguins always put on a good show.
DAY 21 Tuesday February 18, 2020 Puerto Chacabuco, Chile
Along the wild western coast of Chile’s fjord land, 400kms south of Puerto Montt, Patagonian ice-sheets fall into the sea in neon blue splendour. One of the last frontiers, there are few such remote and underdeveloped places left on this battling planet than Puerto Chacabuco. On our tour, we’ll also enjoy the Rio Simpson National Reserve 37kms west of the town Coyhaique, providing us with yet another opportunity to enjoy Chile’s remote natural beauty – canyon rivers, valleys, beaches, waterfalls and forests. Getting close to the end of our South American journey, Coyhaique also has a craft market selling handmade items.
DAY 22 Wednesday February 19, 2020 Castro, Isla Chiloe, Chile
Today we arrive at Castro on the Isla Chiloe. Although it’s only a 30-minute ferry crossing away from mainland Chile across the Chacao Channel, verdant Isla Chiloe is the largest in the Chiloe archipelago and we will visit some of its cluster of wooden churches with UNESCO World Heritage status. Traditional local houses on stilts are called palafitos and they dot the island’s shores. Nearby Chiloe National Park is a natural biosphere sheltering foxes, sea lions and otters.
DAY 23 Thursday February 20, 2020 Puerto Montt, Chile
This morning we wake cruising Reloncavi Sound, a body of water located immediately south of Puerto Montt, Chile, the place where geologists tell us the “Intermediate Depression” falls into the Pacific Ocean. It’s also an ideal place to catch a glimpse of three volcanoes, Mounts Oorno, Calbuco and in the distance, Puntiagudo. Arriving in Puerto Montt, the heart of the Chilean Lakes District, we’ll tour the surrounding lake region – another unspoiled Chilean national park.
DAY 24 Friday February 21, 2020 At sea
This is our last day at sea, one to relax and enjoy the facilities of our “temporary floating South American home”!
DAY 25 Saturday February 22, 2020 San Antonio (Santiago), Chile
After disembarking, we will take a tour of Chile’s capital city, Santiago; including the Civic Centre, La Moneda Presidential Palace, the Plaza de Armas and the main square. We’ll head towards the Bellavista district, home to many of Santiago’s artisans, that is lined with galleries, open-air cafés and restaurants. The lookout on San Cristobal Hill, its tallest peak, has a wonderful panoramic view of the city. Later, we will be transferred to the airport for our return flight to Australia.
DAY 26 Sunday February 23, 2020 In flight
DAY 27 Monday February 24, 2020 Arrival Australia
Having crossed the International Date Line east to west we lose a day and arrive in Australia today. What an unforgettable geographic and cultural journey!
CABIN | CATEGORY | DECK | TWIN FARE PP | SINGLE FARE |
---|---|---|---|---|
L | Inside | 2,3 | $11,990 | $15,990 |
K | Inside | 2,6,7 | $12,090 | $16,290 |
J | Inside | 1,2 | $12,290 | $16,490 |
I | Inside | 3,6 | $12,490 | $16,690 |
FF | Oceanview | 1,3 | $12,990 | $17,490 |
F | Oceanview | 1 | $13,090 | $17,690 |
EE | Oceanview | 1,3 | $13,190 | $17,890 |
E | Oceanview | 1,2,3 | $13,290 | $17,990 |
DD | Oceanview | 2 | $13,390 | $18,190 |
DA | Oceanview | 2 | $13,490 | $18,390 |
D | Oceanview | 1,3 | $13,590 | $18,590 |
C | Oceanview | 2 | $13,690 | $18,790 |
BB | Balcony | 7 | $18,490 | $29,390 |
B | Balcony | 6, 7 | $18,690 | $29,590 |
AA | Balcony | 6,7 | $18,990 | $29,890 |
A | Balcony | 6,7 | $19,290 | $30,390 |
SB | Deluxe Balcony Suite | 7 | $27,590 | $46,590 |
SA | Deluxe Balcony Suite | 7 | $27,990 | $47,990 |
Included port and handling charges | $1,347 | $1,782 | ||
Included on-board gratuities | $396 | $396 | ||
Included air taxes as at 1 Dec 2018 | $200 | $200 |
L
Inside
2,3
$11,990
$15,990 |
K
Inside
2,6,7
$12,090
$16,290 |
J
Inside
1,2
$12,290
$16,490 |
I
Inside
3,6
$12,490
$16,690 |
FF
Oceanview
1,3
$12,990
$17,490 |
F
Oceanview
1
$13,090
$17,690 |
EE
Oceanview
1,3
$13,190
$17,890 |
E
Oceanview
1,2,3
$13,290
$17,990 |
DD
Oceanview
2
$13,390
$18,190 |
DA
Oceanview
2
$13,490
$18,390 |
D
Oceanview
1,3
$13,590
$18,590 |
C
Oceanview
2
$13,690
$18,790 |
BB
Balcony
7
$18,490
$29,390 |
B
Balcony
6, 7
$18,690
$29,590 |
AA
Balcony
6,7
$18,990
$29,890 |
A
Balcony
6,7
$19,290
$30,390 |
SB
Deluxe Balcony Suite
7
$27,590
$46,590 |
SA
Deluxe Balcony Suite
7
$27,990
$47,990 |
Included port and handling charges
$1,347
$1,782 |
Included on-board gratuities
$396
$396 |
Included air taxes as at 1 Dec 2018
$200
$200 |
Price twin-share including taxes as at 1/12/18 $ 2200
Single supplement $ 895
Price twin-share including taxes as at 1/12/18 $ 3190
Single supplement $ 1010
International touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this activity without the need of assistance from others.
TOUR OPERATOR:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005817 078) is the tour organiser. The MS Zaandam is operated by Holland America and the fly/cruise arrangements are subject to the terms and conditions and general information detailed in the Holland America website www. hollandamerica.com .
DEPOSIT AND PAYMENT:
A deposit of $1000 per passenger should be sent with a completed Travelrite International booking form that lists your requested cabin category. As soon as the booking is confirmed, (usually within 24 hours), a cruise confirmation advice will be posted to the client. The passenger must also complete the Holland America online cruise personaliser. Final payments are due to be paid to Travelrite International 90 days prior to the commencement of the fly/cruise. A 1.5% administration fee will be added to payments by Visa, Master-card and Amex cards.
CANCELLATION CHARGES:
Days prior to Departure | Cancellation Fee |
---|---|
Over 90 days | Loss of deposit |
90 - 61 days | 50% of full fare |
60 days or less | 100% of full fare |
Non appearance/no written notice | 100% of full fare |
REFUNDS:
The cruise is based on arrangements which do not allow for any refunds in respect to sightseeing, accommodation, meals or other services not utilised after the tour has commenced.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS:
All passengers will require a valid pass-port. A visa will be required for Brazil. Chile requires a Reciprocity fee to be paid on arrival. If you are not an Australian passport holder check with Travelrite International for visa requirements.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Adequate travel insurance is highly recommended to cover cruise members for the consequences of unforeseen events during the cruise and for cancellation fees which could result from events such as illness, accident, death etc.
BAGGAGE:
Passengers qualify for a 20kg free baggage allowance on flights to join or return from the cruise.
MINIMUM TOUR NUMBERS:
The fly/cruise arrangements have been made on the basis of a minimum number of passengers travelling. In the event that less than the required number of passengers have confirmed their booking 90 days from the date of departure, Travelrite International reserves the right to cancel the tour, giving a full refund of monies paid, or offer arrangements to proceed with the tour at a modified fare.
TOUR PARTICIPATION:
Children under 5 years of age are ineligible on coach & cruise tours. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Travelrite & Cruise Offers tours provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing all necessary assistance, and do not require special assistance from Travelrite & Cruise Offers personnel. Travelrite and Cruise Offers reserves the right to refuse to carry anyone if it is felt the individual cannot cope with the requirements of coach & cruise tour travel and who may require services and facilities that Travelrite & Cruise Offers cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold the Travelrite & Cruise Offers responsible for any decision made by any of them or any service provider to refuse to carry you, provide any facilities or accommodation to you or to provide any service to you.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ATAS No. A10538) is the tour organiser. Travelrite International Pty Ltd, its agents, officers, affiliates, and/or suppliers of services pursuant to, or in connection with these fly/cruises, shall act only as agents in making arrangements for hotels, transportation, including transportation by ship, restaurants, or any other service and do not assume any liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, death, loss, accident or delay to person or property due to an act of negligence or a default of any hotel, carrier restaurant company or person rendering any services included in fly/cruises, or by act of God. Further, no responsibilities are accepted for any damage or delay due to sickness, pilferage, labour disputes, machinery break-down, quarantine, government restraints, weather, terrorism or other causes beyond their control. No responsibility is accepted for any additional expense, omission, delays, re-routing or acts of any government authority. Baggage is at owners’ risk throughout the fly/cruise. The passage contract between the carriers concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the purchasers of this fly/ cruise and/or the passengers. The right is reserved to withdraw any fly/cruise and/or make such changes in the fly/cruises as may be found desirable or necessary for the convenience of the parties and the proper carrying out of the fly/cruise. If the tour leader is unable to lead the tour due to unforeseen circumstances, for example illness, Travelrite International reserves the right to replace the tour leader. This contract shall be construed in accordance of the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia and any legal action must be undertaken in the State of Victoria. Attention is also directed to the terms and conditions of the Holland America fly/cruise passage contract with Holland America, detailed on the back of the Holland America reservation form. If you do not have a copy of this form please contact Travelrite International and we will send one to you.
HOW TO BOOK:
Bookings can be made by completing a booking form and sending it with a deposit of $1000 per person to:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd
423 Whitehorse Road Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information can be obtained by telephoning
Toll Free: 1800 630 343
Telephone: (03) 8803 6868
Fax: (03) 9836 8068
Email: [email protected]
ABOUT TRAVELRITE INTERNATIONAL:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is a well-established travel company which has been marketing throughout Australia for over 20 years and operating in Victoria for more than 30 years. It has two fully ATAS (No A10538) and IATA offices at Balwyn and Heathmont. As such they directly represent the major airlines of the world and all major domestic and international hotel, tour and transport operators. Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a full member of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents – AFTA.
GENERAL DATA PROTECTION REGULATION (GDPR)
Cruise Offers will collect and store the data contained on this booking form on our secure PCI Compliant server. Your email address will be stored on our mailing list and may be used for sending out relevant Cruise Offers promotions or upcoming tours. By completing this booking you agree to these terms. You may request the removal of your data from our system at any time after your tour has completed. To do so you can fill in a data removal request.
DAY 1 Friday January 24, 2020 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Today we board for a flight to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. As we cross the International Date-Line we will arrive in Rio de Janeiro on the same day that we depart. After clearing Customs, we will be transferred to our hotel. We will have free time to relax. Rio has one of the most spectacular settings of any city in the world. This tropical cocktail paradise can leave you punch-drunk. It is a little cheeky, but according to Brazilians, God made the world in 6 days and devoted the 7th to Rio!
DAY 2 Saturday January 25, 2020 Rio de Janeiro
Today will be stunningly spectacular – definitely check your camera before you leave! Visits to the world famous Ipanema and Copacabana beaches will be followed by a visit to Rio’s modern Cathedral, the 17th century Saint Benedict Monastery’s Church, Sambadrome, home to the famous carnival parade and 250-year-old artistic bohemian neighbourhood of Santa Tereza. Our guide will take us on a memorable visit to the thrilling Corcovado, a mountain 710 metres above sea level, with a sheer granite face topped with the prodigious Cristo Redenator statue, rising more than 130 feet and weighing more than 635 tonnes. A rack-and-pinion train will take us to the statue which in 2007 was declared one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and will provide magnificent 360-degree views. We then take the two-stage cable car, spanning 1,400 metres, to Sugar Loaf Mountain, a massive granite boulder 396 metres above the harbour for another amazing view.
DAY 3 Sunday January 26, 2020 Rio de Janeiro
Today will be a free day for some sightseeing and shopping.
DAY 4 Monday January 27, 2020 Iguazu Falls, Argentina
This morning we depart Rio and arrive at the Iguazu National Park, (Brazil side) on the border of Argentina and Brazil and coach across to the Argentina side where we will spend the next two days exploring one of nature’s great wonders of the world. Upon arrival we are transferred to our hotel. Be prepared to get wet as our guide takes us on a tour of the falls. We will probably see some of the 2,000 species of butterflies that inhabit the park as we take the new Eco electric train around the top of the falls to see the Devil’s Throat, a u-shaped cliff, 150 metres wide and 700 metres long, where the fall of water is impressive for its staggering strength and power. We experience the Gran Aventura consisting of a fantastic open wagon trip through the jungle that finishes with an exciting boat ride up to the falls. Today will be a wonderful opportunity to view the extensive range of wild flowers, orchids and bromeliads within the park. Legend has it that a god intended to marry a beautiful aborigine called Naipu, who then fled in a canoe with her mortal lover. The angry god then sliced the river in two, creating the waterfalls and condemning the lovers to an eternal fall.
DAY 5 Tuesday January 28, 2020 Iguazu Falls
We travel by coach across the border to Brazil today. Our guide takes us on an exhilarating walking tour on the Brazilian side of the Iguazu Falls, where many observation decks provide breathtaking panoramic views. Our tour will conclude on a platform literally within a hands reach of the falls, whilst an adjacent elevator can take us up to a viewing tower. Undoubtedly one of the greatest natural phenomena on our planet, Eleanor Roosevelt allegedly said that Iguazu makes Niagara Falls look like a “leaky faucet”. The pounding of nearly 300 waterfalls with heights averaging 70 meters is deafening – remember to bring the ear-plugs! The remainder of the day is at leisure.
DAY 6 Wednesday January 29, 2020 Buenos Aires, Argentina
Today we have free time to walk around the Falls area or relax in the hotel before we depart Iguazu for Buenos Aires, known as the “Paris of South America” to join the main tour group. Before arriving at the airport, we drive through the town of Iguazu to visit the point where we get a wonderful view across the Iguazu River and see three countries; Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay.
DAY 1 Saturday February 22, 2020 Lima, Peru
This morning we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Lima. On arrival we will be transferred to our hotel.
DAY 2 Sunday February 23, 2020 Cusco, Peru
We fly from Lima to Cusco. On arrival into Cusco, often referred to as the ‘Archaeological Capital of the Americas’ the group will be transferred to our hotel and the rest of the day will be free to relax and acclimatize to the altitude.
DAY 3 Monday February 24, 2020 Sacred Valley, Peru
Today we take a tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas outside Cusco. We visit the ancient town of Pisac and see its colourful Indian market and the great Inca fortress of llantaytambo, an elegant and intricate granite complex of temples, baths and impressive military installations before we return to Cusco.
DAY 4 Tuesday February 25, 2020 Cusco, Peru
Today we have a sightseeing tour of the historic city of Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incas. You will see the enormous monolith blocks of stone out of which the city has been constructed. We will visit the centre of the city, the Plaza de Armas, known in Inca times as Huancaypata, once the centre of the Empire. We will see the cathedral that was built on the Palace of Inca Viracocha. We see the Santo Domingo Church that was once the Temple of the Sun, the most important and magnificent religious complex under the Incas. The walls, which mainly still exist, were covered with gold. We will also see the ancient monolithic fortress of Sacasayhuaman, where one of the last battles between the Incas and Spanish took place.
DAY 5 Wednesday February 26, 2020 Machu Picchu, Peru
Today we visit the famed UNESCO World Heritage site – the lost city of Machu Picchu. Discovered by the archaeologist Hiram Bingham in 1911, this spectacular ancient city is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. You will be in the presence of one of the most powerful and mysterious places on earth. We have a guided tour of the site and see the Temple of the Three Windows, the Sacred Plaza and the Astronomical Observatory – the highlight of the trip! Later in the afternoon we return to Cusco by train.
DAY 6 Thursday February 27, 2020 Departure
We have a free morning before transferring to the airport for our return flight to Australia.
DAY 7 Friday February 28, 2020 In flight
DAY 8 Saturday February 29, 2020 Arrival Australia
Having crossed the International Date Line east to west we lose one day and we arrive in Australia today and the tour package concludes.