Essence of South America

•   Private wine tasting and lunch in the Maipo Valley

Day 1: Welcome to Chile
A transfer from Santiago Airport to the Ritz-Carlton, Santiago is included. Please join us for our welcome cocktail reception and dinner tonight.
Overnight: The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago, Chile
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Spectacular Santiago and world-renowned wines
On your first full day in South America tour the city of Santiago, including a visit to the historic and lively Plaza de Armas, with its fountains, sculptures and intriguing people-watching opportunities. Later, travel to the Maipo Valley and sample some of Chile’s justly famous fruits of the vine during a wine tasting, cellar tour and al fresco lunch at the Tarapaca Winery. You may choose to explore Santiago at your leisure or visit La Chascona, former home of Nobel Prize-winning poet and activist Pablo Neruda, who built it as a romantic hideaway.
Overnight: The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago, Chile
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch

Day 3: Patagonian panorama
Patagonia is said to be one of the most beautiful areas on earth. Fly from Santiago to the Patagonian port city of Puerto Montt, founded by German immigrants in 1853. Continue on through the rolling countryside of scenic Patagonia, viewing lovely lakes and mountains, to Puerto Varas, the lakeside "city of roses," where the influence of those German settlers is seen in both architecture and beautiful gardens. Explore on your own this afternoon; your ideally located accommodations boast astounding views of Osorno Volcano.
Overnight: Solace Hotel, Puerto Varas, Chile
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4: A day full of adventure in the Andes
Today, we begin our two-day crossing of the majestic Andes Mountains, one of the most eagerly anticipated adventures on any South America tour, with a walk to Petrohue Rapids and a catamaran sail across Lago Todos Los Santos to Puella, a paradise for nature lovers situated in the midst of Vincent Perez Rosales National Park. Choose to see the park on a 4 X 4 vehicle excursion*, from the back of a horse*, on a zip-line ride* through the treetop canopy, or on a nature hike with a local guide. Spend the night in a lakeside wilderness lodge and have dinner à la carte this evening.
Overnight: Hotel Natura, Puella, Chile
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5: Adios, Chile! Hola, Argentina!
After a leisurely morning, continue on through the stunning mountain peaks and alpine scenery of the Andes. After crossing the border into Argentina, take a short cruise across Lago Frias before boarding another boat for a cruise on Lago Todos Los Santos; keep an eye out for Andean condors floating above the surrounding mountains. Arrive at the luxurious Llao Llao Hotel & Resort, located in a spectacular area known as the "Switzerland of South America," for a two-night stay.
Overnight: Llao Llao Hotel & Resort, Bariloche, Argentina
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6: Your day, your way
Every South America tour should include a leisurely day to spend doing just what you please and today’s the day. There are many amenities and activities to enjoy at your resort (some at an additional charge) including tennis, swimming, sailing, archery, spa treatments, Pilates and tango lessons, among others. If you decide to do some more exploring of Nahuel Haupi National Park on your own, you might enjoy taking the chairlift to the top of a high hill to take in the magnificent, 360-degree views of the Andes’ soaring mountain peaks and the lake below. Or, discover the ski-resort town of Bariloche, the largest city in the Lakes District and famous for its chocolates, as you wish.
Overnight: Llao Llao Hotel & Resort, Bariloche, Argentina
Meals Included: Breakfast, dinner

Day 7: Buenos dias, Buenos Aires
Fly today to the "Paris of South America," beguiling Buenos Aires, as your South America tour adventures continue. After lunch at the historic Café Tortoni, visit the famous Plaza de Mayo, surrounded by some of the city's most famous landmarks; see the Colon Opera House where legendary stars such as Maria Callas, Enrico Caruso and Luciano Pavarotti have performed; the Metropolitan Cathedral; and the pink La Casa Rosada, which is the Presidential Palace and seat of the executive branch of government.  Dinner tonight is at your home for the next three nights, the Sofitel Buenos Aires, set among boutiques and galleries in a tranquil district of the city.
Overnight: Sofitel Buenos Aires, Argentina
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8: Cosmopolitan delights in Argentina's Big Apple
Explore more of big, sprawling Buenos Aires, home to the tango and some of the best steaks in the world, today. Start off by avoiding the usual crowds on a morning visit to the tomb of Evita (Eva) Peron in the unique and impressive Recoleta Cemetery, famous for its elaborate marble mausoleums. Visit La Boca, a colorful barrio (neighborhood) whose early settlers included many immigrants from Italian cities such as Genoa; it retains a distinctly European flair. After an afternoon at leisure, have a sumptuous dinner and experience the power and passion of the traditional tango, the beloved dance of Argentina, at Rojo Tango, considered to be among the finest tango shows in Buenos Aires.
Overnight: Sofitel Buenos Aires, Argentina
Meals Included: Breakfast, dinner

Day 9: Greet the gauchos on the pampas and an estancia
Head into the famous Argentinean pampas, vast plains that are home to ranches and fine horse farms, to visit a gracious private estancia, with its imposing Colonial-pampas-style manor house, historic gaucho quarters and beautiful grounds. Watch gauchos in action as they demonstrate their legendary riding skills; partake in a traditional, authentic and hugely popular Argentine barbecue lunch featuring platters of mixed grilled meats. The remainder of the afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy as you please in Buenos Aires; this will be a most memorable day on your South America tour!
Overnight: Sofitel Buenos Aires, Argentina
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch

Day 10: In Argentina, it's Iguazú
No South America tour would be complete without experiencing one of nature’s greatest wonders. Fly from Buenos Aires to the Argentinean side of the mighty Iguazú Falls – deeper and twice as wide as Niagara Falls – for an overnight stay. As you explore Iguazú National Park, you’ll be amazed by the sheer size of the falls and the natural beauty that surrounds them. Wherever you look, the views are breathtaking. Your hotel is set in the heart of the national park, within walking distance of the falls and the Devil’s Throat, through which the falls’ largest volume of water passes; dine tonight at the hotel's restaurant, boasting wonderful views of the thundering waters!
Overnight: Sheraton Iguazú Resort & Spa, Iguazú, Argentina
Meals Included: Breakfast, dinner

Day 11: In Brazil, it's Iguaçu... then fly up to Rio
Cross the Tancredo Neves Bridge from Argentina to Brazil to view the famous falls from a different perspective. Within Brazil’s Iguaçu National Park, you’ll find 275 cascades that form a waterfall a mile-and-a-half long. You’ll never forget your walk through the rainforest at the base of the falls. Later, fly to rollicking Rio de Janeiro and your oceanfront hotel on beautiful Copacabana Beach.
Overnight: JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 12: Remarkable Rio
Arise in amazing Rio for an unforgettable excursion up Corcovado Hill by train to Tijuca National Park, and then by gondola to see the world-famous statue of Christ the Redeemer... a true highlight of your South America tour! Next up is a trip back down to Rio’s historic center to view the intriguing new cathedral and many of the city’s Belle Epoque architectural treasures; have lunch in one of them, the historic Confeitaria Colombo. Later, 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. Join us this evening for a festive farewell reception and dinner featuring traditional churrasco cuisine.
Overnight: JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 13: Homeward bound
Spend a morning as you please in Rio before embarking on a perfect ending to your South America tour – a ride on a two-stage cable car to the 1,390-foot summit of Sugarloaf Mountain, one of Rio’s most iconic landmarks; the views of Copacabana and Rio’s other beaches are just spectacular! Tauck's remarkable South America tour ends at the JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro at 5:00 PM. A transfer is included from the JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro to Rio de Janeiro International Airport; allow 3 1/2 hours for flight check-in. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.
Overnight:
Meals Included: Breakfast

Don't miss our current specials: Special Air Savings - Learn More Hurry! Air Savings End March 26! Special International Air Savings – Europe Book and deposit summertime departures of the following Tauck journeys to Europe by March 26, 2010 and save $2,000 per couple off Business Class Air ($1,000 off per person) from select U.S. cities. Savings are valid for travel between June 29 and September 5, 2010, subject to availability: •Treasures of the Aegean – 14 days with a 7-night cruise aboard Wind Star / Wind Spirit •Sicily, the Amalfi Coast & Rome – 11 days with a 7-night cruise aboard Le Ponant •Switzerland – 11 days featuring travel along Tauck’s scenic Yellow Roads •Italian Lakes, Venice, Florence & Rome – 10 days in Italy with all multiple-night stays •Paradors of Northern Spain – 14 days exploring culturally rich Iberia •The Best of Ireland – 13 days featuring iconic cultural treasures of the Emerald Isle •A Week In… Ireland – 8 days with a 2-night stay at Dromoland Castle •A Week In… Spain – 8 days from Barcelona to Andalucía, Seville and Madrid •A Week In… Scotland – 8 days with 2- and 3-night stays in Loch Lomond, Inverness & Edinburgh •Spain and Portugal – 14 days of Iberian pleasures and culinary treasures •Normandy, Brittany, Paris & the Loire Valley – 13 days showcasing joie de vivre •A Week In… London & Paris – 4 nights at a grand hotel in London and 3 nights in Paree •Castles & Kings: London to Paris – An 8-day family vacation alive with royal traditions Deposit must be paid at time of booking and certain restrictions apply. Valid on new bookings only and not combinable with other promotions; ask for details. Tauck Tour Deals Traveling with a group of friends or family can add to the joy of any journey. Book a group of 10 on any Tauck land journey or cruise and the 11th guest travels FREE. Book a group of 8 on any Tauck Bridges family adventure and the 9th guest travels FREE Tauck Single Specials For those seeking singles tours, we are pleased to offer special values on select departures to our guests who choose to travel solo. You can travel with peace of mind, knowing that you are among like-minded travelers and will have all the day-to-day details handled for you! While everyone is welcome, on these select dates we offer special arrangements to those traveling solo at a reduced cost. Tauck Single Specials in North America Best of the Canadian Rockies Michigan's Lakes & Mackinac Island Charleston/Savannah Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia San Fransisco, Sonoma & Napa Valleys Tauck Single Specials in Europe A Week in Ireland A Week in Spain Mediterranean Discovery Istanbul and the Black Sea Treasure of the Mediterranean Cruising Mediterranean Shores The Blue Danube Holland Belgium in Spring Strasbourg to Prague Serenade The Rhine and Moselle Budapest to Amsterdam by Riverboat Budapest to the Black Sea Classic Italy Bellissima Northern Italy Italian Lakes, Venice, Florence and Rome A Week in Paris and Provence Tauck Singles Specials in Latin America Panama Canal & Costa Rica
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
3/21/2010 - 4/3/2010	$6,590
4/4/2010 - 4/17/2010	$6,590
9/19/2010 - 10/2/2010	$6,390
9/26/2010 - 10/9/2010	$6,390
10/3/2010 - 10/16/2010	$7,390
10/10/2010 - 10/23/2010	$6,390
10/17/2010 - 10/30/2010	$6,390
10/24/2010 - 11/6/2010	$7,390
10/31/2010 - 11/13/2010	$6,390
11/7/2010 - 11/20/2010	$6,390
11/14/2010 - 11/27/2010	$6,390
11/28/2010 - 12/11/2010	$6,390
12/12/2010 - 12/25/2010	$6,390
12/26/2010 - 1/8/2011	$6,590
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Flying to South America Most international flights arrive in Santiago between 2:00 AM and 8:00 AM local time, which is the same as the United States’ Eastern Standard Time. To ease the effects of jet lag, you may want to consider traveling to South America a day early. Tauck can book your international flights for travel originating in the United States, and arrange an additional night at The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago, for the evening before your journey begins, giving you time to rest and relax. Ask for details at booking. 1. Arrive Santiago, Chile Tour begins: The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago at 6:30 PM. A transfer is included from Santiago Airport to The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago for your two-night stay. Please join us for a welcome reception followed by dinner tonight. Meals D 2. Santiago and Chilean Wine Country Your South American experience begins with a Santiago sightseeing tour that includes a visit to the Plaza de Armas, followed by an excursion into the countryside, where Chile’s wines have been perfected by generations of winemaking traditions. Discover their secrets in the Maipo Valley with a tour of the cellars, a tasting, and an al fresco lunch at the Tarapaca Winery. Spend time at leisure or join us for a visit to La Chascona, built by the late Nobel Prize-winning poet and activist Pablo Neruda as a romantic hideaway for the relationship recounted in the film Il Postino. Meals BL 3. Charms of Patagonia Southern Chile astounds with rugged mountains, alpine lakes, and charming German-inspired villages. Fly into one of them – the busy port town of Puerto Montt, settled by 19th-century German immigrants – and continue to Patagonia. While the scenery you’ll drive through is nothing short of bucolic, wait till you see the views of Osorno Volcano from your ideally located hotel in Puerto Varas! The afternoon is yours to explore this lakeside town on your own. Meals BLD 4. Lake Cruise and Wilderness Adventure National parks of staggering beauty set the stage for a spectacular two-day Andes crossing from Chile to Argentina – and unforgettable wilderness experiences including a walk to Petrohue Rapids and a catamaran cruise across Lago Todos Los Santos. Celebrate the area’s natural treasures your way with a choice of a 4 x 4 vehicle excursion*, a zip-line ride* in the treetop canopy, or a journey on horseback* through the forest. Overnight in a wilderness lodge overlooking the lake, and dig into an à la carte dinner tonight. Meals BLD 5. Crossing the Andes to Argentina If impossibly beautiful vistas of snow-capped mountains and alpine lakes are food for your soul, then get ready to feast your eyes on a banquet of natural wonders on your lake crossing through the Andes into Argentina! A boat cruise today takes you along the Argentine side of Lago Todos Los Santos for a rare opportunity to see Andean condors soaring among the mountain peaks. Spend the next two nights in deluxe lake-view rooms at a luxurious alpine resort in Bariloche, the “Switzerland of South America.” Meals BLD 6. Llao Llao Resort at Leisure The entire day is free for you to enjoy the many amenities available at your resort (some at an additional charge), from archery, golf, tennis, and sailing to pampering spa treatments, Pilates and tango lessons. Or you can explore Nahuel Huapi National Park on your own, perhaps indulging in 360-degree vistas of Andean peaks, glistening lakes and fairy-tale forests during a chairlift ride up a nearby mountain! Meals BD 7. Fly to Buenos Aires Your morning flight to Buenos Aires arrives in time for lunch at the historic Café Tortoni, and an afternoon tour of the city fondly called the “Paris of South America.” See Argentina’s Presidential Palace, la Casa Rosada, at Plaza de Mayo, and the Teatro Colon opera house. Have dinner at your hotel in a tranquil district filled with galleries and boutiques. Meals BLD 8. Sights of Argentina’s “Big Apple” Everything about Buenos Aires is big – from the size of the city, stretching out more than 75 square miles, to the sprawling estancias on the surrounding plains, to the man-sized steaks, arguably among the world’s best, to the tango. Discover more of it today, avoiding the usual crowds on a morning visit to Evita Peron’s grave in unique Recoleta Cemetery. Experience an authentic taste of Argentine culture during a visit to Boca, a barrio with its own character and history. Tonight, follow a sumptuous dinner with all the passion and power of the traditional tango at Rojo Tango, regarded as the finest tango show in the city. Meals BD 9. Gauchos & Estancias on the Pampas Images of black Spanish hats, woven Indian shawls, baggy bombacha pants and sharp swords come to mind when you think of the gauchos of Argentina. But you’ll see modern-day horsemen at work as you head to the pampas and a private estancia (ranch) outside the city, where gauchos demonstrate their riding skills. Feast on a barbecue featuring local grilled specialties, an authentic pampas tradition, for lunch, followed by a free afternoon and evening in Buenos Aires. Meals BL 10. Breathtaking Iguazú Falls Sixty-five feet higher and twice as wide as Niagara Falls, Iguazú Falls is the most spectacular waterfall in the Western Hemisphere. Fly to Argentina’s part of the falls today for an overnight near this amazing spectacle. Discover Iguazú National Park, a World Heritage Site, this afternoon, taking the opportunity to see the falls from the Argentine side. Dine with a view tonight at your hotel’s restaurant, where the thundering waters are just a glance away! Meals BD 11. More of the Falls / “Flying Up to Rio” The best place to experience a panoramic view of the 275 cascades that form the mile-and-a-half Iguazú Falls is on the Brazilian side; cross over the Tancredo Neves Bridge into Brazil and take an unforgettable walk at the base of the falls. Fly late afternoon to legendary Rio de Janeiro; your ocean-view accommodations overlook Copacabana Beach, an endless stretch of powdered sand on the Atlantic. Meals BLD 12. Brazil’s “Carnaval” Capital Wake up in amazing Rio and set off by coach and rail to the summit of Corcovado, where the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer presides over truly inspiring views of the city and sea. Inaugurated over a century ago by Brazilian Emperor Dom Pedro II, the train takes you to Tijuca National Park en route to your hilltop destination, alive with local flora and fauna. Return to Rio for a tour of the historic downtown, seeing the new Cathedral and many of its Belle Èpoque landmarks – including the Confeitaria Colombo, where you’ll enjoy lunch. Rio’s zest for life is reflected in its passion for Carnaval, which has defined this pleasure-loving city for decades; join a local guide for a behind-the-scenes look at the business of this festive annual celebration at Samba City. Learn how the colorful floats and costumes are created, and enjoy an exclusive samba dance performance. Celebrate your journey’s end with tonight’s farewell reception and dinner featuring traditional Brazilian churrasco cuisine. Meals BLD 13. Journey Home Tour ends: Rio de Janeiro at 5:00 PM. After a morning at leisure, a two-stage cable car ride up 1,390 feet to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain reveals still another breathtaking, bird’s-eye view of Rio’s world, extending from beaches and bays to the mountains beyond. A transfer is included from the JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro to Rio de Janeiro International Airport. Allow 3 1/2 hours for flight check-in. Meals B

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