DAYS 1 & 2 - ARRIVE RIO DE JANEIRO – RIO SIGHTSEEING (4 NIGHTS)

Bemvindo, or welcome, to Rio de Janeiro! Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and escorted to your hotel where you will have immediate use of your room upon check-in. The rest of the morning is free to unwind from the long flight. At 1 p.m. on Day 2, join your Travel Director and explore the cidade maravilhosa, or marvelous city, as Rio is often called. Visit downtown Rio where colonial landmarks meet modern skyscrapers. Drive on Rio Branco Avenue where you will see the remarkable neighborhoods composed of three generations of 20th century buildings. See the Candelária Church whose first ground stones were laid in the late 18th century, but not completed until a century later. Of the landmarks you will see, the Opera House is the most enchanting. See the Carioca Square, the church of Santo Antonio, built in the 17th century, as well as modern buildings such as Petrobrás headquarters and the new Cathedral. See the 18th century aqueduct which now serves as a bridge for the street-cars connecting downtown to Santa Teresa district, an old residential area. Drive through Flamengo Park where you will delight in a stunning view of Sugarloaf Mountain and ascend the famous mountain by cable car and overlook the entire breathtaking cityscape of Rio de Janeiro. After descending Sugarloaf and some time back at the hotel to freshen up, head to a Welcome Dinner at one of Rio´s top restaurants, ZOZO Restaurant. With a retractable roof overlooking the Morro da Urca, ZOZO is a dining experience that engages all of the senses. The architecture integrates the environment into the dining area using natural wonders such as a century old mango tree that rests in the main hall setting a rustic, but sophisticated tone. The menu deliciously fuses Italian and French flavors creating simple, but refined cuisine. (WD)
OVERNIGHT: Porto Bay Rio International Hotel (4 Nights)

DAY 3 - RIO DE JANEIRO SIGHTSEEING

Journey by cogwheel train to the summit of majestic Corcovado, site of the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this otherworldly sculpture stands 130 feet tall casting an impressive figure over the city. This afternoon, you have a choice of included activity. Will it be a bicycle ride along Rio’s famous beaches including Copacabana, Arpoador, Ipanema and Leblon; or will it be an introduction to one of Brazil’s most famous specialties - gem stones – as you are taken to a local gem factory to admire Brazil’s fascinating array of gemstones and learn and watch the fascinating creative process as precious metals and rough gemstones are transformed into works of art, design and luxury? Tonight, enjoy dinner at a churrascaria and enjoy a wonderful barbecue dinner with a choice of prime Brazilian beef and meats accompanied by typical local side dishes (vegetarian option available). After dinner, visit the Plataforma Showhouse and enjoy a colorful folklore and carnival show of over a hundred artists - a lively and colorful extravaganza of wonderful costumes, dancers and the hot beat of the Brazilian samba rhythm, featuring a memorable display of dazzling costumes used in the Carnival Parade. (B HD)

DAY 4 - RIO DE JANEIRO COOKING CLASS

Enjoying the delicious local food? Well, today you will get the chance to make it yourself at a full-day Brazilian cooking class. Learn about the history, ingredients and nutritional value of Brazil’s culinary landscape. From tropical juices, fried cassava (a local vegetable), batida de coco (a coconut alcohol drink), pé de moleque (peanut brittle), moqueca (a traditional seafood stew) and even caipirinha (Brazil’s national drink made with cachaca), you will leave today equipped to bring the tastes of Rio into your home kitchen. (B HL)

DAY 5 - RIO DE JANEIRO-IGUASSU FALLS (2 NIGHTS)

Bid Adeus to Rio and head to magnificent Iguassu Falls on the border of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. Enjoy a guided tour of the Brazilian side of the falls as you discover the ins and outs of this massive site made up of 275 separate falls that span nearly two miles along the Iguassu River. Once at the magnificent Falls inside Iguassu National Park - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - take an easy walk along the catwalk enjoying many gorgeous panoramic views of the Falls and at the end of the catwalk a fantastic close-up encounter with the main cataracts and Devils’ Throat, a narrow chasm nearly 700 meters long where about half of the river’s flow falls. Then cross the border by motorcoach into Argentina and arrive at your luxurious hotel built in the subtropical jungle of Iryapu. This superb hotel is built with extreme respect for nature, preserving native trees and most of the jungle. This evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel. (B D)
OVERNIGHT: Hotel Loi Suites Iguazu (2 NIGHTS)

DAY 6 - IGUASSU FALLS SIGHTSEEING & AT LEISURE

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the Falls from the Argentinean side. On your tour, stop at the Visitor’s Center, Superior Circuit (the up-river cascades), and the Inferior Circuit (the down-river falls) and then take the Ecological Jungle Train to the thunderous Devil’s Throat, the most captivating point of the falls. A buffet lunch will provided at the restaurant inside the park. After lunch, Return to the hotel in the afternoon and enjoy the evening at leisure. Perhaps take advantage of the Namaste Spa or simply relax by the swimming pools. (B HL)

DAY 7 – IGUASSU FALLS - BUENOS AIRES (3 NIGHTS)

After a leisurely morning, fly to Buenos Aires where you will be taken to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to follow your own pursuit. Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city of Argentina, and the second largest metropolitan area in South America. This thriving cosmopolitan metropolis combines a unique landscape, gourmet cuisine, amazing shopping and a wild nightlife. This strangely familiar yet completely unique city is an elegant, seductive place with an edge, displaying European cultural influences. Though steeping with modern architecture and dynamic locals, one can still see the traditional attributes at every corner. Almost 13 million people call Buenos Aires home, constantly indulging in the robust culture of tango clubs, cabarets, discotheques, restaurants and eternally open bars. During the day, a wide variety of attractions are available to you, including museums, art galleries, tasteful shops, fascinating antique galleries and beautiful parks. No trip to Buenos Aires would be complete without experiencing a tango show. This evening, enjoy dinner and a tango show in one of the city’s best venues, Café de Los Angelitos, a historic tango house that is over 100 years old. Dine on exquisite cuisine and feel the movement and music as you watch dancers bring the tango to life. Tango is a dance that has influences from European and African cultures. Dances from the Candombe ceremonies of former slaves helped shape the modern day tango. The dance originated in the lower-class districts of Buenos Aires and Montevideo. The word "tango” was first used in connection with the dance in the 1890’s. Initially it was just one of the many dances, but it soon became popular throughout society, as theatres and street barrel organs spread it from the suburbs to the working-class slums. (B HD)
OVERNIGHT: Moreno Hotel Buenos Aires (3 Nights)

DAY 8 - BUENOS AIRES

Embark on a full day tour of Buenos Aires and encounter many famous sites including La Boca, the birthplace of Tango. Stroll along the Caminito, the biggest mainstream tourist hotspot in Lo Boca and watch street performers doing the tango for eager onlookers. Venture through Puerto Madero along Avenida de Mayo and view the Congress building before arriving at the Plaza de Mayo and the Casa Rosada, or government house, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the area’s first City Hall. At Avenida de Mayo, stop at the famous Café Tortoni for coffee, drinks and local snacks such as turnovers and finger sandwiches. While here, engage in a lecture and dissertation about the history and mystery of some of Argentina’s greatest women, The Mothers and Grandmothers of the Disappeared. Then continue onto the world-renowned Teatro Colón, an opera house built over 100 years ago. The structure was created in response to the overwhelming demand of a society captivated by opera. High-quality materials were imported from all over the world for its construction, including crystal chandeliers which cascade down from the ceilings of the “Salon de Oro” (Hall of Gold). Dominating an entire city block, the theater can seat 2,500 people with standing room for another 1,000. Employing over 1,000 staff, the theatre, in addition to opera performances, also hosts ballets, concerts and a museum. Then, it’s off to Palermo with its beautiful parks, the City Zoo, Botanical Garden, Argentine Horse Track and National Polo Fields. At the end of the tour, visit Recoleta, one of the city’s most glamorous locations. This is home to the Municipal Cultural Center, elegant boutiques and excellent restaurants, surrounded by centennial trees. In the cemetery of Recoleta you will find the grave of Eva Duarte who became famous as Eva Perón (Evita). The more relevant personalities of Argentina’s history rest in Recoleta: politicians, explorers, priests, leaders, writers and poets. The mausoleums, pantheons, tumulus and vaults reflect the architectural diversity emerging from the different cultural tendencies Argentina incorporated when forming its nation. The cemetery is considered to be one of the most impressive monuments in Argentina. Lunch will be served in a classic, local steakhouse where you will get a chance to savor Argentina’s world-renown beef. Later afternoon, return to your hotel and enjoy dinner on your own in one of the many local restaurants, walking distance from your hotel. (B HL)

DAY 9 - BUENOS AIRES

Relax this morning before joining a tour to learn more about the famous Eva Peron. Discover how she inspired a nation with her grace, generosity and determination. One of five children, Eva migrated to Buenos Aires, where she pursued a career as a stage, radio, and film actress. Eva met Colonel Juan Peron on January 22, 1944, in Buenos Aires during a charity event at the Luna Park Stadium to benefit the victims of an earthquake. The two were married the following year. In 1946, Juan Perón was elected President of Argentina. Over the course of the next six years, Eva Perón became powerful within the trade unions, primarily for speaking on behalf of labor rights. She also ran the Ministries of Labor and Health, founded and ran the charitable Eva Peron Foundation, championed women’s suffrage in Argentina, and founded and ran the nation's first large-scale female political party. After her death at the young age of 33, she was almost sanctified. Her tomb is now in the Recoleta Cemetery of Buenos Aires. Created in September 1998, the Evita Museum offers a glimpse into the life, work and set of beliefs of María Eva Duarte de Perón. The institute promotes historical research and historiographical studies concerning how Eva Peron’s actions effected women's involvement in the country's political, economic, social and cultural life. The afternoon and evening are at leisure for you to pursue your own interests. (B)

DAY 10 – DEPART BUENOS AIRES

This morning, why not try your footing at a private tango lesson? Learn the steps and rhythms of the famous dance in the town of its origin at the Mansion Dandi Royal in San Telmo. The tango-themed residence has an eclectic architectural style filled with art nouveaux highlights. The mansion has 30 rooms, all decorated with murals portraying tango scenes. Dandi Royal will allow you to immerse yourself in the world of tango with renowned maestros who speak its language and with the music that captures your soul – you will live, feel, and enjoy the authentic Tango Argentino in the place of its origin. After working up your appetite, enjoy lunch with a surprise guest. This visitor will be a strong woman, maybe a local politician, artist, or human rights advocate, with an amazing story to tell. Then return to the hotel in time to check-out for your transfer to the airport and your homebound flight (for your comfort, you will have full use of your room until 6 p.m.) (B HL)

Porto Bay Rio International

Hotel Loi Suites Iguazu

Moreno Hotel Buenos Aires