2017 - APT Antarctica

36 Visit chinstrap penguin rookeries during your cruise through Antarctica aboard Le Boréal Day 14. Disembark Ship, Ushuaia, Fly to Buenos Aires. Bid farewell to Le Boréal as you disembark in Ushuaia and travel to the airport for your included flight to Buenos Aires. On arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Stay: Buenos Aires, Alvear Palace Hotel. B Day 15. Buenos Aires, Lima (Peru). Today, fly to Lima, the starting point of your Peruvian discovery. Settle into your room, taking in the magnificent ocean views. Two Night Stay: JW Marriott Hotel Lima, Ocean View Rooms. B Day 16. Lima. Enjoy the morning at leisure amid the beautiful surrounds of your hotel. Later, spend a fun afternoon at a private hacienda. Arrive to live music and dance before enjoying lunch and a Peruvian Paso horse show. BL Day 17. Lima, Cusco, Chincheros, Sacred Valley. Fly to Cusco, the historic capital of the Incan Empire. On arrival, travel by coach to Chincheros. During an interesting traditional weaving demonstration, you'll discover how the famously colourful materials of South America are created. Later, enjoy dinner and relax back at your hotel. Two Night Stay: Sacred Valley, Tambo del Inka, Luxury Collection by Starwood. BD Day 18. Sacred Valley. An exploration of the area begins with a visit to the markets of Pisac, a hilltop village that lies near ancient Incan ruins. Enjoy lunch in the beautiful setting of the Sacred Valley before making the most of your time at leisure. BL Day 19. Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu. Board PeruRail's Vistadome train and admire the mountainous Andean landscape through your large panoramic windows as you travel to Machu Picchu. On arrival at the ruins, set off on a locally-guided tour of the iconic Lost City of the Incas. Stay: Sumaq Hotel or similar. BD Day 20. Machu Picchu, Cusco. Board PeruRail's Vistadome for your return trip from Machu Picchu to the Sacred Valley, then transfer by coach to Cusco. Aboard your train, you'll watch the picturesque mountain scenery glide by. On arrival in Cusco, check into your hotel and absorb the Spanish colonial charm. Three Night Stay: Cusco, JW Marriott Hotel. BD Day 21. Cusco, Freedom of Choice. This morning, embark on a walking tour of Cusco before choosing from three restaurant options for lunch. Perhaps head to Limo Cocina Peruana & Pisco Bar for a taste of local Peruvian dishes; enjoy superb Italian cuisine at Incanto; or fine dining from an eclectic menu at the renowned MAP Café. The rest of the day is then yours to spend at leisure. BL Day 22. Cusco. Enjoy time to explore the wonders of Cusco at your own pace. Once the thriving capital of the Incan Empire, there is plenty to see here. B Day 23. Cusco, Lima. Fly back to Lima and be transferred to your hotel. Tonight, enjoy dinner with your fellow guests. Stay: JW Marriott Hotel Lima, Ocean View Rooms. BD Day 24. Lima, Guayaquil (Ecuador). Fly to Ecuador's coastal city of Guayaquil. Here you'll enjoy lunch and a city tour before spending the rest of the day at leisure to relax or explore. Stay: Guayaquil, Hilton Hotel. BL Day 25. Guayaquil, Santa Cruz Island, Embark Galápagos Islands Cruise. Fly to Baltra Island in the Galápagos Islands and take a small ferry ride across the channel to Santa Cruz Island where you'll begin to learn about the remarkable ecosystems of these tiny yet hugely significant isles. After lunch, travel to El Chato Reserve, one of the best places in the world to see the iconic giant tortoise in its natural habitat. Later, transfer to your ship, the luxurious Yacht La Pinta. Four Night Cruise: Yacht La Pinta. BLD Day 26. Galápagos Islands Cruise, Santa Cruz Island. After breakfast, a fun Zodiac ride takes you to Eden Islet, just off the coast of Santa Cruz Island. Here, you'll be able to spot frigatebirds and Blue-footed Boobies diving into the water to hunt. If you'd like to explore the beautiful waters, you can snorkel and try to spot reef sharks. Weather permitting, a glass-bottom boat ride is also available. If you're lucky, you may even have the opportunity to snorkel with the friendly local seals. After lunch, head to Sombrero Chino Islet. Named for its similar appearance to the shape of the conical hats of Asia, your adventure here begins at the crescent-shaped soft white sand beach and travels along a 400-metre trail. Formed fairly recently, the islet is home to an abundance of spectacular wildlife. At the sheltered cove, you have yet another opportunity to explore the waters, hoping for a glimpse of the graceful white-tipped reef sharks and enchanting Galápagos penguins. BLD Day 27. Galápagos Islands Cruise, Bartolomé Island. Head out in the Zodiacs to pretty Bartolomé Island. Here, you'll wander past arid red volcanic landscapes of rocky terrain, and enjoy sensational views of the island. Later, relax and take in your beautiful surrounds during a dinghy ride around Pinnacle Rock and enjoy some time lounging on the sand or snorkelling. There is also the opportunity to take out a kayak or head out on your ship's glass-bottom boat with a guide to watch for colourful reef marine life. After lunch, board the Zodiacs and travel out to Sullivan Bay. The vast white coral beach that can be found here is fantastic for swimming and snorkelling. If you are feeling active, you can also head off with your naturalist guide to explore the trail that heads across land that, less than 100 years ago, was a flowing lava field. This is the perfect place to learn about the volcanic history of the islands and the remarkable wildlife that has adapted to survive in these unique conditions. BLD www.aptouring.com.au

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