2013 - APT South America

the peak of Sugarloaf Mountain. After time at the peak, head for Porcão Rio's to sample Brazil's national cocktail, the caipirinha, before a delicious and interactive Brazilian BBQ. Three Night Stay: Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Copacabana, in an Ocean View Room. Day 7. Rio de Janeiro, Freedom of Choice Touring. This morning, perhaps take a jeep tour through two local favelas; enjoy a day excursion to Petrópolis, The Imperial City of Brazil; tour the Botanical Gardens and Tijuca National Park by jeep; or ride a ferry to Niterói for a visit to the Niterói Contemporary Art Museum. Day 8. Rio de Janeiro, Dine Around Dinner. Travel to Corcovado and its iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer. This evening, choose from four different restaurants. BD Day 9. Rio de Janeiro, Santiago (Chile). Departing Brazil today, fly to Chile's capital, Santiago, and check in to your five-star hotel. This evening is yours at leisure to settle in. Two Night Stay: The Ritz-Carlton Santiago. B Day 10. Santiago, Dine Around Dinner. Enjoy a tour of Santiago and taste some Chilean wine in the San Antonio Valley before a delicious lunch. Back in Santiago for dinner, perhaps enjoy fresh seafood at Coco Loco; indulge in contemporary cuisine at the city's oldest restaurant, Confiteria Torres; head to Due Torri for Italian cuisine; or enjoy fine dining at Miguel Torres Wine Restaurant. Day 13. Sacred Valley. In Pisac today, BLD Day 11. Santiago, Lima (Peru). Fly to Lima and take a city tour of the Historic Centre of Lima, where you'll see the catacombs of the monastery of San Francisco that provide a link to the religious sites of Lima, the Archbishop Palace, the Basilica Cathedral of Lima and more. Tonight dine at Brujas del Cachiche – a local restaurant set in an old mansion. Stay: Lima, Miraflores Park Hotel by Orient-Express. Day 12. Lima, Cusco, Chincheros, BD Sacred Valley. Fly to Cusco, then head for Chincheros. See a weaving demonstration. Later, in the Sacred Valley, you'll visit the home of a local family for a typical Andean meal. Two Night Stay: Sacred Valley, Tambo del Inka, part of the Luxury Collection by Starwood. BL Hike the Famous Inca Trail The more adventurous can replace Day 14 touring with a five-hour hike to Machu Picchu, before rejoining the group for dinner at your hotel. Revisit Machu Picchu the next morning for your guided tour and morning tea. $295* per person. Must be pre-booked. you'll visit the community of nearby Taray and see a special school project APT have organised. Here, you can appreciate the donation that APT contributed on your behalf. Later, enjoy a Brazilian BBQ lunch in Wayra. BL Day 14. Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu. Board PeruRail's Vistadome train and travel to Machu Picchu. Enjoy lunch at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, then set off on a locally guided tour of the famous lost ruins. The site remained undiscovered in modern times until the American historian, Hiram Bingham, brought it to international attention in 1911. Stay: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. BLD Pacific Ocean Santiago 2 ARGENTINA URUGUAY Atlantic Ocean 3 Buenos Aires Day 15. Machu Picchu, Cusco. Awake today incredibly close to the ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu. You will have the opportunity to beat the morning rush with a return visit to Machu Picchu to experience the site in true serenity at your own pace. Alternatively, relax and enjoy the comforts and facilities of your hotel. Later, board Orient- Express' exclusive Hiram Bingham train for what is the most luxurious rail journey from Machu Picchu to Cusco. On board, you'll savour a Pisco Sour, enjoy live Peruvian music and indulge in a sumptuous four-course Andean-inspired dinner. On arrival back in Cusco disembark and check in to your hotel. Two Night Stay: Cusco, Hotel Libertador Palacio del Inka. Galâpagos Cruise 3 Otavalo BD GALAPAGOS ISLANDS Quito 3 ECUADOR Iquitos Machu Picchu PERU 1 Lima 2 B Cruise Flight (included) Rail No. of nights 2 Amazon Cruise Amazon River 4 Sacred Valley 2 Cusco 2 Lake Titicaca (Puno) CHILE PARAGUAY Rainforest Amazon BOLIVIA BRAZIL Rio de Janeiro 3 2 Iguassu Falls BD Day 16. Cusco, Dine Around Dinner. A walking tour of Cusco this morning takes you to the Plaza de Armas, the square in the city's historic heart. You'll also visit the sacred sites of Koricancha and Santo Domingo. Later, choose from four restaurants for either lunch or dinner. BD See a giant tortoise during your time on the Galápagos Islands The interior of your suite aboard the Delfin II on the Amazon River www.aptouring.com.au 49 SOUTH AMERICA

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