2013 - APT South America

set just outside the national park. Walk through giant aviaries and get up close to a range of native South American birds, including the iconic toucan. B Day 6. Iguassu Falls, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). On arrival in Rio de Janeiro perhaps visit the Ipanema workshop of the internationally acclaimed jeweller, H. Stern. At sunset, absorb one of the world's truly exquisite views as you ride a cable car from Praia Vermelha (Red Beach) via Morro da Urca (Urca Hill) to the peak of Sugarloaf Mountain. Later, 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. Today, perhaps join a jeep tour through two friendly local favelas; take a full-day excursion to Petrópolis, The Imperial City of Brazil; experience the beauty of the Botanical Gardens and Tijuca National Park on a jeep tour; or take a ferry ride across the bay to the island of Niterói for a visit to the Niterói Contemporary Art Museum. After your chosen activity, the evening is yours to spend at leisure. Day 8. Rio de Janeiro, Dine Around Dinner. Travel today to Corcovado, a mountain that's famous for its iconic statue, Christ the Redeemer, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Visit the statue and travel to the platform at its peak for stunning views over downtown Rio, Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana Beach and much more. Tonight, choose from our Dine Around Dinner options. Perhaps dine at Plataforma Restaurant and enjoy a show, savour an Italian meal at Don Camillo, take in views over Copacabana Beach from Restaurante Atlantis or head to a samba bar for dinner and live samba music. ECUADOR PERU Machu Picchu 1 Lima 2 2 Sacred Valley 2 2 Flight (included) Rail No. of nights BD Pacific Ocean Santiago 2 ARGENTINA URUGUAY Atlantic Ocean 3 Buenos Aires Lake Titicaca (Puno) CHILE Rainforest Amazon Cusco 2 Amazon Lodge BOLIVIA BRAZIL PARAGUAY Rio de Janeiro 3 2 Iguassu Falls B Day 10. Santiago, Dine Around BD Day 9. Rio de Janeiro, Santiago (Chile). Say farewell to Brazil today as you board an included flight to Santiago. The Chilean capital is situated in the Santiago basin, spectacularly flanked on the east by the Andes Mountain Range. On arrival, check in to your five-star hotel, before enjoying an evening at leisure to do as little or as much as you please. Two Night Stay: The Ritz-Carlton Santiago. B Dinner. On a tour of Santiago today, you'll explore the city's central square, the Plaza de Armas, and enjoy superb views over the city from San Cristóbal Hill. Then, travel to the San Antonio Valley, where you'll tour the boutique vineyards of Matetic and taste some Chilean wine before a delicious lunch. Back in Santiago this evening, a Dine Around Dinner offers you the chance to try the local restaurants. Perhaps taste 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. Brujas del Cachiche – one of Lima's best local restaurants – where you'll gain a fantastic introduction to Peruvian cuisine. Stay: Lima, Miraflores Park Hotel by Orient-Express. Day 12. Lima, Cusco, Chincheros, BD BLD Day 11. Santiago, Lima (Peru). After breakfast, fly to Lima and join a city tour includes a visit to the World Heritage-listed Historic Centre of Lima. Here, 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 much more. This evening, dine at Sacred Valley. Today you'll fly to the city of Cusco. On arrival, travel to the lovely city of Chincheros, set high in the Andes. Here, you'll witness a traditional weaving demonstration and learn how the famously colourful materials of South America are created. Later, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, 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 Day 13. Sacred Valley. A full day tour of the Sacred Valley begins with a visit to the markets of Pisac. You'll then travel to the community of nearby Taray to visit a special school project APT have organised. Here you can appreciate the donation that APT has contributed on your behalf to the local Admire the traditional dress of Peruvian Women Experience ancient Machu Picchu www.aptouring.com.au 53 SOUTH AMERICA

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