2013 - APT South America

Set foot on Antarctica's famous ice and Brazil that has the second highest annual flow of any waterfalls in the world. Land on the Brazilian side of the falls and transfer to your hotel, located a stroll from the falls. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy the facilities of this hotel and admire the spectacular location and surrounds. Two Night Stay: Iguassu Falls, Hotel das Cataratas by Orient-Express. B Day 16. Iguassu Falls. This morning, enjoy time in Brazil's World Heritage-listed Iguassu National Park. View the falls from close to the base of Devil's Throat. Visit the Parque das Aves Bird Park, walk through the aviaries and get up close to native South American birds including the toucan. This evening dine at the Ipê Grill within your hotel. over the waterways of the Paraná Delta. Or visit an estancia (ranch), for a full-day Fiesta Gaucha featuring horseback riding, folk music, dance and lunch. Alternatively, you may prefer to return to La Boca to visit the La Boca Museum and Stadium, home of the popular Boca Juniors football team. Or, perhaps visit the Evita Museum, take a bike tour of Palmero or tour the Teatro Colón (Opera House). Tonight, perhaps dine at Le Sud within the Sofitel hotel; Sorrento Recoval; El Mirasol de la Recova; or sample Italian at Piegari Restaurant. BD Day 17. Iguassu Falls, arrive Buenos Aires (Argentina). Today we cross the boarder into Argentina and view the falls from a new perspective. Ride the Rainforest Ecological Train through forest to a series of walkways and viewing points, including one located directly over the 82 metre-high Devil's Throat. Later, board your domestic flight to Buenos Aires. On arrival be met and transferred to your hotel. Three Night Stay: Sofitel Buenos Aires. Day 18. Buenos Aires. Begin today with a tour of Buenos Aires, seeing some of the city's highlights before visiting Café Tortoni, a famous literati coffeehouse established in 1858. As you enjoy fresh coffee and croissants, you're invited to participate in an introductory Spanish class. After, your discovery of this great city continues, visiting places such as the barrio of La Boca. Tonight head to the Philippe Starck-designed cabaret, Rojo Tango, for dinner, drinks and the most exclusive tango show in the city. Day 20. Buenos Aires, Ushuaia. After breakfast this morning, board an early flight to Ushuaia, often regarded as the world's most southerly city. Be met on arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Stay: Ushuaia, Los Cauquenes. Day 21. Embark Antarctic Cruise. This morning is at your leisure to discover Ushuaia before boarding your expedition ship. Early this evening set sail, charting a course along the Beagle Channel into the Drake Passage sometime after midnight. Ten Night Stay: Akademik loffe. B BD B Half Moon Island observe a breeding colony of Chinstrap penguins that share their territory with fur seals and blue-eyed shags. Other planned excursions might include the Lemaire Channel, Wilhelmina Bay and even the southerly Petermann Island, where you'll observe Weddell, crabeater and elephant seals, skuas and other seabirds as well as a magnificent abundance of penguins including some very large colonies of the comical Adélie penguin. Also keep an eye out for the gentle Humpback Whale dining on krill in its feeding grounds. We also hope to observe Orcas and Minke whales along the way. At Paradise Harbour and nearby Neko Harbour the scenery is outstanding. There are oddly-shaped icebergs that look like sculptures and colossal 'tabular' icebergs breaking away from the continent's ice shelf. It's in this vicinity you'll step foot on the White Continent. The more adventurous may wish to camp on shore of Antarctica overnight – at no extra cost. Whatever your vantage point, expect to feel transformed as you experience an Antarctic twilight from the very bottom of the planet. BLD BLD Days 22-23. Drake Passage. Crossing the Drake Passage, there is much excitement in the air as you make your way ever closer to the white continent. Soak up the friendly atmosphere as your onboard experts prepare you for your adventure with presentations on everything Antarctic, from wildlife to history. In due course cross the Antarctic Convergence where you'll notice a distinct drop in temperature as you enter the icy waters of the Antarctic Ocean. Along the way, witness icebergs, a fantastic variety of seabirds and with luck several whale species. BD Day 19. Buenos Aires, Freedom of Choice Touring, Dine Around Dinner. Today, perhaps head to the island town of Tigre and cruise on a vintage mahogany boat 70 Days 24-28. Antarctic Peninsula. In the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula, the plan is to take every opportunity to explore our surroundings in inflatable Zodiac boats. There is also the opportunity to enjoy a memorable sea kayaking programme. At Days 29-30. Drake Passage, Cape Horn. Departing this magical place, your journey heads north again across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage before rounding Cape Horn. Celebrate the conclusion of your polar expedition with a special dinner onboard. BLD BLD Day 31. Ushuaia, Buenos Aires. This morning arrive back onto mainland South America at Ushuaia. After disembarking, transfer to the airport for a flight to Buenos Aires. Tonight, enjoy a special Farewell Dinner at one of the finest Argentinian parrilla (steakhouse) in Buenos Aires. Stay: Sofitel Buenos Aires. BD Day 32. Depart Buenos Aires. After breakfast your epic South American and Antarctic journey comes to a conclusion as you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight, taking with you memories that will stay with you forever. B

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