Day 1: Depart today for the continuation of your journey to Buenos Aires.
Day 2: Sightseeing in this elegant city includes the Casa Rosada, the well-known stage for Evita Perón's plea, "Don't cry for me Argentina", as well as the history-laden Plaza de Mayo. The newly-rebuilt port area Puerto Madera with its restaurants and bars is a nice place to relax. The afternoon is free - opt to visit an Estancia with Lunch and Gaucho Show.
Day 3: Depart today for Iguazu/Iguassu. Upon your approach to Iguazu International Airport, your pilot might tip his wings to give you your first view of the magnificent Iguassu Falls and the surrounding natural park of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. Your bilingual SouthAmerica.travel Tour guide or representative escorts you to the fabulous Hotel Mercure Internacional*****. Feast on a Brazilian dinner tonight after a relaxing swim in the pool.
Day 4: Today's full day excursion shows you the Falls from both sides. First, cross into Argentina for a walk above the falls, wider and more powerful than Niagara. A boat guides you to an island to get a close-up view of the Falls from below.
The mist of the Falls engulfs you on the Brazilian side, as you walk out onto a platform and into the garganta do diabo, the 'devil's throat'. Opt for the Macuco Safari - a boat ride under the Falls on the Brazilian side.
Day 5: The rolling landscape on today's journey is interrupted only by mountain chains, rich farmland and patches of original subtropical forest, with the unique Araucária trees. Arrive in Curitiba, named best-organized city in South America, now a model for many Western industrialized nations! The city has grown 10-fold in the past 20 years, using innovative ideas to manage its substantial growth.
The capital of the state of Paraná is a melting pot of such diverse cultures as Dutch, Polish, Arabian, German, Ukrainian, Italian and Japanese cultures, amongst many others! Check in to the Hotel Mercure Curitiba****. Tonight's included dinner will give you a taste of the region's mix of cultures.
Day 6: Morning sightseeing gives you a view of the capital, including the glass Opera House, before heading down to the coast for a stroll along the historic promenade of the Port of Antonina After lunch, board the scenic historic railway as it winds its way from sea level up 1200m (3/4 of a mile high!) over the Serra do Mar chain back to Curitiba.
Day 7: Head for São Paulo, the world's second largest city & South America's industrial powerhouse! 4000 deadly poisonous snakes welcome you on our sightseeing including the Butantã Institute, the world-famous research lab specializing in anti-venom research. Continue downtown to see the Paulistanos as they work and live in this surprisingly well-organized metropolis. Sightseeing includes the Contemporary Art Museum, Basilica and the Teatro Municipal. São Paulo's Hotel Mercure Paulista**** is located in the heart of the city. Tonight's dinner is included.
The city of São Paulo is full of surprises. It is the largest German manufacturing city in the world, and contains great architecture, such as this masterpiece by Oscar Niemeyer, architect of the capital, Brasilia
Day 8: Arrive in the cidade maravilhosa, Rio de Janeiro. Welcoming you to the 'marvelous city' is your bilingual SouthAmerica.travel Tour guide or representative who will escort you to your hotel on the Copacabana - The Luxor Continental****. (Get a free upgrade to the sea view apartment at the Luxor Continental**** now! See Specials!) The afternoon is free for a stroll, some shopping or relaxing on the beach or at your rooftop pool!
Meet your fellow travelers for a complementary Rodizio, an All-You-Can-Eat Brazilian Barbecue (included).
Day 9: The panoramic view from the top of the Sugar Loaf Mountain is the highlight of today's sightseeing tour. Board a funicular to reach the summit with its 360º spectrum of golden beaches, green forests and a thriving metropolis that has earned Rio de Janeiro the title of the world's most beautiful city. Sightseeing continues with a tour of Rio's historical past. Learn how Portugal's prince scandalously broke all family ties and declared himself Emperor of Brazil.
In the afternoon heat, everything slows down, and the Cariocas (as the people of Rio call themselves) head for the beach!
Day 10: Christ the Redeemer keeps an eye on Rio from an elevation of 710m (2340ft). Board the tremzinho (cogwheel railway) up to the top of Corcovado Mountain for a bird's eye view of the center of the city! This evening, depart for Bahia.
The diverse face of Brazil is nowhere more prevalent than in Brazil's first capital, Salvador. The current capital of Bahia is a mix of rich colonial houses, picturesque churches and a lively mix of African and Indio rhythms.
At the airport, your SouthAmerica.travel Tour Director or representative is waiting to transfer you to your hotel Blue Tree Towers**** overlooking the bay. The afternoon is free to explore on your own or relax at the pool or the beach, which is reached by the hotel's own cable car. Enjoy dinner (included) tonight, spiced by the local culture of Bahia.
Day 11: After a hearty Brazilian breakfast, depart for a lively tour of Salvador. Visit the Pelourinho, the recently restored historical center of Salvador, which the UNESCO declared a World Heritage Cultural Site.
This evening, opt for a Bahia by Night excursion including dinner.
Day 12: Continue your explorations of the city, or opt to visit Praia do Forte, including a visit to the Turtle Station Tamar and lunch.
Day 13: Transfer by coach to Maceió. Located on the "Linha Verde", the green strip north of Salvador, you are never far away from the beach and the palm tree forests. The small capital of Alagoas state is modest, yet declared a "very friendly city with a low crime rate" by the South American Handbook. This is one of the most famous beach resort towns amongst Brazilians, yet undiscovered by the international crowd. Tonight, stay in the famous beach district in the Melia or Jatiuca hotel right on the beach. After dinner (included) enjoy the light breeze of the trade winds during your walk along the extensive beach promenade.
Day 14: Beach, sun, a fruit drink (not even the Brazilians are always familiar with the fruits used to create the delicious "Vitaminas") or opt to take a "Jangada" sail boat out to the reefs, where you can swim in one of the tidal pools.
Day 15: The scenic journey to Recife takes only 2 1/2 hours. The city is built on land reclaimed from the ocean by the Dutch. Check in to the Blue Tree Towers**** in the city beach district and enjoy a stroll along Boa Viagem ("bon voyage") with its many protective coral reefs.
Tonight's seafood dinner is a mix of European influences, served Brazilian-style.
Day 16: Sightseeing includes the newly restored historical district of Recife, a city with 39 bridges and 50 canals. Colonial baroque architecture rests under palm trees.
Splendid Olinda, just 7km away, was the original state capital until it was jealously set afire by the Dutch Prince Maurice of Nassau in 1637 to elevate his city of Recife. Built on hills above Recife, with it's many esteemed baroque churches under shading palm trees, it has become an artist's colony. The city has been given World Heritage Cultural Site status by UNESCO, as well as being declared a National Monument by the Brazilian government, with funds for restoration donated by the Dutch government.
This included excursion leaves you plenty of time to return for Recife to say boa viagem on one of the best beaches Brazil has to offer.
Day 17: After breakfast return flight home
