Wineries of Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil

Arrive at Santiago airport and meet your guide, who will transfer you to your hotel.

Depart from your hotel for a half day sightseeing of Santiago, the capital of Chile. See the civic center, La Moneda Presidential Palace, the Plaza de Armas (main square), the imposing Cathedral and the Main Post Office. Continue to Ahumada and Huerfanos, the busiest commercial pedestrian streets in the city, and then, on to Santa Lucia Hill, the site of foundation of Santiago in 1541. Proceed to the bohemian district of Bellavista with its active nightlife and craft fairs, the residential districts of Vitacura, Las Condes and Providencia with its modern architecture and exclusive shopping malls.

Visit to Concha & Toro or one of the other world-reknown Chilean vineyards in Santiago. Located in the Maipo River canyon, this winery cultivates grapevines of the most noble French stock such as cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Pinot Noir and others. Founded in 1883 showing today a most modern technology in cooling equipment, stainless steel tanks, filters and oak casks which has lead as making of exceptional wines.

Take the afternoon at leisure. You can stroll the quaint streets of the Chilean capital or do some shopping.

After breakfast, cross the mighty Andes towards the country of Argentina, where you will visit the national wine capital: Mendoza. This picturesque area which receives almost 365 days of sunshine specializes in Malbec wine. You'll be staying at Cavas Wine Lodge, one of the most exclusive lodges in the city, a member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux. The sommelier will welcome you with a wine tasting in the wine cellar to begin your Argentine wine experience.

The accommodation at Cavas includes:

• Visits to wineries in the area: Catena Zapata, Chandon, Achaval Ferrer, Altavista, Carinae, Melipal, Caelum, Ruca Malen, Decero, Norton, Terrazas, Mendel, Eduardo Pulenta Estate, Sottano or Carlos Pulenta Vistalba. Visit to the wineries is subject to availability and opening dates of each winery
• Lunch each day: in the vineyards, at a winery or in a local restaurant (transfers with Spanish speaking driver included)
• Dinner each day: Guests may choose from the 'a la carte menu' in participating restaurants, with the liberty to dine at different restaurants in Mendoza: at Cavas Wine Lodge, at Nadia OF in Chacras de Coria, at Bodega Escorihuela or at Brindillas (transfers with Spanish speaking driver included)

After breakfast meet an oenologist to head a full day wine and gourmet tour. Depart to Mendoza's agricultural oasis and visit three wineries, there you enjoy a wine tasting session. Enjoy lunch at one of the wineries. For that time, you will already be familiarized with the local wines and its elaboration process.

After the tour, return to Cavas. Dinner will be served at one of Mendoza's prestigious restaurants.

Overnight at Cavas Wine Lodge.

Head for a half day wine tasting of Luan de Cuyo area, in Mendoza. Visit to the wineries is subject to availability and opening dates of each one of them. Lunch will be served at one of the wineries, to combine the wines with Argentine beef, empanadas, or other typical national dish.

Spend the rest of the day at your leisure taking in the Andes and the verdant sunny landscapes of this Argentine province.

Fly today to Argentina's capital, Buenos Aires, and take a ferry to cross the de La Plata River to Uruguay's oldest, most historic city: Colonia del Sacramento. Check in to your charming hotel.

Today you will have for first Uruguayan wine experience since you will visit one of the local wineries and try the most popular national strain of wine: Tannat.

Return to Colonia.

Enjoy a sightseeing on foot today of this historic city, Colonia del Sacramento - the oldest city of Uruguay. Founded in 1680 by the Portuguese, Colonia del Sacramento was later disputed by the Spanish settled on the opposite bank of the river at Buenos Aires. Today, Colonia enjoys a special status as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Head to one of the local wineries for a tour and some tastings.

Board a ferry from Colonia to the capital of Argentina. Buenos Aires is situated just inland from the docks of the south bank of the Rio de la Plata. Arrive on time to opt for a visit at San Telmo's antique market. Your hotel for tonight is the Abasto Plaza. Enjoy dinner and an impressive Tango Show (included).

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.

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.

The afternoon is free for a stroll, some shopping or relaxing on the beach or at your rooftop pool!

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!

Christ the Redeemer keeps an eye on Rio from an elevation of 710m (2340ft). Board the trenzinho (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 home or your onward journey.