Scenic Tours
1300 SCENIC (723 642)
Exclusive South America
(31 days, Quito - Rio de Janeiro, 2012)
The ultimate South American journey is this 31 day premium Connoisseur’s Choice holiday, visiting the Galapagos Islands and the continent’s most vibrant cities.
Your 31 day Connoisseur’s Choice South American tour has been embellished with a collection of stunning boutique hotels, luxurious intimate cruises, and special Connoisseur’s highlights. Beginning in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, you will take a private tour of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed city, set high in the Andes and surrounded by volcanoes as high as 6,000 metres above sea level.
From Quito, travel to the Galapagos Islands where you will board the MV Galapagos Explorer II for a four night cruise through the archipelago. Your cruise includes a visit to Santa Cruz Island to meet the native wildlife including the endangered Galapagos giant tortoises. Your Galapagos cruise ends in Lima, where you will spend two days exploring the Peruvian capital, before flying to the remote Amazon city of Iquitos and boarding the luxurious MV Aria, your home for the next four nights.
You will sail along the tributaries of the Amazon and embark on a number of activities by launch and foot. A highlight of this cruise will be viewing one of the great spectacles of the Southern Hemisphere, the sun rising over the birthplace of the Amazon River. At the end of your Amazon cruise, you will travel to the Sacred Valley and the ancient Inca site of Machu Picchu, before arriving in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Cuzco.
Nearing the end of your tour, you will visit Lake Titicaca and witness the unique floating islands of Uros, before travelling to Brazil to witness the majestic UNESCO World Heritage-listed Iguazu Falls. The next three days will be spent soaking up the atmosphere of the incredible Argentine capital, Buenos Aires, before ending your tour in Rio de Janeiro, where you will board a privately-chartered helicopter for a bird’s eye view of the colourful city.
- All-Inclusive Touring
- “Must See” attractions
- More 2 and 3 night stays
- Cruise in Balcony Suites on MV Galapagos Explorer II
- Ocean View Suites at Miraflores Park Hotel by Orient Express in Lima
- Cruise in luxury onboard MV Aria
- Stay at Hotel Rio Sagrado by Orient Express, Sacred Valley
- Deluxe Rooms at Monasterio Hotel by Orient Express, Cuzco
- Stay at Four Seasons Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
- Superior Pool View Rooms - Copacabana Palace by Orient Express, Rio de Janeiro
- FreeChoice Activities and Dining INCLUDED
- Fully Escorted by Connoisseur’s Choice Tour Director including onboard cruises
- Connoisseur’s Choice Medical Assist Service for Peruvian Highlands
- Medical Assist Card for Peru
- Personalised Airport Transfers
- ALL tipping and gratuities INCLUDED
- Meet your fellow travellers and Tour Director at a private welcome function and tour briefing
- Dine in an elegant restaurant in the old city of Quito
- Fine dining at the elegant Mesa 18 Restaurant in Lima
- Four night cruise through the Amazon onboard the luxurious MV Aria
- Be hosted for a delicious Andean lunch at Hacienda Huayocarri in the Sacred Valley
- Meet and interact with the students and teachers at the local community school, supported by Connoisseur’s Choice
- Take in the delights of a private performance of Andean music and dancing
- At Iguazu Falls, enjoy a private cocktail party and canapés
- Marvel at the majestic Brazilian Falls as you tour onto the water and up close to the falls
- Private Tour of the recently restored magnificent Teatro Colon
- A private tasting of fine Argentinean wines in Buenos Aires
- Soar over the city of Rio on your flightseeing helicopter ride
- Private Farewell Dinner in the Cipriani Restaurant at Copacabana Palace
- In Quito, drive along the Avenue of Volcanoes to the Antisana Ecological Reserve; or visit the cloud forest at Mindo; or explore the market town of Otavalo; or visit Itchimbia Cultural Centre
- In Lima, enjoy a walking tour of the city; or tour Pachacamac Ruins; or tour Huaca Huallamarca Ruins, the Larco Herrera Museum and the Monastery of San Francisco
- In the Sacred Valley, explore the town of Pisac and the Inca ruins; or at Maras see the Inca salt mines and the ruins of Moray; or visit Chinchero, enter a local’s house and learn about weaving techniques of Andean garments; or learn Andean cooking techniques as you assist the chef prepare lunch; or travel to a Peruvian Paso Horse Ranch for an insight into breeding techniques and horsemanship
- In Machu Picchu, return to the Inca site for further exploration; or take a relaxing spa treatment; or visit the museum of Machu Picchu
- In Buenos Aires, visit the Pampas to watch the Fiesta Gaucha horse show; or journey by rail and then cruise on the Tigre River and Delta; or take an Eva Peron walking tour; or a tour of La Boca Soccer Stadium; or visit the El Zanjon underground tunnels; or be thrilled by a game of Polo
- In Rio de Janeiro, tour Petropolis; or a walking tour of downtown Rio; or a Jeep tour of the Tijuca Forest; or visit the Favela’s (Shanty Town); or visit the Sambodrome and a Samba school
- 67 superb meals including 30 Full Breakfasts – hot and cold buffet selections (FB), 16 Lunches – buffet (L), 2 Highlight Lunches – three course table d’hôte (HL), 7 Highlight Dinners – three or four course table d’hôte (HD) and 12 Dinners – buffet and three to four course table d’hôte (D)
- Wine served with dinner onboard MV Galapagos Explorer II
- Pouring wines served with meals onboard MV Aria
Included Connoisseur’s Free Choice Dining
- In Cuzco, Iguazu Falls, Buenos Aires, and Rio de Janeiro
- Ritz Carlton Hotel - Club Rooms, Santiago, Exclusive to Connoisseur’s Choice
- Miraflores Park Hotel by Orient Express - Ocean View Rooms, Lima
- MV Aria - Exclusive to Connoisseur’s Choice
- Hotel Rio Sagrado by Orient Express, Sacred Valley, Exclusive to Connoisseur’s Choice
- Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel, Exclusive to Connoisseur’s Choice
- Monasterio Hotel by Orient Express - Deluxe Rooms, Cuzco, Exclusive to Connoisseur’s Choice
- Das Cataratas Hotel by Orient Express, Iguazu Falls
- Four Seasons Buenos Aires, Exclusive to Connoisseur’s Choice
- Copacabana Palace by Orient Express, Rio de Janeiro, Exclusive to Connoisseur’s Choice
- Tour the charming city of Quito and visit the Equator Monument
- Cruise aboard the MV Galapagos Explorer II for four nights in the Galapagos Islands
- All offshore excursions in the Galapagos escorted by expert Naturalist guides
- All offshore excursions in the Amazon escorted by expert Naturalist guides
- Take a walking tour of the town of Ollantaytambo
- Journey by rail to Machu Picchu for a full day visit to the ancient Inca site
- Board the Vistadome Railway for a spectacular journey through the Andes
- Tour the charming city of Cuzco including the ruins of Sacsayhuaman
- Visit the unique floating Islands of Uros on Lake Titicaca
- Two night stay at the World Heritage listed Iguazu Falls
- Ride the ecological train to the Argentinean side of the Falls
- Tour the city of Buenos Aires, famed as the “Paris of the Americas”
- Experience the city highlights of Rio de Janeiro including the Corcovado Museum, ‘Christ’ Statue and a cable car to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain
Day 1: Quito
Welcome to Quito, the capital of Ecuador. On arrival at Quito International Airport you will be met by a Connoisseur’s Choice Representative who will assist you with baggage claim and then you will be transferred* to your luxurious, centrally located hotel. Connoisseur’s Highlight Tonight meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers for an intimate, private welcome function and tour briefing.
Three Night Stay: Quito
Three Night Stay: Quito
Day 2: Quito
(FB,HL)
This morning take your Included private tour of this charming UNESCO World Heritage listed city, set high in the Andes and surrounded by volcanoes as high as 6,000 metres above sea level. Take a walking tour of the old city centre with its quaint cobblestone streets and colourful buildings. Then enjoy the views over the city from the Cerro Panecillo. Connoisseur’s Highlight sample a delicious lunch of Ecuadorian specialities at a charming intimate local restaurant in the Old Town of Quito. Visit the “La Mitad del Mundo” (Middle of the World) which marks zero latitude and stand with one foot either side of the Equator!
Day 3: Quito
(FB,L,D)
Included FreeChoice activity choose from: (1) drive along the Avenue of Volcanoes to the Antisana Ecological Reserve; or (2) travel to the small town of Mindo and the cloud forest; or (3) wander through the colourful market town of Otavalo; or (4) visit Itchimba Park Cultural Centre and the Guayasim Foundation Galleries.
Day 4: Quito - Galapagos Islands
(FB,L,D)
Transfer to the airport this morning for your Included flight to the Galapagos Islands. On arrival at Baltra Island transfer to your luxurious all-suite cruise ship, the MV Galapagos Explorer II, and settle into your Deluxe Balcony Suite. The sailing schedule is flexible in order to take advantage of the different conditions and to maximise your chances to encounter the bird and wildlife of this unique island complex. A daily itinerary is advised onboard by your Cruise Director. This afternoon cruise to Santa Cruz Island and visit Bachas Beach. Encounter sea birds, marine iguanas and sea turtles.
Four Night Cruise: MV Galapagos Explorer II
Four Night Cruise: MV Galapagos Explorer II
Day 5: Bartoleme Island - Santiago Island
(FB,L,D)
This morning your first stop is at Bartoleme Island where you will see volcanic formations like lava bombs and cinder cones. During a moderate walk to the summit you may see colonies of marine iguanas, lava lizards and various cacti. Then cruise to Santiago Island where your Naturalist will educate you about the inactive lava terrain you are crossing. Observe hunting herons, great blue herons, lava herons, yellow crowned night herons and oyster catchers. See marine iguanas grazing on algae beds alongside red sally light-foot crabs.
Day 6: Fernandina Island - Isabela Island
(FB,L,D)
Sail to unique Fernandina Island. No foreign species has ever invaded the island and therefore is one of the world’s most pristine island ecosystems. See the biggest marine iguanas mingling with light-foot crabs, as well as flightless cormorants at their nesting sites, Galapagos penguins, Galapagos hawks, and sea lions. Then cruise to Isabela Island, the largest island in the archIpelago. At Urbina Bay, after a wet landing, visit the fossil beach. Depending on the season you may be able to observe giant tortoises, land iguanas and flightless cormorants.
Day 7: North Seymour Island - Santa Cruz Island
(FB,L,D)
Arrive today at North Seymour Island and take a walk along the visitor trail spotting Galapagos sea lions, blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigatebirds. Continue to Santa Cruz Island and walk through the amazing lava landscape including tubes measuring up to 800 metres in length. Keep your eyes peeled for the natives of the island including the endangered Galapagos giant tortoises.
Day 8: Galapagos Islands - Lima
(FB,L)
This morning visit Loberia or isla Lobos and the Interpretation Centre in San Cristobal. Transfer to the airport for your Included flight to Guayaquil, the main port for the country of Ecuador. This afternoon enjoy an Included city tour before transferring to the International Airport for your Included flight to Lima. Transfer to your hotel.
Two Night Special Stay: Lima
Two Night Special Stay: Lima
Day 9: Lima
(FB,L,HD)
Included FreeChoice activity choose from: (1) A walking tour of the Colonial historical centre of the city, a former capital of the Conquistadors and a World Heritage site; or (2) tour Pachacamac Ruins and see the Temple of the Sun God; or (3) take a historical journey through Lima’s past visiting the Huaca Huallamarca ruins, the amazing Larco Herrera Museum and the Monastery of San Francisco. Relax and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Connoisseur’s Highlight This evening enjoy a unique culinary experience dining at a local restaurant.
Day 10: Lima - Amazon Cruise
(FB,D)
Enjoy the morning at leisure before transferring to the airport for your Included flight to the remote Amazon city of Iquitos. On arrival transfer to the Iquitos main wharf and board the luxurious MV Aria, your home for the next three nights. As you settle into your handsomely appointed, over-sized suite, you will feel the vessel begin to move –the beginning of one of the great adventures of your life. Stand on the Upper Deck to take in the view, as the MV Aria leaves Iquitos behind. Enjoy a welcome briefing by your expert Naturalists. Then sit down, relax, sample some fine South American wine, and enjoy the truly world-class cuisine, created with the imaginative use of the freshest local products.
Four Night Special Stay: MV Aria
Four Night Special Stay: MV Aria
Day 11: Amazon Cruise
(FB,L,D)
This part of the Peruvian Amazon is an amazing area of biodiversity. The sailing schedule is flexible in order to take advantage of the different conditions of the seasons of low and high water. Over the coming days you will sail along the largest tributaries of the Amazon, and embark on a number of different activities by launch and foot. You are embarking on a spectacular adventure, to a place visited by only a few of even the most experienced world travellers. During the next three days you will visit places like the Yacapana Isles the “Isle of the Iguana” thanks to the great number of these reptiles which inhabit them. You will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see and photograph both gray and pink freshwater dolphins (weather dependent). At night time, once the sun sets and the jungle becomes dark, begin your search for caiman, frogs, and different kinds of nightlife. During the day you will search for wildlife such as the bald uakari monkey, squirrel monkeys, saddleback tamarin monkeys, sloths and many other species. A highlight of the trip is the viewing of one of the great spectacles of the Southern Hemisphere: the sun rising over the birthplace of the Amazon River. Here where the union of two major tributaries, the Ucayali and the Marañon, form the world’s greatest waterway - nature is at its most dramatic. You will also have the opportunity to visit native villages, where the local people will extend you a very warm welcome and you will gain insight into how the traditional Amazonian Indians live. Many of the villages were untouched by civilisation until recently and they are delighted to share their culture, traditions, and folklore with you. Each day on board the cuisine is a highlight. Each meal is carefully prepared and showcases regional specialities prepared with the freshest produce and complimented with a selection of fine wines.
Day 12: Amazon Cruise
(FB,L,D)
Cruising the Amazon.
Day 13: Amazon Cruise
(FB,L,D)
Cruising the Amazon.
Day 14: Amazon - Lima
(FB,L)
After a morning excursion, enjoy lunch and then disembark for an Included visit to the Manatee Rescue Centre. Here biologists and volunteers care for the endangered Amazon manatees that conservation authorities have rescued. Transfer to the airport for your Included flight to Lima.
Overnight Stay: Lima
Overnight Stay: Lima
Day 15: Lima - Sacred Valley
(FB,HL)
This morning transfer to the airport for your Included flight to Cuzco. On arrival you will receive your personal oxygen cylinder then you will transfer to the breath-taking Sacred Valley of the Incas. Connoisseur’s Highlight Visit the charming Hacienda Huayocarri which is set in a spectacular location overlooking the valley. The owners, have a history spanning over three centuries and Senor Ignacio Lambarri will host you for a delicious Andean lunch, prepared from the Hacienda’s own produce. The next three nights you will spend at the luxurious Hotel Rio Sagrado by Orient Express, located in the heart of the Sacred Valley and set on the banks of the Urubumba River.
Three Night Special Stay: Sacred Valley
Three Night Special Stay: Sacred Valley
Day 16: Sacred Valley
(FB,D)
This morning your expert local guide will take you on an Included walking tour of the town of Ollantaytambo, the oldest continuously occupied settlement in the Americas. Your tour includes a visit to the imposing Incan fortress overlooking the town. Connoisseur’s Highlight: Visit the community supported by Connoisseur’s Choice and Scenic Tours. Meet the students and teachers at the local school and learn about their lifestyle. Return to your luxurious hotel for some time at leisure to relax. Dine tonight in the El Huerto Restaurant and sample delicious Peruvian fusion cuisine.
Day 17: Sacred Valley
(FB,L)
Included FreeChoice activity choose from: (1) visit the town of Pisac and tour the Inca ruins; or (2) see the Inca salt mines then visit the ruins of Moray; or (3) visit Chinchero Village and a local’s house to learn about the weaving techniques; or (4) learn some of the Andean cooking techniques as you help the chef prepare lunch; or (5) visit a local Peruvian Paso Horse Ranch. Connoisseur’s Highlight Tonight enjoy a private performance of Andean music along with canapes and drinks.
Day 18: Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu
(FB,L,D)
This morning take an Included rail journey to Machu Picchu. A highlight of your tour is your Included full day visit to the ancient Inca site of Machu Picchu. Your expert local guide will share the mysteries of this fabulous “lost city of the Incas” before your Included lunch at Sanctuary Lodge. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the ruins at your own pace.
Overnight Stay: Machu Picchu
Overnight Stay: Machu Picchu
Day 19: Machu Picchu - Cuzco
(FB)
Enjoy your Included FreeChoice activity this morning, choose from (1) return to the site and explore at your own pace with your local guide; or (2) take a relaxing spa treatment in the Aqlla Spa; or (3) visit the museum of Machu Picchu. This afternoon take an Included rail journey to the Sacred Valley with afternoon tea served onboard the Vistadome train. Take in the breath taking views from the carriages with glass ceilings of the surrounding Andes mountains. Continue to Cuzco and your luxurious hotel located in the heart of the city centre.
Three Night Special Stay: Cuzco
Three Night Special Stay: Cuzco
Day 20: Cuzco
(FB,HD)
The charming city of Cuzco is a World Heritage listed site that was a former capital of the Incas. Included on your tour this morning is a walking tour of the city centre where you will marvel at the mix of Incan, Spanish and modern architecture. Then Included is your visit to the imposing fortress of Sacsayhuaman. Tonight enjoy your Included FreeChoice dinner choose from: (1) a local Restaurant and Folklore Show; or (2) fine à la carte dining at the Inka Grill; or (3) a delicious Andino Nikkei fusion dinner at the Tupay Restaurant; or (4) a gourmet dinner at the MAP Café.
Day 21: Cuzco
(FB)
Enjoy a free day to explore this beautiful city at your leisure.
Day 22: Cuzco - Lima
(FB,D)
Take an Included flight to Lima and transfer to your luxurious hotel. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore Lima at your own pace. Tonight enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Overnight Stay: Lima
Overnight Stay: Lima
Day 23: Lima - Iguazu Falls, Brazil
(FB,D)
Transfer to Lima International airport this morning for your Included flight to Iguazu Falls and on arrival transfer to your luxurious hotel. Connoisseur’s Highlight Enjoy a private cocktail party and canapés on arrival at the hotel.
Two Night Special Stay: Iguazu Falls
Two Night Special Stay: Iguazu Falls
Day 24: Iguazu Falls
(FB,HD)
This morning Included is your tour of the majestic Brazilian Falls. Connoisseur’s Highlight: your Included exciting adventure takes you through the rainforest and onto the water for a thrill you won’t forget. See the ‘Devil’s Throat’ and come close to the base of the ‘Three Musketeers’. Tonight enjoy your Included FreeChoice dinner choose from: (1) a delicious BBQ buffet at Ipê Poolside Grill; or (2) fine dining in Restaurant Itaipu.
Day 25: Iguazu Falls - Buenos Aires, Argentina
(FB)
This morning cross the border for your Included tour of the Argentinean Falls. Board the ecological train and ride to the ‘Devil’s Throat’ viewpoint. The view from the top of the falls is spectacular. Transfer to the airport this afternoon for your Included flight to Buenos Aires. On arrival transfer to your luxurious hotel located in the heart of the Recoleta District. Connoisseur’s Highlight Enjoy a private tasting tonight of fine Argentinean wines.
Three Night Special Stay: Buenos Aires
Three Night Special Stay: Buenos Aires
Day 26: Buenos Aires
(FB,HD)
This morning on your Included tour visit the colourful districts of La Boca and San Telmo. Connoisseur’s Highlight: Included today is a tour of the recently restored, magnificent Teatro Colon. Tonight enjoy your Included FreeChoice dinner choose from: (1) 'Parrilla' (Steakhouse); or (2) dinner and spectacular Tango Show; or (3) the elegant Le Mistral Restaurant.
Day 27: Buenos Aires
(FB,L)
Included FreeChoice activity choose from: (1) the Fiesta Gaucha horse show; or (2) cruise on the Tigre River and Delta; or (3) a walking tour to discover Eva Peron; or (4) tour of the La Boca Soccer Stadium; or (5) visit the El Zanjon underground tunnels.
Day 28: Buenos Aires - Rio de Janeiro
(B,HD)
This morning take an Included flight to the vibrant and colourful city of Rio de Janeiro. On arrival, transfer to your luxurious hotel located on famous Copacabana Beach. Tonight enjoy your Included FreeChoice dinner choose from: (1) a typical Brazilian Churrascaria; or (2) visit a live Samba Music venue.
Three Night Special Stay: Rio de Janeiro
Day 29: Rio de Janeiro
(FB,L)
Included today is your tour of Rio including the ‘Christ’ Statue and a cable car ride to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain. World renowned for its natural beauty, the city of Rio de Janeiro is the perfect place for sightseeing by helicopter. Connoisseur’s Highlight: Board your privately chartered helicopter for a bird’s eye view as you fly around the statue of Christ, across the Tijuca Forest and along Copacabana Beach before returning to Sugar Loaf helipad.
Day 30: Rio de Janeiro
(FB,HD)
Today is an Included FreeChoice day choose from: (1) take a tour to Petropolis; or (2) a walking tour of downtown Rio; or (3) Jeep tour of the Tijuca Forest; or (4) tour the Favela’s (Shanty Town); or (5) Schooner Cruise on Guanabara Bay. Connoisseur’s Highlight: Tonight enjoy your private farewell dinner.
Day 31: Journey Home
(FB)
Your tour ends after breakfast and you will be transferred* to the airport for your onward or homebound flight (flight not included).
*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary.
