Scenic Tours
1300 SCENIC (723 642)
Grand South America, Cuba & the Panama Canal including Patagonia
(40 days, Lima - Santiago, 2013)
Experience exotic Havana and historical Panama plus Patagonia, the Galápagos Islands, Santiago and the icons of South America in 40 sensational days.
Argentina
Your city tour of Buenos Aires, home of the tango, visits the colourful districts of San Telmo and La Boca plus you will have the choice of visiting an estancia (horse ranch), cruising the Tigre River, touring the famous opera house, Teatro Colón, or uncover the city’s intriguing history in the El Zanjón underground tunnels. Plus visit Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, and the majestic Argentine side of Iguazú Falls.
Brazil
Wake up to the sounds of Iguazú Falls, and see ‘Devil’s Throat’ and the base of the ‘Three Musketeers’. Visit all of Rio’s iconic sights including Sambadrome, home of Carnival, ride the cogwheel railway to Corcovado Mountain’s Christ statue and take a cable car to Sugar Loaf Mountain. Plus dine at your choice of a churrascaria or tapas bar and choose cruising Guanabara Bay, visiting the favelas, a jeep tour of Tijuaca Forest or visiting Petrópolis.
Cuba
World Heritage-listed Havana is a fascinating and eclectic city and you will discover its charm over four fabulous nights. See the sights as you ride in a 1950s car, plus visit the Museum of the Revolution, and choose from included activities including following in Hemingway’s footsteps or visiting a cigar plantation.
Chile
Discover the highlights of Santiago on your walking tour of the Barrio Lastarria enclave, home to belle époque landmarks plus visit Cerro San Cristobal and ride the funicular railway for exceptional city views. Plus discover the Chilean Patagonian region.
Ecuador
Discover Ecuador’s largest city, Guayaquil, and tour all the city’s highlights including Seminario Park, home to a population of friendly land iguanas.
Galápagos Islands
This exceptional luxury cruise to the ecologically extraordinary Galápagos Islands archipelago will showcase the island cluster’s rich and relatively untouched variety of landscapes, unusual lava formations, and unique, fearless animals and birdlife.
Panama
Panama City is a contrast of shimmering buildings and cobblestoned streets and you’ll discover the historic centre, Panama Canal Museum and spend a full day transiting the famous canal.
Patagonia - new for 2013
From your luxurious nature retreat set on the shores of Chile’s Lake Toro and facing the Torres del Paine massif, you’ll enjoy guided small group excursions where you can touch an iceberg and search for wildlife. In Argentine Patagonia you will visit El Calafate, the gateway to the Los Glaciares National Park to soak up the views of Lake Argentine and Solitaria Island and cruise to the mighty Perito Moreno Glacier.
Peru
Be immersed in all the highlights of Peru, including travelling through the Andes in a glass-domed carriage, exploring Machu Picchu, and meeting the students of a Sacred Valley school. Plus witness Cuzco’s marvellous mix of architecture and ancient Incan ruins, journey to Lake Titicaca, home to the unique floating islands of Uros; and uncover Lima’s richness of history and gastronomy.
Ultimate Inclusions
- Explore Havana, Cuba for four days
- Transit the Panama Canal
- 5-star expedition cruise on board mv Galapagos Explorer II in Classic Suites
- Cruise close to the face of Perito Moreno Glacier
- Explore Torres del Paine National Park for two days
- Exclusive stay at Swissôtel Lima
- Exclusive three night stay at Tambo del Inka Luxury Collection, Sacred Valley
- Exclusive stay at Hotel Monasterio by Orient-Express, Cuzco
- Exclusive three night stay at Hotel Das Cataratas by Orient-Express
- Exclusive stay at Casa Los Sauces, El Calafate
- Exclusive stay at Explora Hotel Salto Chico, Patagonia
- Small group touring
- Scenic Free Choice Activities and Dining
- Fully escorted by experienced Tour Director including on board cruise
- Expert Local Guides
- ALL TIPPING, GRATUITIES AND PORTERAGE
Included Scenic Enrich
- Meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers at a private tour briefing and supper
- Tour the Museum of the Revolution in Havana, Cuba
- Cruise the streets in a 1950s vintage car taking in the colourful sights of Havana
- Sample traditional Cuban cuisine and be entertained by Cuban musicians
- Transit the Panama Canal for an unforgettable experience
- Fully inclusive, 5-star expedition cruise of the Galápagos Islands on board mv Galapagos Explorer II
- Meet the students and teachers at a local community school, which is supported by Scenic Tours
- Share stories of your day’s activities and delight in a private performance by local Andean musicians
- Travel on board the Vistadome Rail and admire the Andes Mountains through the glass-domed carriages
- Three night relaxing stay at Iguazú Falls inside the Brazilian National Park
- Marvel at the majestic Iguazú Falls as you journey on the river up close to the base of the ‘Three Musketeers’
- Try on the colourful carnival costumes at the Sambodromo
- Enjoy a private supper at Hotel Sofitel Buenos Aires
- Take a walking tour of the Barrio Lastarria district of Santiago
- Farewell your Tour Director and fellow travellers at a private lunch in Santiago
Included Scenic Free Choice
- In Lima, walking tour of the historical centre; or tour Pachacamac Ruins; or visit Huaca Huallamarca ruins and Museo Larco; or pamper yourself with a relaxing spa
- In Havana, tour in Hemingway’s footsteps; or visit the coffee fields in the Las Terrazas nature reserve; or at Viñales visit a tobacco farm and cigar factory
- In the Sacred Valley, explore the Inca ruins of Pisac; or see ruins of Moray and the Inca salt pans; or in Chinchero visit with a local family; or visit a local Peruvian Paso horse ranch
- In Rio de Janeiro, visit a local favela (shanty town); or tour Petrópolis; or walking tour of Downtown Rio; or jeep tour of Tijuca Forest; or cruise Guanabara Bay
- In Buenos Aires, see the Argentine horsemanship; or cruise the Tigre River; or private tour of the Teatro Colón; or visit the El Zanjón underground tunnels
Included Scenic Dining
- 80 superb meals including 39 Full Breakfasts (FB), 1 Highlight Lunches (HL), 18 Lunches (L), 3 Suppers (S), 4 Highlight Dinners (HD)
and 15 Dinners (D) - Local beer, wine and soft drinks at Intercontinental Playa Bonita during meals
- All beverages on board mv Galapagos Explorer II during meals
- All beverages included with meals at Explora Hotel Salto Chico
Included Scenic Free Choice Dining
- In Cuzco, Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires
Included Scenic Special Stays
- Swissôtel Lima, exclusive to Scenic Tours
- Tambo del Inka Luxury Collection, Sacred Valley
- Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel, exclusive to Scenic Tours
- Hotel Monasterio by Orient-Express, Cuzco, exclusive to Scenic Tours
- Hotel Das Cataratas by Orient-Express, Iguazú Falls
- Casa Los Sauces, El Calafate, exclusive to Scenic Tours
- Explora Hotel Salto Chico, exclusive to Scenic Tours
- Grand Hyatt Santiago, exclusive to Scenic Tours
Included Scenic Highlights
- Tour the charming and quirky historic centre of Havana
- Explore both old and modern Panama
- Visit Panama Canal Museum for an insight into its construction
- All small group, offshore excursions are escorted by an expert naturalist guide on mv Galapagos Explorer II
- VIP lounge access at Lima airport
- Three night stay in the breathtaking Sacred Valley
- Take a walking tour of Ollantaytambo, an ancient Incan village
- Full day touring the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu
- Take a walking tour of Cuzco and the ruins of Sacsayhuamán
- Visit the community of the unique floating islands of Uros
- Tour the Brazilian and Argentinean sides of Iguazú Falls
- See the ‘Christ’ Statue and ride the cable car ride to Sugar Loaf Mountain
- Tour Buenos Aires and see San Telmo and La Boca
- Cruise close to the massive Perito Moreno Glacier
- Two full days to explore Torres del Paine National Park
- In Patagonia take small group excursions for a maximum of eight guests escorted by your expert expedition guides
- Day use room at the Grand Hyatt Santiago
- Complimentary Medical Assist Card included in Peru
- Personal ‘oxyshot’ canister included in Peru
- Audio headsets for the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cuzco, Iguazú Falls and Santiago
Day 1: Lima, Peru
Welcome to Lima, the capital of Peru. On arrival at the airport you will be met by a Scenic Tours Representative and transferred* to your luxurious hotel.
Two Night Special Stay: Lima
Two Night Special Stay: Lima
Day 2: Lima
(FB,L,S)
Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE activity. Choose from: (1) a walking tour of the historic centre; or (2) tour Pachacamac Ruins; or (3) Huaca Huallamarca ruins and the Museo Larco; or (4) pamper yourself with a relaxing spa treatment. SCENIC ENRICH: Tonight meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a private tour briefing and supper.
Day 3: Lima - Havana, Cuba
(FB)
Take a flight (flight not included) to charming Havana, the capital of Cuba! Havana is a fascinating city with architecture influenced by its communist and Spanish colonial past. Transfer to your hotel located in the centre of the historic old city.
Four Night Stay: Havana
Four Night Stay: Havana
Day 4: Havana
(FB,L)
The centre of this vibrant city is a World Heritage-listed site and your Included tour today will take you from modern to old Havana. Included visit to Revolution Square to see the enormous profile of Che Guevara and the viewpoint from Castle Morro over the city. SCENIC ENRICH: Visit the Museum of the Revolution to discover the importance of Che Guevara and Fidel Castro to the Cubans. After an Included lunch, take a walking tour of the historic centre, along the quaint cobblestoned streets and marvel at the architecture and charm of a city relatively untouched by commercialism. SCENIC ENRICH: There is no better way to see Havana than to step on board a 1950s vintage car and cruise the streets like a local.
Day 5: Havana
(FB,L)
Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE activity choose from: (1) follow in the footsteps of Hemingway; or (2) visit Las Terrazas and tour the coffee fields; or (3) drive to Viñales and visit a tobacco farm and cigar factory.
Day 6: Havana
(FB,HD)
Enjoy a full day to explore this charming quirky city at your own pace. SCENIC ENRICH: Tonight’s dinner is in a local restaurant where you will dine on Cuban specialities and be entertained by the resident musicians.
Day 7: Havana - Panama City, Panama
(FB,L)
Take an Included flight to Panama City. A thriving city for banking and industry, Panama City offers a contrast of shimmering glass and steel buildings against the Casco Antiguo centre of historic buildings and cobbled stoned streets. Your Included tour visits the Panama Canal Museum for a fascinating insight into the canal’s construction. Walk onto the observation platform and be amazed as you watch the Miraflores Locks in operation. Transfer to your luxurious hotel located on Panama Bay.
Three Night Stay: Panama City
Three Night Stay: Panama City
Day 8: Panama Canal
(FB,L)
SCENIC ENRICH: Today is an unforgettable experience as you transit the Panama Canal. Board your yacht at the Galliard Cut and cruise under the Centennial Bridge to enter the Pedro Miguel Locks, the narrowest part of the canal traverse. Once inside, the yacht will drop nine metres in one step and then traverse Miraflores Lake, an artificial lake connecting the two sections of the lock. Enter Miraflores Locks where the yacht is lowered 18 metres in a series of two locks, before entering the Pacific Ocean. Your cruise ends as you sail under the Bridge of the America’s into Panama Bay.
Day 9: Panama City
(FB,D)
Included tour of the Casco Antiguo, founded in 1673 and walk through the heart of this beautiful historic centre. Afternoon is at leisure to experience all of the hotel’s magnificent facilities.
Day 10: Panama City - Guayaquil, Ecuador
(FB)
Take an Included flight to Guayaquil, the main port for the country of Ecuador.
Two night stay: Guayaquil
Two night stay: Guayaquil
Day 11: Guayaquil
(FB,D)
A highlight of your city tour is an Included visit to Seminario Park where the friendly land iguanas are easily accessible lying on the ground or in the trees. Enjoy the chance to photograph these unusual creatures with the backdrop of the surrounding city.
Day 12: Guayaquil - Galápagos Islands
(FB,L,D)
Take an Included flight to the Galápagos Islands and meet your crew as you board your luxurious all-suite cruise ship, the mv Galapagos Explorer II. Enjoy lunch and a cruise briefing by your Cruise Director before settling into your suite cabin. You are embarking on adventure to see a rich variety of landscapes and remarkably fearless wildlife and birdlife, still relatively untouched by man. The sailing schedule is flexible in order to take advantage of the different conditions and to maximise your offshore excursions. Each evening join your expert guides to discuss the next day’s Included activities.
Three Night Cruise: mv Galapagos Explorer II – Classic Marco Polo Suite
Three Night Cruise: mv Galapagos Explorer II – Classic Marco Polo Suite
Day 13: Galápagos Islands
(FB,L,D)
Each day you will visit two different areas, which will involve walking in a small group led by your expert naturalist guide. Depending on the season you will have the chance to observe different species of herons, magnificent frigate birds and the unique blue-footed boobies. A highlight of every visit is the chance to see marine iguanas, the famous giant tortoises, the Galápagos Sea Lions and the unusual land iguanas. Between excursions there is time to relax and enjoy the facilities of the ship including the hot tub and the Naturalist room stocked with informative maps and books. Delicious meals are served in the elegant restaurant where you can relax and share stories of your wildlife encounters with your fellow travellers and your Tour Director.
Day 14: Galápagos Islands
(FB,L,D)
Cruising the Galápagos Islands.
Day 15: Galápagos Islands - Guayaquil
(FB)
After a last morning excursion you will say a fond farewell to your crew and take an Included flight to Guayaquil.
Overnight Stay: Guayaquil
Overnight Stay: Guayaquil
Day 16: Guayaquil - Sacred Valley, Peru
(FB)
Early morning Included flight to Cuzco traveling via Lima. Transfer to your luxurious hotel in the heart of the Sacred Valley.
Three Night Special Stay: Sacred Valley
Three Night Special Stay: Sacred Valley
Day 17: Sacred Valley
(FB,D)
This morning your expert local guide will take you on an Included walking tour of the quaint town of Ollantaytambo. SCENIC ENRICH: Visit the community and school supported by Scenic Tours and meet the students and their teachers.
Day 18: Sacred Valley
(FB,L,S)
Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE activity choose from: (1) at Chinchero visit with a local family; or (2) at Pisac tour the Inca ruins; or (3) visit Moray ruins and the Inca salt pans; or (4) visit a local Peruvian Paso horse ranch. SCENIC ENRICH: Tonight share stories of your day with your fellow travellers as you enjoy a private performance by local musicians complemented with a private supper.
Day 19: Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu
(FB,L,D)
Take an Included rail journey to Machu Picchu for your Included full day visit to this ancient site where your expert local guides will share the mysteries of the ‘lost city of the Incas’.
Overnight Special Stay: Machu Picchu
Overnight Special Stay: Machu Picchu
Day 20: Machu Picchu - Cuzco
(FB)
Morning at leisure. SCENIC ENRICH: This afternoon marvel at the spectacular views from the glass-dome carriages of the snow-capped peaks of the Andes on board the Vistadome train. Continue to Cuzco by coach to reach your luxurious hotel in the heart of the old city centre.
Three Night Special Stay: Cuzco
Three Night Special Stay: Cuzco
Day 21: Cuzco
(FB,HD)
Included walking tour of the charming city of Cuzco and the ruins of Sacsayhuamán. Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE DINNER choose from: (1) Limo Restaurant; or (2) El Tupay Restaurant; or (3) MAP Café.
Day 22: Cuzco
(FB)
Day at leisure to explore this picturesque city.
Day 23: Cuzco - Lake Titicaca
(FB,D)
Morning at leisure then take an Included flight to Lake Titicaca. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy the magnificent views.
Overnight Stay: Titicaca
Overnight Stay: Titicaca
Day 24: Lake Titicaca - Lima
(FB,L)
Included excursion to visit the unique floating islands and the communities of the Uros. Take an Included flight to Lima and transfer to your luxurious hotel.
Overnight Special Stay: Lima
Overnight Special Stay: Lima
Day 25: Lima - Iguazú Falls, Brazil
(FB)
Late morning Included flight direct to Iguazú Falls. On arrival, transfer to your luxurious hotel, the only hotel located within the boundaries of the Brazilian Falls National Park.
Three Night Special Stay: Iguazú Falls
Three Night Special Stay: Iguazú Falls
Day 26: Iguazú Falls
(FB,D)
This morning cross the border for your Included tour of the Argentinean side of the falls where you board the ecological train and ride to the ‘Devil’s Throat’ viewpoint. Tonight enjoy an Included delicious gourmet barbeque buffet dinner at the Ipê Grill.
Day 27: Iguazú Falls
(FB,D)
Take an Included tour of the majestic Brazilian side of the falls where you will be awed by the world’s largest volume waterfalls. SCENIC ENRICH: Travel onto the water for an exciting adventure you won’t forget as you come close to the base of the ‘Three Musketeers’ and feel the spray of water on your face. Relax and enjoy the afternoon at leisure.
Day 28: Iguazú Falls - Rio de Janeiro
(FB,HD)
Take an Included flight to the vibrant and colourful city of Rio de Janeiro where your hotel has a fabulous location on Copacabana Beach. On arrival take an Included ride on the cable car to Sugar Loaf Mountain. Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE DINNER choose from: (1) a typical Brazilian Churrascaria (steakhouse); or (2) a live samba music venue and traditional tapas dinner.
Three Night Stay: Rio de Janeiro
Three Night Stay: Rio de Janeiro
Day 29: Rio de Janeiro
(FB,L)
On your Included tour ride the cogwheel railway to the top of Corcovado Mountain to see the ‘Christ’ Statue. SCENIC ENRICH: Visit the Sambodromo, the home of the famous Carnival Parade and try on some of the colourful costumes.
Day 30: Rio de Janeiro
(FB)
Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE day choose from: (1) tour of Petrópolis; or (2) a walking tour of Downtown Rio; or (3) a jeep ride through the Tijuca Forest; or (4) tour the favelas (shanty towns); or (5) cruise Guanabara Bay.
Day 31: Rio de Janeiro - Buenos Aires, Argentina
(FB,HD)
Take an Included flight to Buenos Aires, where your luxurious hotel is situated in the elegant Recoleta area. Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE DINNER choose from: (1) Happenings Steakhouse; or (2) dinner and lively tango show; or (3) Le Sud Restaurant.
Three Night Special Stay: Buenos Aires
Three Night Special Stay: Buenos Aires
Day 32: Buenos Aires
(FB)
This morning your Included tour will show you all the highlights of this beautiful city famed as the ‘Paris of the Americas’ continue to the colourful districts of La Boca and San Telmo.
Day 33: Buenos Aires
(FB,L,S)
Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE activity choose from: (1) see the Argentine horsemanship; or (2) cruise the Tigre River to admire the old residences and enjoy lunch; or (3) private tour of the famous Teatro Colón; or (4) visit the El Zanjón underground tunnels. SCENIC ENRICH: This evening enjoy a private supper with your Tour Director and fellow travellers.
Day 34: Buenos Aires - El Calafate
(FB,D)
Early morning Included flight to of El Calafate, the gateway to the Los Glaciers National Park in the Argentine Patagonia. Settle into your luxurious suite and enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore the quaint township of El Calafate. This evening sample some delicious Patagonian specialities.
Two Night Special Stay: El Calafate
Two Night Special Stay: El Calafate
Day 35: Perito Moreno Glacier
(FB,L,D)
Today is a highlight as you explore the national park and take an Included cruise up close to the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the largest in South America with walls towering over forty metres (the equivalent height of a fifteen storey building). The glacier face is approximately five kilometres wide and you will be awed by the sound of ice crashing into the lake as you sail close to the icebergs.
Day 36: El Calafate - Patagonia, Chile
(FB,L,D)
Travel to the border and cross into Chile. Take a spectacular drive around Torres del Paine National Park to your luxurious nature retreat at Explora Hotel Salto Chico, set on the shores of Lake Pehoé and facing the Torres del Paine peaks. Settle in and enjoy a delicious dinner in the Lodge. Join your expedition guides for a briefing and decide which Included activity you will undertake tomorrow.
Three Night Special Stay: Patagonia
Three Night Special Stay: Patagonia
Day 37: Torres del Paine National Park
(FB,L,D)
Your exciting adventure into the heart of one of the most spectacular National Parks in the world begins. Over the next two days there is an Included range of activities for you to explore this region at your own pace. Each activity will be escorted by one of the expert expedition guides and you will enjoy a gourmet lunch each day. Choose to visit Grey Lake, touch an iceberg and walk around the lake to the spectacular viewpoint. Or you may prefer a tour driving in the National Park, stopping at all the spectacular viewpoints and looking for the native wildlife. Another activity may be a gentle hike along one of the nature trails to be found within the National Park, escorted by your expedition guide. Before dinner the expedition guides will share with you the excursions available for the following day. Then relax in the Lodge, savour the magnificent view over the lake to the mountains.
Day 38: Torres del Paine National Park
(FB,L,D)
Enjoy your second day of activities at this spectacular National Park.
Day 39: Patagonia - Santiago
(FB,L)
Say a fond farewell to the crew at Explora Hotel Salto Chico. Enjoy the scenic drive to the township of Punta Arenas. Late afternoon take an Included flight to Santiago and on arrival transfer to your luxurious hotel.
Overnight Special Stay: Santiago
Overnight Special Stay: Santiago
Day 40: Santiago
(FB,HL)
SCENIC ENRICH: Take an easy walking tour of the Barrio Lastarria to see the belle époque landmarks, elegant streets and lively café society. Enjoy morning tea in an upmarket café. Continue with an Included visit to the Cerro San Cristobal where you will ride the funicular railway to the top for magnificent views over the city. SCENIC ENRICH: Enjoy a delicious farewell lunch - a fitting way to end your journey to South and Central America. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to relax and enjoy the facilities of the hotel and your room until 6pm. Your tour ends this evening as you check out of the hotel and transfer* to the airport for your onward or homebound flight (flight not included - please book departure flight after 6pm).
*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For guests who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary.
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| Depart | Date | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2013 | from $26,495 | ||
| Itinerary and departure dates subject to change. Please inquire for full details. All prices are in CAD and based on per passenger twin share. Refer to the terms and conditions. | |||
| Itinerary and departure dates subject to change. Please inquire for full details. All prices are in USD and based on per passenger twin share. Refer to the terms and conditions. | |||
| See also: | |||
1300 SCENIC (723 642)
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