DAY 1: Depart UK.

DAY 2: Arrive Santiago de Chile. Included sightseeing.
On arrival in Santiago you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for two nights. In the afternoon, enjoy an included tour of the main sights of this vibrant city. We will pass by the elegant Club Hipico horseracing track, Parque O'Higgins and the Cousino Palace, an historic house built by the Cousinos, a wealthy Chilean silver mining family. Afterwards you'll see the famous, bustling Plaza de Armas square with its impressive colonial architecture and throngs of people, buskers and chess players, then visit the fascinating pre-Colombian Art Museum. Later we head up to the summit of San Cristobal Hill to soak in the sensational views of the cityscape and Andes mountain range.

DAY 3: Santiago de Chile.
Backed by the towering Andes, Chile's capital comprises of fascinating Spanish architecture, green parks, exuberant markets and charming squares. Today, the whole day is yours to explore this incredible city at your own pace. Visit the colourful Mercado Central with its buzzing food and fish market or settle at a chic pavement café and watch Santiago's fascinating street life unfold before you. Alternatively, join our optional day trip to Viña del Mar and Valparaiso, travelling through the picturesque countryside. Known as the 'Garden City', Viña del Mar is an elegant summer resort, whilst Valparaiso, Chile's biggest port, is a charming city spread over 42 hills. (B)

DAY 4: Santiago de Chile - Journey through the Andes - Mendoza.
Today, a spectacular journey by comfortable public bus (without a guide) along the slopes of the Andes. Passing the pretty ski resort of Portillo at the foot of the Aconcagua (the highest mountain in South America), jaw-dropping mountain scenery, the city of Penitentes and 'Inca Bridge', before we arrive in Mendoza, Argentina's wine-making centre. (B)

DAY 5: Mendoza. Included sightseeing.
Encircled by snow-capped mountains, Mendoza lies in a fertile vineyard-covered valley and bursts with tree-lined avenues, plazas and fountains. Our sightseeing tour encompasses the main landmarks of this beautiful city, including the historic Independence Plaza, forested General Martin Park and the Hill of Glory. Later, why not join an optional tour around a local winery, including an informative wine-tasting session. (B)

DAY 6: Mendoza - Buenos Aires.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. On arrival, transfer to your hotel for three nights. (B)

DAY 7: Buenos Aires. Included sightseeing.
Argentina's exuberant capital was founded in the 16th century by European immigrants and has a distinctly cosmopolitan feel with its chic pavement cafés, wide avenues and green parks. This morning savour the hypnotising highlights of Buenos Aires, with a tour of its famous monuments and districts. See Plaza de Mayo with its pink government building the Casa Rosada, bohemian San Telmo with its bar-filled plazas and La Boca, brimming with brightly coloured metal houses. Later, visit the Barrio Norte quarter and see Recoleta cemetery, the resting place of Eva Peron then drive along the Avenida 9 de Julio, the world's widest avenue, to the lush gardens of Palermo. The afternoon is free so why not visit colourful San Telmo to shop at its buzzing antique market and watch tango dancing displays from one of the many al fresco cafés. (B)

DAY 8: Buenos Aires.
A free day to experience the many facades of this electrifying city. Alternatively you can join an optional excursion to an authentic Estancia, to glimpse the life of an Argentinian gaucho and enjoy a rustic BBQ, riding displays and floorshow. (B)

DAY 9: Buenos Aires - Iguassu.
A day of scenic wonders. After a morning flight to Iguassu, enjoy a walking tour to the Argentinian side of the Iguassu Falls, one of the world's most spectacular natural phenomena, an extended chain of dramatic waterfalls set in an emerald, wildlife-rich jungle. Next, ride a jungle train to the most impressive observation point of all for close-up views of the staggering Devil's Throat, which creates its own 100 ft cloud of spray, often crowned by a luminous rainbow. (B)
Note: Luggage allowance on the Buenos Aires-Iguassu flights is 15kg. Excess luggage is charged at an extra cost of approximately US$2 per kilo.

DAY 10: Iguassu.
Enjoy a morning visit to the Brazilian side of the Iguassu Falls, where a catwalk close to the base of the Devil's Throat commands more awesome views. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B)

DAY 11: Iguassu - Rio de Janeiro. Included sightseeing and Christ the Redeemer.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Rio. Experience a cog-train ride through the subtropical Tijuca rainforest to the summit of Corcovado Mountain crowned with the world-famous Christ the Redeemer statue. Towering seemingly miles above the city and commanding an unforgettable 360 degree panorama, the terrace surrounding the statue presents wonderful views of mountains, offshore islands, the entire sweep of Rio de Janeiro's immense bay and the city with its suburbs. Afterwards we are going to visit some of Rio's famous beaches. (B)

DAY 12: Rio de Janeiro.
Day at leisure. As Brazilians say, "God made a world in six days, the seventh he devoted to Rio". Enjoy Rio's beautiful setting, a glorious backdrop of tumbling wooded mountains, expanses of bare rock and a deep blue sea, its fine artistic, architectural and cultural heritage and most of all the festive and easy going lifestyle of its inhabitants. End the day in true Brazilian style, with an optional folklore and dizzying carnival floorshow. (B)

DAY 13: Rio de Janeiro - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)

DAY 14: Home landing in the UK.