Three Jewels: Buenos Aires + Iguassu + Rio

On arrival in the Argentine capital, you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted to the Alvear Palace Hotel. Situated in La Recoleta, one of the city’s most exclusive, districts, our luxury hotel promises exceptional service and elegant rooms decorated in Empire and Louis XV style.

The Argentine capital is a rich mosaic of Spanish, Italian, German and French influences - in its cuisine, architecture and the spirit of its residents. With our expert guide youll explore this delightful city including the city’s vibrant arts scene in the leafy and upscale Palermo district – filled with colorful murals and vibrant street art. Adding a unique twist to this mornings city tour, your guide will offer fascinating insight, relating each of these landmarks to the colorful life of Eva Peron. You’ll have the chance to enjoy a delicious coffee or ice cream along the way.  Return to your hotel, where the balance of the afternoon is free to explore at your own pace.  This evening, enjoy dinner and the Tango show at La Ventana, a venue famed for the passion and skill of its dancers and musicians. Meals: B+D

Begin your sightseeing in the elegant Plaza de Mayo; it’s the oldest public square in town and has been the scene of many significant and historic events. You’ll also see City Hall, an impressive Colonial-era landmark, and tour the Metropolitan Cathedral with its grand interior and lavish Rococo-style altar.  You’ll visit La Boca, the colorful and historic neighborhood where the Tango was born. It’s situated along the waterfront and retains a strong European ambiance thanks to the area’s early settlers, many of whom came from the Italian city of Genoa. The homes and buildings are colorfully painted, there’s always music to be heard, and street performances of Tango are a regular occurrence!    Today, you’ll also visit Zanjon de Granados. Discovered in 1986 and dating to the 1700’s, this unusual subterranean architectural site encompasses a network of tunnels and cisterns that have been carefully reconstructed and lit, offering a fascinating look into the earliest days of the city.  Then continue to San Telmo, where the weekly San Telmo Antique Fair hosts more than 250 vendors. Mingle with residents who are out to shop and to enjoy the impromptu performances of dance and theater that make this one of the capitals liveliest events. San Telmo has also emerged as a gastronomic hub making this a terrific place for lunch. Meals: B+L

After breakfast, we’ll take you to the airport for you included flight to Iguassu Falls, where you’ll be met and escorted to the luxurious Belmond Das Cataratas, the only hotel located inside Brazil’s Iguassu National Park. Then join our naturalist guide to explore along the Park’s well-maintained trails, hitting all the best vantage points here on the Brazilian side of Iguassu. Later, if you wish, you can continue exploring on your own, even after the Park has closed to other visitors!  Meals B

To complement yesterday’s sightseeing of Iguassu’s Brazilian side, you’ll set out with our guide this morning for a full-day tour focusing on the prime vantage points on the Argentine side of these mighty cascades. At the famed Devil’s Throat Cataract, the thundering waters and towering mist often create thousands of rainbows suspended in mid-air. The vegetation is lush and there are multiple trails to explore the different angles and unique viewpoints. Whereas the Brazilian side offers a wider, more panoramic view, today’s sightseeing immerses you in the Falls’ environment and will make you feel like you are a part of this remarkable force of nature. Together, our complete Iguassu experience promises a richer, more rewarding visit.  Meals B

You’ll be escorted to the airport for your included nonstop flight to exciting Rio! On arrival, you’ll be met and taken to the Belmond Copacabana Palace, a city landmark for nearly a century. A+R guests enjoy luxurious oceanview rooms overlooking one of the world’s most famous beaches!  Meals B

After breakfast, join your engaging native-born guide to explore the important landmarks and natural wonders of this sophisticated and exciting city. Your sightseeing begins at the Sambadrome where Brazil’s famed Samba schools compete during Carnival. Then tour the Metropolitan Cathedral; designed by Edgar Fonesca, its soaring angular silhouette was designed to evoke ancient Mayan pyramids. Inside, you’ll behold beautiful stained glass windows that soar more than 200 feet to the building’s apex. Next up, a thrilling 2-stage cable car takes you up Sugarloaf Mountain for amazing views over Rio and its dramatic backdrop of sea, mountain and sky. Then ascend Mt. Corcovado #WHS# to gaze in awe upon the 100-foot tall statue of Christ the Redeemer and to enjoy the 360º views over Rio. For lunch, savor traditional Brazilian barbecue at a local churrascaria.  Meals B+L

After breakfast, we’ll take you to the airport for your onward journey.  Meals B