Seat-in-Coach Tour
Explorer Line – Taste of South America
Montevideo – Buenos Aires – Iguassu – Rio de Janeiro
Duration: 11 Days
Wednesday-Saturday
GUARANTEED DEPARTURE DATES January/November 2015:
Booking Code: MVD001-15E# (tour no.) |
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#01: | 29.04.2015 – 09.05.2015 | #05: | 19.08.2015 – 29.08.2015 |
#02: | 20.05.2015 – 30.05.2015 | #06: | 30.09.2015 – 10.10.2015 |
#03: | 10.06.2015 – 20.06.2015 | #07: | 14.10.2015 – 24.10.2015 |
#04: | 08.07.2015 – 18.07.2015 | #08: | 18.11.2015 – 28.11.2015 |
Uruguay is one of South America’s best kept secrets! Counting 600 km of coastline with beautiful untouched sandy beaches as well as stunning landscapes in the interior of the country along with Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and British influences make Uruguay a small country with a lot to offer.
While the people in the bigger cities on the coast of the River Plate mostly live a modern life style you can still find real “gauchos”, the South American “cowboys”, leading a more traditional country life in the interior of Uruguay.
Uruguayans are a kind and welcoming people with a great love for “mate”, a traditional South American caffeine-rich infused drink, “asado” (BBQ), carnival and of course football. When you first arrive in Uruguay you will be surprised to see people walking in the streets or waiting on the bus with their “mate” in their hand and thermos flask tightly tucked under their arm.
Argentina – the second biggest state of South America, has a surface of 2.8 million square kilometres. The country has 33 million inhabitants and nearly half of them live in the surroundings of Buenos Aires, one of the most cosmopolitan cities of the world. Argentina is a fascinating land of contrasts where the exceptional is almost commonplace. It’s home to an abundant wildlife, enjoys a unique culture, and delights in an astonishing variety of landscapes from tropical rain forest in the north to the remote vastness of the Antarctic in the South. Three big landscapes form the country: the Andes in the west, the northern and western flatland as well as the wide plains of Patagonia in the South. The country that is stretched in length has three climatic zones: tropic in the north, moderate in the centre and polar in the extreme South. The Indian aborigines only live in the north-western Andean region and in the north-east province of Misiones. The rest of the population is mainly composed of European immigrants. The official language is Spanish, but in bigger towns English is also quite common.
Brazil – with this term one associates endless Amazon jungle, wonderful beaches, Rio de Janeiro, carnival and samba. This is all correct but in reality, Brazil is much more, a huge country of the superlatives. Brazil, a country of immense proportions and contrasts, has a mysterious attraction for many people. With a surface of 8,5 million km², Brazil is approximately as big as Europe and covers half of the South American continent. The climate changes from the permanent warm, tropic north over all sub tropic variants to the moderate South. Since the 16th century – when Portuguese have begun to settle in the country – Brazil had always a magic attraction on foreigners. First there was the gold and then rubber and coffee and today it is above all the rhythm and the exotic that attracts tourists. People over there show a lot of happiness, kindness and spontaneity. The biggest country of South America is a mirror of fascinating pictures.
Day 01 – Wednesday Montevideo
Upon arrival in Montevideo transfer from the airport or port to the hotel.
Montevideo, the Capital of Uruguay is a beautiful city with old buildings of Spaniard, French and Italian style architecture, mostly very well preserved and also modern construction surrounded by parks and the river.
Middle Class:
Overnight at Hotel Crystal Palace 3* or similar (standard room)
Comfort Class:
Overnight at Hotel Four Points 4* or similar (superior room)
Day 02 – Thursday Montevideo
Today we will depart for a 3 hour city tour through Montevideo. The main points of interest are the Old City, Constitution Square with Cathedral and Colonial Town Hall, Solis Theatre, Independence Square, at the center of which stands a monument dedicated to national hero, José Gervasio Artigas and his Mausoleum. Facing the square is the Government House (museum of the Presidents). Main commercial street 18 de Julio lined with shops, cafés and office buildings. The huge Congress Building is the pride of Uruguay. It was constructed between 1908 and 1925 with local marble of 52 colors and 12 types of wood. Drive past Prado neighbourhood, one of the oldest parks in the city which hosts the famous sculpture La Diligencia (The Stage Coach), Monument to the last Charruas Indians, the Rose Garden and offers you the chance of spending some minutes around the Prado Hotel. Batlle & Ordoñez Park, passing by the Obelisk, La Carreta (Covered Wagon) monument and the Soccer Stadium, Residential area of Carrasco. Then we will stop at Plaza Virgilio with the monument dedicated to the Fallen Soldiers of the Navy, and from which an excellent view of the city will offer a great spot for photographers.
Middle Class:
Overnight at Hotel Crystal Palace 3* or similar (standard room)
Comfort Class:
Overnight at Hotel Four Points 4* or similar (superior room)
Day 03 – Friday Montevideo – Colonia del Sacramento – Buenos Aires
Transfer from your hotel to the bus terminal. You will board a very comfortable regular bus including air-conditioning to Montevideo (without guide). The Journey to Colonia del Sacramento will take approximately 2 hours.
Colonia del Sacramento is a small colonial city founded by the Portuguese in 1680, at a time when Spain and Portugal were in the midst of confrontations. For over a hundred years both Empires fought over it, until finally the Treaty of Saint Ildefonso awarded it to Spain. Today the Old City has a lot to say about its Colonial past.
Upon arrival your tour guide will pick you up at the bus terminal and you will enjoy a comprehensive city tour.
Colonia del Sacramento is a small colonial city founded by the Portuguese in 1680, at a time when Spain and Portugal were in the midst of confrontations. For over a hundred years both Empires fought over it, until finally the Treaty of Saint Ildefonso awarded it to Spain.
Today the Old City has a lot to say about its Colonial past. Visit the picturesque streets of Colonia del Sacramento, the eldest city in the country, recently declared World Heritage by UNESCO. The streets of Santa Rita, San Gabriel, the Matriz Church, San Pedro road, the Bastion del Carmen, the famous “ Calle de los Suspiros “ (Street of Sighs) used so often as a scenery for historical films, Puerta del Campo, Plaza Mayor 25 de Mayo. The past can still be felt, in the city’s cobblestone streets and stone walls. Colonia complements its archaeological values with natural beauty, the permanent company of the Uruguay River and the emblematic monuments that stand out on the horizon, such as the cathedral and the lighthouse, and very nearby, the Real de San Carlos bullring.
The city tour ends at the ferry station where you will board the Buquebus to Buenos Aires (approx 1h). Upon arrival in Buenos Aires transfer from the pier to the hotel.
Buenos Aires – is not only the capital of Argentina; it is also one of the 10 most important metropolises in the world and the centre of the political, economic and intellectual life of the country. This cosmopolitan city – with great European cultural influence – displays a refined taste in its cooking, in its ”boutiques” and in the elegance of its inhabitants. Almost 12 million people live there and can enjoy the plentiful night life visiting ”tango” bars, cabarets, discotheques,restaurants or eternally open bars. During the day, a wide variety of attractions is offered: museums, art galleries, tasteful shops, fascinating antiques, large green areas, parks, wide tree lined boulevards, clubs and sporting events. The Italian-Spanish descent of the inhabitants has formed this modern metropolis. Feel the flair, above all in the Italian old quarter La Boca and in the wide streets with cafes from the turn of the century. At the Plaza de Mayo, in the political centre of town, is the starting point of this tour through this exciting capital. The widest street of the world, the very famous opera house and also the shopping street Florida make Buenos Aires unforgettable.
Middle Class:
Overnight at Hotel De Las Americas 3* or similar (standard room)
Comfort Class:
Overnight at Hotel Intersur Recoleta 4* or similar (standard room)
Day 04 – Saturday Buenos Aires
In the afternoon you will visit the most important sites during a city tour. You will drive to the Plaza de Mayo, with the Casa Rosada, the pink house, seat of the government, the Cabildo (town hall) and the Metropolitan Cathedral, home of the Archbishop of Buenos Aires. The tour goes onto the district San Telmo. Until 1888 this part of the city was a river port, today San Telmo is one of the most modern and desired places to live in Buenos Aires.
The worker district La Boca is famous for its colourful tin-houses and its history as living district of Italian seamen and dock workers in the 19th century. The Barrio Norte called Recoleta is the quarter of the rich of Buenos Aires. On the cemetery of Recoleta one will find the grave of Eva Duarte who became famous as Evita Perón. Continue along the widest avenue in the world, the Avenida 9 de Julio, to the Plaza Lavalle with the Federal Court of Justice and the Teatro Colón, to Palermo with its parks and gardens. Return to the hotel.
Middle Class:
Overnight at Hotel De Las Americas 3* or similar (standard room)
Comfort Class:
Overnight at Hotel Intersur Recoleta 4* or similar (standard room)
Day 05 – Sunday Buenos Aires
Day at leisure – the following optional tour can be booked with our local PR office:
Optional: Full day visit of a typical Estancia incl. lunch
Enjoy a complete day out in the pampas! We leave the city and after a 2 hours drive to Los Cordales we will reach the Estancia Santa Susana, where the guests will be welcomed by Gauchos with a drink. There is time to visit the Estancia and the daily life of the Gauchos will be explained.
Sulky and horse rides will show you the charm of Argentine countryside, its scenarios, and the incomparable wild aroma.
Then follows a rustic Barbecue (Asado) lunch with fine meat and sausages. After lunch, a folklore show will present regional music and dances. During the Fiesta Gaucha guests will experience these men’s agility with their horses on the Estancia. After the afternoon coffee and tea time you will return to Buenos Aires.
Optional: Visit to the San Telmo market (not possible on seat-in basis).
San Telmo is no doubt the best kept historical neighbourhood and eldest district of Buenos Aires. Here one has time to stroll around Plaza Dorrego, where each Sunday an antique market takes place. Tango couples are dancing on the street. Cafes invite to sit on their terrace and to relax by enjoying this nice scenery. Another attraction are the numerous antique shops, where one might find the right souvenir.
Middle Class:
Overnight at Hotel De Las Americas 3* or similar (standard room)
Comfort Class:
Overnight at Hotel Intersur Recoleta 4* or similar (standard room)
Day 06 – Monday Buenos Aires
Today you will enjoy a half day Tigre Tour. Drive along the Northern residential districts of the city, until getting to San Isidro, a colonial and aristocratic area. You will see the mansions and houses in front of the River Plate. You will continue the driving to Tigre, a charming area near Buenos Aires city where a great number of summer residences, yacht clubs and rowing clubs attract the week-end activity of many “porteños”.
The Tigre Delta with its rivers, streams and numerous green islands is one of the most attractive areas for visitors. The continuous sediment of the Paraná River, which gives the river and estuary their particular brownish-red colour, forms the Delta islands.
Enjoy a boat excursion (1 hour) along the innumerable channels of the Paraná-Delta to see some of the hundreds of islands covered with luxuriant vegetation.
Drive back to the city via the Panamericana highway.
Optional: Visit of a Tango Show incl. dinner at the Restaurant Viejo Almacen
Middle Class:
Overnight at Hotel De Las Americas 3* or similar (standard room)
Comfort Class:
Overnight at Hotel Intersur Recoleta 4* or similar (standard room)
Day 07 – Tuesday Buenos Aires – Iguassu
Transfer to the domestic airport for the flight to Iguassu.
Iguassu – one of the biggest wonders of nature in South America: located amidst a sub-tropical forest in the triangle of Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil, a gigantic row of waterfalls goes down into the river Iguassu.
Upon arrival in Iguassu pick-up at the airport and transfer to the Argentinean National Park towards the Argentinean side of the falls.
You will make a short stop at the Visitor’s Centre and proceed from there along the Inferior Circuit, the down-river falls, to the Superior Circuit, the up-river cascades. The Ecological Jungle Train leads you to the most impressive observation point of the falls – The Devil´s Throat. After visit transfer to the hotel on the Brazilian side of the falls.
Middle Class:
Overnight at Hotel Recanto Park 3* or similar (standard room)
Comfort Class:
Overnight at Hotel Mabu Foz 4* or similar (master room)
Day 08 – Wednesday Iguassu
In the morning visit of the Brazilian side of the falls. Walking along the paths following cascades and then along the catwalk that leads very close to the bottom of the Devil’s Throat to enjoy magnificent views. Take an elevator to go up to the road in order to board the coach which will bring back to the hotel.
Middle Class:
Overnight at Hotel Recanto Park 3* or similar (standard room)
Comfort Class:
Overnight at Hotel Mabu Foz 4* or similar (master room)
Day 09 – Thursday Iguassu – Rio de Janeiro
Transfer from the hotel to the airport for the flight to Rio de Janeiro.
Rio de Janeiro founded in 1556, the city of St. Sebastian of Rio de Janeiro became the capital of the Colony of Brazil in 1776. In 1808 the Portuguese royal family fled Napoleon and settled in Rio. This brought a surge of progress and the city became the main cultural, political and economic centre of the Portuguese empire. In 1889, when the republic was proclaimed, Rio was confirmed as the country’s capital, which it remained until 1960, when the construction of the new capital, Brasilia, was founded. Rio is situated in a 15-mile-strip of land, wedged between mountains and sea. There are some thirty miles separating downtown Flamengo, from far-flung Recreio, bordered on one side by the blue sea, on the other by verdant hills. Between them lies a colourful state of mind called CARIOCA, with almost 8 million locals who samba their way through life, relaxed and high-spirited. That is just the way it should be in Rio, surrounded by natural beauty on all sides, with Christ the Redeemer perched on top of Corcovado blessing the city and Sugar Loaf, one of the most famous postcards of our country.
Arrival in Rio and transfer to the hotel.
Middle Class:
Overnight at Hotel Windsor Plaza Copacabana 3-4* or similar (superior room)
Comfort Class:
Overnight at Hotel Windsor Excelsior Copacabana 4* or similar (superior room)
Day 10 – Friday Rio de Janeiro
Downtown is the business heart of Rio. It is a part of the city where colonial Rio meets modern skyscrapers. Passing through Rio Branco Avenue, you will see the Candelaria Church, which was started being built in the late 18th century and was completed in 1898. The headquarter of major Brazilian banks and commercial enterprises is located on this avenue.
You will also see the Opera House (Teatro Municipal) and the Carioca Square, the church of Santo Antonio built in the 17th century as well as the contrast of the modern buildings such as Petrobras and the Cathedral. Moreover you will get to know Rio’s aqueduct built in the 18th century which is nowadays connecting downtown to Santa Teresa district, an old residential area.
Afterwards you will drive through one of the highlights of this tour: the Flamengo Park from where you have the chance to see already the top highlight of this tour, the Sugar Loaf. This famous mountain reached by a cable car 1,200 feet high, will give you an experience you will never forget: looking down at Rio from top of the Sugar Loaf is one of the most spectacular views in the world.
Rest of the day at leisure – the following optional tours can be booked at our local PR office:
Optional: Half day Corcovado & beaches
Abholung Enjoy a half day beach tour including a visit to the Corcovado statue. Leaving the hotel you proceed as far as Cosme Velho Station to board a cog-train for the ride through Tijuca Forest up to Corcovado Mountain. The train ride takes 20 minutes and is a wonderful opportunity for a closer look at the forest’s lush tropical vegetation and to enjoy scenic landscapes of the beaches and the city. Disembarking at the top of Corcovado and then proceeding up the steps will lead to the top lookout where the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer stands. After appreciating the breathtaking view unfolding below descend by train and continue passing by some of Rio’s beaches.
**Remark: Due to new rules tickets for Corcovado are subject to availability, as the ticket purchase is not available at the cogwheel station´s booth at Cosmo Velho anymore and must now be made in advance via internet.
Optional: Rio by night – Show
Visit a folklore and Carnival show featuring skilled dancers, entertainers, samba bands and wonderful costumes in a wonderful display of Brazilian folklore and Carnival.
(This excursion can be booked including dinner).
Middle Class:
Overnight at Hotel Windsor Plaza Copacabana 3-4* or similar (superior room)
Comfort Class:
Overnight at Hotel Windsor Excelsior Copacabana 4* or similar (superior room)
Day 11 – Saturday Rio De Janeiro
Transfer to the airport and return flight home.
End of our services
We offer the following individual pre-stay tours:
– 3 days / 2 nights or 4 days / 3 nights Estancia San Pedro de Timote
We offer you the following individual post-tours:
Price Information
with accommodation in (room) Double Single
Seat-in-coach rates from 2 pax on:
Valid from January until December 2015:
Middle Class hotels
per person in USD 2.164,00 2.999,00
Comfort Class hotels
per person in USD 2.471.00 3.564,00
You can book this tour on private basis (from 1 pax on):
Valid from January until December 2015*:
with accommodation in (room) Double Single
Middle Class hotels
Basis 1 pax: per person in USD 4.451,00
Basis 2 pax: per person in USD 2.541.00 3.464,00
Comfort Class hotels
Basis 1 pax: per person in USD 4.921,00
Basis 2 pax: per person in USD 2.780,00 3.919,00
*Rates are not valid during Carnival, Easter, Christmas, New Year, public holidays, congresses and events!
The following fees are included in the package rate and are subject to change without prior notice:
Uruguay:
Buquebus ticket Colonia/Buenos Aires USD 108,00 per person
Brazil:
Sugar Loaf entrance fee USD 35,00 per person
Iguaçu National Park Brazil USD 33,00 per person
Iguassu National Park Argentina USD 34,00 per person
Price Information – Flights
Additional airfares – PR is not responsible for any changes made by the airlines and the resulting costs (i.e. airfares, schedule changes, cancellations, taxes, fuel- and other charges). Airfares can only be guaranteed upon ticketing and may vary with the number of passengers. Airport taxes are subject to change.
The airfares given below are only valid for groups with a minimum of 10 passengers. For groups with less than 10 passengers, airfares may be higher.
AEP/IGR IGU/GIG
January– December 2015:
With long haul carrier LA, IB, JJ:
per person USD 485,00 including airport taxes
With other long haul carrier, except TP, UX, AR, AV, TA, CM, DL, DE, S3, NK, 2K:
per person USD 613,00 including airport taxes
With long haul carriers TP, UX, AR, AV, TA, CM, DL, DE, S3, NK, 2K:
per person USD 740,00 including airport taxes
Attention:
Price Information – Additional Nights
Pre-night and transfer in Montevideo:
Valid from January until December 2015:
Middle Class |
Hotel Crystal Palace
1 overnight/breakfast, standard room
per person in double USD 53,00
per person in single USD 90,00Comfort Class
Hotel Four Points Montevideo
1 overnight/breakfast, superior room
per person in double USD 75,00
per person in single USD 249,00
Valid from January until December 2015:
When the additional night(s) are booked via PR, the transfer on arrival day is included in the roundtrip rate from 2 persons on. In case further transfers are needed, the following costs will apply:
Transfer airport or port MVD/Hotel or Hotel/MVD airport or port (one way):
Basis 1 USD 93,00
Basis 2/4 USD 48,00
Post-night and transfer in Rio de Janeiro:
Valid from January until December 2015:
Middle Class |
Hotel Windsor Plaza Copacabana
1 overnight/breakfast, superior room
per person in double room USD 144,00
per person in single room USD 289,00Comfort Class
Hotel Windsor Excelsior Copacabana
1 overnight/breakfast, superior room
per person in double USD 191,00
per person in single USD 382,00
Valid from March until December 2015:
NOT valid during New Years, Carnival, Winner’s Parade, National Holidays, Congresses & Special Events
When the additional night(s) are booked via PR, the transfer on departure day is included in the roundtrip rate from 2 persons on. In case further transfers are needed, the following costs will apply:
Transfer airport GIG/Hotel or Hotel/airport GIG (one way):
Basis 1 USD 166,00
Basis 2/3 USD 83,00
Basis 4 USD 63,00
General Conditions
Day 06: Half day Tigre Tour on regular seat-in basis
Transfers and excursions are provided together for middle and comfort class passengers.
Conditions of Payment:
Unless otherwise agreed, the full payment is due 40 days prior to arrival.