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South America, Panama Canal & Cuba by Private Jet
Explore South America in style — aboard a private jet! Fly directly to Buenos Aires, where we spend three nights in Latin America's most cosmopolitan city; fly to Iguassu Falls, arguably one of the world's most spectacular waterfalls; then experience three nights in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro. Cruise the Amazon River from Manaus in Brazil; explore the colour and life of Havana in Cuba - now is the time to visit this country before it is overrun with tourists; cruise the Panama Canal, on every traveller's 'to do' list; then fly to Cuzco, the gateway to the extraordinary site of Machu Picchu; before succumbing to the magic and eerie beauty of Easter Island. - Air travel (in all classes) aboard a Private Qantas 747
- Five star accommodation (best available on Easter Island)
- All sightseeing excursions - now featuring personal headsets for enhanced comprehension and enjoyment
- All meals including regional banquets and entertainment plus numerous dine-around evenings, where you choose from a selection of restaurants
- Drinks with dinner - wine, beer and soft drink are included with each group dinner (not included on dine-around evenings)
- All tipping, taxes, transfers and travel insurance
Special conditions may apply.
Itinerary
Sydney - Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Join our privately chartered Qantas Boeing 747-400 Jet for our direct flight to Buenos Aires. Sit back and enjoy the unique atmosphere aboard our Private Jet. A Champagne lunch will be the first of many high quality meals onboard. We cross the International Date Line and gain a day, arriving in Buenos Aires on Monday afternoon. We have three nights at the luxurious Park Tower Hotel, close to Calle Florida, a 10 block long shopping mall. Meet your fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception this evening.
Buenos Aires
This morning we start our exploration of South America's most cosmopolitan capital, an elegant European style city in Latin America. We visit the Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada, the beautiful Colon Theatre, the famous ornate tombs of Recoleta Cemetery and the colourful Boca District.
After lunch, this afternoon is free to stroll, shop and soak up the atmosphere along the city's colourful streets.
This evening we will attend a spectacular Tango Show and enjoy a special Argentine Steak Dinner.
Buenos Aires
Choose from a variety of activities today - take a trip into the Pampas to see the Gauchos (cowboys) with a spectacular horse show and Argentine barbecue; tour the city's finest suburbs and take a boat trip on the canals of the Tigre Delta with lunch at a riverside restaurant; or enjoy a massage at the hotel spa. All activities are included at no additional cost.
This evening is a dine-around dinner; choose from a selection of hotel restaurants or a lively Argentine steak house.
Buenos Aires - Iguassu Falls (Brazil) - Rio de Janeiro
Rejoin our Private Jet for the flight to Iguassu Falls, arguably the world's greatest waterfalls, stretching between Brazil and Argentina. During our visit we will take a walking tour to the base of the falls. Feel the immense power of the falls as a walkway leads you across the water to the base of the thundering torrent. Iguassu Falls is a truly awe inspiring sight.
An optional helicopter flight over the falls; or an exhilarating boat trip to the base of the falls is available (additional cost). Late this afternoon we leave Iguassu Falls aboard our Qantas Jet bound for the vibrant Latin city of Rio de Janeiro. We have three nights beside Copacabana Beach at the Sofitel Rio Palace.
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro, 'the marvellous city', is without doubt one of the world's greatest cities. Located on a spectacular harbour Rio is surrounded by magnificent mountains and lined with wide, sandy beaches. The names Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon conjure up pictures of Carnival vibrancy. This morning we travel on a scenic rack railway to the summit of Corcovado Mountain, with its imposing statue of 'Christ The Redeemer' overlooking Guanabara Bay, and pass by Rio's magnificent beaches, lagoon and city area. Lunch today is a culinary highlight as we feast at the city's premier Brazilian Churrascaria restaurant.
This afternoon is free; or a complimentary shuttle bus will take you to the jewellery museum and the shops of Ipanema if desired. This evening enjoy the vibrancy of Carnival in Rio at a colourful and spectacular Samba Show.
Rio de Janeiro
Today you choose your Rio experience - enjoy shopping for Brazil's fine jewellery, handicraft and numerous bargains; join the 'Cariocas' on the beach; or take a revealing tour of Rio's Favelas (shanty towns).
Late this afternoon we take the cable car up Sugar Loaf Mountain for a stunning view over the beaches and harbour as the sun sets over Rio. Dinner is at a traditional Brazilian barbecue.
Rio de Janeiro - Manaus
A four hour flight takes us to Manaus, located 2,000km inland up the Amazon. On arrival we will tour this metropolis in the middle of the jungle and marvel at its Opera House, constructed by the rubber barons in the early 20th century. We stay at the Tropical Hotel, located beside the Rio Negro.
We take a boat trip on the Amazon to appreciate the majesty of the world's greatest river and view the 'Meeting of the Waters', where the muddy brown waters of the Amazon meet the jet black waters of the Rio Negro. We then join smaller boats for a trip along the narrow streams through the jungle. Lunch will be served at a floating lodge.
Late this afternoon we rejoin our Qantas Boeing 747 and enjoy dinner as we fly across the Venezuelan jungle to Havana, Cuba. We have three nights at the historic Hotel Nacional, beside the Caribbean.
This evening you may wish to sample the city's lively music or relax on the hotel's terrace with a drink or cigar and relive 1950s Havana.
Manaus - Havana (Cuba)
Havana
This morning we explore Havana for a fascinating insight into the history and unspoiled buildings of Old Havana and the uniquely different way of life in a city unaffected by western neon signs and advertising. We take a revealing walking tour of Old Havana, with its historic buildings, plazas and narrow streets. Lunch will be served at several restaurants within Old Havana. This afternoon enjoy strolling the streets and experiencing the local colour and life. Return to the hotel at your leisure.
This evening enjoy a spectacular floor show at our hotel. Havana still has lively nights!
Havana
This morning we will visit a cigar factory and marvel at the production of Cuba's most famous export. We also visit either El Moro or La Cabana Fortresses, both of which guard the entrance to the harbour.
We pause at the Plaza de La Revolution and see the domed American style Capitol building. We drive into the leafy suburbs of Miramar and Playas for lunch beside the Caribbean at the exclusive Club Havana before returning to our hotel mid afternoon.
This evening enjoy a dine-around night and select from a variety of dining options. Later you may wish to soak up the Cuban rhythms and attend a performance by the renowned Buena Vista Social Club or enjoy dancing at a local salsa club (additional cost).
Havana - Panama City (Panama)
Our friendly crew welcomes us back onboard for the flight to Panama City - a modern skyscraper city beside the Panama Canal. We will tour Panama Viejo, the original Panama City destroyed by pirate Henry Morgan, then visit the colonial era Casco Viejo with many historic buildings, churches and convents reflecting Panama as the crossroads of the Americas. We enjoy two nights at the luxurious Marriott Panama. Dine at our hotel or choose from several excellent nearby restaurants.
Panama Canal
Cruising the Panama Canal is an aspiration of many travellers. Today we will realise this goal as we transit the canal in a small cruiser, from Gatun Lake to Balboa on the Pacific side. We transfer by coach to Gatun Lake, where we board our ship to begin our transit through the canal.
Marvel at the huge ships passing us by as we enter the Pedro Miguel Locks, which is the narrowest section of the canal. Our boat will then be lowered 18m in two steps to enter Miraflores Lake, after which we sail under the Bridge of the Americas and toward Balboa. We disembark later this afternoon after an incredible day of cruising. Make your selection from a choice of dining options this evening.
Panama City - Cuzco (Peru)
Our Private Jet takes us to Lima, where we change to a LAN aircraft for the short flight to Cuzco, the ancient Incan capital. We have three nights at the superb Libertador Hotel. Dinner at our hotel this evening.
Note: Cuzco is located 3,400m above sea level. If you are concerned about travelling to a high altitude, please contact your doctor. An alternative low altitude itinerary is available.
Cuzco
This morning we travel to Pisac in the Sacred Valley of the Incas and shop at the colourful Indian market featuring arts, crafts and produce spread over much of the village. After lunch we visit the impressive Incan ruins - Tambomachay Baths with its fountain fed by a spring; Kenko, a rock sanctuary with its monolithic altar; and the massive ruins of Sacsayhuaman Fortress, a pre Incan masterpiece. Another magical day in Latin America.
Cuzco - Machu Picchu - Cuzco
Our visit to Machu Picchu today will be a highlight of your travels. We travel by train along a zig zag railway, climbing above Cuzco before descending beside the raging Urubamba River to the Lost City of the Incas - Machu Picchu. The town, located on a remote mountaintop, is still intact and we explore a maze of empty chambers, palaces and stairways carved from solid rock. It is a truly dramatic setting and one that will live long in your memory. We will return to Cuzco by train late this afternoon. A light dinner is provided onboard.
Cuzco - Easter Island (Chile)
A short flight returns us to Lima, where we reboard our Private Jet for the flight to Easter Island (Rapa Nui), one of the most distant and remote inhabited islands on earth. Lunch will be served during our five hour flight. On arrival we visit the ancient village of Orongo and the crater lake of Rano Kau.
Overnight at a small, comfortable but far from elegant hotel.
Depart Easter Island
We tour this tiny 115km2 island that is unlike anywhere on earth. Its landscape is filled with volcanoes and lakes. The island abounds with more than 600 giant statues or Moai - all silent witnesses to a never fully understood civilisation. We marvel at how primitive man achieved such startling perfection, taking 90 tonne monoliths from the sides of volcanoes and creating a spellbinding, archaeological puzzle. We will visit the giant quarry where the Moai were once made, now containing 400 statues in various stages of completion. A spectacular dance show is arranged at Anakena Beach. This afternoon we join our direct daytime flight home across the Pacific. Lunch and dinner are served onboard.
Lose a day crossing the International Date Line as you enjoy the party atmosphere and farewell new found friends.
Arrive Sydney
We arrive Sydney late afternoon.
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