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 GLOBUS 2012: SPIRIT OF SOUTH AMERICA W/ GALAPAGOS ISLANDS EXT. (SAE)
21 days from Rio de Janeiro to Quito or 22 days incl. travel Explore the beauty of South America during this exhilarating vacation to Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and the Galapagos Islands. Visit its cosmopolitan and lively cities as well as its ancient treasures and scenic highlights. Start in Rio de Janeiro, a vibrant, bustling city known for its beautiful beaches and beautiful people. The birthplace of Samba, Rio's vitality comes alive as you experience its sights, sounds, and flavors. In Lima, your sightseeing focuses on its rich colonial history. Buenos Aires is regarded as the 'Paris of South America' with its chic shopping, French architecture, outdoor cafes, legendary nightlife, and cosmopolitan cuisine. It is famous for its sensuous Tango dance, and you'll see a Tango show and learn more about this passionate dance on your Globus tour. Be amazed as you view the spectacular panoramic views of many of the 275 cataracts that make up Iguassu Falls-with its clouds of spray, incessant roar, and surrounding tropical growth. Of course, no vacation to South America is complete without a visit to the marvelous structures built by the Incas, including the semi-circular Kenko Amphitheater and Puca Pucara. You'll visit Machu Picchu, where you'll stand in awe as you witness the ancient ruins surrounded by soaring peaks-one of the most majestic images in South America! Experience a once-in-a-lifetime thrill in the Galapagos Islands. Just like Charles Darwin, you'll be able to see many species of animals and birds that call the Galapagos their home. On your 4-night cruise, watch for blue-footed boobies, fur seals, sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, giant tortoises, and more. For even more fun, consider swimming and snorkeling in search of sea life. Vibrant cities, spectacular scenery, and ancient structures-this vacation to South America has it all!
HOTELS
RIO DE JANEIRO Sheraton Rio Hotel & Towers (D), BUENOS AIRES Sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel & Towers (MD), IGUASSU FALLS Hotel Mabu Thermas (F), LIMA Casa Andina Private Collection Miraflores (SF), SACRED VALLEY Casa Andina Private Collection Sacred Valley (SF), MACHU PICCHU Hotel Sumaq (F), CUSCO Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco (SF), GALAPAGOS Guayaquil Oro Verde (SF), GALAPAGOS Cruise Galapagos Explorer II (F), QUITO Hilton Colon (SF)
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| Details | | Globus | | Offer valid through 3/31/2012 | | | | Day | Destination | Description | | Day 1 | Rio de Janeiro | Welcome to South America's largest and most populous country. Rooms are ready so that you can freshen up and rest before taking a first look at Rio. This afternoon, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a drive along famous Ipanema and Copacabana Beaches. Here, you will enjoy a special COCKTAIL PARTY on the beach, toasting the start of a memorable vacation with caipirinhas, a favorite Brazilian cocktail. Next, make your way to the base of 1,300-foot-high SUGAR LOAF MOUNTAIN and ascend by cable car to its summit, where you can savor spectacular vistas of the city. Cap off the day with a welcome dinner this evening. (D) | | Day 2 | Rio de Janeiro | The city's landmark, the statue of Christ the Redeemer, crowns CORCOVADO MOUNTAIN, a rounded peak rising 2,300 feet from the bay below. A scenic ride by cog railway leads to the top, where a breathtaking 360-degree panorama affords sweeping views. From here, proceed to bustling downtown Rio, where modern office towers stand next to relics of the Portuguese colonial past. View the Sambodromo and visit the CATHEDRAL. The afternoon is at leisure for you to experience this vibrant city on your own. Tonight, it's a fun outing to a CHURRASCARIA for a feast of barbecued meats marinated and roasted over charcoal in true Brazilian style, followed by a SAMBA SHOW, where the sheer vitality of this country explodes in a colorful extravaganza. (B,D) | | Day 3 | Rio de Janeiro | A full day at leisure to savor Rio. Relax on one of the world-famous beaches or take advantage of the world-class shopping or fine dining. Alternatively, you may choose to join an optional Guanabara Bay cruise that delivers gorgeous views of Rio from the harbor. This afternoon, sightseers might elect to discover historic Petropolis, a mountain resort and the former summer palace of Emperor Dom Pedro II. (B) | | Day 4 | Buenos Aires | Fly to Buenos Aires, proud capital of the vast country that occupies most of the southern part of the continent. After arriving at your central hotel, an orientation walk acquaints you with the 'Paris of South America' and its wide boulevards and outdoor cafes. Spend an evening at leisure. (B) | | Day 5 | Buenos Aires | Your included sightseeing this morning starts in La Boca, a colorful district and site of the city's first port. Take a short walking TOUR of this unique neighborhood at the mouth of the river and then on to San Telmo, famous for its late-colonial buildings and as a popular gathering spot for artists. At the Plaza de Mayo, see La Casa Rosada (the President's Pink House) and the METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL, which houses San Martin's Mausoleum. Drive past the ornate Colon Opera House before reaching the CEMETERY OF THE RECOLETA, burial site of Eva Peron. After an afternoon at leisure, savor the atmosphere of this cosmopolitan capital at a dinner featuring Argentine steaks and other local specialties. Top off the evening at a famous TANGO CLUB to enjoy flawless performances of Latin America's most sensuous dance-the Tango! (B,D) | | Day 6 | Buenos Aires | Enjoy a full day at leisure, with an optional excursion to the Pampas. Experience the atmosphere of Argentine country life as you visit an estancia (ranch). Get acquainted with the lifestyle of the gauchos and enjoy a barbecue lunch and the warm hospitality of your hosts before returning to the city. (B) | | Day 7 | Iguassu Falls | This morning, fly to IGUASSU FALLS. The spectacle of this 2-mile-wide torrential downpour-with some cataracts as high as 250 feet-is nothing short of hypnotic. The clouds of spray, the incessant roar, and the surrounding luxuriant tropical growth make this an unforgettable natural wonder. Upon arrival, journey to the Argentinean side of the falls and take the ECOLOGICAL JUNGLE TRAIN for a bird's-eye view from the catwalks perched over part of the Devil's Throat, where 14 falls drop over 300 feet into the Devil's Gorge below. Continue to your hotel this evening for an included dinner. (B,D) | | Day 8 | Lima | Today is dedicated to exploring the Brazilian side of the FALLS from a completely different vantage point than in Argentina. A walk along the pathway at the base of the falls takes you into the Devil's Throat Canyon, with spectacular panoramic views of many of the 275 cataracts that make up Iguassu Falls. Later today, fly to Lima, Peru. (B) | | Day 9 | Lima | Your city sightseeing TOUR focuses on Lima's rich colonial history as well as the modern city. See the 18th-century SAN FRANCISCO MONASTERY with its unique cloisters, Government Palace, and the cathedral situated around the vast Plaza de Armas. Then, take a short drive to the seaside suburb of Miraflores. (B) | | Day 10 | Sacred Valley | Fly to Cusco, the impressive Andean city that was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Spend the day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas and visit the semi-circular KENKO Amphitheater with its stone altars and labyrinth of passages. Stop at the ancient site of PUCA PUCARA before reaching the TEMPLE OF SACSAYHUAMAN, perched on a hillside overlooking Cusco. It remains unfathomable how and when this fortress of gigantic stones-with some blocks weighing more than 350 tons-was built. Continue to PISAC, an old mountain village where you will have free time to shop for local wares such as alpaca sweaters and blankets, jewelry, or hand-painted ornamental dishes and vases. Stay in the Sacred Valley tonight, with dinner at the hotel. (B,D) | | Day 11 | Machu Picchu | This morning, visit the Inca Fortress of OLLANTAYTAMBO followed by the opportunity to visit a home, meet some of the locals, and experience their way of life. Then, board a TRAIN for a scenic journey through the lush Urubamba Valley. Upon arrival, ascend the mountainside to legendary MACHU PICCHU, the 'Lost City of the Incas.' Your Local Guide will introduce this intact fortress with its temple remains, holy houses, and mile-long aqueduct, and will bring you closer to the mysteries still hidden in these amazing structures. (B,L,D) | | Day 12 | Cusco | A morning at leisure in Machu Picchu allows you to wake up early to see the sunrise over MACHU PICCHU with your 2nd included entrance to the ruins. Return to Cusco and learn more about the Incas on your guided tour, with visits to the imposing CATHEDRAL and the SANTO DOMINGO MONASTERY. (B) | | Day 13 | Lima | A short morning flight returns you to Lima, where the remainder of the day is at leisure to explore on your own. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner to celebrate the success of this exciting Latin American vacation. (B,D) | | Day 14 | Guayaquil | Fly to Guayaquil on the coast of Ecuador. (B) | | Day 15 | Galapagos Cruising | Take a morning flight to San Cristobal, one of the remote Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival, board the Galapagos Explorer II and enjoy five days of CRUISING among various Galapagos Islands. On SAN CRISTOBAL, visit Cerro Brujo, a sandy beach that is home to Sally Lightfoot crabs, blue-footed boobies, and marine iguanas. This is an ideal spot for snorkeling as well as observing sea and shorebirds. (B,L,D) | | Day 16 | Cruising: Espanola Island | Today, join your Naturalist for excursions to Gardner Bay and Punta Suarez on ESPANOLA ISLAND, one of the oldest islands in the archipelago. Here you will see the famous blowhole, as well as unique seabird colonies including the waved albatrosses (Apr.-Dec.), Nazca and blue-footed boobies, and Darwin's finches. Also look for red, green, and black marine iguanas and a rookery of sea lions right at the landing site. (B,L,D) | | Day 17 | Cruising: Santa Cruz & Rabida Islands | On SANTA CRUZ, visit Whale Bay, one of the oldest whaling camps in the archipelago. Later, disembark at RABIDA ISLAND on a red-colored beach, formed from the unusually high content of iron in the volcanic material. Here, your Naturalist points out large colonies of sea lions, marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers, and several species of Darwin's finches. This is a wonderful place to snorkel from the beach, due to the unique combination of underwater species and submarine landscapes. (B,L,D). | | Day 18 | Cruising: Santa Cruz & South Plaza Islands | This morning, visit the CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION, home to famous 'Lonesome George,' established to help conserve the Galapagos' natural habitats and protect the area's famous giant tortoises. Spend some time in the town of Puerto Ayora before returning to the ship. At SOUTH PLAZA, wildlife includes sea lions, land iguanas, and hybrid iguanas, which are the result of a cross between male marine iguanas and female land iguanas. This is also a bird-watcher's paradise, where you will see nesting swallow-tailed gulls, masked and blue-footed boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, frigatebirds, pelicans, and Audubon's shearwaters. (B,L,D) | | Day 19 | Quito | After breakfast, disembark and transfer to Baltra for your flight to Quito. (B) | | Day 20 | Quito | On an included city tour, see INDEPENDENCE SQUARE with its CATHEDRAL and SAN FRANCISCO PLAZA CHURCH, and the BASILICA. (B) | | Day 21 | Quito | Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B) |
| | US$ Price Details
Dates and Prices do not include air travel.Participation in this tour requires purchase of the following flights from Globus, not included in pricing: (1) roundtrip air from your U.S. gateway and intra-tour air segments, starting at $2200 (based on Miami, departure in March, 2012); or (2) intra-tour air segments only. Required intra-tour air segments are: Rio de Janeiro/Buenos Aires; Buenos Aires/Iguassu Falls; Iguassu Falls/Lima; Lima/Cusco; Cusco/Lima; Lima/Guayaquil; Guayaquil/Galapagos and Galapagos/Quito. When planning your trip, please allow one extra day before tour date for travel between the USA and South America. Air prices were effective on August 10, 2011 and their availability is limited. At the time you purchase your tour, air prices may be higher. Galapagos cruise pricing is based on a 'classic suite' category cabin on the Galapagos Explorer II. Cabin upgrades are available.Galapagos cruise extension price includes Galapagos National Park entrance fee and transit card ($110 value). Prices based on double room occupancy. Single Room Supplement: $2675Triple Rooms are not availableExtra Nights per person in Rio de Janeiro:in single room $227; in twin room $119; in triple room $100.Extra Nights per person in Quito:in single room $173; in twin room $96; triple rooms not available.2013 prices and itineraries are subject to change. Details will be available in August 2012.
Our Volume Buying Power Saves You Money!
-We may be able to provide you with flight arrangements from your gateway city.
-Additional accommodations before or after your vacation may be available at our low prices.
Additional Information:
-Departure/arrival taxes and fares from other cities will be advised at the time of booking.
-Vacation departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change.
Guaranteed air-inclusive prices:
Air is only available to passengers traveling from the United States and only available when booked in conjunction with a land vacation. An additional $250 non-refundable deposit is required for air booked in conjunction with any land vacation (i.e., air-inclusive vacation.) However, once your airfare is confirmed and Avalon Waterways has received your full air and land deposit, your air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed.
We also accept your reservation on a land-only basis:
While booking your vacation air-inclusive gives you various advantages, you can also choose the land-only option. But remember, airlines' special fares generally apply to very brief periods. (Our low air-inclusive fares apply throughout the year.) Plus, to get these 'deals' you often are required to pay full fare at the time of booking.
Taxes & fees
Taxes and fees are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full land and air deposit are received.
Applicable Taxes and Fees (Airfare & Charges Not Included in the Price)
Air-Inclusive Vacations
Air-inclusive prices provided online include a September 11th fee up to $10, passenger facility charges of up to $18, Federal domestic flight segment fees of up to $3.50 per segment and U.S. and International arrival and departure and other government imposed fees between $200-$375 depending on your itinerary. The total airfare price, the base airfare price, and the applicable government taxes and fees are broken-out line-by-line and shown while booking online and on the invoice after your travel is booked.
Not Included In Your Vacation Price (Air-Inclusive, Land-Only or Cruise-Only)
Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities: port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ships' crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); additional excursions and activities not listed as 'included' in the itinerary; airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection premiums; excess baggage fees; and all other items of a personal nature. |
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