Antarctic Voyage with South America and Galapagos Islands

Upon arrival in Guayaquil, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travellers and Tour Director. Stay: Guayaquil, Hotel del Parque (D)

This morning, fly to San Cristobal Island, the easternmost point in the Galapagos archipelago. Upon arrival, visit the Interpretation Center and learn about the natural history of the Galapagos Islands, from its volcanic origins to today's conservation efforts. After, enjoy a stroll to Tijeretas Hill and admire views of the landscape and a frigate bird nesting colony.

Afterwards, marvel at the archipelago's famous giant tortoises in their natural habitat at a special reserve, which also features several lava tunnels. The tortoises are easy to spot, lumbering about, eating grass and leaves, and wallowing in small pools. After lunch, be transferred to the luxurious MC Hermes, your floating retreat for the next three nights. Stay Three Nights: MC Hermes (B/L/D)

This morning, visit Gardner Bay (Española Island) and its vast, sandy white beach, home to Galápagos sea lion colonies. Explore the surrounding area, looking out for mockingbirds, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, Sally Lightfoot crabs and other seabirds.

Later in the day, enjoy a coastal walk along Punta Suarez, admiring the panoramic views from this lofty clifftop position. This beautiful destination is renowned as a bird sanctuary and you're likely to spot red-billed tropicbirds, swallow-tailed gulls, and wandering albatrosses during your walk. (B/L/D)

Sail to Floreana Island this morning where you'll visit Cormorant Point, home to a large lagoon that's favoured by pink flamingos. Continue to the beach area, an important nesting site for Pacific green sea turtles. After time to explore, head back towards your ship and swim or snorkel at Champion Islet among the reef fish, sea lions and white-tipped reef sharks.

This afternoon, visit Post Office Bay and learn about its intriguing history before setting off on a walk to observe Darwin finches and lava lizards. (B/L/D)

Disembark your ship this morning and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Here, learn about the giant tortoise breeding program and observe the gentle giants up close. You'll also learn about the conservation efforts of scientists, researchers and volunteers to preserve the Galápagos' ecosystem.

This afternoon, you'll be transferred to Baltra Airport for your flight to Quito. Settle into your hotel in Quito and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure. Stay Three Nights: Quito, Casa Gangotena (B)

Enjoy a full day exploring the sights of Quito on a guided city tour, which includes Independence Square, Carondelet Presidential Palace, and the Jesuit church of La Compañia de Jesus, a stunning example of Latin American baroque architecture. Cap off the tour at the hill of El Panecillo, the perfect vantage to enjoy sweeping views of Quito's cityscape and surrounding volcanoes. You can also observe the impressive statue at the hill's summit, a replica of Quito's Madonna.

This afternoon, visit the Middle of the World Monument and enjoy the rare chance to stand on the dividing line between the northern and southern hemispheres. Afterwards, savour lunch at a local restaurant. (B/L)

• You might like to spend a full day exploring Otavalo Market, the largest of its kind in South America. Be dazzled by the sheer volume of handicrafts available, from woven ponchos to carved statues, jewellery and rug baskets, which have been largely made by local Indigenous communities. Alternatively, spend the day at Mindo Cloud Forest, a haven for bird watchers and waterfall lovers. Explore the walking trails, looking out for hummingbirds, orchids, bromeliads and butterflies.
• You can savour a three-course meal of Ecuadorian-born, globally inspired dishes at Somos, or you might choose to sit down to a five-step tasting menu of gourmet Ecuadorian delights at Kriollo por Ikaro.

Transfer to Quito airport for your flight to Lima. Spend some time at leisure before dinner tonight with your fellow travellers. Stay Two Nights: Country Club Lima Hotel (B/D)

• Spend time at the Larco Museum, which is housed within an 18th-century viceroy's mansion. Here, you'll enjoy a guided tour of its fascinating Peruvian artefacts before adjourning to the museum's bougainvillea-covered gardens for lunch.

Farewell Lima this morning and fly to Cusco, bound for the inspiring landscapes of the Sacred Valley. Stop for lunch at Hacienda Sarampa, a family-owned estate specialising in the production of giant white corn. While you indulge in a decadent, locally sourced three-course lunch, learn about the history of Sarampa, as well as the behind-the-scenes work that goes into corn production. Stay Two Nights: Sacred Valley, Tambo del Inka, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa (B/L)

• Venture into the hills of the Sacred Valley and be welcomed by the Misminay community, who will demonstrate traditional weaving techniques, revealing how South America's colourful materials are created by hand. You'll then sit down for a lunch of quintessential Peruvian specialities. Afterwards, witness the dazzling sight of the glistening salt pools spilling over the terraced slopes at the World Heritage-listed Salt Mines of Maras, then enjoy a fascinating visit to the circular Moray Inca terraces archaeological site.

• Board the luxury Inca Rail First Class train and travel through the scenic Sacred Valley en route to Machu Picchu, delighting in the magnificent views and savouring a delicious Andean-inspired lunch on board along the way.

This morning, journey up to the ruins of the lost city of Machu Picchu, set off on a guided tour of the 15th-century Inca citadel. One of the new Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is considered one of the most vital architectural triumphs of the Incan empire. Located on a steep ridge and made up of approximated 200 structures, this ancient site exceeds every expectation with its beauty and grandeur. Ensure you have your camera in hand to capture this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Afterwards, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding the scenic Vistadome train for the return journey to Cusco. Stay Two Nights: JW Marriott El Convento Cusco (B/L)

• Select from two options today. Satiate your gustatory senses with a cooking class, discovering traditional Peruvian dishes and ingredients. Alternatively, explore the 15th-century dry stone archaeological site at the historic Incan citadel of Sacsayhuaman.

• Visit a private hacienda and witness a traditional Peruvian Paso horse show before enjoying lunch.

Fly to Buenos Aires and head for the Recoleta district, where your luxurious hotel awaits. Stay Three Nights: Buenos Aires, Alvear Palace Hotel (B/D)

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore the cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires before gathering with your fellow travellers for a special reception. This evening, enjoy time at your leisure to soak in the many jewels of the Argentine capital. (B)

This morning, delve deeper into Buenos Aires' sights on a city tour. Discover the must-visit destinations, including Recoleta Cemetery, the colourful streets of La Boca, and the trendy neighbourhood of Palermo. This evening, meet for a ship briefing in anticipation of our exciting cruise ahead. (B)

• Take a tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park, where you can experience the rugged natural beauty of Argentina's southern tip. If you're lucky, you may spot a roaming guanaco (a close relative of the llama).

Sail across the Drake Passage, the cruising gateway to Antarctica. Learn about the adventures ahead during informative, interactive and entertaining presentations on the wildlife, history and geology of Antarctica, delivered by your expert Expedition Team. (B/L/D)

On arrival in Antarctica, your itinerary exploring this magical world of ice and water becomes flexible. Your Captain will chart a course based on the most exciting sights and the most favourable ice and weather conditions. Each day on your cruise you'll enjoy Zodiac rides. Visit penguin rookeries, seal colonies and keep an eye out for orca, humpback and minke whales that frequent these waters.

Head to Deception Island, an active volcano, once home to a whaling station. You may also have the opportunity to stop at the Port Lockroy scientific base. From here, you can send a postcard with a rare Antarctic stamp. (B/L/D)

Signature Experiences:

• Delight in a unique itinerary which allows you to maximise your discovery of the enchanting Antarctic Peninsula, from thrilling Zodiac expeditions to enthralling shore landings.

Return across the Drake Passage. Enjoy time on board and wildlife spotting. (B/L/D)

Today, disembark your ship in Ushuaia and fly to Buenos Aires. Stay Two Nights: Buenos Aires, Alvear Palace Hotel (B)

• Perhaps head to the island town of Tigre and enjoy a cruise; discover the Parisian character of Buenos Aires' architecture; or join a fascinating tour of the iconic and majestic Teatro Colon, considered the world's leading opera house by acoustic finesse, and immerse yourself in the city's sophisticated high arts scene.

• Stay close to Iguazu Falls at the Gran Meliá Iguazú, the only hotel within Iguazu National Park, Argentina.

• Get up close to the roaring cascades of Iguazu Falls on an included jet boat safari, or for a special bird's-eye view, soar over the falls on a helicopter flight.

• At Gran Melia Iguazu, enjoy a sommelier-led wine tasting, sampling wines from different Argentine regions alongside delicious cheese pairings.

This morning, make your way to Parque das Aves (Bird Park). The park spans five hectares and is home to over 800 species of birds including flamingos, toucans and parakeets – just to name a few. Later, fly to Rio de Janeiro.

On arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel located on the famous Copacabana Beach. Stay Three Nights: Rio de Janeiro, Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel (B)

Today you will travel to Corcovado mountain to see the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. As you visit one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, look out to stunning views across the city. For lunch, delight in a mouthwatering meal of Brazil's renowned barbeque fare.

Later as the sun sets, ride a cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain for panoramic views of this spectacular city. (B/L)

• Cruise the beautiful Guanabara Bay on a schooner boat, or take a colonial walking tour and pass the Metropolitan Cathedral and National Library among other key sights.

Your adventure comes to an end today following breakfast with a transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)