Ultimate South America

Fly to Peru's historical and sophisticated capital Lima. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. You have the rest of the afternoon to yourselves before a welcome dinner this evening. (D)

Originally named the City of the Kings, Lima is rich in heritage, which you'll see for yourself today. Start in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre to admire the colonial magnificence before stopping at several other of Lima's most famous sites. (B)

Fly to Cusco before transferring to the famous Sacred Valley of the Incas, home to ancient citadels and striking foothills. Stop at a small, scenic town hidden in the Peruvian Andes and learn from a local family member all the intricacies of traditional iconography. After the tour, you'll be transferred to your hotel in Sacred Valley (B/L)

Spend the day in the remote village of Huilloc, approximately 40 minutes transfer from your hotel, where you will gain a fascinating cultural insight into their lives. You'll enjoy a cooking demonstration of a typical Quechua dish before tucking into lunch with the locals. Continue onto the small town of Aguas Calientes by train (also known as Macchu Pichu Pueblo) for your overnight stay. (B/L/D)

This morning you will visit the world famous citadel of Macchu Pichu. A guided tour will give you some insight into the Inca Empire and an understanding of how its inhabitants lived many centuries ago. The tour includes up to four hours of sightseeing, plus some free time to explore on your own. Return to the village of Machu Picchu before riding the train back to Poroy followed by your transfer to Cusco. (B)

Home to an incredible Incan legacy, Cusco has some of the richest heritage in Latin America and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tour will include visits to the Plaza de Armas, once the heart of the Incan capital of Huacaypata; and Qoricancha, the temple of the sun. Head just out of town to the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, an old Incan fortress. Spend the afternoon at leisure. (B)

Today take a train from Cusco to Puno. Journey through amazing Andean landscapes to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca, passing through the spectacular Peruvian highlands. The train has 4 dining cars, a bar car and an observation car. Along the way you will enjoy a gourmet lunch prepared with exquisite Andean ingredients and there will be music and dance shows on board. (B/L)

Leaving Puno today, travel to the lakeside town of Copacabana, Bolivia. Visit the shrine and Dark Indian Virgin followed by a Hydrofoil cruise to Sun and Moon Island. Visit the Inca Garden, Stairs and Fountain and Sun Virgins Temple Iñak Uyu. After cruising back take a short trip to Hautajata where you will experience an Eco Village, The Altiplano Museum and the chance to meet a local Bolivian tribe. End the day gazing up at the Southern constellations from the Native Observatory Alajpacha. (B/L/D)

Explore the magnificent snow-capped Andes as you travel by road to the stunning city of La Paz. With a half-day tour of the city, you'll get to experience the rich history and culture of La Paz. Visit the famous Indian Market & Witch Doctor's market, while enjoying the breath-taking panoramas of the Illimani mountain in the background.

Continue on to the Moon Valley, an area of tall clay spires, formed by erosions of the mountains in the area and take a breath-taking teleferico-cable car ride for an incredible aerial view of La Paz. This day is at altitude. (B)

Transfer to the airport and fly to Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest salt flat. Enjoy a picnic lunch out on the salt flats before spending the night in a salt hotel. (B/L/D)

Spend a full day in the Salar De Uyuni where depending on the weather you will visit the museum or view the Coquesa Mummies, human archeological remains in a little cave near to Tunupa Volcano, from where you can observe the immensity of the salt flats. Conclude todays activities with a picnic on the Salt flats. (B/L/D)

Today cross the Atacama Desert, arriving in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile! (B/L)

This morning, discover the Salar de Atacama and the quaint desert village of Tocoano. This afternoon, you'll see some of San Pedro's most famous landscapes with a drive out to the Moon Valley at sunset. (B/L)

Rise early and travel for around 2 hours deeper into the Atacama to visit El Tatio Geysers. Enjoy a guided walk amongst the mud craters and bubbling geysers. Later this evening take advantage of some of the darkest skies in the world and participate in a star gazing tour whilst enjoying a wine and cheese. (B)

This morning transfer back to Calama for an early flight to Chile's capital city, Santiago. Embark on a city tour of Santiago, which will allow you to experience its eclectic contrasts. Stroll around the Plaza de Armas home to the 18th-century cathedral and 19th-century Post Office. Visit Cerro Hill where Santiago was founded in 1541 and now a park and offering panoramic views of the city. Conclude the day with dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D)

Travel to the coast to visit the bohemian port town of Valparaíso. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Valparaíso is a unique and delightful tangle, draped over a series of hills. Funiculars connect the industrial seafront with the cerros (hill) neighbourhoods. (B/L)

Fly over the breath-taking Andes Mountains and view the immensity of the range from above during the short flight to the lively and atmospheric city of Mendoza. (B)

This morning take a leisurely walk around the city before an afternoon at leisure. (B/D)

Head to the Maipu Valley, the heart of Argentina's most important and oldest wine region. Visit some of the most prominent wineries and taste fine wines, including Argentina's most famous red, Malbec, and also enjoy a delicious lunch. (B/L)

Morning flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina's flamboyant capital. (B)

Today you will explore the vibrant districts of La Boca, San Telmo and Recoleta on a city tour. Later, enjoy a quintessential Argentine experience; the tango! Enjoy dinner and a sultry tango show. (B/L/D)

Spend the day on the vast, fertile grasslands known as the pampas, on a traditional estancia (ranch). Here you'll get some insight into the life of the gaucho. After a delicious asado lunch, there will be a fun folklore show. (B/L)

Fly north to Puerto Iguazu, to see the incredible Iguazu, a huge waterfall that straddles the border between Argentina and Brazil. (B/D)

Today, visit the Argentinian side of Iguazu where you'll get a fantastic showcase of its power and magnificence. Later, learn about the indigenous culture of the Mbororé Aldea people, who will open the doors of their community and share fascinating stories of their ancestors, rituals, myths and legends. (B/L/D)

This morning you will cross the border to explore the Brazilian side of the falls, wandering paths through lush greenery to smaller cascades. This afternoon hop on a plane to Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Watch the sunset from Copacabana Beach. (B)

Start at the foot of Corcovado, travelling up to the peak by cog railway to the spot where the iconic Christ the Redeemer watches over the city. After lunch, enjoy a city tour and ascend Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car for breath-taking views. (B/L/D)

Fly to Australia, arriving home two days later. (B)