South American Odyssey

Come aboard for the ultimate South American touring extravaganza, the ‘South American Odyssey.’ Discover the many wonderful sights, sounds and sensations of this marvellous continent with a unique program that combines luxury cruising, personalised touring, and quality hotels.

See the unforgettable ruins of Machu Picchu, the magical Lake Titicaca, breathtaking Iguazu Falls and immerse yourself in the colourful cities of Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires. On top of all this, you will cruise through the scenic southern fjords and glacier regions onboard Holland America Line’s prestigious MS Veendam on what is sure to be the holiday experience of a lifetime.  

Departures from Australia (35 Day Tour):

18 OCT 2010

11 NOV 2010

08 JAN 2011

23 NOV 2011

Departures from Australia ( 22 Day Tour):

31 OCT 2010

24 NOV 2010

21 JAN 2011

06 DEC 2011

 * Choose from your preferred cabin type aboard the Ms Veendam - Interior Stateroom, Lanai Stateroom or Deluxe Verandah Suite

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT - BOOK BEFORE 18 AUG 2010 AND RECEIVE $500 DISCOUNT P.P. * Applies for 35 day program departing 18OCT AND 11 NOV ONLY.

35 Days / 34 Nights

Day 1: AUSTRALIA – SANTIAGO On arrival at Santiago airport, you will be met and taken to your hotel.

Day 2: SANTIAGO – LIMA (B) Transfer to airport for flight to Lima. On arrival, you will be dropped off at your hotel and taken for a tour of colonial and modern Lima.

Day 3: LIMA – CUZCO (B) Transfer out to airport for flight to Cuzco. On arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Day 4: CUZCO – SACRED VALLEY (B, L) Full day tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas including a stop at the colourful Pisac Market & ruins of Ollantaytambo. Overnight at your hotel nestled at the foot of these scenic mountains.

Day 5: SACRED VALLEY (B, L) Experience Andean culture first hand with a visit to the Misminay community and learn about their customs, agricultural techniques and take part in a weaving seminar.

Day 6: SACRED VALLEY - MACHU PICCHU (B, L) Start your 2 day journey to the unforgettable ruins of Machu Picchu, by boarding a tourist train to Aguas Calientes. Catch a bus to the mountain where you will be guided through this beautiful forgotten citadel, home of an incredibly advanced civilisation.

Day 7: MACHU PICCHU - CUZCO (B) Morning free to visit ruins. Afternoon train to Cuzco. 

Day 8: CUZCO (B) Half day city tour of this ancient Inca capital, including visits to important sights such as the beautiful cathedral, Q’oricancha (the temple of the sun) and the fortress of Sacsahuaman.

Day 9: CUZCO (B, D) Day at leisure for you to explore the various museums and sites in and around Cuzco.  In the evening you will be taken for a dinner show including folkloric dancing.

Day 10: CUZCO – PUNO (B, L) Board the Andean Explorer for a spectacular train journey across the Altiplano Puno to the shores of Lake Titicaca.

Day 11: UROS ISLANDS (B) Full day tour of Uros to visit the communities that live on these reed islands.

Day 12: PUNO - LA PAZ (B, L) Cross from Peru into Bolivia, via the lovely lakeside village of Copacabana, with its remarkable church before boarding a comfortable catamaran to begin the scenic crossing of the magical Lake Titicaca. Stop at the mysterious Sun Island before continuing onto La Paz.

Day 13: LA PAZ (B) Half day city tour including the rock formations of Moon valley and learn about the local “Pacenos” customs and traditions including a trip to the local witchery market. 

Day 14: LA PAZ – SANTIAGO (B) Transfer out to airport for your flight. On arrival, transfer into hotel. ****( START OF 22 DAY PROGRAM ) ****

Day 15: SANTIAGO (B) Tour of Santiago’s cultural and historic monuments, artistic districts and panoramic sights as well as a winery to sample one of Chile’s favourite exports.

Day 16: SANTIAGO – VALPARAISO (B,D) Travel past the valleys and vineyards out of the capital and be taken for a tour of Viňa del Mar and Valparaiso before being dropped off at the port. Commence your 12 day Holland America cruise.

Day 17- 28: HOLLAND AMERICA CRUISE (B, L, D) Experience the landscapes, canals and fjords of South America whilst cruising on the MS Veendam, a 10 deck luxury cruise liner. Stop at various ports and see glaciers, wildlife and impressive scenery as you travel as far south as the Beagle Channel and Cape Horn before returning by the Argentinean coast.   

Day 28: BUENOS AIRES (B) This morning you will arrive in Buenos Aires and be transferred to your hotel.

Day 29: BUENOS AIRES (B, D) Take a tour of the ‘Paris of South America,’ the grand boulevards and visit the famous cemetery, resting place of Eva Peron. Afternoon at leisure to explore the capital and in the evening enjoy the spectacle of the tango with a traditional Argentinean feast.

Day 30: BUENOS AIRES – IGUAZU FALLS (B) Transfer out for your flight to Iguazu. Transfer in to your hotel in inside the national park.

Day 31: IGUAZU FALLS (B) Tour of the many trails on the Argentine side of the falls, including the impressive Devil’s Throat.

Day 32: IGUAZU FALLS – RIO DE JANEIRO (B) Tour of the panoramic Brazilian side of the falls and transfer to airport for your flight. Transfer to your hotel.

Day 33: RIO DE JANEIRO (B, D) This morning visit Corcovado mountain to admire the famous Christ the Redeemer statue. In the evening, be treated to a sumptuous Brazilian BBQ Dinner at a local churrasqueria and a lively samba show.

Day 34: RIO DE JANEIRO (B) Tour and cable car trip to Sugar Loaf Mountain for a fantastic view of the city and Guanabara bay.

Day 35: RIO DE JANEIRO – SANTIAGO - SYDNEY (B) Transfer out to airport in time for your international flight home through Santiago.

TOUR INCLUDES:

• International economy airfares ex MEL/BNE/SYD
• 6 internal flights within South America
• Accommodation in selected class hotels with private facilities
• Meals as indicated (34 breakfasts, 15 lunches, 14 dinners)
• Return economy Vistadome  train to Machu Picchu
• First class train journey from Cuzco to Puno
• Transport by air conditioned vehicles
• Comprehensive sightseeing and excursions
• English speaking local guides 
• Cruise aboard the Ms Veendam in your choice of cabin type (Interior Stateroom, Lanai Stateroom or Deluxe Verandah Suite)

TOUR EXCLUDES:

• Airport or security taxes
• Tips