South American Odyssey - Fly/Cruise tour

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 (36 Day Tour):

21 FEB 2012

23 OCT 2012

03 MAR 2013

ALTERNATIVE PROGRAM (Reverse Itinerary) - Start in Buenos Aires end in Santiago (36 Days)

05 MAR 2012

13 NOV 2012

23 JAN 2013

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

36 Days / 35 Nights

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

Day 2: LIMA (B) Half 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 (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 5: 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.

Day 6: SACRED VALLEY - MACHU PICCHU (B, L, D) Start your 2 day journey to the unforgettable ruins of Machu Picchu, by boarding a tourist train to Aguas Calientes. Catch a bus up 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, D) Day at leisure. Evening dinner and folkloric show.

Day 9: CUZCO – PUNO (B, L) Board the Andean Explorer for a spectacular train journey across the Altiplano to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca.

Day 10: PUNO (B) Full day tour of Uros to visit the communities that live on these reed islands.

Day 11: PUNO - LA PAZ (B, L) Full day crossing from Puno to la Paz, via Copacabana and Sun Island.

Day 12: LA PAZ (B) Half day city tour including the rock formations of Moon valley and learn about the local “Paceños” customs and traditions including a trip to the local witchery market.

Day 13: LA PAZ – SANTIAGO (B) Transfer out to airport for your flight to Santiago. On arrival, transfer into hotel.

Day 14: 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 15: SANTIAGO (B) Half day tour to local winery.

Day 16: SANTIAGO – VALPARAISO (B,D) Travel to Valparaiso to board your 14 day Holland Americas Cruise, via the city of Viña del Mar.

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 and even passing through the Falkland Islands.

Day 29: ARRIVE IN BUENOS AIRES (B) On arrival transfer to your hotel.

Day 30: 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. In the evening enjoy the spectacle of the tango with a traditional Argentinean feast.

Day 31: BUENOS AIRES – IGUAZU FALLS (B) Transfer out for your flight to Iguazu. Transfer in to your hotel.

Day 32: IGUAZU FALLS (B) Tour of the many trails on the Argentine side of the falls, including the impressive Devil’s Throat.

Day 33: 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 34: 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 35: 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 (B) Half day tour to Sugarloaf Mountain.

Day 36: RIO DE JANEIRO – SANTIAGO – AUSTRALIA (B) Transfer out to airport in time for your international flight home through Santiago.

TOUR INCLUDES (depending on length of program):

• 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, 15 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