El Grande

As the name implies, "El Grande" is the big circuit, the one for travellers who want to experience as many different facets of South America as they can in one ultimate journey.

Departs Tuesdays.

33 Days / 32 Nights

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

Day 2: SANTIAGO (B) Half-day tour of Santiago.

Day 3: SANTIAGO - RIO DE JANEIRO (B) Transfer to airport for flight to Rio de Janeiro. On arrival, transfer to hotel.

Day 4: RIO DE JANEIRO (B L) Full day tour Corcovado mountain to see the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, a cable car trip to Sugar Loaf Mountain and the famous beaches of Rio de Janeiro.

Day 5: RIO DE JANEIRO (B) Free day to explore the city or relax by the beach.

Day 6: RIO DE JANEIRO - IGUAZU FALLS (B) Transfer to airport, flight to Foz de Iguassu. Tour of the Brazilian side of the falls and transfer to hotel.

Day 7: IGUAZU FALLS (B) Day tour to the Argentinean side of the falls and train ride to the enchanting Devil's throat.

DAY 8: IGUAZU FALLS - BUENOS AIRES (B) Transfer to airport for flight to Buenos Aires. On arrival, transfer to hotel.

DAY 9: BUENOS AIRES (B, D) Half day orientation of the stylish capital, Buenos Aires. Dinner at a local tango house.

Day 10: BUENOS AIRES (B) Day at leisure to explore this exciting city or go shopping.

Day 11: BUENOS AIRES - QUITO (B) Transfer to airport for flight to Quito. On arrival, transfer to hotel.

Day 12: QUITO (B, L) Day tour to Otavalo market.

Day 13: QUITO (B) Half-day tour of Quito.

Day 14: QUITO - GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS (B, D) Transfer to Quito, fly to Baltra and transfer to dock and board the Galapagos Legend for the start of your four-day cruise. This luxury ship caters for 100 passengers in twin share cabins with private bathrooms and includes full board, all meals and guided visits to the islands.

Day 15: GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS (B, L, D)

Day 16: GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS (B, L, D)

Day 17: GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS - QUITO (B) Transfer to airport, flight to Quito, transfer in hotel.

Day 18: QUITO - LIMA (B) Transfer to airport, flight to Lima. On arrival, transfer to hotel.

Day 19: LIMA – CUZCO (B) Half day city tour of modern and colonial Lima. Transfer out for flight to Cuzco. Transfer to hotel.

Day 20: CUZCO - SACRED VALLEY (B, L) Full day tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting the ruins of Ollantaytambo and the colourful local market of Pisac. Overnight.

Day 21: 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 22: MACHU PICCHU - CUZCO (B) Free morning. Return by train to Cuzco, transfer to hotel.

Day 23: CUZCO (B) Guided half-day tour of the ancient Inca capital of Cuzco.

Day 24: CUZCO - PUNO (B, L) Bus journey across the altiplano, to the city of Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca.

Day 25: PUNO - UROS ISLANDS (B) Half day tour to the reed islands of Uros.

Day 26: PUNO - LA PAZ (B ,L) Full day crossing of Lake Titicaca from Puno to La Paz onboard a catamaran cruise ship. On arrival, transfer to hotel.

DAY 27: LA PAZ (B) Half day city tour of the La Paz & Moon Valley.

DAY 28: LA PAZ - SANTIAGO (B) Transfer to hotel to airport for flight to Santiago. On arrival, transfer to hotel.

Day 29: SANTIAGO - EASTER ISLAND (B) Transfer to airport for flight to Easter Island. On arrival, transfer to hotel. A guided afternoon tour of the north coast of Easter Island visiting cave sites and Terevaka volcano.

DAY 30: EASTER ISLAND - PAPEETE (B) Full day tour of the south coast of this mysterious island. Evening transfer to airport for flight to Papeete. On arrival, transfer to hotel.

DAY 31: PAPEETE (B) Day at leisure to explore the picturesque island of Tahiti.

DAY 32: PAPEETE (B) Half day scenic tour of the Tahitian capital’s sights, museum and islands.

DAY 33: PAPEETE - SYDNEY (B) Transfer to airport, fly to Sydney.

DAY 34: ARRIVE AUSTRALIA

Tour includes:

• International economy airfares ex MEL/SYD/BNE
• 9 internal flights within South America      
• Accommodation at selected hotels with private facilities
• Meals as indicated (29 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 4 dinners.)        
• Return economy Vistadome train to Machu Picchu  
• First class catamaran journey across Lake Titicaca
• Transport by air-conditioned vehicles
• Comprehensive sightseeing and excursions
• Meeting service and airport transfers
• English speaking local guides

Tour excludes:

• Airport or security taxes
• Tips or portage charges