* Featuring the Winner's Parade, the most colorful of Brazilian events!




Experience this tour for a taste of Argentina, and to discover what Brazil is all about. Enjoy sights, sounds & shopping in Buenos Aires, the "Paris of the Americas". We show you both the Argentine and Brazilian sides of the majestic Iguassu Falls.
The culmination of Samba during Carnival, the unforgettable sound of the Tango, combined with the best sights on the South American East CoastTake an unforgettable railway journey over the jutting Atlantic Rainforest Mountains, and view a mix of landscapes through southern Brazil on this special introduction into a fascinating land! The contrasts of Brazil become evident as you travel from natural wonders through high-tech farmlands.

Iguassu Falls - Rio de Janeiro
920mi/1472km
Highlights:
- Buenos Aires, Argentina - the Capital of Tango
- Brazilian and Argentine sides of Iguassu Falls
- Historic Port of Antonina
- Majestic Train Ride through the Atlantic Rainforest over the Serra do Mar
- Carnival winner's parade in Rio de Janeiro
Including:
- 11 Days/ 10 Nights
- 5 Dinners
- 9 American/ Brazilian Buffet Breakfasts
- All Transfers & domestic flights within South America
- English speaking SouthAmerica.travel tour guide
- Entrance and transfer to the Winner's parade in Rio de Janeiro
Saturday Feb 21st, 2009: Depart from home on your South American adventure!
Sunday Feb 22nd : Begin your tour in the European-style capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires, known as "the Paris of the Southern Hemisphere." Arrive in time to opt for the San Telmo Antique Market before check-in to the Hotel Abasto Plaza****.
Tonight, enjoy a Tango Show and steak dinner (included)!
Monday Feb 23rd: Sightseeing in this elegant city includes the Casa Rosada, the well-known stage for Evita Perón's plea "Don't cry for me Argentina", as well as the history-laden Plaza de Mayo. Afternoon is free. Relax in the newly-rebuilt port area Puerto Madera with its restaurants and bars, or opt to visit an Argentine Estancia (Lunch and Gaucha Show included).
Tuesday Feb 24th : Depart today for Iguazu. Upon your approach to the Airport, your pilot might tip his wings to give you the first view over the magnificent Iguassu Falls and the surrounding natural park of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. Your bilingual tour director or representative escorts you to the fabulous Hotel Mercure Internacional Foz*****. Feast on a Brazilian dinner tonight after a relaxing swim in the pool.
Wednesday Feb 25th: Today's full day excursion shows you the Iguassu Falls from both sides. First, cross into Argentina for a walk above the falls, wider and more powerful than Niagara. A boat guides you to an island to get a close-up view of the Falls from below. The mist of the Falls engulfs you on the Brazilian side, as you walk out onto a platform and into the garganta do diabo, the 'devil's throat'. Opt to the Great Adventure boat ride under the Falls on the Brazilian side.
Thursday Feb 26th: The rolling landscape on today's journey is interrupted only by mountain chains, rich farmland and patches of original subtropical forest, with the unique Araucária trees. Arrive in Curitiba, named best-organized city in South America, now a model for many Western industrialized nations! The city has grown 10-fold in the past 20 years, using innovative ideas to manage its substantial growth.
The capital of the state of Paraná is a melting pot of such diverse cultures as Dutch, Polish, Arabian, German, Ukrainian, Italian and Japanese cultures, amongst many others! Check in to the Curitiba Hotel Mercure Curitiba**** . Tonight's included dinner will give you a taste of the region's mix of cultures.
Friday Feb 27th: Morning sightseeing gives you a view of the capital, including the glass Opera House, before heading down to the coast for a stroll along the historic promenade of the Port of Antonina. After lunch, board the scenic historic railway as it winds its way from sea level up 1200m (3/4 of a mile high!) over the Serra do Mar chain back to Curitiba.
Saturday Feb 28th: Fly to Rio de Janeiro, transfer to your hotel and get settled in your hotel in Copacabana - Golden Tulip Continental****. Afternoon transfer to the Sambodromo for the Champion's Parade. Witness Rio's 6 best Samba Schools - the Champions of the year! Each "school" is comprised of approx. 3,000 dancers!

Sunday Mar 1st: After the late breakfast, enjoy today the beaches nearby or relax at the rooftop pool of your hotel! The gung-ho can opt for a schooner cruise today - also very relaxing! In the evening meet your fellow travelers for a Rodizio dinner - an All-You-Can-Eat Brazilian Barbecue (included).
Monday Mar 2nd: The panoramic view from the top of the Sugar Loaf Mountain is the highlight of today's sightseeing tour. Board a funicular to reach the summit with its 360º spectrum of golden beaches, green forests and a thriving metropolis that has earned Rio de Janeiro the title of the "world's most beautiful city". Sightseeing continues with a tour of Rio's historical past. Learn how Portugal's prince scandalously broke all family ties and declared himself Emperor of Brazil. In the afternoon heat, everything slows down, and the Cariocas (as the people of Rio call themselves) head for the beach!
Tuesday Mar 3rd: Christ the Redeemer keeps an eye on Rio from an elevation of 710m (2340ft). Board the tremzinho (cogwheel railway) up to the top of Corcovado Mountain for a bird's eye view of the center of the city from the center of the city! This evening, depart for home or your onward journey.
Wednesday Mar 4th: You are back home laden with memories, we are sure you'll have had an unforgettable vacation, one of a lifetime!