Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires

Depart Home City for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Arrive at Rio de Janeiro-Galeão International Airport. Proceed through the immigration checkpoint to the baggage claim area and retrieve your luggage. After completing a customs screening, meet a  representative.

Transfer to the Fairmont Copacabana, a deluxe hotel located at Rio’s famed Copacabana Beach. If your room is not ready yet, we will provide a hospitality room at the hotel and store your luggage.

Make your own plans for lunch today. Begin exploring the area, if you wish. The Gohagan Travel Hospitality Desk stands ready with dining and sightseeing suggestions.

This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for an included dinner at a local eatery. Introduce yourself, and toast your upcoming adventure!

Rio de Janeiro | Embark World Navigator

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then check out. Your luggage will be securely stored today, then taken to the ship. Meanwhile, you will depart on your chosen excursion.

Traveler’s Choice | Choose ONE of the following included excursions.

• Walking tour. Embark on a walking tour through the historic center of Rio de Janeiro with your local guide, who will offer a unique perspective on the city’s rich history and culture. Leaving the hotel, head to the vibrant Olympic Boulevard, a revitalized waterfront area in Rio’s port. Olympic Boulevard played a significant part in the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, hosting several events, including beach volleyball, cycling and marathon swimming. The Boulevard is now adorned with vibrant street art, showcasing the creativity and cultural diversity of Rio.Take a leisurely stroll and admire the colorful murals and graffiti.As the tour continues, visit significant landmarks, including Valongo Wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The wharf was constructed beginning in 1811 for the disembarkation of enslaved Africans coming to the Americas. It is estimated that some 900,000 Africans debarked there. See the São Bento Monastery, which dates to the 16th century and is a fine example of Portuguese colonial architecture, and the beautiful Candelária Church. Your walking route also features lovely plaza squares, the Imperial Palace and the famous Teles Arch in the bohemian district.  You may wish to stop at the renowned Confeitaria Colombo — a Belle Époch coffeehouse and pastry shop. Wrap up with a delicious, included group lunch. (Moderate Activity Level)

• Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer. Depart the hotel by motorcoach and pass through the city center on the way to the small leafy community of Laranjeiras, which means “orange trees.” At the Cosme Velho station, board the train that will take us to the top of Corcovado Mountain, 2300 feet above sea level. Disembark at the base of the Christ the Redeemer statue, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and an important symbol of Rio de Janeiro. The statue is made of stone and cement and is 99 feet tall. It sits atop a 25-foot-high pedestal on top of the mountain. Soak up the amazing 360º panoramic view of the city, beaches, Guanabara Bay and Pão de Açucar (Sugarloaf Mountain). Afterward, reboard the train for the descent, passing through the Tijuca Forest, an urban national park filled with vegetation and home to more than 230 species of animals and birds. Wrap up with a delicious, included group lunch. (Moderate)

Transfer to the pier and embark Atlas World Navigator. Settle in to your suite or stateroom and start to familiarize yourself with the ship.

This evening, attend a welcome briefing and lifeboat drill, followed by a delicious dinner (tonight and every night!) on board.

Buzios

Wake this morning to breakfast and stunning views as the ship arrives at Buzios. Disembark for your chosen excursion.

Traveler’s Choice | Choose ONE of the following included excursions.

• Peninsula boat tour. The Búzios area boasts nearly two dozen beautiful beaches to choose from, each with its own personality. On this tour, you will explore some beaches and islands of Búzios by boat, with three stops for swimming. On the north side of the peninsula, João Fernandes Beach is calm and good for snorkeling. Praia da Tartaruga is quiet and more secluded than many. And offshore, Ilha Feia is an especially good diving destination. (Active)
• Walking tour. Discover the beauty and charm of Búzios while learning about its fascinating history. Accompanied by a local guide, you’ll stroll through the town’s picturesque cobblestone streets and hear how this small, unassuming fishing village transformed into one of Brazil’s most famous seaside destinations (thanks in no small part to Brigette Bardot). Now considered the St. Tropez of Brazil, this lovely peninsula maintains a unique blend of upscale glamor, colonial architecture and lovely natural scenery. See the Brigitte Bardot statue and walk along the Orla boardwalk. Conclude your visit with a refreshing coconut water on the beach before returning to the ship for lunch. (Mild)

 

Return to the ship and tuck in to a delicious lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing on board. Indulge in a spa treatment or just commandeer a deck chair and take in the fabulous views.

Join your fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception and Dinner on board the ship this evening.

Ilhabela de São Sebastião Island

Enjoy breakfast on board and free time this morning as the ship cruises to beautiful Ilhabela de São Sebastião Island (Ilhabela translates to beautiful island!), where you will disembark after lunch for an afternoon excursion.

Island exploration. Board a comfortable motorcoach at the pier for a scenic island tour with a local guide. Our first stop is the Barreiros Viewpoint for panoramic views of the coastline and photo opportunities of the ship. Continue past the historic Barreiros Farm to Pedra do Sino Beach, with its distinctive rock formation. Visit Nossa Senhora D’Ajuda e Bom Sucesso, a church built in 1697, and pass by other historical sites. Explore Fazenda Engenho D’Água, a former sugarcane plantation and cachaça distillery with well-preserved colonial buildings, founded in 1582. (Cachaça is fermented sugarcane juice; Brazil’s most popular spirit.)  Ilhabela is famous for its 360 waterfalls; stop at the scenic Água Branca, once used to generate hydroelectric power for the island. Wrap up with a relaxing break at Porto do Engenho beach kiosk, where you can enjoy the beach and refreshments before heading back to the ship. (Moderate)

Return to the ship for dinner on board this evening.

São Francisco do Sul

Enjoy breakfast on board and attend a lecture this morning as the ship cruises to São Francisco do Sol, where you will disembark after lunch for an afternoon excursion.

São Francisco do Sul tour. Step back in time as you explore São Francisco do Sul, the third-oldest city in Brazil and the oldest in the state of Santa Catarina. The area was visited by French navigators as early as 1504, with the village officially founded by the Portuguese in 1658. The city boasts a beautiful, nationally recognized historic center, featuring charming cobblestone streets and well-preserved colonial-style houses, many in eye-catching pastel colors. Key landmarks include the Church of Nossa Senhora da Graça, built in 1699, and the Municipal Market, a trading hub during colonial times. Your guided walking tour will take you through charming Babitonga Street, lined with colorful 18th- and 19th-century Portuguese and Spanish-style mansions. Along the way, you’ll hear fascinating stories about the early settlers who shaped the region. Wrap up with a visit to a local Ecological Park, offering panoramic views of the city and Babitonga Bay. (Moderate)

Return to the ship for dinner on board this evening.

Balneário Camboriú

This morning, enjoy a delicious breakfast as the ship arrives in Balneário Camboriú, a beautiful coastal destination. Disembark for your chosen excursion.

Traveler’s Choice | Choose ONE of the following included excursions.

• Panoramic tour. Begin today’s exploration with an adventure at Unipraias Park. At Barra Sul Station, board the unique cable car that connects two different beaches, offering stunning views of the city and coastline as you travel to Aguada Hill. At the summit, immerse yourself in nature with a half-mile walk through the lush Atlantic Forest. This trail is a haven for nature lovers, offering a chance to spy native plants, including vibrant orchids and delicate bromeliads, as well as various local bird species. Along the way, take advantage of the three observation decks to enjoy panoramic vistas of the surrounding region. Next, continue your trip via the cable car down to Laranjeiras Beach. This renowned spot is famous for its calm, crystal-clear waters, making it the perfect place to relax, swim or simply soak in the picturesque scenery before heading back to the port. (Moderate)
  Return to the ship for lunch, and spend the afternoon at leisure onboard or venture back out on your own to explore.

• German heritage tour. Explore the rich German heritage of Blumenau on this scenic full-day tour. In a comfortable motorcoach, take a 90-minute drive, enjoying the beautiful landscapes and river views, to reach Blumenau. The city, founded in 1850 by German immigrants led by Hermann Blumenau, initially served as an agricultural colony to attract European migrants to southern Brazil. Blumenau is known for its German architecture, cultural traditions, gastronomy and — perhaps most notably — beermaking. On a guided tour, stroll along the cobbled streets among half-timbered buildings, passing landmarks such as the City Hall. Following a delicious Brazilian lunch at a local restaurant, continue on to Vila Germânica, an Alpine-style village nearby, where many of Blumenau’s festivals are held. (This includes Blumenau’s Oktoberfest, which is the world’s second-largest!) Here, you’ll have free time to shop and immerse yourself in the local culture. Stop at the Beer Museum, where you’ll learn about the history and brewing traditions that earned Blumenau the title of the “Brazilian Capital of Beer.” Head back to the port to board the ship. (Moderate)

Day at Sea

Spend today at sea taking in the scenery, enjoying onboard lectures and mingling with fellow passengers. While on deck, keep your eyes peeled for interesting marine and bird life. And of course, savor three delicious meals on board.

Day at Sea

Spend today at sea taking in the scenery, enjoying onboard lectures and mingling with fellow passengers. Perhaps you’d like to take a dip in the pool, work out in the fitness center or indulge in a spa treatment? Or do all three!

 

Punta del Este, Uruguay

Enjoy breakfast on board this morning as the ship arrives in Punta del Este, Uruguay, where you will disembark for your excursion.

Panoramic tour. Start today’s tour with a scenic drive through some of Punta del Este’s varied neighborhoods: Cantegril, San Rafael, Parque Golf and La Barra. See the iconic Puente de la Barra, a wavy suspension bridge with a unique, undulating design that connects Punta del Este with the quieter La Barra area. Visit the Ralli Museum in the Beverly Hills district, home to an impressive collection of contemporary Latin American art and a permanent collection of works by Salvador Dalí. Continue along the stunning coastline to Punta Ballena (which translates to Whale Point), a resort town and peninsula known for its scenic coastal landscapes. Here, explore the legendary Casapueblo, the home and atelier of world-renowned artist Carlos Páez Vilaró. The dazzling white complex, resembling Spanish-Moroccan architecture, is situated on a rocky bluff overlooking the ocean. Vilaró started building it in 1958 with his own hands, using only traditional tools. It began as his summer home and workshop, and evolved into a museum, hotel, and “living sculpture” over the course of 36 years. Visit and explore the narrow steps that lead to a maze of rooms scattered across different levels, filled with the artist’s works. Wrap up with a visit to the famous La Mano beach sculpture. Enjoy a scenic drive along the coastal road on the way back to the port. (Moderate)

Return to the ship and tuck into a tasty lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing on board — maybe take a dip in the pool or find a deck chair where you can soak up the coastal views.

This evening, sample locally made wines from the gateway to the Maldonado wine region.

As always, a delicious dinner will be served tonight.

Montevideo

Enjoy breakfast on board this morning as the ship arrives in Montevideo, where you will disembark for your excursion.

City tour. Board a comfortable motorcoach for a scenic drive through the city center, past the waterfront and elegant residential neighborhoods. Visit iconic local landmarks, including Independence Square, the Legislative Palace and the charming Agricultural Market (MAM). Parque Batlle is also part of the experience, featuring the La Carreta Monument, the Obelisk and the historic Centenario Stadium, built in 1929 to host the first FIFA World Cup in 1930. Wrap up with a visit to an exclusive craft brewery and enjoy a tasting of beers paired with local cheeses, spiced nuts and a sweet bite. (Moderate)

Return to the ship for lunch. Alternately, you can choose to stay in town to explore the port on your own and find a local place to dine.

Candombe Performance. This evening on board, there will be an exciting performance of Candombe. Candombe is a Uruguayan musical tradition and dance with roots in the African diaspora, developed by enslaved Africans and their descendants in the 18th century. Characterized by the playing of three types of barrel-shaped drums — the chico, repinque and piano — it is a communal celebration of identity, resistance and cultural heritage. Candombe emerged in the colonial era as a synthesis of African traditions and the experience of slavery in Montevideo. It has been declared a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Don’t miss this unique experience!

Join your fellow travelers for a Farewell Reception and Dinner on board the ship this evening, and raise a glass to your South American adventure.

Buenos Aires, Argentina | Disembark

Enjoy breakfast on board this morning as the ship arrives in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Disembark and head out on a city tour.

Buenos Aires tour. In this half-day panoramic tour of South America’s second-largest city, experience a cosmopolitan metropolis imbued with Latin passion, and get swept away by the city of Fair Winds. During your visit, the city’s jacaranda trees and roses are in their springtime bloom. See the Plaza de Mayo, where a square was established in 1580 by conquering Spaniards. Originally called Plaza de la Victoria, the square was renamed in recognition of the May Revolution of 1810, in which Argentina fought for independence from Spain. The plaza is the historical and political heart of the city; Eva and Juan Perón spoke to throngs of followers here. The plaza is filled with palm trees and lined with stately 19th-century buildings, including the iconic, balconied presidential palace, Casa Rosada.

Buenos Aires is a city of unique and disparate barrios, each with its own history and personality. We will visit four of these neighborhoods. Palermo, the largest, trendiest and most diverse barrio, is dotted with parks, gardens, restaurants and boutiques. San Telmo — the oldest neighborhood in the city, dating back to the 17th century — now boasts beautiful mansions, cobbled streets, tango clubs and a famous, enormous Sunday flea market. La Boca, which translates to “The Mouth,” is the port or gateway to the city. It is the most iconic, colorful and picturesque barrio, originally comprised of residences made of zinc and sheet iron and painted in bright colors — all materials obtained at the nearby shipyard. Here, enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes private visit to the Teatro Colón, one of the world’s most prestigious opera houses. Admire its breathtaking European-style architecture and century-old history as you explore its workshops and the majestic main hall, which has hosted opera legends from around the globe. Recoleta, the “Paris of South America,” is home to posh hotels, lavish houses, trees and parks.

Visit the world-famous Recoleta Cemetery, called Argentina’s most exclusive patch of real estate. The nation’s famous and infamous are housed in this incredible City of the Dead, 14 acres dotted with over 6,400 statues, mausoleums and crypts.

*Note: you may see these sights in a different order than listed above. (Moderate)

Transfer to the InterContinental Buenos Aires, a deluxe, centrally located hotel.

Make your own plans for lunch and explore the city at your leisure this afternoon. The Gohagan Travel Hospitality Desk stands ready with restaurant and sightseeing recommendations.

This evening, gather with the group for an included dinner at a local venue.

Buenos Aires | Return to Home City

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then check out. (Your luggage will be securely stored until your airport transfer.)

Today, spend the day at your leisure. Make your own plans and enjoy lunch (and dinner, depending on your flight departure time) on your own. If your flight is later in the day, a hospitality room will be available to you.

Transfer to the airport (EZE) for your overnight flight home.

Arrive in Home City