Multi-Country Landmark Tours Holidays
Travel in luxury from Rio to the Antarctic Peninsula
23 Night Itinerary from £20,786
Peninsula Tour
Explore Rio de Janeiro, the Iguassu Falls, Buenos Aires stay in top luxury hotels and cruise to Antarctica aboard the ground-breaking Greg Mortimer expedition cruise ship.
Select your Preferred Departure Date OR Default to Today's Date
Tour Route
- Rio de Janeiro - 4 Nights
- Iguassu Falls - 2 Nights
- Buenos Aires - 4 Nights
- Ushuaia - 1 Night
- Greg Mortimer Spirit of Antarctica Cruise - 10 Nights
- Return to Buenos Aires - 2 Nights
Travel Highlights
- Fly Business Class with British Airways
- Departing from the UK: 29 Dec 2023, 16, Oct, 1, 11 Nov and 26 Dec 2024
- Enjoy the wonderful cosmopolitan cities of Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires
- Observe awe-inspiring Iguassu Falls from the Brazilian and Argentine sides
- Explore Ushuaia and take a catamaran cruise exploring the Beagle Channel
- Sail to Antarctic on the stunning, new, Greg Mortimer expedition cruise ship
- With only 120 guests, enjoy more time ashore in Antarctica compared to large cruise ships
- Staying in a superior stateroom on board Greg Mortimer
- Drinks with meals, plus superb lectures and on board activities
- Explore the icy landscapes, with sheltered bays, huge glaciers and icebergs
- Encounter penguins, sea birds, seals and whales on daily excursions ashore
This itinerary can be tailored to your preferences by our specialist advisors, who can provide a guaranteed price based on your choice of route, duration, flights, hotels, transport and excursions.
Tour Itinerary
Rio de Janeiro - 4 Nights
Day 1 - Overnight business class flight to Rio de Janeiro
Day 2 - Arrive in Rio de Janeiro
Day 3 - Guided city tour
Day 4 - Optional excursions
Day 5 - At leisure
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Saturday, 21 September 2024
Fly to Rio de Janeiro
Depart the UK on an overnight Business Class flight with British Airways to Rio de Janeiro.
Sunday, 22 September 2024
Arrive in Rio de Janeiro
Arrive in Rio de Janeiro in the morning. On arrival, you will be met by our guide and transferred to the Fairmont Copacabana hotel for a 4-night stay including accommodation and breakfast. Your guide will also provide a short introduction and orientation to the local area.
Monday, 23 September 2024
Guided tour of Rio
This morning, your guide will meet you at your hotel to take you on an in-depth tour of this most exhilarating and historic city.
Tuesday, 24 September 2024
Optional excursions in Rio
Today you are free to enjoy Rio at your own pace. Perhaps head for Ipanema beach or a coffee in cosmopolitan Leblon. Our guide can also arrange optional excursions, depending on your interests.
Wednesday, 25 September 2024
At leisure
Your final day in Rio to enjoy as you please.
Fairmont Copacabana
Rio de Janeiro - Luxury Hotel
Located by Copacabana Beach with views of Sugar Loaf Mountain, the Fairmont Rio de Janeiro, Copacabana is one of the top luxury hotels in Rio. The hotel has been inspired by the glamour carioca in the 1950's, with elegant and stylish public areas and guest rooms.
The hotel has two swimming pools, a spa, sauna, fitness centre and bars. The restaurant offers breathtaking ocean views, with the freshest seafood and premium meats grilled in a Josper charcoal over, lending the dishes a lightly and unique smoky aroma.
There are 375 air-conditioned double or twin rooms, with 52 suites decorated in blue tones inspired in the colours of Copacabana sea, offering generous comfort and the best view of the wonderful city. In total, there are 10 room categories all with private bathroom and balcony. Gold Rooms offer a private lounge and exclusive services.
The central location of the Fairmont Rio means it is perfect for either guided or independent sightseeing explorations.
Iguassu Falls - 2 Nights
Day 6 - Fly to the Iguassu Falls
Day 7 - Exploring the Iguassu Falls
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Thursday, 26 September 2024
Fly to the Iguassu Falls
Transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Foz do Iguassu, where you will be met by our guide and transfer to the Belmond Das Cataratas Hotel for a 2-night stay including breakfast. The hotel is located closest to the waterfalls, so it is easily step onto the start of trails and explore this incredible sight from your hotel.
Friday, 27 September 2024
Exploring the Iguassu Falls
A further day to enjoy the wonderful ambiance and facilities of the Das Cataratas Hotel and further explore the Iguassu Falls.
Hotel das Cataratas
Iguassu Falls - Luxury Hotel
The iconic Belmond Hotel das Cataratas is the only hotel located overlooking the Iguassu Falls within the National Park. Restored to its original 1950s charm, the hotel’s hacienda-style exterior is matched by its warm, inviting interior design. The Hotel das Cataratas is a very special place to stay.
Public areas include a large swimming pool, the Ipe Grill, Itaipa Restarurant, Bar Taroba, shops, fitness centre, tennis courts and a beautiful spa.
The elegantly furnished rooms are either junior suites (35m2) or Cataratas suites (65m2). All are air-conditioned, with private bathroom, living room, minibar, TV and luxury toiletries.
The hotel has extensive and beautiful gardens, from where you can walk directly to the falls at your leisure. There are several activities available including helicopter rides over the falls, guided walks in the early morning, during the day or at night and birdwatching tours. For the more adventurous, white water rafting is great fun.
The rates are on a room and breakfast basis.
Buenos Aires - 4 Nights
Day 8 - Fly to Buenos Aires
Day 9 - Guided tour of Buenos Aires
Day 10 - Optional excursions
Day 11 - At leisure
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Saturday, 28 September 2024
Fly to Buenos Aires
Today enjoy exploring the Iguazu Falls from the Argentine side. Don't miss the chance to walk to the giant u-shaped cascade at Devil's Throat. In late afternoon, transfer to the airport and fly to Buenos Aires. Our guide will transfer you the stunning Legado Mitico Hotel for a 4-night stay including breakfast.
Sunday, 29 September 2024
Guided tour of Buenos Aires
This morning enjoy a guided tour of Buenos Aires, named the “Paris of South America” for its turn of the century French architecture. We visit La Boca, with its brightly coloured houses, the cathedral, the Recoleta area and the Presidential Palace, with its famous balcony where successive leaders have made appearances. Optional dinner and tango show in the evening.
Monday, 30 September 2024
Optional excursions
Today you are free to explore Buenos Aires on your own, or choose from a number of optional tours and excursions: tango classes; traditional bars and cafes of San Telmo; Colon Theatre; Evita & Peronism tour; art in Buenos Aires; Argentine Dinner experience; Buenos Aires' Jewish heritage; hidden Buenos Aires; underground tunnels of Buenos Aires; the life and times of Diego Maradona; estancias of the Pampa; Delta del Tigre day trip; day trip across the Rio Plata to Uruguay.
Tuesday, 01 October 2024
At leisure
Your final day to explore and enjoy this delightful and fashionable city.
Legado Mitico
Buenos Aires - First Boutique
In Palermo Viejo a neighbourhood with an interesting past and an avant-garde present we find the Legado Mitico hotel, ideal for those who seek the authentic & sophisticated. Eleven ensuite rooms with air conditioned, LCD TV, minibar, and safe. There is a jacuzzi and solarium and internet access.
Ushuaia - 1 Night
Day 12 - Fly to Ushuaia
- Full Description
Wednesday, 02 October 2024
Fly to Ushuaia
Transfer to the airport and fly to Ushuaia. On arrival, check into your hotel for a 1-night stay including breakfast. The rest of the day is free to explore Ushuaia.
Greg Mortimer Spirit of Antarctica Cruise - 10 Nights
Day 13 - Ushuaia & embark Greg Mortimer
Day 14 - Drake Passage Crossing
Day 15 - Drake Passage & South Shetland Islands
Day 16 - Antarctic Peninsula
Day 17 - Antarctic Peninsula
Day 18 - Antarctic Peninsula
Day 19 - Antarctic Peninsula
Day 20 - Antarctic Peninsula
Day 21 - Drake Passage Crossing
Day 22 - Drake Passage Crossing
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Thursday, 03 October 2024
Ushuaia & Embarkation
Your morning is at leisure to explore Ushuaia.
Join an included afternoon catamaran cruise, and sail the Beagle Channel, towards the city’s iconic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse. Crossing the Bridges Archipelago we’ll slow down to watch colonies of sea lions and imperial cormorants sun themselves on the rocky outcrops, while gulls, rock cormorants, skuas, petrels, albatrosses and cauquenes are often sighted. Our cruise offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountain range, in addition to hearing tales of the people and communities of the region.
Later, transfer to the port and embark the Greg Mortimer for your expedition cruise to Antarctica. Settle into your stateroom. We set sail south along the Beagle Channel.
Friday, 04 October 2024
Drake Passage Crossing
As we commence the Drake Passage crossing, we make the most of our time getting comfortable with the motions of the sea. Our expedition team prepare you for our first landing with important wildlife guidelines and biosecurity procedures and start our lecture program to help you learn more about Antarctica’s history, wildlife and environment.
Our wildlife experiences begin as we enjoy watching and photographing the many seabirds, including majestic albatrosses and giant petrels following our vessel. On sea days, you can enjoy the facilities on board the vessel including the gym, sauna and jacuzzis or relax in one of the observation lounges.
Saturday, 05 October 2024
Drake Passage and South Shetland Islands
Nearing the South Shetland Islands and the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula on day four, the excitement is palpable with everyone converging on one of the observation decks, watching for our first iceberg. The ocean takes on a whole new perspective once we are below the Antarctic Convergence and are surrounded by the surreal presence of floating ice sculptures. The memory of your first big iceberg sighting is likely to remain with you for a lifetime. Weather permitting, we may attempt our first landing in Antarctica by late afternoon.
Sunday, 06 October 2024
Antarctic Peninsula
It’s almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in Antarctica. Spotting your first iceberg and taking a deep breath of some of the most fresh, crisp air on earth is an experience that will stay with you forever.
Once we arrive, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands are ours to explore, and we have a host of choices available to us. Because we are so far south, we will experience approximately 18-24 hours of daylight and the days can be as busy as you wish.
Monday, 07 October 2024
Antarctic Peninsula
Your experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities.
We generally make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day. You’ll want to rug up before joining Zodiac cruises along spectacular ice cliffs or among grounded icebergs, keeping watch for whales, seals and porpoising penguins. Zodiacs will also transport you from the ship to land, where you can visit penguin rookeries, discover historic huts and explore some of our favourite spots along the peninsula.
Tuesday, 08 October 2024
Antarctic Peninsula
While ashore we aim to stretch our legs, wandering along pebbly beaches or perhaps up snow-covered ridgelines to vantage points with mountains towering overhead and ice-speckled oceans below. If you have chosen an optional activity, you’ll have the option to do that whenever conditions allow, and of course keen polar plungers will have the chance to fully immerse themselves in polar waters - conditions permitting!
Wednesday, 09 October 2024
Antarctic Peninsula
In addition to Zodiac cruises and shore excursions, we may ship cruise some of the narrow, dramatic straits separating offshore islands from the mainland, or linger in scenic bays to watch whales travelling or feeding. This is a great time to enjoy the observation lounge or make your way to the bridge for uninterrupted views of Antarctica in all its splendour. Keep an ear out for the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as they carve their way from summit to sea, and take a quiet moment to experience the wonder of this incredible white continent.
Thursday, 10 October 2024
Antarctic Peninsula
Your final day to explore the wild and wonderful white continent.
Friday, 11 October 2024
Drake Passage Crossing
Enjoy a final morning landing in the South Shetland Islands before we re-enter the Drake Passage for our return journey to South America.
With lectures and film presentations to complete our Antarctic experience, there is still plenty of time to enjoy the magic of Southern Ocean and the life that calls it home. There is time for reflection and discussion about what we have seen and experienced, and the impact this voyage has had on our attitude to life.
Saturday, 12 October 2024
Drake Passage Crossing
As we approach the tip of South America, our Captain may sail close to legendary Cape Horn, weather and time permitting.
Greg Mortimer
Antarctica Cruises - Luxury Expedition Ship
The Greg Mortimer expedition ship was launched in November 2019, redefining the boundaries of expedition cruising & responsible travel. On average between 120-132 guest capacity, the vessel is purpose designed by our expedition team; offering guests the ultimate basecamp for exploration. This is the first vessel in the industry to feature the streamlined X-bow hull design, which has made the vessel some 60% more fuel efficient, with up to an 80% reduction in emissions compared to our previous ship. The X-bow design has significantly reduced vessel motion (and seasickness by around 50%), and we can maintain full speed even in choppy seas - allowing us more time in the destination for exploration.
Expedition specialists make sure each and every one of our expeditions is smooth and memorable. Many of them are recognised for their extensive knowledge in their respective fields, are passionate about the natural environment and sharing their knowledge with passengers.
Through informal onboard talks, presentations and one-to-one conversations, our experts enrich your clients’ experience by creating a greater understanding about the ecosystems they’ll encounter.
The team includes:
• Expedition Leaders
• Naturalists (wildlife experts)
• Historians
• Scientists
• Activity Guides
• Photography Guides
• Doctors
Return to Buenos Aires - 2 Nights
Day 23 - Fly to Buenos Aires
Day 24 - Buenos Aires
Day 25 - Fly back to the UK
Day 26 - Arrive in the UK
- Full Description
Sunday, 13 October 2024
Fly to Buenos Aires
Disembark the Greg Mortimer after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. On arrival, transfer to the Legado Mitico for your 2-nights in South America.
Monday, 14 October 2024
Buenos Aires
Enjoy your final day in Buenos Aires.
Tuesday, 15 October 2024
Fly back to the UK
Morning at leisure. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your overnight business class flight back to the UK.
Wednesday, 16 October 2024
Arrive in the UK
Arrive back in the UK in the morning.
Price Guidelines
Season | Low Season | High Season |
---|---|---|
Travel Dates | 16 Oct, 1, 11 Nov 2024 | 29 Dec 2023, 26 Dec 2024 |
Room Arrangement | Deluxe | Deluxe |
Multiple Travellers - Twin Room | £20,786 | £23,220 |
Prices are a guideline and per person. Please request a quote for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.
What's Included
- 26 Days/23 Nights
- International flights (2 overnights)
- Internal flights
- All transport as described
- Accommodation as shown on the itinerary
- 7-night Antarctica Expedition Cruise aboard Greg Mortimer in a superior stateroom
- All meals & excursions on the cruise
- Beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner on the cruise
- Captain's farewell reception
- A 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket and rubber boots for shore landings
- All port fees on the cruise
- Excursions listed, all with expert, English-speaking guides
Speak with a Specialist
Travel Enquiries
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