Splendours of South America

Fly from London (regional connections available) to Santiago with British Airways. (N)

Arrive and transfer to the Hotel Plaza San Francisco for a 2-night stay. Optional afternoon visit to a nearby winery. (N)

Morning city tour including the historic centre, San Cristobal hill and the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art. Afternoon at leisure. (B)

Fly to Punta Arenas for a short tour and views of the Strait of Magellan. Continue through the Patagonian wilderness to Puerto Natales. Overnight at Hotel Costaustralis (fjord-view room). (B)

Full-day excursion through the Torres del Paine National Park to see peaks, glacier lakes and Patagonian wildlife. Stay 2 nights at the Hotel Lago Grey (Superior room with glacier view). (B)

Morning walk in the national park, close to Lake Sarmiento and Amarga lagoon. Afternoon at leisure or optional excursions in the park. (B)

Cross the border to El Calafate in Argentina and stay 2 nights at the Hotel Kosten Aike. (B)

Full-day tour of Perito Moreno glacier. Optional boat trip in front of the gigantic glacier wall. (B)

Fly to Buenos Aires and transfer to the Brick Hotel / Alvear Art Hotel for 3 nights. (B)

Half-day tour of the elegant capital city and the colourful La Boca district. (B)

At leisure or optional excursion to an estancia in the Pampas or Colonia in Uruguay. (B)

Fly to Iguazú Falls† and transfer to Brazil for a 2- night stay at the luxurious Belmond Hotel das Cataratas within the park (upgrade to a deluxe falls-view room from £210). Guided visit to the Argentinian side of these striking falls and time at leisure to enjoy the panoramic views from your hotel. The cascades can be experienced while the park is closed to other visitors. (B)

Fly to Rio, set on a natural bay and surrounded by mountains. Stay at the Windsor California Hotel (Superior room) on Copacabana beach for 3 nights‡. Upgrade to an executive ocean-front room from £75 or to the Belmond Copacabana Palace from £195. (B)

Full-day city tour including Corcovado, the statue of Christ the Redeemer and a cable-car ride up Sugar Loaf mountain. Day 16 at leisure or optional excursions including a visit to the old centre of Rio or a 4x4 tour to Tijuca forest. (B)

Overnight flight to London with British Airways. Please enquire for supplements for day room use if required. Arrive in London the next day. (B) (N)