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Staggering natural beauty, exhilarating exploration and charming settlements await those who travel to South America or Peru and the Galapagos Islands with Tauck this year. Tauck's action-packed itineraries will see you dining with locals, glimpsing rare wildlife and enjoying panoramic views as you immerse yourself in the rich cultures of these exotic destinations.
Essence of South America
Commencing in the Chilean capital of Santiago, this 13-day itinerary will begin with a city tour followed by a private tasting excursion to the winemaking region of Maipo Valley. You'll then fly to Puerto Montt, and drive through enchanting Patagonia to Puerto Varas, with views of the Osorno Volcano.
A two-day crossing through the Andes will take you from Chile to Argentina, with opportunities to hike, cruise across lakes and horse ride. Arriving in Buenos Aires by plane, you'll spend three nights in this 'Paris of South America', famed for the Teatro Colon opera house, delicious steaks and impressive estancias (ranches). You'll be breath-taken by the dramatic Iguazu Falls, spanning both Argentina and Brazil, before flying to Rio de Janeiro. Spend two days in this fun-loving Brazilian capital, famed for its annual Carnival.
Departures are available from September to December 2009, with bookings starting at AU$8,635 per person, double occupancy.
Peru & Galapagos Islands
Experience the Galapagos Islands on this intimate journey from Lima, Peru to Guayaquil, Ecuador amongst just 40 other guests. Arriving in Lima, you'll spend the day sightseeing before dining at an historic mansion.
Discover the Sacred Valley of the Incas with a local guide and prepare to be amazed by the ruins of Machu Picchu, which you'll explore with a local guide. You'll also visit Cusco, the historic Incan capital, before flying to Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city. Another flight will take you to Baltra in the Galapagos Islands, where you'll embark the majestic Isabela II yacht and begin your cruise through this remarkable region.
As you navigate the Galapagos archipelago, you'll stop at North Seymour, Espanola, Santa Cruz, Tower, Isabela, Ferdinanda and Bartolme Islands. During the many shore excursions you'll have the opportunity to sight native fauna, including giant tortoises, rare bird species, sea lions and marine iguanas. Return to Guayaquil for a final day of sightseeing before you journey home.
Departures are available from June to October 2009, with bookings from AU$12,284 per person, double occupancy. Pricing for both cruises is based on a Land/Cruise Category C Cabin, and includes internal flights, accommodation, meals, touring with experienced Tauck tour guides and gratuities. AUD pricing has been calculated using an indicative exchange rate for USD of 0.74. This is subject to change and will be recalculated at time of final payment.
To obtain further information about Tauck or to make a booking, please contact Travel the World on 1300 766 566 or visit www.traveltheworld.com.au.
