Cape Horn/Strait of Magellan Cruise - Itinerary
Journey through South America’s most exciting cities, from Chile’s fjords and glaciers to Brazil’s sun-drenched beaches. In Rio de Janeiro, visit the remarkable Christ Redeemer statue, recently named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. In Buenos Aires, a passionate city that never sleeps, see Casa Rosada (Pink House), the shocking pink Presidential Palace with the world-famous balcony on which Evita Peron stood. In Montevideo, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and white sandy beaches.
At the Falkland Islands, explore the 19th-century sailing ships and wrecks abandoned over the years. Round the extreme southern tip of South America, Cape Horn, and gaze in awe at the rugged beauty of this craggy, massive rocky point that was the bane of early explorers. Visit the “town at the end of the world” – Ushuaia, Argentina –the last stop before the frozen continent of Antarctica. Aboard your luxury cruise ship, use your days at sea to browse world-class collections of art and antiques, shop in duty-free boutiques, enjoy gourmet cooking demonstrations and interactive classes, exercise in the state-of-the-art fitness center, and more!
The sequence of touring and days may be altered to adjust to religious holidays, special closings of sites, air schedule changes, etc. Hotels listed subject to availability. Meal inclusions may vary by departure.
Day 1 - Depart USA
We depart the US today for our overnight flight to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (meals aloft)
Day 2 - Arrive Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Upon arrival in Rio de Janeiro, we transfer to our hotel and have the remainder of the day at leisure. (meals aloft)
Day 3 - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
This morning we check out of our hotel and enjoy a half day of touring in and around Rio de Janeiro. A highlight will be a visit to the Christ Redeemer statue, recently named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Following our tour we transfer to the pier to board our ship. Once on board, take some time to unpack and settle in before exploring your home for the next 16 nights. We sail this evening. (B,D)
Day 4 - At Sea
Participate in your choice of on-board activities: browse the world-class collection of art and antiques, shop in duty-free boutiques, relax in a hot tub, enjoy a gourmet cooking demonstration and interactive class, exercise in a state-of-the-art fitness center, or pamper yourself in the spa; and at mealtimes take advantage of the ship's variety of dining options. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - At Sea (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Buenos Aires, Argentina
Arrive in port early this morning in this sophisticated city, birthplace of the tango, where an intoxicating mix of European glamour and Latin energy is found. A short flight away, astonishing Iguazu Falls - many times more mighty than Niagara - roars in the jungle. Take advantage of our overnight stay in port here to discover all that this lively city has to offer. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Buenos Aires, depart 9pm
Following a second day in Buenos Aires, we once again set sail this evening and continue our journey south. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Montevideo, Uruguay 8am/6pm
Friendly and genteel, Montevideo honors colonial customs: long lunches, siestas, and high tea. Visit nearby Colonia del Sacramento, the oldest city in Uruguay (ca. 1680) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, often used as a backdrop for historical films. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - At Sea (B,L,D)
Day 10 - At Sea (B,L,D)
Day 11 - Falkland Islands, 8am/5pm
The ship docks at the capital city of Stanley, where you find Scotland under the Southern Cross: moorlands, pubs, red phone booths, sheep ranches, a "cuppa tea..." plus plenty of penguins - gentoo, Magellanic and king! Journey inland for a farm visit to see how a local family uses skilled sheep dogs and island-bred horses, milks their own cows, makes their own bread, butter and cream, and uses the traditional peat fuel. (B,L,D)
Day 12 - Scenic cruising, Cape Horn
Magellan's fleet first circled this massive, treacherous rock at continent's end, and until the Panama Canal was constructed, this was the main shipping route from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Enjoy your cruise 'round the Horn that is, for sailors, a true rite of passage. (B,L,D)
Day 13 - Ushuaia, Argentina, 7am/3pm
The southernmost town in the world and capital of the province of Tierra del Fuego, Ushuaia is dominated by peaks on three sides and, on the fourth, the bountiful Beagle Channel, home to sea lion rookeries, Antarctic fur seals, and king crab. The Cockburn Channel offers breathtaking views of Romanche, Alemania, Francia and Italia glaciers. (B,L,D)
Day 14 - Punta Arenas, Chile, 7am/8pm
This remote town, pioneered by Yugoslav settlers and sheep ranchers, sits on rolling hills overlooking the Strait of Magellan. Travel to famous Torres del Paine National Park to admire the three imposing granite towers (torres) reaching over 10,000 feet, and incredible vistas of glaciers, lakes, and wild rivers. (B,L,D)
Day 15 - Scenic cruising
The west side of the Sarmiento Canal in Chile is flanked by Madre de Dios Island, with towering limestone peaks. Icy blue Amalia Glacier is home to penguins and seabirds. (B,L,D)
Day 16 - Scenic cruising
Fjords more spectacular than those in Norway or Alaska? See them here in the Darwin Channel along the southern coastline of Chile, a lacy 1,000-mile maze of virgin-forested islands, glistening glaciers and more fjords than in all of Scandinavia. (B,L,D)
Day 17 - Puerto Montt, Chile, 8am/6pm
Gateway to the scenic Lake District. Discover fragrant eucalyptus and pine forests, icy lakes, Bavarian hamlets and luminous snowcapped volcanoes in this area reminiscent of Germany's Black Forest region. (B,L,D)
Day 18 - At Sea (B,L,D)
Day 19 - Valparaiso (Santiago), Chile
A tangle of serpentine streets and steep hills define the city. We disembark this morning and travel through the countryside's famed vineyards to the nearby capital of Santiago. Here we enjoy the main sights of the city including La Moneda Presidential Palace, Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral and then we ride up San Cristobal hill for an amazing view. Following our tour we transfer to the airport for our overnight flight home. (B, meals aloft)
Day 20 - Return USA
We arrive in the States this morning and continue back to our hometown. (meals aloft)
