The Historic Coast of South America: A Voyage from the Rio Plata to the Amazon

Day 1 BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA | EMBARK

Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital, and transfer to the port to embark on Clelia II. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or to explore Buenos Aires on your own. Enjoy a welcome cocktail reception and overnight aboard docked in Buenos Aires.

Day 2 BUENOS AIRES

Built on the basin of the River Plata, Buenos Aires is a city of elegant architecture, wide boulevards, spacious parks and plazas, and museums, as well as smart cafes and shops. A tour features the Recoleta Cemetery, known for its extraordinary architecture; Plaza de Mayo; the Cathedral; San Telmo, the city’s oldest neighborhood, with an aura of romance and tango; and the La Boca district, the historical Little Italy of Buenos Aires. Overnight aboard docked in Buenos Aires.

Day 3 COLONIA, URUGUAY

Sail in the morning across the Rio Plata to Uruguay’s Colonia, an exquisite old town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in 1680, Colonia’s historic district includes quaint narrow streets lined with well-preserved colonial buildings, and graceful squares. The Municipal Museum, housed in the mansion of Almirante Brown, houses archaeological and natural history items. Explore this charming town and then sail a long Uruguay’s coast to Montevideo.

Day 4 MONTEVIDEO

Call at Uruguay’s cosmopolitan capital of Montevideo, home to half of the country’s population. On the banks of the Rio de la Plata, Montevideo was once a major port city and a Spanish military fortress. It remains the center of foreign trade, banking, and culture today. A city tour concentrates on the historic old town, with its narrow streets, outdoor markets, and European colonial architecture.

Day 5 PUNTA DEL ESTE

In Punta del Este, one of South America’s most famous resorts, visit the Ralli Museum, which houses contemporary Latin-American art, and the handicraft center. Also see the colonial buildings in nearby Maldonado.

Days 6-7 AT SEA

Day 8 PARANAGUA, BRAZIL

From Paranagua, take the train to the inland town of Curitiba, via Brazil’s most spectacular rail journey, glimpsing high peaks, deep gorges and waterfalls en route. Curitiba is one of Brazil’s loveliest towns, with shaded squares and distinctive architecture.

Day 9 SANTOS | SAO PAULO | ITATINGA

From Santos, travel to dynamic Sao Paulo. Discover the city’s historic buildings, contemporary architecture and its Museu de Arte. Enjoy free time on the famous Avenida Paulista, perhaps exploring its elegant cafes and boutiques. Alternatively, spend the day in Santos, Brazil’s most important port and the center of the country’s coffee exports. Among its sights are 17th-century churches, the coffee exchange, and the Orchid Garden. In the nearby village of Itatinga, see one of Brazil’s remaining coastal forests, which is home to a rich biodiversity. Also, enjoy a swim in one of Santos’s inviting beaches.

Days 10-11 RIO DE JANEIRO

Beautifully situated between lush mountains and the sea, Rio—the Cidade Maravilhosa (“Marvelous City”)—is undoubtedly one of the world’s most impressive metropolises. Take the cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain where breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding bay await you at the summit. Then, board the funicular for a ride up Corcovado Peak, crowned by the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer, which overlooks Rio and the sea. The ride leads through the beautiful Parque Nacional de Tijuca, a lush tropical forest with numerous species of flowers, trees and birds.

Days 12-13 AT SEA

Enjoy views from the observation deck and attend lectures aboard Clelia II.

Day 14 SALVADOR

Brazil’s former capital for more than 200 years, Salvador remains one of the country’s architectural treasures and cultural highlights. The city’s historic district contains some of the most important colonial architecture in the Americas, earning Salvador inclusion as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its maze of streets and elegant squares lined with pastel mansions, imposing churches, artists’ workshops and antique shops. Visit several of the city’s historic buildings including the late 17th-century Baroque Cathedral, whose plain exterior masks one of the most exuberant Rococo interiors of any church in Brazil, and the Church of Sao Francisco (mid-18th century), with its beautiful white and blue tiled walls and opulent cedar woodcarvings covered with gold leaf. Also visit Solar do Unhao, a 16th-century architectural gem, whose main building houses Salvador’s Museum of Modern Art. In addition, there is a lovely sculpture garden, offering magnificent views of the Bay and Salvador, where we will enjoy cocktails and a private presentation of the capoeira, the region’s famous dance.

Day 15 MACEIÓ

Arrive in the afternoon in Maceió, founded in the late 18th century as a center of sugar cultivation. The old Governor’s Palace houses the Pierre Chalita Foundation, which exhibits paintings and religious art, while the 19th-century Bom Jesus dos Mártires church is covered with interesting tiles. Outside the city, you may wish to visit the attractive colonial town of Marechal Deodoro, or relax and swim at one of the tranquil beaches Maceió is known for.

Day 16 RECIFE | OLINDA | RECIFE

Call at the port of Recife, a colony founded by the Dutch in 1637. Tour the town’s principal monuments, including the 17th-century Golden Chapel and the City Museum, housed in the former Dutch Fort of Five Points. Continue to Olinda, the old capital of Pernambuco and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After touring Olinda’s historic landmarks, return to Recife to reboard Clelia II.

Day 17 NATAL

Morning arrival in Natal, one of the most attractive cities on the northeast coast of Brazil, built on a peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and the Potengi River. Discover a different aspect of Brazil by surveying the coast’s remarkable sand dunes, including the Moving Dunes of Genipabu. Following a short ferry ride across the Potengi River, four-person dune buggies will transport you through the dunes, providing unforgettable views of this natural wonder and the ocean beyond. Our excursion concludes with an opportunity to swim at beautiful Gracandu Beach. After lunch aboard, explore Natal’s old section, which is concentrated around the riverfront Ribeira district. Here, picturesque buildings have been beautifully restored to their original art deco style. After a tour of the city, enjoy time at leisure before sailing in the evening.

Day 18 FORTALEZA

Call at Fortaleza to tour the city’s historic district, which dates back to the 17th century. Included are the Fortaleza (Fort), built by the Dutch in 1649; the Jose de Alencar Theater, a magnificent neoclassical iron structure that also houses an art gallery and a library; the 18th-century Nossa Senhora de Rosario Church; the Museum of Popular Art; and the Central Market.

Day 19 AT SEA

Relax and enjoy the amenities aboard Clelia II as we sail along the coast of Brazil.

Day 20 SAO LUIS

Sao Luis is one of Brazil’s most charming colonial cities. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sao Luis is the only settlement in Brazil founded by the French (1612), later coming under the control of the Portuguese. Beautifully situated on an island between two rivers, Sao Luis is notable for its well-preserved colonial architecture. Explore the city’s historic center where elegant mansions with azulejos (tiles) line narrow streets. Visit the Cathedral da Se, built in 1629; the Leoes Palace, originally a 17th-century fortress; the magnificent Artur Azevedo Theater; the Desterro church, notable for its facade; and other historic landmarks. In the evening, there will be a show of local music and dances aboard ship.

Day 21 AT SEA

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea. Attend lectures by our study leaders as Clelia II cruises along Brazil’s coast.

Day 22 BELEM | DISEMBARK

Disembark in Belem and transfer to the airport for return flights.