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

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 | DISEMBARK

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.

Disembark in Rio de Janeiro and transfer to the airport for the return flight