WONDERS OF SOUTH AMERICA AND THE AMAZON

Luxury Hosted Cruise & Tour with Fiona & Gary Butchart
November 16 - December 18, 2011

This incredible 33 day cruise and tour features four nights in awe-inspiring Rio de Janeiro, b reathtaking Iguazu Falls, a 16 day South America cruise on Holland America's MS Veendam departing Rio, (with an overnight on the ship in Buenos Aries ) and arriving in Santiago, Chile.  We will have two days in Santiago, then fly to Cusco, Peru - the Imperial City of the Incas and Machu Picchu one of the most magical and enigmatic ancient sites of the world - and end with four days in the Amazon!  

This is going to be an amazing trip!  You will come back from South America knowing you have done it all!  Our pricing for the whole package, including airfare from Vancouver will start at US$9,999.00 per person (including all taxes, except some airport departure fees and for minimum group of 16 passengers).

Fiona & Gary Butchart

Testimonial

"Well, let me tell you - we had the time of our lives due to absolutely everything being done right!.

The Accommodations - absolutely superb - in Rio - The Hotel Excelsior Copacabana, in Iguaza - The Hotel Bourbon Cataratas, in Buenos Aires - The Regal Pacific, in Santiago - The Hotel Bonaparte, in Cuzco - an absolute palace, The Libertador Cusco Hotel in Machu Picchu - The Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel -exceptional, in Iquitos - the Dorado Plaza, and at Ceiba Tops.

All of these way above expectations in style, service, food and all other ways.

The Ship - The Star Princess was a delight to travel on - the stateroom with balcony, the food, the service and the extra effort made by all to make sure we enjoyed it - although we were in pretty rough seas at times, the ship handled it well.  Also, the tours on shore were very good, even though we didn't sign up ahead of time.  It was suggested that some tours could be arranged on shore and that was certainly the case.

Machu Picchu - absolutely a marvel, Bev and I went up both days and probably would have gone another time had a 3rd day been scheduled.  Fiona and Gary climbed Machu Picchu mountain - nice to be young!

The Amazon Jungle - great time!  We enjoyed it all - very informative - full of adventure and fun.

But - the best of all - Fiona and Gary and the group we became close friends with - the 22 of us became like one big family, each wanting the best for each other and the whole group.  Bev had dizzy spells after landing in Rio - Doctor George to the rescue and Sophie with a neck massage - she felt much better after a rest, but the caring of the group was heart-warming and seemed to set the tone, I think, established by Fiona and Gary all throughout the trip.  We never felt pressured to join into everything and there was enough free time to create a little space that you need from time to time.  But, the times we had together were all fun with great guides at all stops.  I don't know how these two arranged everything so well, but Bev and I have never, and I mean never, had a long exciting trip go so smoothly.  We will look forward to our next trip with Fiona and Gary."

About Your Hosts:

CruisePlus’ hosts Gary and Fiona have escorted nearly 200 guests to Australia, New Zealand, South America and Antarctica on their hosted trips. Each tour has been personally designed and chosen by Gary and Fiona to reflect their twin passions for new adventures and culturally immersive experiences.

Fiona was born in Napier, New Zealand, and after 8 years of traveling, moved to Nanaimo, B.C. in 1994. Gary and Fiona met in auspicious circumstances; he was her sky-diving instructor! The fact that they were thrown together in such a way resulted in an intense emotional bond….HAH, I digress! This isn’t a romance novel…but it was a great beginning to a relationship for two people who have adventurous souls. In 2007, Fi married Gary Butchart and this dynamic duo has been on a travel kick ever since!

Fiona has been a full-time travel consultant with CruisePlus for over 7 years, and brings extensive experience in the hospitality industry. She was formerly the Manager/Owner of Nanaimo’s world-famous Bungy Zone, where she honed her sense of adventure. Some of her interests continue to be biking, hiking, acting, singing, wine, horse riding…and her family.

Before owning his own sky-diving company, Gary owned his own firm and worked as a Civil Engineer. He currently owns his own contracting company, but still loves to sky-dive, scuba dive, mountain bike, run (he’s done 12 marathons), play poker…and travel to have fun! Fiona and Gary are both very sociable and gracious hosts, who seek to give each of their guests a superlative travel experience. They value the life-long friendships they have gained from their hosted tours and are always on the lookout for both new adventures… and new friends!

ITINERARY (subject to change):

WED 16 NOV 2011
FLY VANCOUVER TO RIO DE JANEIRO - DEPARTING 8:45AM

THU 17 NOV 2011      
ARRIVE RIO DE JANEIRO 10:50AM
Welcome to Brazil. Upon arrival in Rio you will be met by our local representative for transfer to your Copacabana hotel.  The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.
Accommodation: HOTEL EXCELSIOR COPACABANA or similar – 3 nights 

FRI 18 NOV 2011         
FULL DAY CORCOVADO & SUGAR LOAF TOUR (BL)
Lunch will be served at Porcao Ipanema.

SAT 19 NOV 2011  
RIO DE JANEIRO  (BD)
Day at leisure. Platforma dinner and show this evening.

SUN 20 NOV 2011        
FLY RIO DE JANEIRO TO IGUAZU (B)
This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Iguazu Falls. 
On arrival you will be met and transferred to your accommodation before your afternoon tour. Half day tour of the Brazilian side of the falls. 
Accommodation: HOTEL BOURBON CATARATAS or similar – 1 night 

MON 21 NOV 2011 (B)
Half day tour of the Argentinean side of the falls. Following your tour you will be transferred across the border to the Brazilian airport for your return flight to Rio.  
On arrival you will be met and transferred to your Copacabana hotel. 
Accommodation: HOTEL EXCELSIOR COPACABANA or similar – 1 night  

TUE 22 NOV 2011        
RIO DE JANEIRO DEPARTURE TO MS VEENDAM (B)
Check out and transfer from your hotel to the cruise terminal to board your cruise ship.

CRUISE ITINERARY

THU 08 DEC 2011        
VALPARAISO ARRIVAL BY CRUISESHIP (LD)
Upon disembarking the Veendam, you will be met by our local representative for transfer
to your hotel in Santiago via the wine valleys.
Accommodation: HOTEL GALERIAS or similar – 2 nights 

FRI 09 DEC 2011         
SANTIAGO CITY TOUR (BD)
Afternoon free at leisure. This evening you will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to a local restaurant for a dinner and show.

SAT 10 DEC 2011        
FLY SANTIAGO TO CUSCO, PERU (BD)
This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Cusco via Lima. 
On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel where dinner is included.
Accommodation: LIBERTADOR CUSCO or similar – 2 nights 

SUN 11 DEC 2011        
CUSCO CITY TOUR AND NEARBY RUINS (BD)
Dinner and show at Tunupa Restaurant.

MON 12 DEC 2011
CUSCO TO MACHU PICCHU (BLD)
Via Vistadome train and guided tour of the Incan ruins.
Accommodation: SUMAQ HOTEL or similar – 1 night 

TUE 13 DEC 2011      
MACHU PICCHU TO CUSCO  (BD)
Free morning to re-explore Machu Picchu on your own or visit the town of Aquas
Calientes.  In the afternoon you will board the Vistadome train for your return journey
to Cusco with your guide.
Accommodation: LIBERTADOR CUZCO or similar – 1 night 

WED 14 DEC 2011
FLY CUSCO TO IQUITOS (B)
This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Iquitos via Lima. 
On arrival you will be met and transferred to your Iquitos hotel. 
Accommodation: DORADO PLAZA or similar – 1 night 

THU 15 DEC 2011        
IQUITOS TO AMAZON (BLD)
Brief city orientation and transfer to the Explorama dock. Afternoon hike in the rainforest.
Accommodation: CEIBA TOPS or similar – 3 nights 

FRI 16 DEC 2011
AMAZON (BLD)
Morning boat ride, spotting for dolphins, visit to Indian village & Afternoon walking excursion to the neighboring town of Indiana.

SAT 17 DEC 2011        
AMAZON (BLD)
Canopy Walkway experience.

SUN 18 DEC 2011        
AMAZON/LIMA/VANCOUVER  (BL)
Your choice of morning walking or boating excursion to further enjoy the rainforest and Amazon River. Afternoon transfer to the airport for your flight back to Vancouver, arriving 19 December.

From $9,999 USD
Includes Taxes, Airfare from Vancouver & All Transfers.

*Brazilian Visa is required and NOT included in pricing.

*Yellow Fever Vaccination Required

**Prices are per person based on double occupancy.