Experience the best of Brazil, Argentina and Chile on a
fun-filled sightseeing adventure and bridge-playing
holiday hosted by Fred Theurkauf. Departing on October
21st, you’ll enjoy an 18-day panoramic tour highlighting
the best of South America beginning with three nights in
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, continuing with two nights on the
Brazilian side of spectacular Iguassu Falls, on to Buenos
Aires, Argentina for four nights, two nights in
Bariloche, a night on the Chilean side of the Andes in
Puerto Varas and finishing with four nights in Santiago,
Chile. Affluent and influential South American bridge
players will host us for truly lavish evenings of dinner
and bridge in Rio, Buenos Aires, Bariloche and Santiago.
From the spectacular setting of Rio to the thunderous
cataracts of Iguassu, from the colorful districts of
Buenos Aires to the vast pampas of the Argentinean
gauchos, from the alpine beauty of Bariloche to a
spectacular trek across the Andes, from sipping the best
wines of Chile to strolling the beautiful garden city of
Viña del Mar, we’ll do & see it all.
Dates: October 21 to November 7, 2004 - 18 days
Cost: $X,XXX.00 from Miami & Los Angeles
| Tour Schedule |
| Day 1 |
Depart USA |
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This evening we depart from the United States on Varig airlines, bound for South America’s flamboyant and festive city of Carnival—Rio de Janeiro.
Hotel: Hotel Emperador
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| Day 2 |
Arrive Rio de Janeiro |
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Famous Sugarloaf Mountain at dusk. |
Flanked by shimmering beaches, blue water and imposing mountains, the colorful city of Rio pulses to a distinctly Latin beat. Upon arrival, enjoy a leisurely tour of the city center—striking plazas, open-air cafes and the stunning cathedral. Then, ascend Rio’s landmark Sugar Loaf Mountain by cable car—1,200 feet of sheer rock at the entrance of Guanabara Bay. Breathtaking panoramas await with Rio’s skyscrapers framed by the glistening harbor on one side and Rio’s wide beaches on the other. This afternoon, relax at our hotel before joining Fred Theurkauf for our “Welcome to South America” Cocktail Party followed by a sumptuous dinner.
Hotel: Hotel Copacabana Palace
Meal(s): , Dinner
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| Day 3 |
Rio de Janeiro |
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Corcovado's "Christ the Redeemer" |
Ride Corocovado Mountain’s famous cogwheel train, climbing 2,400 feet above the city to the foot of Rio’s 125-foot statue of Christ the Redeemer that stands, arms outstretched, watching over this sprawling metropolis. On to Jardim Botanical Gardens, famous for its imperial palm trees, lakes and clusters of bamboo bushes.
Hotel: Hotel Copacabana Palace
Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
 This evening, we are guests of Brazilian players for our first special evening of dinner and duplicate in South America.
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| Day 4 |
Rio de Janeiro |
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Drive into the scenic mountains above Rio to Brazil’s “Imperial City”—Petropolis. Once the summer resort of the royal family, the city is home to elegant parks, stately homes and cobblestone streets travelled by horse-drawn carriages. Enjoy a savory lunch and visit the Imperial Museum and Cathedral Sao Pedro de Alcantara, with the tombs of Dom Pedro II, Dona Teresa and Princess Isabel. An unforgettable evening awaits tonight as we join for a Brazilian churrasco barbecue feast and an exciting Samba show at Plataforma I nightclub.
Hotel: Hotel Copacabana Palace
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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| Day 5 |
Rio - Iguassu Falls |
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Iguassu Falls |
This morning, fly to Foz de Iguassu. Meaning “Great Waters,” Iguassu Falls are more spectacular than Niagara Falls, more thunderous than Victoria Falls and larger than both. Two hundred and seventy-five cascades form a mile-and-a-half long crescent along the Brazil-Argentina border and plunge 300 feet into a gigantic horseshoe canyon. This afternoon, check into our hotel and enjoy a guided walk for an up-close look from the Brazilian side. Dine “al fresco” tonight within earshot of the mighty roar.
Hotel: Hotel das Cataratas
Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
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| Day 6 |
Iguassu Falls |
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Explore the Argentinian side of the falls by train with stops for splendid views of Upper Argentine Falls, San Martin Falls and famous Devil’s Throat Gorge. Lunch at Yacht Club Amambay and enjoy a free afternoon to enjoy activities on your own. Opt for a wild “Jungle Safari Jeep and Boat Ride,” a Helicopter Falls Adventure, a tour of Itaipu Dam, or a visit to Brazil’s renowned Foz Tropicana Bird Park.
Hotel: Hotel das Cataratas
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch
Join Dom Frederico for an evening of duplicate with just our own group at our hotel.
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| Day 7 |
Iguassu - Buenos Aires |
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Depart this morning on our Aerolineas Argentina flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina, city of broad boulevards, sidewalk cafes, mansions and monuments, where the past is easily forgotten under the spell of the city’s vitality and insistence on all things modern. After check-in, enjoy dinner at Lola Restaurant in the trendy Recoleta District with our group.
Hotel: Hotel Emperador
Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
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| Day 8 |
Buenos Aires |
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Explore the colorful districts of Buenos Aires |
Get acquainted with Buenos Aires—its landmark buildings, the garden district of Palermo, the colorful old quarters of San Telmo and the Recoleta cemetery where Eva Peron is entombed. This afternoon take a behind-the-scenes tour of Teatro Colón, embodying Buenos Aires’ past grandeur and civic pride. Enjoy a festive dinner and a spectacular presentation of the sensuous Tango at the famed Esquina Carlos Gardel.
Hotel: Hotel Emperador
Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
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| Day 9 |
Buenos Aires |
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Relax or explore this fascinating city on your own today. Enjoy plazas, parks and museums or spend time, as the Argentines do, in a café or a contiteria, solving the world’s problems over a chessboard and a cheap cortado.
Hotel: Hotel Emperador
Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Porteños charm us with gracious hospitality tonight as we are hosted for a special evening of dinner and bridge at Bridge Club Belgrano.
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| Day 10 |
Buenos Aires |
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Enjoy a day on the Argentina pampas |
Cross the vast treeless pampas for a visit to Estancia Los Patricios, a working ranch that blends traditional Gaucho methods with modern agriculture. Watch the colorful gauchos performing on their criollo horses as they have for centuries, absorb the atmosphere of the pampas, feast on savory Argentine beef and enjoy natives dancing in colorful gaucho dress.
Hotel: Hotel Emperador
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch
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| Day 11 |
Buenos Aires - Bariloche |
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Fly south to Bariloche, nestled in the foothills of the Argentine Andes amid deep blue lakes, towering mountains, glaciers and pine forests. Bariloche is breathtakingly beautiful with a Swiss alpine village ambience. Check-in at our hotel this afternoon and enjoy free time in this charming town.
Hotel: Eidelweiss Hotel
Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Argentinian-American night is planned for us at the Bariloche Bridge Club. Join Bariloche locals for an evening of dinner and bridge.
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| Day 12 |
Bariloche |
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Picturesque Lake Nahuel Huapi |
Enjoy Argentina’s picturesque Lake District today—Lago Moreno, Lago Nahuel Huapi, Lopez Bay and the Llao Llao Peninsula. Ride Cerro Campanerio’s chairlift for spectacular panoramic views of Nahuel Huapi National Park. Lunch is included at the famous Llao Llao Resort & Hotel, perched on the banks of Lake Nahuel Huapi.
Hotel: Eidelweiss Hotel
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch
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| Day 13 |
Andes Lake Crossing |
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Spectacular scenery during our Andes Lake Crossing |
“Too awe-inspiring to describe in words,” said one ecstatic Andes traveler. Our Andes crossing from Bariloche, Argentina to Puerto Varas, Chile is one of the most breathtaking mountain treks in the world. We begin by launch from Puerto Panuelo to Puerto Blest crossing Lago Naguel Huapi. From there, we cross Lago Alegre and Lago Frias to the Andean Continental Divide. After crossing the border of Chile, and lunching at Peulla Lodge, our final launch crosses Lago Todos Los Santos with scenic views of Isla Margarita Cerro Punteagudo, Cerro Tronador and Volcano Osorno. After our exciting trek, it’s a short ride to the quaint village of Puerto Varas for check-in & dinner at our lakeside hotel.
Hotel: Hotel Cabanas del Lago
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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| Day 14 |
Puerto Varas - Santiago |
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Enjoy spectacular views across the emerald green waters of Lake Llanquihue this morning. This afternoon, aboard our LanChile flight, rise above the clouds to fly along the spectacular Andes range to Chile’s capital city of Santiago. Dine together tonight at our hotel.
Hotel: Ritz Carlton
Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
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| Day 15 |
Santiago |
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Depart for Valparaiso, a city that outgrew its lowland confines a century ago and has since been connected to its outlying hilly residential areas via a maze of cable cars. Lunch in the historic harbor area before continuing our scenic adventure to the Chilean Riviera of Viña del Mar, dubbed the “Garden City.” Enjoy beautiful Quinta Vergara Park as well as Reñaca and Concon, Chile’s most fashionable resorts with sandy beaches and rocky cliffs.
Hotel: Ritz Carlton
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch
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| Day 16 |
Santiago |
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Colonial & modern architecture of Santiago |
Tour Santiago including the exclusive horse track Club Hipico, Plaza de Armas, the cathedral, Palacio de Moneda, plus panoramic views from San Cristobal Hill. This afternoon, enjoy lunch and world-renowned wines in the idyllic Chilean countryside at Viña Tarapaca Winery.
Hotel: Ritz Carlton
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Local players of Santiago have invited us to join them for a “Chile-USA” Bridge Night. A fun evening of dinner, bridge and hospitality awaits as the invited guests of local Chilean players!
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| Day 17 |
Santiago |
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Relax at our hotel or explore the city on your own today. Visit Undurraga or Santia Lucia wineries. Or visit “Pueblo los Dominicos,” Santiago’s market for authentic Chilean handicrafts. This evening, join Fred Theurkauf and fellow travelers for a special Farewell cocktail party and dinner. Don’t forget . . . “anything goes!”
Hotel: Ritz Carlton
Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
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| Day 18 |
Santiago - USA |
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Those joining our extension to Peru depart this morning for Cuzco aboard LanPeru Airlines. Those returning to the United States enjoy a leisurely schedule and a late departure. Adios Amigos!
Meal(s): Breakfast
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| Your 18-Day Package Includes |
Round-trip international air transportation
All internal air travel & deluxe coach transport
Personally selected deluxe and first-class accommodations throughout
Meals: 16 Breakfasts (B), 7 Lunches (L), and 12 Dinners (D)
Join local players for social bridge events in: ■ Rio de Janeiro ■ Buenos Aires ■ Bariloche ■ Santiago ■ Lima (Ext)
Professional English-speaking guides
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Airport transfers
Porterage & hotel service charges
All bridge expenses, card fees & prizes
ACBL masterpoints issued by Finesse West Tours at all bridge games
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6-Night Peru & Machu Picchu Extension
Dates: November 7 to 13, 2004
Cost: $X,XXX.00 from Miami & Los Angeles
X
| Your 7-Day Extension Package Includes |
X
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Click here for a full-color brochure.
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