Escorted Tours 2023-24 1st Edition

Casa Rosada government palace Valparaíso Torres del Paine National Park Buenos Aires graceful sea lion whilst admiring the Condor birds by a stunning waterfall. You will then disembark for a stroll towards the Serrano glacier along the shores of Tempanos Lagoon and through a native forest, the huge icebergs and amazing landscapes complete an unforgettable day. Day 7: Puerto Natales B/L Considered the highlight of your trip, the National Park Torres del Paine is quite simply spectacular, internationally recognised as one of the most unique and beautiful places on the planet. Known for its soaring mountains, lakes, waterfalls and stunning blue icebergs that slice the glaciers and grasslands whilst sheltering rare wildlife such as guanacos. The three granite peaks of the Pane mountain range which dominate the landscape of the park spectacularly extend up to 2,500 metres above sea level. Following your lunch, you will embark on a short hike to the Grey Lake to witness the many icebergs originating from the Grey Glacier. Day 8: Puerto Natales to El Calafate B Travel to Argentina, stopping for lunch en route. On arrival, you’ll be met and check-in to your hotel Day 9: El Calafate B The Perito Moreno Glacier is known locally as the 8th Wonder of the World is the planet’s 3rd largest reserve of fresh water and one of the continent’s last advancing glaciers. Your full day tour will leave you in awe of the glaciers unfathomable beauty. Calving icebergs the size of skyscrapers you may witness the glaciers signature movement as they slowly detach. Day 10: El Calafate B Enjoy the day at leisure to relax and unwind. Day 11: El Calafate to Buenos Aires B Following breakfast, fly to the vibrant city of Buenos Aires. Once settled, your evening is at leisure. Day 12: Buenos Aires B/D Enjoy a morning city tour commencing in the historic Plaza de Mayo, the site of the 1810 revolution and now a hub of political life. From here you will see the Casa Rosada government palace and its famous balcony where Eva Peron used to address the people. Continue to the picturesque and colourful neighbourhood of La Boca with its famous street ‘Caminito’ whose architecture reflects the European influence of the late 19th century. In the evening marvel at a traditional tango, show whilst enjoying dinner. Tango originated in the 1880 ghettos which were populated by Italian and Spanish immigrants, Africans and Gauchos. From this intersection rose the ‘Comrpraditos’, whose songs, lyrics, and dances reflect ‘el duelo de cuchilleros’, or knife fights characteristic of the social ambience. The tango rose from a mix of Cuban and Spanish rhythms, some polka, and according to some, also a bit of African music. Day 13: Buenos Aires to the UK B Transfer for your overnight return flight, via São Paulo, or continue on to your chosen extension. Iguaçu Falls Meal plan: 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners Accommodation: Santiago, 4 H Best Western Premier Hotel Marina Las Condes Puerto Natales, 4 H Hotel Costaustralis El Calafate, 4 H Sierra Nevada Hotel Buenos Aires, 4 H Kenton Palace Flights: London Heathrow to Chile and returning from Argentina with LATAM Airlines (via São Paulo) Tour pace: Challenging Departures & from prices 29 Aug 23 £3,499 20 Feb 24 £3,199 26 Sep 23 £3,499 12 Mar 24 £3,399 10 Oct 23 £3,499 23 Apr 24 £3,299 31 Oct 23 £3,499 3 Sep 23 £3,399 14 Nov 23 £3,899 24 Sep 24 £3,599 9 Jan 24 £3,499 8 Oct 24 £3,599 23 Jan 24 £3,499 29 Oct 24 £3,599 6 Feb 24 £3,499 12 Nov 24 £3,599 • Tipping paid locally $24 pp per tour No Single Supplement Rooms available with no single supplement. Once sold, single supplement starts from £589 Extend your tour Iguaçu Falls experience, 4 nights, B&B from £829 Buenos Aires city stay, 2 nights, 4 H B&B from £189 South America 109 Hundreds of escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk