Shore Excursions - South America

In the comfort of your own chauffeured private car, your personal guide will lead you on a fascinating exploration of the city’s monuments and historic neighborhoods. Begin in the Plaza de May surrounded by the Casa Rosada (made famous by Evita!), the Cathedral and old City Hall. Continue through colorful San Telmo to La Boca, the charming district where the Tango was born. Drive down the widest avenue in the world and see the famous Colon Opera House. Delight in the glamour of the Recoleta district and see the cemetery where Eva Duarte was laid to rest.

El Viejo Almacen is one of the most celebrated Tango Houses in all of Argentina, famed for its casually elegant ambience and the soaring artistry of its dancers and musicians. Experience the thrill of Tango in the city where it was born… An unforgettable evening awaits beginning with roundtrip private car transfers directly from your ship.

Enjoy a delightful dinner of fine Argentine cuisine before this evening’s performance of Tango and South American music at El Viejo Almacen, famed for the passionate skill of its dancers and musicians. Chauffeured private car transfers from and to your ship are included.

Journey into the picturesque Argentine pampas outside of Buenos Aires to the historic Estancia Santa Susana, founded more than a century ago. Enjoy a guided visit through the Spanish-Colonial style home, now a museum furnished with authentic period pieces. Then live the life of a Gaucho with a horse-and-sulky ride through the lovely countryside before sitting down to a traditional Argentine barbecue. After lunch, enjoy the rousing music and dance of the region. After this enriching day, return directly to your ship by private car.

Our private car, driver and guide will greet you as you step off ship for the short drive to the hydrofoil pier. Cross the Rio de la Plata which separates Argentina from Uruguay and alight in Colonia del Sacramento, a historic city rich with Portuguese and Spanish heritage. Explore with your personal guide along the charming cobblestone streets of Old Town, graced with beautifully restored buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries. Enjoy lunch, free time to stroll at your own pace, and return transfers to your ship by ferry and private car.

A private car city tour with a unique twist! In the company of your own personal guide, a knowledgeable and impassioned Evita fan, you’ll delve into the life of Eva Peron, tracing her footsteps through the city to explore the places and monuments that shaped her – and which she made famous during her dramatic life. See the balcony from where she gave her impassioned speeches and visit Congress where hundreds of thousands of mourners wept in her memory. You’ll also visit the Evita Museum and Recoleta Cemetery where she’s buried.

With your own chauffeured private car and expert guide, this tour can be customized to your personal tastes. Buenos Aires is a sophisticated, multi-cultural city with a number of fine museums. You’ll have time today to explore two of your choice. Select from the National Museum of Fine Arts, Museo Isaac Fernandez Blanco, Museo de Arte Moderno, or the Museum of Latin American Art.

With a rich cultural heritage that includes French, German, Spanish and Italian influences, the cafes and bars of Buenos Aires are an integral part of the tapestry of daily life. Exploring the city’s most historic and vibrant districts by chauffeured private car, your personal guide will bring you to some of Buenos Aires’ most famous and storied cafes and bars. It’s a great way to explore the architecture, history and culture of the Argentine capital!

Your private car, driver and guide will greet you as you step off ship. It’s only a 23-mile drive along the scenic Sunset Road, but Cumbuco Beach seems worlds’ away! Here in this erstwhile fishing village, surrounded by dunes, coconut trees and tranquil lagoons, is one of Brazil’s most popular beach resorts. Enjoy the charming seaside atmosphere or participate in some thrilling excursions by boat, donkey or dune buggy!

The city and region may be best known for its spectacular beaches, but Fortaleza also offers a rich Portuguese heritage. With your personal guide leading the way, you’ll explore the historic highlights of Old Town, including the Metropolitan Cathedral, Central Market and Martyrs Square. Your tour also includes Meireles Beach, famed for its natural beauty and craft market.

Explore the bustling Pacific port of Guayaquil at a comfortable pace with your own chauffeured private car and personal guide. Begin with the highlights of downtown including Centennial Park, San Francisco Plaza, the Cathedral and the First State University of Guayaquil, built in the traditional white-columned style of the region. Visit the artisans market in Malecón 2000, a thriving riverfront district, and see the 18th century Moorish Clock Tower. Continue by car to visit Las Peñas, one of the city’s oldest districts located at the foot of picturesque Santa Ana Hill.

Las Peñas is Guayaquil’s most historic district, the neighborhood where the city was born. Located at the foot of Santa Ana Hill, the area is now home to some of Ecuador’s finest art galleries and boutiques. Starting with private car transportation directly from your ship, this privately guided tour promises an enriching look into the history, culture and art of this thriving Pacific city.

The Parque Historico Guayaquil was designed to showcase the flora, fauna, history and culture of Ecuador’s coastal region. Surrounded by the indigenous tropical vegetation, you will see native species like monkeys, wild cats, tapirs and deer. Other areas of the Park reveal traditional hacienda life, with authentic architectural constructions and demonstrations of daily life and work here along the coast.

Journey along the Cacao Route to a traditional hacienda to experience daily life here in Ecuador’s tropical coastal region. You’ll travel comfortably with your own private car and driver while enjoying the attentive services of a personal guide. During this enriching excursion, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the traditional local agriculture including banana, cacao and balsa plantations as well as the country’s successful shrimp farming industry. This tour operates seasonally from early May into December.

The capital of Peru , once the City of Kings, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage for its importance to the Spanish dominions of South America. The historic center of the city boasts many fine Colonial-era buildings, which you’ll discover in the company of your own personal guide. Begin in Plaza Mayor, founded in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro, and see the Government Palace, City Hall, Cathedral and San Francisco Convent, built in the 17th century. See other architectural treasures of the period including Osambela House and Torre Tagle Palace, a beautiful 18th century mansion. Then continue on with your private car and driver for a guided visit through the renowned Gold Museum.

With your own chauffeured private car and guide, you can tailor this excursion to your own interest. Choose from among Lima’s finest cultural institutions and explore in-depth with your own personal expert leading the way. Select one of the following museums: The Larco Herrera Museum is home to the world’s largest collection of Pre-Columbian artifacts. Or visit the famed Archaeological Museum, home to significant ancient treasures like the Tello Obelisk. At the Gold Museum, you can admire a dazzling display of gold artifacts from a number of different South American civilizations.

Although the Inca are undoubtedly the most well-known, there were many other important Pre-Columbian civilizations throughout Peru. Just outside of Lima lies one of the country’s most significant pre-Inca archaeological sites. The extensive ruins of Pachacamac, a sacred place of ancient pilgrimage, includes plazas, adobe bricked palaces, and pyramid-shaped temples. You’ll travel directly from your ship by chauffeured private car to explore the site in-depth with your own expert guide.

The beautiful Peruvian coast is dotted with artisan fishing boats and islands that are home to thriving colonies of seals, sea lions and migratory sea birds. Starting with convenient private car and driver pick-up from your ship, this delightful excursion takes you a short distance off the coast to Palomino Island. There’ll be amazing opportunity to see the wildlife up close, and you’ll even have a chance to swim in the ocean as seals and sea lions cavort in the waters around you!

Step aboard our comfortable river vessel for a journey up the mighty Rio Negro, with fascinating sites along the way – the floating harbor, colorful markets, and homes built on stilts at river’s edge. Then behold the legendary Meeting of the Waters, where the black Rio Negro and brown Amazon River waters flow together for miles without mixing, like a pair of ribbons stretching side by side as far as the eye can see! As you cruise back to Manaus, keep your eyes peeled for freshwater pink and grey dolphins.

Surrounded by hundreds of miles of rainforest in every direction, Manaus captures the spirit of the frontier town that it is. Its handsome architecture dates to the turn-of-the century when local rubber barons made their fortunes as the world’s only source of rubber! Your privately guided sightseeing tour includes all the significant landmarks, including the opulent Amazon Opera House which opened in 1896.

The capital of Uruguay lies just across the river from Buenos Aires. Exploring comfortably with your own private car, driver and guide, you’ll discover all the highlights starting with the historic Colonial district. Then see the Legislative Palace and continue along the city’s beautiful beaches. Ascend to the summit of Montevideo Hill for breathtaking views of the skyline and bay before returning to your ship.

This privately guided half-day sightseeing focuses on the historic highlights of Panama City’s Old Town. Joined by your own personal expert, your guided walking tour includes Plaza Bolivar, San Francisco Church, Bolivar Palace and the National Theater. From the Bovedas Promenade, you’ll have a spectacular view of the city skyline set against a stunning backdrop of sea and sky.

Join your own personal guide for a comprehensive exploration of the highlights of this delightful city. Take in spectacular views of sea and skyline from the Bovedas Promenade and stroll through the Old Town, filled with Colonial-era monuments. Continue by private car less than 5 miles from the heart of the city to explore Panama La Vieja, or Old Panama. Founded in 1519, this was the oldest Spanish settlement in the Pacific. Your in-depth sightseeing also includes the fascinating Panama Canal Zone.

Starting with a convenient private car pick-up at your ship, this privately guided tour reveals the history, natural beauty and rich traditions of the region. Enjoy panoramic views from the summit of La Cruz Hill and tour the magnificent Braun-Menendez mansion; built in the late 19th century by the finest craftsmen brought over from Europe, it ‘s now a national monument and museum. See the Municipal Cemetery and then visit the Austral Brewery for a tour and beer tasting. Stop by picturesque Plaza de Armas before returning to your ship.

This wonderful private car excursion takes you northwest from Punta Arenas along picturesque Otway Bay and through one of the largest sheep farms in Chile. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-capped Pinto Range and the pristine landscapes of Patagonia. Skirting the bay for about 50 miles brings you to a colony of Magellanic Penguins. To get close to the caves where the penguins nest, your guide will lead you along a one-mile path; though not a difficult walk, it is unfortunately not suitable for wheel chairs. This tour operates from November through mid March.

Exploring comfortably with your own private car, driver and guide, this tour begins with the charming architecture of town, a legacy of German settlers who arrived here in 1852. Continue along Costanera Avenue for breathtaking views of Puerto Montt, Reloncavi Bay, and Tenglo Island. Then visit Angelmo Cove, set on a tranquil bay, to wander through the lively fish market, famous for its wonderful, family-run lunch stands. It’s also a great place to buy local crafts like sweaters, jewelry and copper.

In the heart of the Chilean Lake District, Lago Llanquihue is the second-largest lake in Chile. It’s a breathtaking body of clear, sparkling water surrounded by some of the most magnificent scenery on the Continent. On the eastern shore, the perfectly cone-shaped Osorno Volcano rises dramatically to a height of more than 8,000 feet. Traveling comfortably by chauffeured private car, your guided exploration takes you deep into Vincente Perez Rosales National Park. Visit the unusual Green Lagoon and then ascend Osorno to an elevation of 4,000 feet where you’ll have breathtaking views of the volcano’s summit above and Lake Llanquihue deep down in the valley below. Continue on to the Petrohué Rapids and spectacular Lake Todos Los Santos before returning to your ship.

Two lovely towns: Dutch history at river’s edge and Portuguese heritage high on a hill… This fascinating privately guided tour begins with the historic monuments of Recife, founded by the Dutch. See the Governor’s Palace and Santa Isabel Theater and then explore among the vendors in the Casa da Cultura, once a prison and now a bustling handicraft market! Continue up the hill to visit Olinda, founded by the Portuguese in 1530. With a rich history linked to the sugar cane industry, the historical center of Olinda offers a wealth of stunningly preserved buildings from the 18th century including 20 Baroque churches, numerous chapels and imposing government buildings.

Journey with your private car and driver just 25 miles from Recife to visit the two charming Colonial towns of Igarassu and Itamaracá. Visit São Cosme and São Damião Church; built in 1535, it’s the oldest in the country. Then continue on to explore the imposing Orange Fortress, built by the Dutch in 1631 with massive walls and a spectacular location overlooking the sea.

Your chauffeured private car will bring you from the ship directly to the Corcovado Railway Station where you join your personal guide for an exciting 25-minute ride on the cogwheel train up Corcovado through the lush Tijuca Forest. Near the top, you can take the elevator or walk the 222 steps from the train station to the very summit. Here, arms spread over the city below, the magnificent statue of Christ the Redeemer has become a symbol of the city. Take in the views and return by train back down the mountain. The journey back to your ship takes you through some of Rio’s most charming districts and along the world-famous beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana.

Your private car, driver and guide will be waiting as you step off ship, ready to show you some of the wonders of Rio – and the breathtaking views from Sugarloaf Mountain! Begin with a pleasant drive past the famed Sambodromo and through the historic district, filled with city monuments like the Metropolitan Cathedral and Municipal Theater. Then ascend Sugarloaf by 2-stage Cable to behold the stunning views from the summit: A crescent of Atlantic Beaches and the skyline of Rio set against a picture-perfect backdrop of sea, mountain and sky.

Bahia and its seductive capital Salvador are the cultural heart and artistic soul of Brazil. The rich traditions of the region – music, dance, literature, art and faith – have had profound impact throughout the country. In the company of your own personal guide, this in-depth tour explores the rich culture and long history of the region. Begin at the famous Barra Lighthouse, overlooking the entrance to the bay, and continue along Vittoria Corridor, an elegant tree-shaded avenue of grand residences, some centuries old. Then explore the monuments of the Colonial District including the Basilica Cathedral, São Francisco de Assisi Church, and numerous well-preserved buildings of the 17th and 18th centuries.

Step off ship and join your chauffeured private car and guide for a scenic journey along the Coconut Road, passing along sand dunes and pristine Atlantic beaches to Praia do Forte. Though filled now with wonderful boutiques, galleries and cafes, this alluring beach resort maintains the tranquil, laid-back charm of the fishing village it once was. Visit Project TAMAR which works to preserve the local beachfront nesting sites of sea turtles. Then enjoy lunch and free time to relax and explore at your own pace before returning by private car to your ship.

This private car sightseeing tour explores the spectacular natural wonders of Lapataia Bay and Tierra del Fuego National Park. Traveling comfortably with your personal guide, you’ll discover the breathtaking panoramas of Ensenada Bay, Isla Redonda, and Lake Roca. Coming to Lapataia Bay, you’ll have an opportunity to observe some of the indigenous bird life including steamer ducks.

Built on a crescent of steep hills with narrow winding streets, this charming town is graced with Victorian mansions, quaint cafes and inviting eateries. With the attentive services of your own personal guide, you’ll immerse in the easy ambience of Valparaiso. Your exploration begins with fine views from the sea front promenade. Then explore by private car, on foot and via funicular up, down and along the narrow streets and elegant avenues of the city.

This wonderful privately guided excursion brings you deep into the lovely Casablanca Valley, renowned for its fine wines. First you’ll visit the vineyards of Veramonte for a personally guided tour and wine tasting. Then delight in the beauty of the El Cuadro Vineyard Estate on a horse drawn carriage tour through the vineyards. A light lunch accompanied by Estate wines is followed by a presentation of the traditional music and culture of the region.

Your private car, driver and guide will be waiting as you step off ship to take you on this enchanting journey along the coast. Begin here in Valparaiso, ascending the hills for fine views over the city and bay. See the Naval Monument and continue through downtown and past the lively port. Travel north along the Pacific to the charming seaside resort of Viña del Mar. Your tour here features the grand casino, built in the 1930’s and set amidst beautiful gardens, and the Fonck Museum, home to a wonderful collection of artifacts from Easter Island and the Chilean mainland, including a fine exhibit of Mapuche native silver.