Rio de Janeiro

Discover the charms of Ouro Preto, a preserved colonial city so important that UNESCO deemed it a World Cultural Heritage site, and for contrast enjoy a backstage look at Carnival preparations in vibrant Rio de Janeiro.

Special Note: Due to the amount of walking over uneven and cobbled streets as well as steps in several locations, this program is not recommended for guests with mobility restrictions. Guests travelling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour.

DAY 1 – January 21, 2025

In the early afternoon, you will be met at the pier in Salvador and transferred to the airport for the flight to Belo Horizonte.

Upon arrival in Belo Horizonte, the capital of the State of Minas Gerais, you will be met and transferred to the historical town of Ouro Preto, a drive of about two hours. Following check-in at the Hotel Pousada do Arcanjo, you will enjoy dinner at the hotel. The hotel’s historical theme pays homage to the Inconfidencia Mineira. Feel the memory of the colonial era as you are greeted by a character dressed in 18th Century clothing and you’ll notice that the guest quarters bear the names of the main rebels that paved the way for Brazil’s independence.

This hotel has won numerous awards. Accommodations will be comfortable but simple.

DAY 2 – January 22, 2025

Following breakfast at the hotel, you will begin a sightseeing tour of Ouro Preto, a former colonial mining town that flourished during Brazil’s gold rush in the 18th century. After the gold was depleted, the town’s influence declined. Even so, the grand mansions, churches, public squares and bridges remain, much like they were during the heyday.

You will see many of the architectural landmarks, including the baroque Opera House, the oldest in Brazil that is still operating. For a deeper look at historical Ouro Preto, you will enjoy a walking tour along the town’s cobbled streets and browse two museums. One is devoted to religious art, the other is a repository of minerals and precious gems.

After this delightful tour of Ouro Preto, you will return to the hotel for the evening. Dinner will be served there.

Day 3 – January 23, 2025

Following breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will transfer to the airport in Belo Horizonte for your flight to Rio de Janeiro. Upon arriving, you will stop at a popular restaurant for a traditional BBQ lunch.

Afterwards, you will have the rare opportunity to visit a samba school pavilion where you will learn about the process of creating and producing a parade for Rio’s famed Carnival. It will be especially fascinating to see how the lavish costumes and floats are made. During this special backstage experience, you can try on some of the costumes from last year’s Carnival for a photo.

Later, you will drive through the Rebouças tunnel to the Copacabana district for your check in at the Hilton Copacabana Hotel. Dinner will be on your own this evening.

Day 4 – January 24, 2025

After a buffet breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will transfer to the port to re-join the cruise in enough time should you wish to join a morning excursion.

Land Program Step by Step

The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed. Final itineraries with the most up-to-date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.

Day 1 - timings are dependent on actual flight details

12:30pm Disembark the ship in Salvador and meet your guide in the terminal

12:45pm Depart for the airport.

1:30pm Arrival at the airport and proceed to check in

3:10pm Fly from Salvador to Belo Horizonte, Brazil (flight details TBA and subject to change)

5:00pm Land in Belo Horizonte

5:30pm Transfer to the town of Ouro Preto

7:30pm Arrive at the hotel and check in

Buffet dinner at the hotel

Overnight at the Hotel Pousada do Arcanjo or similar hotel

Day 2

7:00am Wake-up call and breakfast at the hotel

8:30am Begin tour of Ouro Preto including lunch

4:00pm Return to the hotel

Buffet dinner at the hotel

Overnight at the Hotel Pousada do Arcanjo or similar hotel

Day 3 - timings are dependent on actual flight details

7:00 am Breakfast at the hotel and check-out

8:30am Transfer to the airport

10:30am Check in

12:15pm Fly from Belo Horizonte to Rio de Janeiro (flight details TBA and subject to change)

1:10pm Arrive in Rio de Janeiro and transfer to a BBQ restaurant for lunch

1:40pm Lunch at Assador Restaurant or similar venue

3:00pm Drive downtown to visit the backstage of a Samba School Pavilion

5:00pm Drive to Copacabana and to your hotel for check in

Dinner on your own

Overnight at the Hilton Copacabana or similar hotel

Day 4

6:30am Breakfast at the hotel and check out

7:30am Transfer to the pier and perhaps enjoy a day shore excursion

8:00am Arrive at the port to re-embark the ship

Expected Weather

16-18 degrees Celsius (60-64 degrees Fahrenheit)

What to Bring

It is recommended that guests wear lightweight clothing, including good walking shoes and bring a jacket or sweater for cooler evenings and mornings. Guests should also bring a hat and sunscreen.

Local Currency

Brazilian Real however U.S. dollars and credit cards are accepted in many shops.

Electricity

For Brazil there are two associated plug types, types C and N. Plug type C has two round pins. Plug type N has two round pins and a grounding pin. Brazil operates on a 127/220V supply voltage and 60Hz. Bring a universal travel adaptor for electric devices.

Luggage information:

Guests will be permitted to bring one small carry on and check one suitcase on the flight however we suggest flying with a carry on only for this short trip. Specific details are TBA

Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations)

1. Guests must obtain a doctor’s certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry this equipment with them on their flights.

2. The certificate should have attached a picture of the equipment with its description/specifications especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type).

3. These documents need to be sent to the Land Program Team via Reservations at RSSC at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).

4. Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which Regent Seven Seas Cruises nor our local ground operator be responsible for.

Documents and Visa Requirements

Guests should bring their valid passports. Guests should have a valid Brazilian visa for the cruise.

VERY IMPORTANT – The name on your cruise booking, passport and any visas if required, must all be exactly the same for flight ticket purchase for this program, otherwise guests may be denied travel by flight. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents.

Accommodations

Hotel Pousada do Arcanjo

Na Entrada do Núcleo Histórico - R. São Miguel Arcânjo, 270 - Ouro Preto, MG, 35404-340, Brazil

Phone: +55 31 3551-4121

Hilton Copacabana Hotel

Ave Atlantica N.1020, Rio de Janeiro

Phone - 3501-8000

Program Includes:

•2 nights at Pousada do Arcanjo (run of house room) including breakfast

•1 night at Hilton Copacabana Hotel (Ocean Copacabana View) including breakfast

•Pier and airport transfers

•Visits and entrance fee as per the program

•2 lunches and 2 dinners

•Economy class flights per the program itinerary

•Local English-speaking guide throughout the program

Program Excludes for guests:

•Any meals and drinks not specified above

•Gratuities to drivers and guides

•Hotel incidentals including room service, mini bar and laundry

•Excess or overweight luggage on the flights

•Visa fees for Brazil

Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel and natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.

All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.

Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid-cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.

Indulge your inner explorer and sense of adventure in the wilds of Argentine Patagonia, where you will hike, bike and kayak through the mountainous alpine setting and even spend a delightful night glamping.

Special Note: Any guests travelling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour.

Before you book: This program includes hiking, biking, rappelling and kayaking. Guests must be in fairly good physical condition, have good eye, hand and foot coordination and be able to hike or walk over boardwalks, natural pathways and uneven ground for up to 6-8 km (4-6 miles). Guests will also spend one night in a glamping tent – this is not a luxury overnight. Further details are included in the itinerary description. Guests will need to brink a backpack or similar for the overnight in the tent.

This program is limited to 18 guests

DAY 1 – January 25, 2025

After disembarking the ship in Rio de Janeiro, you will meet a tour representative that will accompany you to the airport for a scheduled flight to Buenos Aires.

Upon arrival at the Ezeiza International airport in Buenos Aires, you will transfer to the hotel with your local guide.

After settling in, you will enjoy the passionate melodies of tango during a memorable performance while dining at the Rojo Tango cabaret. After the show, you will return to the hotel and spend the evening.

DAY 2 – January 26, 2025

After breakfast at the hotel and checking out, you will meet a local representative and transfer to the airport. You will fly to San Carlos de Bariloche, a resort area known as “Little Switzerland” for its beautiful scenery reminiscent of the Alps. Here, nature blends rich greens and gentle blues in a myriad of streams and lakes framed by snow-capped peaks.

Upon arrival, you will transfer to the Correntoso Lake & Spa Hotel in the heart of the Argentine Patagonia. Founded in 1917, the hotel is located near the mouth of Correntoso River, where it enters Lake Nahuel Huapi at the foot of the Andes.

After check-in, enjoy a 3-course lunch at Las Balsas or a similar venue.

Then enjoy a pleasant bike ride from the hotel to the laid-back town of Villa La Angostura, where you will be treated to a Patagonian ice cream before returning to the hotel.

Note: The mountain bike trail chosen will depend upon the weather and the physical conditions of the bikers. The maximum altitude reach during this tour is 928 meters above sea level and the minimum is 780 meters above sea level.

Dinner will be served at the Correntoso Lake & Spa Hotel, where you will spend the evening.

DAY 3 – January 27, 2025

After breakfast at the hotel and checking out, you will transfer to the pier and board a private boat for a scenic cruise across Lake Nahuel Huapi to Victoria Island. Along the way, you will enjoy a cup of maté tea and alpine views of Cerro López and Cerro Capilla. You will disembark at the island’s Playa del Toro pier, where the trekking will begin.

Note: At Victoria Island there are many pathways created by the National Park authority thus the guides will select a path for hiking according to the group’s physical abilities. Maximum elevation for this hike will be 250 meters. Trail surfaces include boardwalks and natural path (mostly wide path). The elevation gain/loss is 200-500 feet depending on the option chosen on the day.

While stopping to view cave paintings, you will begin to understand the long history of human presence on this island. You will then ascend to a viewpoint from which you can observe Cerro Millaqueo, Isla de los Gansos and the surrounding Andes mountain range.

Note: Trail surfaces include boardwalks and natural path (mostly wide path) which are not strenuous.

The journey continues to La Escuelita, a school that also serves as a central place of community for the local people. From there, you will descend to Totoras, a small municipality on the other side of the island. The beach there is sheltered by trees that include pataguas, myrtles, monkey puzzles and larch.

Note: Trail surfaces include boardwalks and natural path with uneven ground (mostly wide path).

You will continue on through the Swiss Vallecito up to the Central Zone and on to a nursery to see how the surrounding woodlands are being reforested with native species. The next stop will be the house of Anchorena, a school for park rangers and a museum with exhibits that showcase cave paintings, canoes and the lifestyle of the indigenous people that once lived in the area.

You will then hike north along a coastal path to Aserradero Viejo, where we notice the difference between the native forest and the invasive one. You may spot deer or pheasants along the way. Towards the end of the hike, the types of vegetation will change, all of which the guide will point out and explain. Once you descend to the Bay of Antepuerto, lunch will be served.

Afterwards, you will return to the boat and navigate back to the pier with drinks and blankets to ward against the late afternoon chill.

The night will be spent at Vinagre Stream glamping under the stars in tents inspired by those used by Bedouin nomads. The tents will be domed or belled depending on the weather and ground conditions. The linens for the beds are 300-thread count sheets. There is also a gazebo in the common area, a separate eco-bathroom with hot water showers and LED lights.

A 3-course dinner will be served at the glamping campsite.

That evening, you will observe the stars while an expert explains the southern celestial skies.

NOTE: Guests must bring a backpack or small handbag for the glamping overnight. Larger luggage will go from the Correntoso Hotel in Villa La Angostura to the LLao Llao hotel in Bariloche via truck.

DAY 4 – January 28, 2025

After breakfast at the campsite, you will drive to Bahía López, board a private boat and cruise across a lake that is typically calm because it is sheltered from the wind. The scenery resembles that in the Nordic fjords.

While cruising, you will pass a beautiful glacially formed landscape full of wildlife. You may spot birds such as great grebes, coots and condors. If it is a clear day, you may see Mount Tronador in the distance. It is the region’s highest mountain and always snow-covered.

Upon disembarking, you will hike for about two hours through the forest to a waterfall. There black-crowned night-herons often feed on the trout in the waters.

A gourmet 3-course lunch follows back at the glamping site. After which, a boat will take you back to the dock, from which you will transfer to Llao Llao Hotel. Located in the Nahuel Huapi National Park, the 1940s Canadian-style hotel features architectural elements such as Norman roof tiles, cypress logs and local green stone. The hotel rises from the hill between Lake Moreno and Nahuel Huapi and is framed by Mount López and the majestic Mount Tronador. The scenery is reminiscent of alpine climes.

Dinner will be served at the hotel, where you will spend the next two evenings.

DAY 5 – January 29, 2025

Today's adventure will begin by walking the oldest trekking path in Patagonia, the one that the Palotinos priests followed through the forests to the longstanding refuge of Cerro López.

This is just a warmup before reaching the viewpoint of Brazo Tristeza, from which you may hear the waterfall that descends from Cerro Capilla. This is the part of the adventure where you climb among boulders as you ascend to the first summit. There you will participate in a ritual of adding a rock to the stone pyramid made one stone at a time by previous visitors.

From there a short hike leads to the stone of the Lion King, a natural balcony over Brazo Tristeza with majestic Cerro Tronador as the background.

Note: To reach the summit is a 3 km (1.86 miles) walk, although it’s not so strenuous, guests should be in good physical condition.

You will then rappel down the mountain, where lunch awaits you, during which you will hear stories about the native Tehuelches, their culture and how they cooked in ancient times.

On the return, you will cross Gandalf Bridge and follow the Flintstones Trail to the Brazo Tristeza viewpoint and continue down to the beach.

Note: In total the group will rappel 30 meters (98 feet) from the summit to the end. It will take between 5-7 minutes to descend.

Upon arriving, you will ease into a 2-person kayak and paddle to Moreno Lake, where you will eventually disembark and transfer back to the hotel. A farewell dinner will be served at Fuegos del Cirse. A Bedouin tent will serve as a refuge.

DAY 6 – January 30, 2025

Following breakfast and check out from the hotel, you will transfer to the airport for a flight from San Carlos de Bariloche to Buenos Aires.

Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, a guide will be waiting at the arrivals hall to accompany you on the transfer to the cruise terminal to re-board your cruise.

Land Program Step by Step

The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed. Final itineraries with the most up-to-date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.

Day 1 – timings will depend on actual flight times

9:00am Disembark the ship in Rio de Janeiro

9:15am Proceed to the port terminal for security screening

9:30am Depart for the drive to the airport

11:00am Arrive and check-in at the airport

1:00pm Fly from Rio to Buenos Aires (Flight details TBA and subject to change)

4:00pm Arrive at the Buenos Aires International Airport, go through Customs and Immigration

6:00pm Proceed to your hotel and check-in

8:30pm Dinner and tango show at Rojo Tango

Overnight at Sofitel Recoleta Hotel or similar hotel

Day 2 – timings will depend on actual flight times

5:00am Early wake-up call, breakfast at the hotel and check out

6:00am Depart for the Buenos Aires domestic airport

6:30am Arrive at the Buenos Aires domestic airport and check in

8:40am Fly from Buenos Aires to San Carlos de Bariloche (Flight details TBA and subject to change)

11:00am Arrive at San Carlos de Bariloche Airport

12:00am Drive to Correntoso Hotel

2:00pm Proceed to Las Balsas or similar venue for lunch

3:00pm Visit Villa La Angostura and the surrounding area by bike

6:00pm Return to the hotel

8:00pm Dinner at the hotel

Overnight at Correntoso Lake & Spa Hotel

Day 3

9:00am Wake-up call, breakfast at the hotel and check out

10:00am Transfer to pier for embarkation

10:15am Cruise across Nahuel Huapi Lake

Arrive at Victoria Island for hiking with lunch

6:00pm Arrive at glamping camp

8:45pm Dinner at the glamping camp and stargazing

Overnight at glamping camp

Day 4

8:00am Wake-up call, breakfast at the glamping camp

9:45am Transfer to the pier for embarkation

10:00am Cruise Nahuel Huapi Lake

Disembark in Brazo Tristeza

Hiking and gourmet lunch

4:00pm Proceed to your hotel and check-in

8:00pm Dinner at the hotel

Overnight at Llao Llao Hotel & Resort

Day 5

9:00am Wake-up call, breakfast at the hotel

10:30am Hiking, rappelling and kayak activity at Palotinos

Gourmet picnic lunch

4:00am Return to the hotel

7:00pm Farewell dinner

Overnight at Llao Llao Hotel & Resort

Day 6

6:00am Wake-up call, breakfast at the hotel and check out

7:30am Drive to Bariloche Airport

8:30am Arrive at Bariloche Airport

10:00am Fly from Bariloche to Buenos Aires (Flight details TBA and subject to change)

12:00pm Arrive at Buenos Aires domestic airport, collect luggage

1:00pm Transfer to port

1:45pm Arrive at the pier and re-embark the ship

Expected Weather (Historical average)

Buenos Aires: Min: 21°C (69.8°F) / Max: 29°C (84.2°F)

San Carlos de Bariloche: Min: 10°C (50°F) / Max: 25°C (77°F)

What to Bring

Sports footwear (closed-toe running shoe or hiking type), sandals with straps or water safe shoes for kayaking, synthetic warm clothing, lightweight jacket, waterproof windbreaker, loose-fitting trousers and t-shirts, casual evening attire including a sweater. Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, camera. Bring a small handbag or backpack that can be used for your belongings for the glamping overnight.

Local Currency

The legal tender currency is the Argentine Peso. Travelers should bring some of their own currency and change it into pesos little by little. ATM withdrawals that reflect the current exchange rate are the best way to keep up with the fluctuating value of the peso. American Express, Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in most retail establishments.

Electricity

The electrical current is 220-230 volts (U.S. standard is 110-15 volts). Most hotels are equipped with dual voltage outlets for your convenience, however, we recommend brining your own universal travel adaptor for electric devices.

Luggage

Due to flights, luggage allowance is 1 piece of carry-on hand luggage up to 8 kgs/17 lbs and 1 piece of checked luggage up to 15 kgs/33 lbs.

Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations)

1. Guests must obtain a doctor’s certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry this equipment with them on their flights.

2. The certificate should have attached a picture of the equipment with its description/specifications, especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type).

3. These documents must be sent to the Land Program Team via the Reservations Team at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).

4. Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which the cruise line nor our local ground operator can be responsible for.

Documents and Visa Requirements

A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required. Guests should check with their local Argentinian embassy for any visa requirements for their nationality. This program begins in Brazil and ends in Argentina.

VERY IMPORTANT – The name on your cruise booking, passport and any visas if required, must all be exactly the same for flight ticket purchase for this program, otherwise guests may be denied travel by flight. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents.

Failure to have the required documents ahead of time or incorrect names on flight tickets will result in either denial of travel or ticket re-purchase and guests will be responsible for any fees incurred.

Hotels

Sofitel Recoleta Hotel

Posadas 1232, Buenos Aires

Correntoso Lake & Spa Hotel

Av. Siete Lagos 4505, Q8407 Villa La Angostura, Neuquén

Vinagre Stream Glamping

LLao Llao Hotel & Resort

Av. Ezequiel Bustillo Km. 25, R8401 San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro

*We will only substitute the hotel in unforeseen situations. If the hotel is substituted, it will be similar and with equal ratings and standards and guests will be notified in advance. If guests are not notified of any changes before departure, then the hotels listed in this program will be used.

Program Includes for guests

•1 night at the Sofitel Recoleta Hotel in Buenos Aires or similar hotel (Superior Room)

•1 night at the Correntoso Lake & Spa Hotel (Lake Superior Room)

•1 night at Vinagre Stream Glamping (Glamping Tent)

•2 nights at LLao Llao Hotel & Resort (Lake Superior Bustillo Room)

•English-speaking guide for all services in Buenos Aires, Bariloche and Villa La Angostura

•Breakfasts daily

•Lunch with beverages (alcoholic and soft drinks) on days 2, 3, 4 and 5

•Dinner with beverages (alcoholic and soft drinks) on days 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

•Porterage at hotels and airports (based on 1 piece of luggage per person)

•Entrance fee to Nahuel Huapi National Park

•Local escort to accompany the group throughout the program

•Economy-class flights per the itinerary

Program Excludes for guests:

•Discretionary gratuities for guides and drivers

•Personal and incidental expenses including room service, telephone, laundry, mini bar

•Any meals or beverages not listed

•Visa fees if required

•Excess baggage fees for the flights

Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel and natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.

All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.

Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid-cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.