Day 1 (FEB 2): Buenos Aires, Argentina

Passionate, and alive with an infectious crackling energy, the Argentine capital is a breathlessly romantic city, which blends old-world colonial architecture with a down-to-earth Latin American clamor. Famed for steamy tango interplays, and expertly seared steak slabs, a visit to Buenos Aires is a fiery fiesta for the senses. Parque Tres de Febrero is a 400-hectare oasis where 18,000 rose bushes bloom, and skyscrapers give way to still lakes and pretty paths of rollerblading locals. Mighty palm trees - that look like exploding fireworks - stand tall in Plaza de Mayo, the heart of this sprawling cosmopolitan capital of 48 barrios. The square has served as the stage for many fundamental events in this country’s history, and the location where the seeds of independence were sewn continues to serve as the city’s gathering point - and is a place for solidarity, rebellion, and revolution. The presidential Casa Rosada’s salmon-hued Palatial Palace borders the plaza, while nearby Museum Nacional de Bellas Artes houses the biggest collection of public art in Latin America. Teatro Colón, the opulent 1908 opera house, is one of the world’s finest venues - musical performance here take on an ethereal quality, with the exceptional acoustics transferring every quiver of bow, and tremor of vocal cord, to the audience in spine-tingling clarity. The gargantuan, precipitous terraces of Bombonera Stadium form another of Buenos Aires’s incredible venues, and a wall of noise emanates from it when Boca Juniors take to the field. Juicy steak and punchy Malbec flow in the city’s parrillas – steakhouses - while glitzy bars and thumping nightclubs welcome revelers late into the night. It’s not just the meat that sizzles here either - tango dancers fill milongas - dance halls - to strut passionately until the early hours. Sip steaming mate, the country’s national drink, shop in covered markets, and explore Cementerio de la Recoleta - a city of grand graves and intricate memorials honoring presidents, politicians, and notable Argentine heroes from history.

Day 2 (FEB 3): Buenos Aires, Argentina

Passionate, and alive with an infectious crackling energy, the Argentine capital is a breathlessly romantic city, which blends old-world colonial architecture with a down-to-earth Latin American clamor. Famed for steamy tango interplays, and expertly seared steak slabs, a visit to Buenos Aires is a fiery fiesta for the senses. Parque Tres de Febrero is a 400-hectare oasis where 18,000 rose bushes bloom, and skyscrapers give way to still lakes and pretty paths of rollerblading locals. Mighty palm trees - that look like exploding fireworks - stand tall in Plaza de Mayo, the heart of this sprawling cosmopolitan capital of 48 barrios. The square has served as the stage for many fundamental events in this country’s history, and the location where the seeds of independence were sewn continues to serve as the city’s gathering point - and is a place for solidarity, rebellion, and revolution. The presidential Casa Rosada’s salmon-hued Palatial Palace borders the plaza, while nearby Museum Nacional de Bellas Artes houses the biggest collection of public art in Latin America. Teatro Colón, the opulent 1908 opera house, is one of the world’s finest venues - musical performance here take on an ethereal quality, with the exceptional acoustics transferring every quiver of bow, and tremor of vocal cord, to the audience in spine-tingling clarity. The gargantuan, precipitous terraces of Bombonera Stadium form another of Buenos Aires’s incredible venues, and a wall of noise emanates from it when Boca Juniors take to the field. Juicy steak and punchy Malbec flow in the city’s parrillas – steakhouses - while glitzy bars and thumping nightclubs welcome revelers late into the night. It’s not just the meat that sizzles here either - tango dancers fill milongas - dance halls - to strut passionately until the early hours. Sip steaming mate, the country’s national drink, shop in covered markets, and explore Cementerio de la Recoleta - a city of grand graves and intricate memorials honoring presidents, politicians, and notable Argentine heroes from history.

Day 3 (FEB 4): Punta del Este, Uruguay

The fingertips of a showstopping sculpture, emerging from Punta Del Este's golden sands, is the perfect example of this chic beach city's creative outlook. Stunning stretches of shining sands line the peninsula's coast, attracting the great and glamourous from across Uruguay and Argentina. Drawn to the beautiful beaches of this seaside city, the well-heeled visitors are joined by a flotilla of yachts, which park up for summer in the "Monaco of the South" - the continent's city to see and be seen. One of Punda del Este's main beaches, Playa Mansa, enjoys calm seas and a sun-soaked location - overlooked by a soaring lighthouse, which is orbited by gliding sea birds. The sand is soft and inviting, so lie back to soak up the intense sun, before views of Gorriti Island just offshore. On the other side is Playa Brava, where the city's signature artwork, "The Hand" - one of many quirky sculptures that litter the streets - grasps at the sky. Relax your way - whether that's cracking golf balls along coastal courses, cycling beside washing waves, or swimming in tempting waters. Bustling nightlife, art galleries, and museums give Punta del Este an artsy, eclectic atmosphere. Close to the port, you can discover fancy restaurants, serving up stacks of fresh seafood - and enjoy opulent meals while relishing golden views down over the port, where lavish yachts and modest fishing boats mingle. Head down to the harbor to see fishermen selling freshly caught produce and sea lions gathering to feast on the scraps.

Days 4-5 (FEB 5-6): Days at Sea

Day 6 (FEB 7): Balneario Camboriu, Brazil

Balneário Camboriú has been dubbed the Dubai of Brazil for its futuristic skylines, beautiful miles of sandy beaches, wild nightlife, and its plentiful tourists which swell the city’s population to over one million in summer. Located in the southern part of the Brazilian state of Caterina, you’ll see a line of soaring green hills which swoop from the skyline down towards the deep blue South Atlantic Sea as you draw close. Gleaming rows of skyscrapers stand tall along the golden sands and holidaymakers on the beaches. Head to Central Beach for people-watching and to soak up the sunshine, there’s a boardwalk which lines the sand and is ideal for an afternoon stroll. You could walk to Molhe - Barra Sul, which is a picturesque pier that reaches into the sea and offers a stunning view of the city. Another place that has gorgeous vistas is Morro de Careca which is a hill that offers a panoramic view of three of the local beaches. A 33-meter high (108-foot) statue of Christ called Cristo Luz looks out over the city from its place on top of Morro da Cruz hill, it portrays Jesus with a round spotlight on his shoulder which symbolizes the sun with a light inside which shines out over the city at night. A swooping cable car ride at the Unipraias Tourist Complex links Laranjeiras Beach on Isla Camboriu with Central Beach. This affords you a 360-degree view of the city from above.

Day 7 (FEB 8): Paranaguá, Brazil

Atlantic rainforest draws us inland from the Paranaguá port, and it is fun exploring it by boat, coach, foot, or even up a tower! Much of the rich and diverse forests of Brazil’s Atlantic coast have been cleared but here the largest surviving tracts are preserved in national parks and reserves. The uniqueness and rarity of the forest’s biology led to the declaration of the Atlantic Forests of Southeastern Brazil World Heritage Area. Dramatic rainforest-covered mountains have scenic wonders with names like Devil’s Throat Canyon and Véu da Noiva Waterfall, describing the ruggedness of the landscape. One way to experience the Atlantic forest is by boating along waterways amongst the trees. Local people still live with the forest and they help us understand their traditional links with the flora and fauna. Birds are a feature of the Atlantic forests with many species not found elsewhere. Private reserves with a focus on environmental education and leisure help visitors appreciate the forest. Walking trails, guides and a viewing tower help us to spot and identify the diverse avifauna and exuberant flora. It is hard to decide whether to try to photograph a hummingbird hovering at a flower or concentrate on the flower, because it doesn’t move. Within the forests of the coastal range are historic towns like Guaraqueçaba and Morretes. Here, we meet the colorful Brazilian culture. Colonial architecture, friendly people, and a little relaxation with good local food are added to the day’s mix of experiences.

Day 8 (FEB 9): Ilhabela, Brazil

Portuguese for beautiful island, Ilhabela carries its name well. Considered a natural paradise by both locals and visitors alike, the island is a kaleidoscope of beautiful beaches, lush tropical rainforests, and an incredible 360 waterfalls. Located a four-hour drive (and a 15-minute ferry ride) from São Paolo, 85% of the island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. While people may come initially to Ihalbela for its famous beaches, (one of which was named as a top ten worldwide beach by The Guardian), expect much greater things than just sunning and relaxing in the shade from this little island. With almost 25 miles/40 kilometers of pristine beaches, fun in the sun is certainly always an option, but Ilhabela is also a vibrant little city, full of vivacity and history, just waiting to be discovered. Located on the west coast of the island, Ilhabela town still shows signs of its colonial past, examples of which can be seen through the local architecture. Perhaps one of the most photogenic chapels you will see on the island is the Nossa Senhora D’Ajuda. Built in 1806, the Catholic church is a pretty little white-washed building set on a hill, positioned as if protecting the town. Decked with colorful bunting much of the time, the church is filled to the rafters on holy days with locals expressing their faith. The interior of the church has signs of faded grand charm, much like the city itself. Several miles before the entrance to town, on the way to the ferry, is the Princess’ House, an impressive 18th-century mansion belonging to the Fazenda Engenho d’Agua, one of the most important of Ilhabela’s many former sugar plantations.

Day 9 (FEB 10): Ilha Grande, Brazil

Ilha Grande, or Large Island, is located on the Costa Verde, "Green Coast," perhaps the most enchanting region of the Rio de Janeiro state. Ilha Grande rests near Angra dos Reis Bay with some 360 exotic tropical islands and white sandy beaches, hundreds of tiny ports and countless options for boating. The beaches, nestled between mountains and islands, are mostly small and isolated, with calm, clean waters. The climate on the Costa Verde is an attraction in itself; warm, lazy weather with a cooling seabreeze takes the edge off otherwise hot summer days. A call at Ilha Grande provides the opportunity to explore the beauty of this enchanting island. Guests not participating in the organized excursion will have the opportunity to take a tender to the beach and laze in the sun or enjoy watersports activities. Pier Information The ship is scheduled to anchor. Guests will be taken ashore to the beach via ship's tenders. Shopping Several stalls along the beach offer local art and craft items. The local currency is the real. Cuisine Two rustic restaurants offer assorted beverages and fried fish, a local favorite. Other Sites Other Options A beautiful beach invites swimming and snorkeling. Rental of watersports equipment is available along the beach. Important: Guests renting watersports equipment do so at their own risk.

Day 10 (FEB 11): Day at Sea

Day 11 (FEB 12): Buzios, Brazil

The beautiful beaches of Buzios unfurl to the east of Rio de Janeiro, strung along a glorious peninsular into famed blue waters. Upscale and desirable, Buzios is a beachy escape to a land of sun and thick palm-clad hills. With 17 luxurious, horseshoe-shaped beaches spreading out nearby, and a lively nightlife and culinary scene, Buzios is a place to kick back and soak up some of the best of Brazil's envied beach life. Formed from three separate towns, Manguinhos, Armação de Búzios, and Ossos, Buzios is an attractive, Portuguese-flavored corner of this stunning country. Stroll the cobbles of Rua das Pedras for a taste of old-time colonial charm. Elevated viewpoints let you rise high and admire the weaving coastline and turquoise waters below - dotted with paddleboarders pushing through waves and green islands emerging. Just like St. Tropez, Buzios came to the wider world's attention when Brigitte Bardot visited the shining white sands, imparting a head-turning sprinkle of stardust, and an air of allure that hasn't faded since. Look out for the waterfront statue of the influential French actress. Growing from fishing village origins, Buzios is now one of Brazil's favored places to soak up the magic of this coastline. Snorkel with sea turtles gliding around you, or lie back and enjoy the rejuvenating sunshine - which bathes the heavenly coves here. Sail on the deck of a catamaran to take in the beauty off-shore, dropping in at beaches of varying character - from fiery red sands to hidden banana bends and overlooked islands.

Days 12-13 (FEB 13-14): Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Lie back on the golden sands to soak up the extraordinary setting - or watch on as muscled Cariocas - locals - perform effortless athletic feats, during casual volleyball matches. A trip up to Rio de Janeiro's iconic art-deco statue of Christ the Redeemer is, of course, a must do - offering an extraordinary view of the city rolling out before your eyes. You'll also want to take a cable car to swing by the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, which juts sharply into the sky from nowhere. Brazil's second-biggest city moves to an infectious samba beat, and the famous thumping Carnival floods color and floats down its streets each year. Of course, Rio is also a city of sharp cultural contrasts - offering fun in the sun for some, while life goes on very much as it always has for others. Take a guided tour, led by a resident, to see the conditions inside these complex tapestries of color and chaos first-hand. Tijuca National Park, offers easy-to-access tranquility, immersing you in dense forestry and whopping birdsong. Later, watch the fiery shades of sunset spread across the sky in the city's oh-so-famous evening light show. With so much to offer, you'll quickly learn how Rio earned its other name "Cidade Maravilhosa" - The Marvellous City.