The Americas

Day 1 - Chicago
Welcome to the United States and the ''Windy City''! Collect your car on arrival in Chicago and transfer to your hotel. Overnight at the Holiday Inn City Center (Palmer House Hilton).

Day 2 Chicago to Springfield, Illinois (199 miles)
Take the morning to explore the "Windy City" before you begin you historical drive. Route 66 begins at the corner of Michigan and Adams Avenue and from there you head west into America's Heartland. Overnight in Springfield, the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln. Overnight at the Crowne Plaza Hotel (Crowne Plaza).

Day 3 Springfield to St Louis, Missouri (101 miles)
Arrive in St. Louis, Missouri, located on the banks of the Mississippi and best known for its graceful stainless steel “Gateway Arch”. Tour the home of the world’s largest brewery at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery. Take in the sights, or perhaps a river cruise on a paddlewheel riverboat on the mighty Mississippi River. Overnight at the Holiday Inn Select (Adams Mark Hotel).

Day 4 - St. Louis - Springfield, Missouri (215 miles)
Today continue through Missouri, the land of Mark Twain. You'll find Meramec Caverns, the most promoted attraction on Route 66. It claims to be the site of sensational finds from archeological artefacts to the hideout of the notorious outlaw Jesse James. You'll stay overnight in the ''City of the Ozarks'', Springfield, the 3rd largest city in Missouri. Overnight at the Lamplighter (Clarion Hotel)

Day 5 - Springfield - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (280 miles)
Not long after leaving Springfield, enter the Victorian town of Carthage. Before entering Oklahoma, drive a short stretch of old Route 66 through the northeast corner of Kansas. At the end of the day arrive in Oklahoma City, the state Capital. Overnight at the Las Quinta Inn (Best Western Tradeweinds)

Day 6 - Oklahoma City - Amarillo, Texas (258 miles)
Today, you'll experience the true ''Main Street America'', small towns, small Route 66 and a feel for what life used to be when Route 66 was the Mother Road of America. In El Reno, look for the Big 8 motel, where a scene from the Movie ''Rain Man'' with Dustin Hoffmann and Tom Cruise was filmed. Stay in Amarillo, Texas. Overnight at the Comfort Inn East (Holiday Inn).

Day 7 - Amarillo - Las Vegas, New Mexico (237 miles)
It won't take long before you'll enter the state of New Mexico, also called the Land of Enchantment and home of the Pueblo Indians. You'll overnight in the other Las Vegas which was once the largest city in New Mexico but is today a sleepy town of charm and many historic buildings dating back to its founding in 1876. Overnight at the Super 8 Hotel (Historic Plaza Inn).

Day 8 - Las Vegas - Santa Fe - Albuquerque, New Mexico (131 miles)
Today's first destination is the ''city different'', the state capital of Santa Fe. The second oldest city in America is best known for art and the unique South western Pueblo architecture dominating the city landscape. Continue to Albuquerque, the city of the Rio Grande and New Mexico's ''Big City''. Overnight at the Holiday Inn Mountain View (Radisson Hotel)

Day 9 - Albuquerque - Acoma Pueblo - Holbrook, Arizona (237 miles)
On departure leave Route 66 for a short side trip to the ancient ''Sky City'' of Acoma Pueblo (separate admission). Located atop a mesa this Pueblo is the oldest continually inhabited city in North America dating back to 1250. there are still about 50 inhabitants living here. Enter Arizona and visit Petrified Forest National Park (separate admission). Stay overnight in Holbrook. Overnight at the Best Western Adobe Inn (Bewst Western Adobe Inn)

Day 10 - Holbrook - Grand Canyon, Arizona (198 miles)
Route 66 will lead you through the town of Flagstaff. Take another detour north to one of the World's greatest Natural Wonders, the Grand Canyon - a place of tremendous beauty and grandeur. There is time to go for a walk, visit numerous viewpoints and just take in the magnificent scenery. Overnight at the Quality Inn Grand Canyon (Maswick Lodge).

Day 11 - Grand Canyon - Las Vegas, Nevada (297 miles)
Depart the Grand Canyon and again return to old Route 66. Take the turn off a From fantastic works of nature to the fantastic works of man - welcome to Las Vegas, Nevada, the city that never sleeps. Overnight at the Best Western Mardi Gra or Quality Inn key Largo Inn (Luxor Hotel).

Day 12 - Las Vegas
Today is your chance to ''do the town'' or cruise the sites. Try your luck at the casinos, relax at the swimming pool or take a trip to Red Rock Canyon, famous Death Valley National Park or Valley of Fire State Park. Overnight at the Best Western Mardi Gra or Quality Inn key Largo Inn (Luxor Hotel).

Day 13 Las Vegas to Los Angeles (286 miles)
The Route will lead you through the Mojave Desert. If you have time, you can turn off the highway shortly before Barstow and drive into the Mojave desert for a few miles to see Calico ghost town and its old silver mine. Cross the San Bernardino Mountains and Welcome to Los Angeles, the Dream factory, home to sunshine, palm trees, big cars and beautiful people. Route 66 becomes Santa Monica Boulevard and goes through Hollywood and Beverly Hills until it suddenly ends at the Santa Monica Boardwalk and the Pacific Ocean. Your tour ends on arrival in Los Angeles with the return of your car to the airport rental office.

Day 14 Los Angeles / Santa Monica
Return your car to Los Angeles Airport where sadly your tour ends.

If this example is not exactly what you are looking for please Request a Personal Quotation or contact us and we can discuss ways of tailor-making the perfect holiday for you.

Day 1.

Depart London for Buenos Aires.

Day 2.

On arrival make your way to the Claridge Hotel where you spend the night.

Day 3. 

This morning you fly down to Ushuaia and board your vessel. Embark late afternoon on your voyage to Antarctica. (Please note that on some voyages a night is spent in Ushuaia prior to boarding the vessel. Accommodation here is on a bed and breakfast basis. 

Voyages differ in duration with 9, 11 and 13-night voyages also being available.

 

Days 4 to 10. At Sea

In order to reach Antarctica, first of all you must cross the Drake Passage. This area is known for rough seas and high winds, so be prepared! The journey takes approximately two days, and once crossed, you will have the chance to sail amongst spectacular glaciers, while observing numerous seabirds, whales, dolphins and seals.

You may also have the opportunity to discover sites of historic exploration and even on some voyages to kayak and camp or scuba dive. Small zodiac landing craft will transfer you between ship and land when climatic conditions permit, to enable such land-based excusions to occur.

On board you will have ample opportunity to read, listen to lectures and to compare wildlife notes with fellow guests. Antarctica is a unique, cold and apparently inhospitable land with no trees and no indigenous population, forming an insurmountable barrier to all life except seabirds and sea mammals.

The Polar Plateau at the South Pole reaches a height of 2,835 metres of which 2,700 metres is solid ice. This ice sheet moves towards the periphery, flowing into the sea through immense glacial valleys. The glaciers float out to sea to form gigantic ice shelves, and then break into icebergs.

The drama and majestic beauty of this incredible region is enhanced by the extraordinary flora and fauna which abounds here in the summer months. Specially adapted algae, mosses, liverworts and lichens occur on the exposed rock faces. Some 200 million birds of 44 species amass here, with albatrosses, shearwaters, terns, skuas, petrels and penguins being the most consipicuous in the Antarctic zones. Of the seventeen penguin species, only two are truly Antarctic, although another five are largely confined to the Subantarctic islands further north. Emperor, Chinstrap, and Adelie Penguins breed south of the Antarctic Convergence (a natural boundary of ocean currents influencing all life in the region); King, Gentoo, Macaroni, Royal, and Rockhopper Penguins breed in the cool waters either side of the convergence; Humboldt, Magellanic, and Galapagos Penguins breed to the north.

Antarctica is of course also renowned for its exceptional concentrations of ocean dwelling mammals - Humpback, Minke, Southern Right, Blue, Fin, Sei, Orca, Pilot, and Sperm Whales, along with Commerson's Dusky, and Bottle-nosed Dolphins, are all regularly seen in these waters. You may also see Elephant, Weddell, Leopard, Ross, Crab-eater, and Fur Seals which probably number in the region of 75 million individuals in the Antarctic zone.

Days 11 & 12. 

Return to Ushuaia, re-crossing the Drake Passage.

Days 13 & 14.

On arrival in Ushuaia, disembark and make your way to the airport in time for your return flight to Buenos Aires and onward flight back to the UK. Arrive home the following day. (Please note that some voyages also visit the Weddell Sea or the Antarctic Circle.)

If this example is not exactly what you are looking for please Request a Personal Quotation or contact us and we can discuss ways of tailor-making the perfect holiday for you.

DAY 1 LONDON • LIMA
You begin with VIP Home Departure Service™ to London Heathrow or Gatwick Airport and your scheduled American Airlines flight to Miami or Dallas and connecting flight to Lima. Late evening arrival and your coach transfers to the Sheraton or Doubletree hotel.

DAY 2 LIMA
Breakfasts are included throughout this holiday. This morning you take a tour of Lima which was originally known as the ‘City of Kings'. This colourful and bustling city is a celebration of Peruvian history itself from the pre-Inca civilizations through to the founding of the city by the Spanish in 1535 to the present day. you will briefly visit the old town, fronted by its cathedral and Government Palace which occupies the site of an Inca temple once dedicated to the Puma deity, the historic squares and the fascinating Gold Museum, a dazzling private collection which includes, Inca gold, jewellery and a vast display of weapons and uniforms. This afternoon you are free to explore at leisure. In the evening you enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

DAY 3 LIMA • AREQUIPA
An early departure as you transfer to Lima Airport for your flight to Arequipa, known as ‘The White City' since much of the centre is constructed from a white volcanic stone. The three volcanoes of Chachani, Misti and Pichu Pichu tower over the city and you tour areas occupied by colonial churches and luxurious mansions. You discover the oldest quarter, San Lazaro and the villages of Yanahuara and Cayma which command stunning views of the valley. You return to Arequipa and visit one of the most beautiful and prestigious buildings in the city - the Monastery of Santa Catalina. Later today you check in to the Hotel El Sauce, or El Cabildo.

DAY 4 AREQUIPA • PUNO
Today you transfer to Arequipa Airport for our flight to Juliaca and our transfer to the colourful city of Puno, perched in the south eastern highlands. This afternoon you take a brief scenic cruise on the impressive Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Legend has it that Manco Capac, the first Inca, and his sisterconsort Mama Ocllo rose from the waters to found the Inca Empire. Our hotel is the Hotel Posada Del Inca.

DAY 5 PUNO • CUZCO
Morning departure as you start a full day's impressive rail journey with Peru Rail (operated by Orient Express) through some of the country's most spectacular scenery. The train climbs past small villages and grassland plains to a remote scenic stop at La Raya, the highest point of the journey at over 14,100 feet above sea level. Here you have time to witness the awesome snow-capped peaks before the journey continues towards Cuzco, with Andean mountains dominating the landscape. As the stunning scenery passes by you enjoy an included three-course lunch and also have the opportunity to visit the glass-walled observation car for enhanced viewing. On arrival you transfer to the Posada Del Inca Hotel or Hotel Jose Antonio at Cuzco, our base for the next four nights.

DAY 6 SACRED VALLEY
This morning you depart for the charming village of Pisac with its small churches, plazas, lively market and shops selling locally made crafts. You then continue to Ollantaytambo and the fascinating town ruins which include a series of steps and niches carved out of the cliff and a complete canal irrigation system cut out of the sheer rock. Later in the day you return to Cuzco.

DAY 7 MACHU PICCHU
Your full day excursion takes you on the Orient Express operated narrow gauge railway to the amazing site of Machu Picchu, a complete city once buried in the jungle and rediscovered in 1911. A huge archaeological excavation followed to reveal the spectacular ruins of temples, palaces, towers and fountains set against a dramatic backdrop of dark green-forested mountains rising from the deep valley. After time to explore the remains of this awesome city, you return by rail to Cuzco and your hotel.

DAY 8 CUZCO
You take a city tour this morning of the ‘Archaeological Capital of America', the once fabled capital of the Inca Empire. Cuzco enjoys a unique blend of three cultures, the native Quechua Indian, conquering Spanish and the modern. You discover the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, the massive Inca fortress perched high overlooking the city. Work began in the 1440's and took nearly a century to complete. Quenco, Tambo Machay and Puca-Pucara are all important Inca sites that you visit today and learn of their historic and legendary past. The remainder of the day is free.

DAY 9 CUZCO • AMAZON RIVER
Today you transfer to Cuzco Airport for your flight to Lima and your onward flight to Iquitos. On arrival you take a marvellous boat journey along the Amazon River to the Ceiba Tops Lodge with its characteristic rainforest setting and rustic charm. Accommodation on a full board basis is included during your stay.

DAY 10 YAGUA • INDIANA
This morning you take a fascinating excursion as you walk through the primary rainforest reserve surrounding the lodge. Later your enchanting day's excursion continues by boat to the local community of Yagua Indians. Here you will see a blowpipe demonstration and have the opportunity to trade with them for some of their local crafts. Discover the wide variety of colourful birdlife and diverse flora and fauna in this spectacular characteristic canopied setting before returning by boat to our lodge later in the day.

DAY 11 YANAYACU RIVER
This morning you take a cruise along the Yanayacu River, a tributary of the Amazon where it is possible to spot river dolphins and even fish for piranha! Later today you discover the smaller river villages and the array of wildlife that have made this jungle area their home. You return to your lodge in time for dinner.

DAY 12 IQUITOS • LIMA
This morning you depart for Iquitos Airport and your flight to Lima. On arrival you transfer to the Sheraton or Doubletree Hotel, where the remainder of the day is at leisure.

DAY 13 LIMA • LONDON
An early morning transfer to Lima Airport for your American Airlines flight to Miami or Dallas and later today you take your connecting flight to London.

DAY 14 LONDON
Arrival at London Heathrow or Gatwick Airport where staff will greet you and transfer you to your transport for your journey home to your own front door.

If this example is not exactly what you are looking for please Request a Personal Quotation or contact us and we can discuss ways of tailor-making the perfect holiday for you.