South America: Coasts & Cultures - 2021

Depart the U.S. on an overnight flight to Rio de Janeiro. Or, depart earlier for a thrilling pre-trip extension to Iguassu Falls.

Welcome to Rio! If you purchased your airfare from Vantage, a representative will meet you at the airport and assist with your hotel transfer. One of South America’s most thrilling and sophisticated cities, Brazil’s capital enjoys a breathtaking setting, ringed by long crescent beaches and towering monolithic mountains. No other city compares. This afternoon, get acquainted with Rio on a city tour. You’ll conclude your day over a hearty Welcome Dinner at a typical churrascaria, a classic steakhouse for which Brazil is known.

Included Feature:

• Afternoon tour of downtown Rio de Janeiro

Cultural Discovery: 

• Welcome Dinner at a churrascaria Brazilian steakhouse

In Rio, the samba is more than music. Dance, clothing, and food are all crucial to this cherished piece of cultural heritage. This morning, you’ll go behind the scenes as you learn about the beloved music and even try out a few steps! Your afternoon is free to explore more of Rio on your own. Perhaps you'll explore the city's proliferation of street art, from the largest spray-paint mural in the world on Olympic Boulevard to the multicolored mosaic of Escadaria Selarón (Selaron Steps). Or, marvel at both the exteriors and the inner riches of landmarks such as the Museum of Tomorrow and the National Library of Brazil — the largest library in Latin America and 7th largest in the world. 

Included Feature:

• Behind-the-scenes samba tour

Cultural Discovery: 

• Try on a samba costume and learn a few samba steps during your tour

See Rio’s iconic sites up close today. Ascend to the spectacular Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Mountain. The 124-foot soapstone figure has an arm span of 98 feet. Then, visit the cathedral and admire its modernist design inspired by Mayan pyramids. Head from the sacred to the footloose when you next visit Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, celebrated in song and frequented by the city’s carefree party-goers. Enjoy lunch at a Rio institution — Confeitaria Colombo. The old-style café — set in a cavernous ballroom crowned with a stunning stained-glass ceiling — has been serving delicious meals and decadent desserts to local cariocas for 120 years.

This afternoon, you embark the Ocean Explorer. There’ll be time to settle in and perhaps have a drink on deck and give the breathtaking landscapes of Rio and Sugarloaf one final glimpse before you cast off on your expedition. Tonight, attend the Captain's Welcome Dinner. 

Included Features:

• Visit Christ the Redeemer
• Cog train ride up Corcovado Mountain

Cultural Discovery:

• Lunch at Confeitaria Colombo, a 120-year-old local café

Arrive this morning on the lush shores of Ilha Grande, or Big Island, the largest of a breathtaking archipelago of 360 islands dotting the Bay of Kings. Together, along with Paraty, Ilha Grande was named a new UNESCO World Heritage Site for 2019. Once home to a prison and leprosarium, this largely unspoiled paradise — free of vehicles and other signs of civilization — is today ringed by sand beaches and blanketed in Atlantic forest and palms. You’ll join your guide for a walk into Abraão Village, stopping at the San Sebastian church. Then, follow the footpaths into the woodlands of the state park, hearing tales of the island’s buccaneer days and its once-prosperous coffee and sugar barons as you pass through the ruins of what was once a leprosarium and then the Cândido Mendes high-security prison, before it closed in 1994. Keep your eyes and ears open for howler monkeys, sloths, and countless birds. There’ll be time for a refreshing swim at Black Beach in the natural pools of an aqueduct.

After lunch, learn what cultural and historic treasures await during an onboard lecture. Enjoy the afternoon poolside or pampering yourself with a spa treatment. Dinner tonight is on board, featuring a festive Brazilian show to set the mood for this expedition!

Included Feature:

• Walking tour of Ilha Grande

Cultural Discoveries: 

• Visit the former Cândido Mendes high-security prison
• Evening onboard entertainment: Brazilian cultural show

Step back in time today when you explore Paraty, a remarkably preserved Portuguese colonial town along Brazil’s lush, green coastal corridor, and a new UNESCO World Heritage Site (along with Ilha Grande). Once a port for the export of gold to the Old World, Paraty enjoys a stunning setting surrounded by tropical islands and soaring mountains. Your walking tour along narrow cobbled lanes leads you into its heart. Admire original 18th-century architectural gems, including the 1722 Church of the Santa Rita de Cassia and the colonial mansion that hosts the House of Culture, which provides a fascinating chronicle of the town’s role in Brazil’s past. Pause to peruse charming boutiques and art galleries as you explore, perhaps meeting some artists in residence.

As you sail on to your next destination after lunch on board, gain more insight into Brazil’s fertile coast during a lecture from one of our onboard experts.

Included Feature:

• Walking tour of Paraty

Cultural Discoveries: 

• Observe local artists and craftsmen at work in local art galleries
• Onboard lecture

Scenic Sailing:

• Grab your camera and GoPro during your afternoon departure — in addition to views of the coastline, its colonial architecture and lush vegetation, you’ll be delighted by the seabirds that approach the Ocean Explorer!

Today, enjoy a glimpse of one of Brazil’s major urban centers. Built on the prosperity of the coffee industry, today Santos is home to the largest beachfront garden in the world. A city tour reveals its cosmopolitan air and rich history. Visit the Coffee Museum, located in a former palace. Stop by the Museum of the Santos Football Club, proud to have called Pelé its star player for 18 years. And explore the aquarium, Brazil’s largest.

Another onboard lecture today uncovers more of the region’s fascinating history and rich culture.

Included Feature:

• Santos city tour

Cultural Discovery: 

• Onboard lecture

Scenic Sailing:

• As you cruise into Santos, enjoy views of its skyline and bustling port.

One of Brazil’s most popular resort towns welcomes you today. Locals come to Camboriú for the beaches, the lively culture, and the vistas of steep slopes draping down to the sea. To get a bird’s-eye view of it all, you’ll embark on an ecological tour and board the city’s famous teleférico, or cable car, to the Atlantic Forest Station. Take a walk into these magnificent hilltop woods with an interpretive guide, with ample opportunities to take in stunning panoramas. Your cable car continues to Laranjeiras Beach. Feel free to bring your suit along; there are changing rooms here if you’d like to go for a swim.

More Brazilian history and culture stimulates your mind and your curiosity during an onboard lecture this afternoon. This evening, enjoy another divine meal prepared by your chef.

Included Feature:

• Camboriú city tour

Cultural Discovery: 

• Onboard lecture

Scenic Sailing:

• As you approach Camboriú, you’ll enjoy views of this popular beach resort and its hilly landscape.

The indulgent amenities of the Ocean Explorer are yours as you continue your expedition along Brazil’s Costa Verde, or Green Coast. Perhaps you’ll treat yourself to the spa. And you’re sure to find the observation lounge the ideal spot for reflection and looking for seabirds as you ply the waters of the Atlantic. You’ll turn your attention again to Brazil’s colorful culture and history during an onboard lecture today.

Scenic Sailing:

• Be on the lookout for seabirds and shorebirds that may approach the Ocean Explorer as it sails into the South Atlantic.

Dock this morning in one of Brazil’s most important maritime ports, and host to what some believe is the longest uninterrupted beach in world, the Praia do Cassino, at about 160 miles long. The city was founded by the Portuguese in 1737; this gem is often overlooked by cruise lines. And that’s a shame, as you’ll discover during a city tour. On your walking tour, admire some of its elegant historic buildings, including the neoclassical Alfandega Customs House and the Baroque Cathedral São Pedro. At the Museum of Sacred Art in the Chapel of San Francisco, view a collection left by the Jesuits, the area’s first European settlers. At the Praça Tamandare, admire some of the city’s beloved public sculptures. A stop at the Oceanographic Museum rounds out your enriching tour.

This afternoon, enjoy another fascinating lecture on board.

Included Feature:

• Half-day Rio Grande city tour

Cultural Discovery: 

• Onboard lecture

Treat yourself to more of your ship’s amenities as you cruise Brazil’s lush coast. Take advantage of this time to read a book from our library or enjoy a soothing massage at the spa. The time is yours! As you approach Uruguay, our onboard lecturer continues to astonish you and our chefs will continue to amaze you with their culinary expertise.

Cultural Discovery: 

• Onboard lecture

Often compared to Miami and Cannes for its resort style and well-heeled visitors, Punta del Este is the jewel of Uruguay at the wide mouth of the Río de la Plata. Head into this posh resort town and set out on a scenic panoramic tour through tony residential neighborhoods and past stunning beaches. Stop to visit Casapueblo, the self-built curvilinear home and studio of the late artist Carlos Paez Vilaró perched on a cliffside overlooking the Atlantic. A picturesque coastal road leads you back to the pier.

After your Punta del Este explorations, learn about more cultural treasures of Uruguay during an onboard lecture.

Included Feature:

• Scenic tour of Punta del Este

Cultural Discovery: 

• Onboard lecture

Scenic Sailing:

• Arriving and departing Punta del Este will offer some great views of the area’s islands and picturesque beaches.

Around breakfast time, arrive in Montevideo, consistently ranked at the top of “quality of life” lists among Latin American cities. Get acquainted with the vibrant and sophisticated cultural capital on a far-reaching city tour that takes in the major monuments, parks, and gardens. At Independence Square, begin a walking tour that features the cathedral, City Hall, the Government House, and the renowned Solis Theater. Then, drive along the celebrated 18 de Julio Avenue, stopping to view the Legislative Palace, built with 52 types of local marble and 12 different kinds of wood. Continue to El Prado, an elegant neighborhood of sprawling botanical gardens and colonial mansions. At the Plaza Virgilio, enjoy sweeping views of the city.

Spend the remainder of the day exploring on your own. Perhaps you’ll walk to Plaza Cagancha and make a stop at Mercado de los Artesanos, the Craftsmen Market, to pick out a souvenir amid the swirl of local art and handcrafted goods. This evening, be delighted by a dance show on board!

Included Feature:

• Half-day Montevideo city tour by coach

Cultural Discovery:

• Evening onboard entertainment: local dance show

Visit the oldest city in Uruguay today, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Colonia del Sacramento, spread on a small peninsula on the Río de la Plata. A rich Spanish and Portuguese past whispers from its remarkably preserved colonial buildings. As you stroll its cobbled streets, stop to view the Matriz Church; the Calle de los Suspiros, or Street of Sighs, named for its breathtaking historic authenticity; the Puerta del Campo city gate; and the Plaza Mayor 25 de Mayo.

A final captivating talk on board ship rounds out our lecture series.

Included Feature:

• Full-day excursion to Colonia del Sacramento

Cultural Discovery: 

• Onboard lecture

Wake up early for your last sunrise on board and enjoy the scenery and downtown skyline as we enter Buenos Aires, the sultry capital of Argentina.

Here, you'll disembark the Ocean Explorer — we hope you enjoyed your expedition on Vantage's first small ship oceangoing expedition vessel! This richly cosmopolitan city feels a lot like Europe — graced with splendid architecture and a hint of glamour. But its spirit is distinctly Argentine. A city tour reveals its most magnificent sites. Visit the Plaza de Mayo, the Casa Rosada, La Boca — a neighborhood full of colorfully painted homes — and the neoclassical Catedral Metropolitana, the church home of Pope Francis. After lunch at a traditional restaurant, you’ll check into your hotel and have the afternoon and evening free to pursue your own interests.

Included Feature:

• Buenos Aires city tour

Today you will be introduced to Argentina’s rich polo culture. The country is known for its champion polo players, and you’ll learn about the sport’s rich history and tradition during an excursion to an estancia (ranch) in the Argentinean Pampas, the vast lowland plains. At a renowned polo ranch, you’ll learn about the sport and horses, and witness some impressive horsemanship during a private exhibition of two chukkers. You’ll also enjoy a delicious barbecue lunch. Back in Buenos Aires, the balance of the day and evening is at leisure. Tonight, get a last taste of Argentina during a special dinner featuring a sultry tango performance!

Included Features:

• Full-day Argentinean polo heritage tour
• Watch a private polo demonstration by professional players

Cultural Discovery:

• Learn about mate and gaucho during your tour
• Dinner with private tango performance

Flights from Buenos Aires typically depart late in the evening, so you’ve got another day to take in the wonders of the city. 

Later, you’ll transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home.