Splendours of Chile, Argentina & Brazil

Arrive in Santiago, vibrant capital of Chile, where you are met and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city, with guaranteed check-in arranged by A&K. Gather for lunch, then take in the highlights of Santiago, including a guided visit to the Pre-Columbian Museum to view its superb collections of statues, pottery and decor, with some pieces dating back 14,000 years. Tonight, celebrate the beginning of your journey with a special welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Stay: Mandarin Oriental, Santiago (L/D)

Explore Valparaíso, starting with a guided walk along the hills of this storied port city. See how the hills are connected by an ingenious network of twisting streets, stairways, cable car lines, flower-filled balconies and lookout platforms. Visit the Plaza de la Victoria with its lovely Neptune Fountain, the famous Turri Clock, fisherman's wharf, the Naval Academy and “La Sebastiana,” the one-time residence of Chilean Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda. After lunch at a local restaurant, head into the countryside and Casablanca Valley, for wine tasting at the vineyard of Casas del Bosque. Afterward, return to your hotel with time free this evening for dinner at your leisure. Stay: Mandarin Oriental, Santiago (B/L)

After a morning at leisure, fly to Mendoza, Argentina's premier wine-making region, and settle into your hotel. This evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Stay: Park Hyatt Mendoza (B/D)

Journey to Las Carreras, a high-elevation plain abounding in rustic beauty, its yellow grasses contrasting with the white snow on the surrounding Andes peaks. Explore it with a guide on your choice of horseback riding or trekking. Watch for the wild species inhabiting the rugged landscapes, such as herds of guanacos and wild rabbits, and perhaps sight a condor gliding on the horizon. Afterward, proceed to a private estate for an exclusive, interactive Chef 's Table cooking class followed by lunch. Learn more about one of the newest appellations (protected wine-producing areas) in Argentina. Planted by a husband-and-wife team and located at almost 2,286 metres, this appellation pushes the limits of high-altitude mountain viticulture. With breathtaking views of the mighty Andes and an intimate vineyard setting, Las Carreras offers a unique experience in Argentine wine tasting. Stay: Park Hyatt Mendoza (B/L)

Today, with the help of the house sommelier, learn the subtle art of winemaking by blending your own wine. Start with three components — Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet — following instructions from a winemaker who explains what each of them brings to a blend. When you're finished, enjoy a tasting and stay for a light lunch. Afterward, fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina, and settle into your elegant hotel, where you and your fellow guests later enjoy dinner. Stay: Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires (B/L/D)

Take in compelling highlights of Buenos Aires, such as the Plaza de Mayo, La Boca and San Telmo, as well as some of the vibrant, colourful graffiti art that adorns neighbourhoods throughout the city. Break for lunch on your own, and then enjoy an afternoon at leisure. This evening, transfer to Rojo Tango for dinner, followed by a captivating tango show that celebrates Argentina's national dance. Stay: Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires (B/D)

This morning, board a flight to Iguazu, where you have lunch at the Melia Hotel, inside Iguazu National Park in Argentina. Then, set out to view the magnificent Iguazu Falls, traversing raised walkways and seeing the Devil's Throat with your expert guide. Afterward, cross the border to Brazil on your way to the Hotel Das Cataratas, a Belmond Hotel and the only hotel located inside the Iguassu National Park in Brazil. This tropical rainforest is home to rare birds such as macaws, toucans and parrots, as well as monkeys, caimans, armadillos and even jaguars, so keep your eyes peeled. Check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at your leisure. Stay: Hotel das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel, Iguassu Falls (B/L)

Observe the mighty falls from two different vantage points, starting with a walking tour on the Brazilian side, taking in spectacular views and basking in a natural setting filled with orchids, colourful birds and endemic wildlife. Then, embark on a boat tour that takes you up close to the foot of the plummeting cascades for a visceral experience of the rainbow-making mists. Enjoy your afternoon at leisure. Tonight, gather for dinner at your hotel. Stay: Hotel das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel, Iguassu Falls (B/D)

Fly to marvellous Rio de Janeiro and savour lunch at a true Brazilian taste sensation, Assador — a restaurant that takes barbeque to succulent new heights. This afternoon, tour iconic Sugarloaf, ascending to the mountain's upper reaches to take in panoramic vistas of the city and Guanabara Bay, and toasting the incredible view on a relaxing Scenic Sundowner experience. Check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure. Stay: Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana (B/L)

Explore downtown Rio de Janeiro on a tour of the historic city centre, viewing sites central to local history and culture. Along the way, hop on and off the Rio VLT electric train, which also carries you to the revitalized port area to view the massive street murals by artist Eduardo Kobra, each a dazzling example of Brazilian graffiti art. Then, get a taste of the city's Carnival culture, enjoying insider access that takes you backstage to see the construction process of costumes and floats.

Later this afternoon, travel to the heights of Corcovado Mountain for a spectacular glimpse of Rio. Also behold Corcovado's crowning jewel, the majestic 36-metre-high statue of Christ the Redeemer — one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Complete the evening with a special farewell dinner in the bohemian neighbourhood of Santa Teresa, where you share stories and raise a toast to your amazing journey across South America. Stay: Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana (B/D)

Today, enjoy the opportunity to experience Rio de Janeiro your way, with one of these Design your Day activities.

• Visit a Local NGO, supported by Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy, that works to foster a favela-based ecosystem in the Vidigal favela.
• Bicycle Iconic Rio Neighbourhoods: Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon and the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon
• Indulge in a Relaxing Massage with aromatic essential oils at your luxurious hotel's spa.

Afterward, transfer to the airport for your departing flight. (B)