Holiday Tango
Buenos Aires, Iguacu Falls & Rio
December 23, 2008 – January 3, 2009
THE DANCE OF PASSION
The lights dim and partners move toward each other across a dance floor.
As the first wheezing chords emanate from the accordian-like bandoneon,
an arm wraps around a waist like a snake, and a hand grabs the nape
of a neck. A violin and guitar add their mournful voices, as a leg rises
sinuously to rest upon a hip and the curve of a back arches dangerously
towards the floor.
This is the tango, a private exchange
of agression, trust and surrender between two people inspired by the
tempestuous music. Born of the cultural melting pot that is Argentina,
the tango, much like the samba or bossa nova from neighboring Brazil,
has come to represent the passion, color, music and vitality of South
America. Toto Tours takes you on a tempting Tango this Holiday season,
pairing the two vibrant countries of Argentina and Brazil plus a visit
to Iguacu Falls!
Argentina, the world’s eighth largest
country, possesses some of the world’s tallest mountains, expansive
deserts and impressive waterfalls, with the diversity of the land ranging
from wild, remote areas in the south to the bustling capital in the
north. Buenos Aires is a complex, energetic and seductive port city,
which has no dominating monument or natural monolith that serves as
its focal point. Instead, it is comprised of many small places and intimate
details, each with a slightly different shade, shape and character.
The dramatic cataracts, inlets and drops
of Iguacu Falls form a horseshoe-shaped rim between Argentina and Brazil.
Argentina offers the ultimate close-up experience, where one can walk
out on catwalks built a few feet above the river at the very edge of
the falls. The best overall view, however, is from the Brazilian side,
where trails cut into the side of the riverbank offer a grand panorama
of the main section of the falls. Boats take visitors to the crashing
waters at the bottom of the falls and to more tranquil nearby pools
for swimming.
Covering almost half the continent, Brazil
is the fifth largest country in the world, behind Russia, Canada, China
and the U.S., with an area of nearly five million square miles. Known
to Brazilians as “Cidade Maravilhosa” (wonderful city),
Rio De Janeiro is nestled between rainforest-clad cliffs and the sea.
Always brimming with sound, rhythm, and joy, the city has all the colors
of the world here, with a thousand shades of Amazon green, the gold
of afternoon sunlight, the vibrant blue of a tropical sea, and the multitudinous
hues of sun-tanned flesh.
It is believed that the word “tango”
is derived from the Latin “tangere,” meaning “to touch.”
It is an appropriate appellation, as no visit to a faraway spot can
include absolutely everything it has to offer. This holiday season,
Toto Tours will “touch” upon the most sparkling highlights
of Buenos Aires, Iguacu Falls and Rio de Janeiro, as we embrace the
culture, history and spectacle with a passion rivaled only by the furious
coupling of the tango.
ITINERARY
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Depart for Buenos Aires
Leave your home city today on flights bound to Buenos Aires (EZE Airport
Code). US-based airlines serving Buenos Aires are American, Delta, Continental
and United (in addition to several international carriers). Flights
to Buenos Aires usually arrive the following day. We will be happy to
arrange an extra night at a hotel for those who wish to arrive today.
We recommend this option, as the tour gets an early start in the morning!
The price for an additional hotel night is $115 per person in double
occupancy, or $200 per person in single. Those booking our TAM group
flight will arrive at 11:50pm tonight. We will automatically add the
charge for one extra night to your invoice. One group hotel transfer
is provided for those arriving on the TAM flight. Others arriving at
different times on other airlines can order a private transfer for $25.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Arrival / Traditional Estancia Christmas Eve
This morning those who arrived yesterday will be collected at 7:30am
from the hotel and proceed to the airport to pick-up passengers arriving
on American Airlines Flight # 909 at 8:05am. If you cannot be at the
airport in Buenos Aires by that time, you need to plan to arrive one
day early. Following the airport pick-up, the entire group journeys
to the Estancia Santa Rita to enjoy Christmas Eve festivities.
The Estancia provides a luxurious taste of
ranching life over more than 200 years, with the main house, a chapel
and other
buildings set in a gorgeous, wooded landscape. We explore the surroundings
on horseback or by carriage, and have a
typical
and
delicious
asado
(barbecue) prepared by the gauchos
for lunch. The rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy the activities
at the Estancia. This evening, our Welcome Dinner will be a Christmas
Feast with champagne. We join with the host family in their traditional
Christmas celebrations. (Lunch /
Dinner included)
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Return To Buenos Aires
Continue to relax and enjoy the delightful atmosphere at the Estancia
through lunchtime today. Return to Buenos Aires after lunch and check
into our beautiful hotel, the Mansion Dandi Royal. Take time to settle
into your room and freshen up before attending a special Christmas dinner
at Spettus Restaurant. Overnight in Buenos Aires. (All
Meals)
Friday, December 26, 2008
Buenos Aires Tour / Tango Lesson / Tango Show
After breakfast this morning take a city sightseeing tour, visiting
the most interesting districts of Buenos Aires such as La Boca with
the colorful Caminito Street, San Telmo, Plaza de Mayo, and Recoleta,
including the cemetery where Evita Peron is buried. The Colon Theater
is probably the most important opera house in Latin America. Sightseeing
will take 5-hours, with a break to give you time to grab a bite for
lunch. This afternoon, test your abilities as a dancer with an 1½
- 2 hour tango lesson. We have arranged for local male dancers to be
our partners. This evening enjoy dinner and an exciting Tango performance
at our hotel. After the show the hotel presents a Milonga,
a traditional Tango dance party. We have arranged for our male dance
partners from our lessons earlier in the day to return and dance with
us. (Breakfast
/ Dinner)
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Buenos Aires to Iguacu Falls
After a late breakfast, we check out of our hotel and transfer to the
airport. Our flight for Iguacu Falls leaves Buenos Aires at 11:40am
and arrives at 1:25pm. Lunch will be served on the plane. Upon arrival
a guide meets our group and accompanies us on a tour of the Falls from
the Argentinian side. Afterwards, we continue to the Tropical Hotel,
a gorgeous property inside the National Park and directly in front of
the falls on the Brazilian side. The remainder of the day is free to
enjoy the amenities of the hotel and the spectacular views of the Falls. (Breakfast)
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Brazilian Falls / Macuco Safari
This morning we tour the Brazilian side of Iguacu Falls. Neither words
nor photographs do these falls justice—they must be seen and heard!
Lunch will be at a restaurant beside the Falls. Our afternoon adventure
is named for the Macuco Trail in the Brazilian National Park, just three
kilometers from Iguacu Falls. We ride in an open-air wagon pulled by
a jeep through this lush, subtropical ecosystem then board a powerboat
for a thrilling ride through rapids directly below the thundering Falls.
Prepare to get wet! (Breakfast / Lunch)
Monday, December 29, 2008
Flight to Rio / Sugar Loaf
After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and transfer to the airport.
Our flight to Rio de Janeiro departs at 9:50am, arriving at 11:45am.
Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel, check in to our rooms, and enjoy
some free time at the gorgeous beach across the street.
In late afternoon, we head toward dramatic
Sugar Loaf Mountain, passing through Rio’s most famous beaches
(Leme, Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon) to the base of the Mountain. We
take the first of two cable cars to the smaller of the mountains, strolling
around the flowered walkways while enjoying the magnificent view and
looking for little monkeys called “Sagui.” Continue via
another cable car to the summit of the second mountain. The view of
the city of Rio from this peak at sunset is breathtaking. (Breakfast)
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Corcovado Mountain
Corcovado Mountain with its Christ Statue is one of the “must
see ” places to visit when in Rio, especially now that it has
been voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World! This morning we
travel through downtown Rio to the base of Corcovado Mountain. There
we board a cog rail train that takes us through the Tijuca Rainforest
to the top of the mountain. At the top stands the famous 125ft statue
with its arms outstretched over the city. The views of the ocean, city
and lagoon are spectacular from this vantage point. After our tour,
the remainder of the day is free to enjoy the beach and Rio’s
exciting nightlife. (Breakfast)
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
New Year’s Eve
This morning, you can take breakfast at your regular time or sleep
in late to rest up for tonight’s festivities. The entire day is
free to enjoy the beach, go souvenir shopping, or explore on your own.
Our group has special reservations at our hotel for New Year’s
Eve, complete with a late dinner at 9:00pm and fireworks at midnight. (Breakfast
/ Dinner)
Thursday, January 1, 2009
New Year’s Day
Today is completely free to do as you please, relaxing and enjoying
one more day in fabulous Rio de Janiero. New Year’s Resolutions
will just have to wait! (Breakfast)
Friday, January 2, 2009
Farewell Lunch / Departure
After breakfast, the morning is at your leisure. This afternoon we
check out of the hotel, load our luggage into the motorcoach and head
out to enjoy a delicious Farewell Lunch at Marius Crustaceos Restaurant.
We’ll remember special moments we shared during our Tango adventure
across Argentina and Brazil. Afterwards, we go to the airport for the
return flights to the US. Our group flight on TAM departs at 8:05pm.
We are required to be at the airport three hours before departure time. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Return Home
Your international flight will travel through the night, and return
you to the United States today. Our group flight arrives in Miami at
4:55am. You should not make any ongoing reservations before 8:00am in
order to allow sufficient time to clear immigration and customs, re-check
your bags, and go through security once more.
ACCOMMODATIONS
(Click property name to read description)
Christmas Eve: Estancia
Santa Rita
Buenos Aires: Hotel
Mansion Dandi Royal
Iguacu Falls: Tropical
Hotel das Cataratas
Rio de Janeiro: Windsor
Hotel Excelsior Copacabana
TOUR PREPARATION
Argentina Entry: Citizens of the U.S. and Canada
do not need visas to visit Argentina. Upon arrival all non-visa visitors
must obtain a free tourist card, good for 90 days and renewable for
90 more. Once in your possession you should not toss your card away;
however, losing it is no major catastrophe. At most exit points, immigration
officials will provide an immediate replacement for no charge.
Brazil Entry: For citizens of the United States
and Canada, both a valid passport and a visa for travel to Brazil are
required. Visas must be obtained through a Brazilian embassy or consulate
here in the U.S. prior to departure. Detailed instructions for your
visa application will be provided upon receipt of your deposit. The
process can take 3 to 4 weeks, so please don’t wait until the
last minute to book!
Recommended Immunizations: The Department
of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) has detailed recommendations for vaccinations and medications
for vaccine-preventable diseases and other diseases you might be at
risk for when traveling in Argentina and Brazil. The links to this detailed
information are as follows:
We strongly recommend that you consult with your personal physician
or a travel medicine clinic well in advance of departure in order to
determine which vaccinations and medications are right for you. As with
any tour, it is important to insure yourself for health and cancellation/interruption
(see the link to AIG Travel Guard at the bottom of this page).
Exit Requirements: You must pay a departure tax of
$18.00 at the Buenos Aires airport upon departure from Argentina, which
may be paid in U.S. or Argentine currency. At this time there are no
departure taxes in Brazil.
Suggested Viewing:
- The Official Story (1985) filmed in Buenos
Aires
- The Mission (1986) filmed at Iguacu Falls
- Black Orpheus (1959) filmed in Rio
- Bossa Nova (2000) filmed in Rio
WHAT TO BRING
To avoid lugging around huge pieces of heavy luggage, try to pack
clothing which can be worn repeatedly or put together in mix-’n’-match
fashion. It is unwise to flaunt personal wealth here, so we recommend
that you leave expensive clothing and jewelry at home. Daily high and
low temperatures will range between 60 and 80 degrees F in Buenos Aires,
70 and 86 at Iguacu Falls, and 70 and 90 in Rio.
Suggested Packing List:
____ Proof of citizenship. Passport and Brazilian Tourist Visa required.
____ Comfy walking shoes for day tours and walks.
____ Polo shirts / T-shirts.
____ Shorts.
____ Lightweight long pants for dinners.
____ Cool sleepwear.
____ Sunscreen / lip balm / bug spray.
____ Sunglasses / sun hat with tie-on (for power boat safari).
____ Windbreaker or water repellant jacket.
____ Personal toiletries (Bring an anti-diarrheal remedy just in case!)
____ Swimsuits.
____ Camera & plenty of film or digital memory / extra batteries.
____ Ziploc Bags (sandwich size for documents, gallon size for wet
items or toiletries).
____ A good book for the long flights.
MONEY MATTERS
Until recently, Argentina was an extremely expensive country to visit,
but the devaluation of the Argentine peso (ARS) makes Argentina much
more affordable for foreign travelers than once it was. As of January
10, 2008, the interbank exchange rate was 3.13 ARS to the U.S. $1. Brazilian
currency is the Real (code BRL, and pronounced as “hey-ow”).
The plural of Real is Reais (“hey-ice”). As of January 10,
2008, the interbank exchange rate was 1.77 BRL to the U.S. $1.00. ATMs
are almost everywhere, so obtaining local currency with your bank card
will not be difficult
Tipping: Workers in most services are tipped 10%,
and they make the minimum wage (not enough to live on) so you can be
sure they need the money. In restaurants a 10% tip is customary, but
it might be included in the bill. Look for a service charge. Most people
round taxi fares up to the nearest even amount, but tipping is not expected.
We will present a group tip to drivers and guides before departing each
destination, and guidelines for this amount will be provided prior to
departure. Budget between $20-$40 U.S. each day for miscellaneous out-of-pocket
expenses.
To reserve a place on this tour, click on the “Reservations”
link above. Type in the information requested in each field, print the
form, then sign and mail it to Toto Tours with your $500 deposit check.
You also have the option to pay for your tour deposit with a Visa or
MasterCard. The remaining balance is due 80 days prior to departure
(by October 7, 2008). Tour registration is not complete until we have
received both the form and your deposit check.
Toto Tours does not accept credit cards
as a form of payment except for the amount of the tour deposit ($500
maximum can be charged per tour). An installment plan is possible. Our
mailing address is: Toto Tours, 1326 W. Albion Avenue, Chicago, Illinois
60626-4753. Make checks payable to: Toto Tours, Ltd.
LIABILITIES / DISCLAIMERS
Making a reservation with a deposit shall be deemed to be consent to
these conditions: Toto Tours does not accept responsibility in whole
or in part for any delay, loss, accidents, personal injury, sickness,
medical expenses, or property damage occasioned by fault of any person
from whatever cause. All tour participants are required to sign a standard
liability form.
The tour operators reserve the right to accept
or decline any person as a member of the tour at any time and to make
whatever changes become necessary with or without notice. This
tour is a guaranteed departure.
THE TOTO SPIRIT
Toto Tours provides Adventure Travel Experiences as differentiated
from tours in the traditional sense. Adventure Travel allows (even encourages)
you to be an active participant. Adventurers can be identified by certain
traits. They are:
- fun-loving optimists who have a sense of humor and accentuate
the positive;
- good natured realists who are willing to accept situations
as they exist;
- undaunted by the unexpected, like occasional delays or bad
weather;
- willing to forego some of the amenities we normally take for
granted;
- eager to try new things & test limits;
- punctual;
- not whiners!
Dance into the New Year with Toto Tours doing a Tango between two of
the most ravishing cities in South America: Buenos Aires and
Rio. This will be the best Holiday celebration of your life!
If you have any questions, please call toll-free: 800-565-1241.
THE BOTTOM LINE
(tour prices per person)
Special Deposit Requirement and Refund Policy: This
statement applies to this tour only, and superscedes all other refund
policies published by Toto Tours. Prior to July 1, 2008, you may secure
a place on this tour with a $500 deposit. $250 of that amount is refundable
if you cancel prior to July 1, 2008. On July 1, 2008, the hotel in Rio
is requiring full pre-payment, necessitating a second deposit of $1,000
due to Toto Tours no later than July 1, 2008. All payments made to the
Rio hotel are non-refundable. After July 1, 2008, your $1,500 total
deposit to Toto Tours becomes non-refundable in its entirety. It is
important that you protect yourself with cancellation insurance for
this particular tour. The hotel in Rio has extended its 2007 rates to
us as a courtesy through July 1, 2008. After that date, all new reservations
will be subject to the increased hotel rates for 2008. To avoid a potential
increase in the tour price, you must book this tour and submit $1,500
in deposits prior to July 1, 2008.
Price: $3,995 double occupancy (airfare
not included). This price is only guaranteed until July 1, 2008. The
hotel in Rio is raising its rates on that date.
Private Room: $1,500 extra, if available.
(Paying a single supplement is not required. Toto Tours can match you
with a roommate if you are traveling alone and prefer to share a room.)
This rate is also guaranteed only through July 1, 2008, and is subject
to increase after that time.
Deposit: $500 (Due at time of registration
for the tour, if before July 1, 2008. $500 total may be paid with a
credit card.)
Second Deposit: $1,000 due on July 1, 2008.
At that time, all deposits become 100% non-refundable. New bookings
after that date require a non-refundable deposit of $1,500.
Remaining Balance: $2,495 double / $3,995
single
(Assumes a total of $1,500 has already been paid in deposits)
Remaining Balance Due: October
7, 2008
(Full payment required with reservation form if enrolling after this
date.)
Included: One group airport transfer at
the beginning and end of the tour, all ground transportation for included
tour activities within Argentina and Brazil; all excursions except those
listed as “optional”; meals and accommodations as listed
in the itinerary. This is a fully guided and escorted tour.
Not included: Round-trip air transportation
to Buenos Aires, Argentina and returning from Rio de Janiero, Brazil;
two internal flights (Buenos Aires to Iguacu Falls, Iguacu Falls to
Rio); airport departure taxes; Brazil tourist visa; meals and other
items not specifically covered in the itinerary; insurance; alcoholic
beverages; soft drinks; bottled water; laundry; telephone calls; faxes;
or any other expenses of a personal nature. Tips to drivers / guides
are not included.
Airfare: These airline prices are subject to
availability at the time you book the tour, and the price could increase
if the least expensive seats are no longer available. Airline seats
departing Rio on January 2nd are very much in demand. We cannot urge
you strongly enough to book this tour quickly to lock in your air rates,
and to guarantee that you have a seat for our scheduled departure. Here
are your options:
- TAM Group Air Price: $1,630 for all
flight segments from Miami (we are holding only 15 seats for the international
flights, and 20 seats for the two flights during the tour).
- American Airlines Published Price (for comparison
purposes): $1,578.30 international.
Plus: $130 Buenos Aires to Iguacu and $270 Iguacu
to Rio, totals: $1,978.30.
We can offer the American international flights at a slightly discounted
rate from current published fares.
- Book Your Own International Air: You still
need to purchase our group flights from Buenos Aires to Iguacu,
and
from Iguacu to Rio. Call for the current price.
We will put you into direct contact with our airline suppliers immediately
after your reservation is received so that you can select the airline
package appropriate for your needs. You can use a credit card to purchase
your airline tickets.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We recommend you purchase travel insurance with AIG Travel Guard to
cover for unforseen events prior to and during your trip. Please follow
the link below or call us for more information.
|
