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Join the inaugural season of the new Ocean Explorer and discover Brazil’s best-kept secret during this exclusive small ship cruise along the pristine Costa Verde — the spellbinding Green Coast. This stunning shoreline of forest-clad hills and tranquil beaches stretches from Rio de Janeiro down to the wide scenic mouth of the Rio de la Plata, gateway to the Uruguayan capital of Montevideo and the Argentinean capital of Buenos Aires. When you join Vantage on the Deluxe, 5-star Ocean Explorer, this lush coastline will be a secret no more. You’ll ply Atlantic waters past magnificent vistas, stopping to explore vibrant historic centers and cozying up to off-the-beaten-path ports that large ships can only dream of visiting.
Explore seldom-seen natural and cultural treasures, from the rain forest walking paths of Ilha Grande to the cobbled colonial lanes of Paraty — collectively a new UNESCO World Heritage Site! Take in the remarkable art and architecture of Rio Grande and the modern vibe of Santos, whose renowned soccer team once claimed Pelé as a star player. Board the Camboriú cable car for a hike in a hilltop forest and a visit to a stunning beach. And that’s just in Brazil! More cultural wonders greet you in Uruguay — the posh resort town of Punta del Este, the sophistication and rich history of Montevideo, and the remarkably preserved Old Town of Colonia del Sacramento. It’s all bookended by overnight stays in two of South America’s most celebrated and lively cities — amid the breathtaking mountains and beaches of Rio de Janeiro and the thrumming rhythms of Buenos Aires.
You’ll enjoy 22 included excursions and Cultural Discoveries while gaining immeasurable insight from our onboard lecturers. Lounge by the pool or treat yourself to the spa. Dine on thoughtfully prepared meals. We’ve even put binoculars in your cabin for up-close coastal viewing, because we’re sure you won’t want to miss a moment of this remarkable voyage!
When Eleanor Roosevelt first laid eyes on Iguassu Falls, she is famously said to have uttered, “Poor Niagara!” It’s easy to understand what overwhelmed the First Lady. This torrent of water separating Brazil and Argentina plunges over 200-foot-high cliffs in a roaring fury of water. (In fact, Iguassu translates roughly from the local Guarani into “great water.”) Judging from Ms. Roosevelt’s reaction, you’ll want to extend your expedition to view Brazil’s other breathtaking natural wonder. Explore the cataracts from both countries, getting as close to the falls as the spraying mist allows. Join us on this thrilling adventure!
Fly to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Depart the U.S. on an overnight flight to Rio de Janeiro. Or, depart earlier for a thrilling pre-trip extension to Iguassu Falls.
Arrive in Rio
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.
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Cultural Discovery:
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Get an insider’s samba lesson and explore on your own
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.
Explore Rio de Janeiro, the cidade maravilhosa, and embark the Ocean Explorer
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.
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Ilha Grande: Island penitentiary turned lush paradise
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!
Cultural Discoveries:
Exploring the colonial treasures of Paraty
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.
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Discover the vibrant urban center of Santos
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.
The natural and cultural splendors of Camboriú from on high
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.
A day at sea along the Brazilian coast
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.
The rich arts and culture of Rio Grande
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.
Cruising coastal Brazil
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.
Lifestyles of the rich and famous in Punta del Este
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.
Uncover the international spirit of Montevideo
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!
The UNESCO treasures of Colonia del Sacramento
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.
Buenos Aires: Latin America with more than a hint of Europe
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.
Discover the pleasures of polo in the Argentinean Pampas
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!
Explore Buenos Aires on your own and return home
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.
Please note: Ocean cruising is not the same experience as river cruising; as such, you may experience fluctuating tides and weather patterns that may involve some rocking of your vessel. Itineraries will include all activities as planned except in extreme cases that can’t be controlled by your shipboard crew. Important: Day-by-day itineraries are preliminary and therefore subject to change. If changes occur while on tour, you will be notified by your Cruise Director or regional expert.