Explore and book Oceania Cruises 22 Night Transatlantic Cruise on the Insignia departing from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Jan 27, 2025 and ending in Leith/Edinburgh, Scotland on Feb 18, 2025 Sail to Montevideo, Uruguay, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Punta del Este, Uruguay, Cape Town, South Africa, Walvis Bay, Namibia, Luderitz, Namibia, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Leith/Edinburgh, Scotland

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Signature Event Sailing: Rio Carnaval 
Full Day Best of Rio with Lunch
Carnival Behind the Scenes
Rio by Night with Ginga Tropical
Corcovado y vista de las playas de Río
Half Day City Tour with Sugar Loaf
Corcovado and a View of Rio's Beaches
HD Botanical Gardens and Parque Lage
HD Walking Harbour Tour 
HD Panoramic Rio
Río panorámico HD

Montevideo, Uruguay

Uruguay's capital, Montevideo exudes a laid-back charm, complemented by its colonial architecture, vibrant arts scene, and beachfront promenades. As South America's southernmost capital, it's a blend of cultural richness and coastal allure.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Often termed the "Paris of South America", Buenos Aires offers tango, historic neighborhoods, and Argentine culture. Cruising to this port immerses visitors in a melting pot of European and South American influences.

Punta del Este, Uruguay

Experience Punta del Este, Uruguay's glamorous beach resort town. Known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and upscale restaurants, Punta del Este offers a chic South American coastal experience. Cruising here promises sun-soaked moments, art encounters, and a taste of Uruguayan luxury.

Leith/Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh, the captivating capital of Scotland, boasts a rich history and vibrant cultural scene. Explore the iconic Edinburgh Castle, stroll down the historic Royal Mile, and enjoy panoramic views from Arthur's Seat. The city's festivals, including the renowned Edinburgh Fringe, provide year-round entertainment. Edinburgh seamlessly combines medieval charm with modern vibrancy, making it a must-visit destination.

Walvis Bay, Namibia

Namibia's Walvis Bay is a realm of desert dunes meeting the Atlantic. The rich marine life, including seals and flamingos, contrast with the arid landscapes, making it a unique African destination.

Luderitz, Namibia

A coastal town in Namibia, Luderitz combines German colonial architecture with the wild beauty of the Namib Desert. Known for its diamond-mining history, the town offers a unique blend of European influence and African landscapes.

Cape Town, South Africa

Where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet, Cape Town presents a majestic backdrop of Table Mountain and a vibrant urban life. Experience the history, multicultural cuisine, vineyards, and natural beauty that make this South African city a must-visit cruise destination.

22 Night Transatlantic Cruise

Africa

Europe

South America

United Kingdom

Oceania's Insignia delivers a refined and peaceful cruise experience, ideally crafted for discerning travelers drawn to its small-scale luxury and distinctive long-duration voyages. With an emphasis on high-quality service and gourmet dining, including a versatile plant-based menu, guests are assured a personalized and memorable journey. The ship's design and atmosphere cater to relaxation and leisure, ensuring a balance of engaging activities and tranquil moments, suitable for those valuing sophistication and comfort.

Escape into a world of imagination in our exquisite English-style library, boasting over 2,000 books and periodicals. It's the perfect retreat for those seeking tranquility and a touch of nostalgia amidst the elegance reminiscent of the Golden Age of Travel. Immerse yourself in the comfort of plush chairs and the quiet ambiance, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and reading at sea.

Library

Remain connected with loved ones and up-to-date with world events at our 24-hour Oceania@Sea Internet Center. Offering both wireless and in-suite iPad® access for suite guests, plus convenient mailing and phone services, staying in touch is effortless and seamless throughout your voyage.


Oceania@Sea Internet Center

Experience the world's ancient wellness traditions with our Wellness Discovery Tours by Aquamar. Explore exotic locales and learn about timeless health practices, all while enjoying unique, rejuvenating excursions designed to enhance your well-being.

Wellness Discovery Tours

Dive into relaxation on the pool deck with a large saltwater pool and two whirlpool spas. Unwind on luxurious day beds or chaise lounge chairs with a cocktail in hand, all while soaking in the panoramic sea views. It's the perfect serene escape to rejuvenate between port explorations.

Pool Deck

Perfect your putt and enjoy the timeless game of golf on our onboard putting greens. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just looking for some leisurely fun, our 9-hole course offers a unique opportunity to hone your skills against the backdrop of the open sea.

Golf Putting Green

Dive into the spirit of friendly competition with a game of shuffleboard on deck. This classic game provides a perfect blend of skill and fun, inviting guests to enjoy leisurely play or engage in more spirited contests.

Shuffleboard

Experience the thrill of Monte Carlo-style gaming on the high seas. Our casino offers a variety of games, from blackjack and roulette to a wide selection of slots and video poker. With free lessons, a loyalty points system, and options for cashless wagering, it's an exciting way to spend your evening aboard.

Casinos at Sea

Immerse yourself in classic card games or lively board game sessions at our Card Room, creating the perfect ambiance for friendly rounds of bridge, poker, or canasta. With a variety of board games on offer, it's the ideal space for relaxed social gatherings and cherished memories.

Card Room

Explore our chic boutiques for an exclusive shopping experience, offering a refined selection of sundries, resort wear, and fine jewelry. Perfect for finding that special gift or cruise memento, our boutiques cater to discerning tastes and provide a stylish reminder of your journey at sea.


Boutiques

Join the fun and friendly competition with our onboard trivia and quizzes, including Team Trivia and MENSA challenges. These popular activities are a fantastic way to bond with fellow travelers, stimulate your mind, and share in the laughter and camaraderie of our vibrant community.

Brain Games

Experience the sophisticated charm of Martinis, where the art of the cocktail is celebrated with a wide array of martinis in an elegant setting. Inspired by the serene beauty of the Greek Isles, the ambiance invites you to unwind and enjoy the finer things in life.

Martinis

Begin your evening in the sophisticated ambiance of The Grand Bar, where fine vintages and classic apéritifs spark engaging conversation and new friendships. This elegant pre-dinner destination sets the stage for a night of gourmet dining and lively exchange.


The Grand Bar

For the pinnacle of nightly entertainment aboard Oceania Cruises, the Lounge is your destination. Offering everything from headline acts and comedians to magicians and jazz ensembles, it’s the heart of entertainment at sea.


Lounge

Horizons serves as an observation lounge by day and a vibrant evening venue by night, where dancing and cocktails under the glow of floor-to-ceiling windows create unforgettable moments. Its elegant, country club ambiance invites relaxation and enjoyment.


Horizons

Just a step away from the pool, Waves Bar is your oasis for refreshment in the midst of sun-soaked leisure. Offering a wide selection of drinks, it’s the perfect spot for a daytime cocktail or a sunset segue into the evening’s festivities.

Waves Bar

Indulge in the timeless elegance of Afternoon Tea, a daily celebration featuring a classical string quartet, a splendid array of pastries, finger sandwiches, and a diverse selection of traditional and artisanal teas. This cherished pastime offers a moment of luxury and relaxation amidst the day's adventures.

Afternoon Tea

Experience vitality cuisine at AQUAMAR, inspired by the renowned Mediterranean diet, offering the freshest, highest-quality ingredients and gourmet plant-based dishes. With extensive menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including energizing options at the Raw Juice & Smoothie Bar, delight your palate while nourishing your body on our ships.

Aquamar Vitality Cuisine

Treat your taste buds to specialty coffee perfection at Baristas, where expertly crafted illy® espressos and lattes await. Pair your beverage with delectable pastries and homemade biscotti, creating the perfect pick-me-up for any time of day.

Baristas

Elevate your cruise experience with our in-room dining options, offering a diverse menu available 24/7, including complimentary full hot breakfasts and expanded lunch/dinner choices for Concierge Level guests. Indulge in course-by-course meals in the comfort of your suite, or savor a tranquil meal on your private veranda, all while taking in breathtaking seascapes.

In-Room Dining Experiences

Step into Polo Grill, where timeless elegance meets the perfection of classic steakhouse favorites. From USDA Prime certified Black Angus beef to meticulously prepared seafood dishes, every bite is a celebration of tradition and flavor, accompanied by the warmth of genuine hospitality.


Polo Grill

Terrace Café offers a relaxed retreat for informal dining, whether it's a sunlit breakfast, flavorful lunch, or sophisticated evening meal. With international-inspired dishes, fresh seafood, and a diverse selection of plant-based options, every moment at the Terrace Café is a culinary delight.

Terrace Café

Experience the grandeur of The Grand Dining Room, a culinary homage to Europe's finest five-star restaurants. With its splendid decor and expansive menu of Continental dishes and global flavors, it offers a dining experience that combines elegance with an incredible variety of choices.

The Grand Dining Room

Toscana invites you on a journey through authentic Italian cuisine, where each dish tells a story passed down from generations. Savor masterfully prepared Tuscan delights served on elegant Versace china, capturing the essence of Italy's culinary heritage with every bite.

Toscana

Indulge in casual luxury with Waves Grill's alfresco dining experience, offering a tempting menu of all-American favorites steps from the poolside. Treat yourself to decadent desserts like homemade passion fruit sorbet and hand-dipped milkshakes, making every bite a delightful escape.

Waves Grill

Enrich your cruise experience with fascinating insights from our Guest Speakers, delving into the cultures, stories, and themes of the regions visited. With additional enrichment programs on select sailings and complimentary health and wellness seminars, our talks offer meaningful engagement and the chance to reinvigorate your lifestyle.


Guest Speakers

Immerse yourself in the world of dazzling performances onboard, where each night offers a new spectacle of world-class musical talents, including pianists, classical string quartets, and dynamic vocalists. With an ever-changing lineup, the entertainment is as diverse as it is captivating, promising a perfect night of enjoyment for every taste.


Onboard Shows

Step into the spotlight with Broadway in Concert, a dazzling tribute to the iconic musicals that have shaped the world of theater. Our talented vocalists bring to life beloved songs and hidden gems in this elegant concert-style review. It's a celebration of show business that's bound to captivate theater lovers of all ages.

Broadway in Concert

Get ready for Showdown, a lively mock singing competition where your vote determines the winner. Cheer on your favorite performers as they take the stage with popular hits, making for a fun and interactive entertainment experience. Join us and see who takes home the crown in this thrilling musical contest.

Showdown

Immerse yourself in the acoustic renditions of pop music's greatest hits with Acoustic Sessions, where a live band brings your favorite tunes to life in an intimate, 360-degree setting, ensuring a unique and memorable musical experience.

Acoustic Sessions

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the electrifying ambiance of the 1920s at Gatsby’s, where the timeless tunes of jazz, blues, and Tin Pan Alley standards fill the air. This vibrant venue offers a nostalgic escape with music by legends like Duke Ellington and Fats Waller, perfect for those looking to revel in the era’s spirited charm.

Gatsby’s

Embark on a wellness journey at the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center, where restorative therapies, healthy cuisine, and enriching wellness experiences await. From rejuvenating treatments to immersive wellness excursions, every aspect is designed to enhance your health and vitality onboard.


Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center

Experience the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation at the Aquamar Spa Terrace, where the therapeutic benefits of a thalassotherapy pool or whirlpools await. This serene sanctuary is designed to soothe the mind and body, offering a peaceful retreat with stunning views and tranquil waters.

Aquamar Spa Terrace

Revitalize your body in the therapeutic embrace of our Thalassotherapy Pool. This saltwater sanctuary is perfect for soothing sore muscles, improving circulation, and easing joint pain, making it an ideal wellness complement to any cruise experience.

Thalassotherapy Pool

Enhance your wellness journey in our aromatic steam room, where temperature-regulated steam infused with herbal essences improves your skin and mood. This multisensory experience offers a perfect retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Aromatic Steam Room

Immerse yourself in the healing properties of the ocean with our selection of body therapies. From Musclease Ocean Wraps to Intensely Cleansing Salt Scrubs, our treatments are designed to detoxify and nourish, leaving your skin purified and refreshed.

Body Therapies

Discover the art of relaxation and rejuvenation with our signature massage therapies at the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center. Each therapy, from Aroma Stone to Thai Herbal Poultice massages, is crafted to restore harmony and balance to body and spirit, using natural ingredients and a blend of ancient and modern techniques.

Massage Therapies

Experience the transformative power of our facial therapies, where ancient massage techniques meet modern skin care to deliver essential vitamins and nutrients. Our Pro-Collagen Age Defy and Caviar Firm And Lift facials are signature services designed to rejuvenate and revitalize.

Facial Therapies

Elevate your look with our luxury salon and barber shop services, offering everything from personalized hair treatments to deluxe manicures and pedicures. Our experienced stylists and barbers use premium products to ensure you look and feel your best.

Salon & Barber Shop Services

Start your day with serenity by joining our complimentary yoga classes, designed to enhance your inner peace, flexibility, and strength. From sunrise sessions to introductory classes, there's a perfect match for every skill level, setting the tone for a day of exploration and discovery.

Yoga

Strengthen your core and improve your posture with our Pilates classes, a low-impact exercise regimen focusing on flexibility, endurance, and muscle control. Our expert instructors ensure a welcoming environment for developing core stability and enhancing overall body health.

Pilates

Energize your body with a workout in our state-of-the-art fitness center, featuring the latest in cardio and strength-training equipment. Join our complimentary classes for an extra boost of motivation, from bootcamps to indoor cycling, tailored to help you achieve your fitness goals.

Cardio & Strength Training

Embrace a healthier you with our complimentary fitness classes, catering to all levels of experience. From strength training to stretching and foot fitness, our professional instructors are dedicated to guiding you through each session, ensuring a fulfilling and beneficial workout.


Free Fitness Classes

Embrace the beauty of the sea and sky while keeping active on our running track. Whether you're starting your day with an energizing jog or enjoying a leisurely walk, the stunning views and fresh sea air offer a perfect backdrop for exercise and reflection.


Running Track

Elevate your wellness journey with our comprehensive range of complimentary fitness classes, from Pilates and yoga to strength training. Our state-of-the-art fitness center also offers the latest exercise equipment and personal training sessions, catering to all your fitness needs.


Fitness Center

Find your peaceful haven on our private sundeck, the ultimate spot for solitude and relaxation. Whether seeking a meditative moment or simply a break from the buzz, the sundeck offers a tranquil retreat to recharge.


Sundeck

Oceania Cruises

Insignia

Experience breathtaking vistas and photo opportunities over Cape Town during this brief yet memorable sunset visit to Signal Hill. Begin with a drive along historic Kloof Neck Road toward Signal Hill, a flat-topped promontory that rises from the heart of Cape Town near imposing Table Mountain and the distinctive Lion’s Head rock outcropping. You’ll learn the picturesque hill is renowned for its noon gun and offers a spectacular perspective of Cape Town and the surrounding area, especially at first light and as the sun dips into the Atlantic Ocean. Upon arriving at a perfectly placed vantage point on the summit, take in magnificent sunset views over Table Bay and Cape Town, and relish a selection of canapés and a glass of sparkling wine, an ideal complement to the marvelous setting. Back on your coach, you’ll drive past the appealing shoreside neighborhoods of Camps Bay, Clifton, Bantry Bay, Sea Point and Green Point, a lovely glimpse into the way of life in fascinating Cape Town.

Embrace the beauty of Cape Town during this scenic trip up Table Mountain, the city’s most celebrated landmark. Drive up Kloof Nek Road to the Lower Cableway Station, where you’ll board a Swiss-engineered cable car and ascend from the 1,190-foot Valley Station to the 3,477-foot Mountain Station. During the approximately four-minute journey, rejoice in sweeping views as the floor of the car rotates 360 degrees. You’ll learn that Table Mountain, named after its flat-topped central massif, is flanked by Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head with Signal Hill in the foreground.

Uncover the enthralling history, architecture and flavors of the town of Stellenbosch and its surrounding valley during an introductory tour with free time to explore followed by a wine tasting. Relax during a leisurely drive to the Stellenbosch Valley, a broad, fertile dale on the Eerste River named after its founder, Governor Simon van der Stel, who discovered it in 1680. You’ll learn that today Stellenbosch is a major university town characterized by typical Afrikaner Cape Dutch architecture and streets lined with ancient oak trees, some of which have been declared National Monuments. Enjoy an orientation drive through Stellenbosch followed by approximately one hour at your leisure to explore the town independently and browse a wide selection of curio shops.

Soar over Cape Town and the surrounding area in a helicopter. Enjoy a birds-eye view of the point where the Southern Atlantic and Indian oceans meet. Fly over Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula and the gorgeous coastal suburbs.

Take in the extraordinary coastal views while traveling along Chapman’s Peak Drive. Pause for photos at scenic viewpoints that overlook gorgeous bays and seaside towns. Learn fascinating facts about the road’s history and cutting-edge engineering.

Applaud a precious South African tradition performed in style during a visit to the sumptuous, Mount Nelson Hotel. You’ll journey to the exclusive Belmond Mount Nelson, a beloved Cape Town landmark now over a century old. Find the hotel in the very heart of Old Cape Town, amid nine acres of luxuriant, park-like gardens on a historic site at the foot of Table Mountain. You’ll learn the property opened its doors on March 6, 1899, and was the brainchild of shipping magnate Sir Donald Currie, who envisioned a counterpart to the finest hotels in London, then the world’s capital of upscale hostelry. Discover he was soon gratified with reviews that heaped praise on his enterprise, which surpassed all expectations and even exceeded comparisons with its British rivals. After settling into the hotel’s salon or conservatory, you’ll be treated to a tantalizing array of delicate sandwiches and savories, tempting cakes, pastries and scones, all accompanied by a variety of teas and coffees. As a relaxing finish to your tour, you’ll return to the ship through some of Cape Town’s most picturesque neighborhoods while skirting the Atlantic coastline of this dazzling city.

Ponder the struggle against apartheid at Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site best known as the prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated. You’ll learn that for over four centuries, Robben Island was a place of punishment for exiles and criminals as well as a place of confinement for lepers, lunatics and the sick, and from 1960 was used by the apartheid regime to isolate political prisoners such as Mandela. Discover that the last of the political inmates was released in 1991 and the site subsequently opened to the public as the Robben Island Museum, with many of the former political prisoners becoming guides. After a pleasant ferry ride with Cape Town and Table Mountain as your backdrop, arrive at Robben Island and board a bus for a 45-minute orientation drive, seeing the old leper colony, a Muslim shrine and a shipwreck before visiting the limestone quarry where political inmates performed backbreaking labor. Embark on an approximately 45-minute walking tour through the maximum-security block and cherish an opportunity to look into Mandela’s compact former cell. As you return to the mainland by ferry, let your thoughts linger on this stirring and uplifting sojourn.

Explore the charming coastal town of Luderitz, where German colonial history meets striking natural landscapes. Admire the grand art nouveau Goerke Haus, built for a diamond magnate, and visit the Felsenkirche, an Evangelical Lutheran church with a stunning stained-glass window donated by Kaiser Wilhelm II. Learn about the region’s fascinating diamond industry and local flora and fauna at the Luderitz Museum. After your guided tour, you can opt to stay and continue exploring the town’s unique architecture and history at your own pace.

Venture into the vast Namib Desert to observe a herd of wild horses as they gather at the Garub Water Hole. During a scenic 90-minute drive, take in the stark beauty of the desert landscape while learning about the mysterious origins of these resilient horses, which may trace back to shipwrecks or German troops from WWI. From a comfortable observation stand, watch the horses as they drink, positioning their bodies to minimize the harsh desert sun. This tour offers a rare chance to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Step into Namibia’s past with a visit to Kolmanskop, a once-thriving diamond mining town now reclaimed by the desert. Explore the remnants of opulent buildings like a casino, ballroom, and hospital, which once served hundreds of families during the diamond rush of the early 1900s. The town's abandonment after WWI has left it a hauntingly beautiful ghost town, perfect for capturing dramatic photographs. After the tour, you can opt to return to Luderitz for more sightseeing or souvenir shopping.

Sail along Namibia’s stunning coastline to Halifax Island, home to one of the region’s largest colonies of African penguins. Enjoy breathtaking views of Agate Beach, Shark Island’s historical lighthouse, and the stark desert landscapes surrounding Luderitz. Keep an eye out for Southern Right and Humpback whales, Heaviside’s dolphins, and Cape fur seals, while the island’s penguins are a captivating sight along the rocky shores. Though off-limits to visitors, you’ll observe the penguins from your catamaran, making this wildlife experience truly unique.

Explore Swakopmund’s colonial past during this orientation tour that includes a visit to the Walvis Bay Lagoon. Journey along the scenic coast to the mouth of the Swakop River and find Swakopmund, an enchanting seaside resort that resembles a Bavarian village. You’ll see the town’s colonial past reflected in the early 19th-century art nouveau architecture found on many appealing buildings that have been declared national monuments. Discover the neo-Baroque German Evangelical Lutheran Church and the elegant historic Railway Station, which is now the Swakopmund Hotel’s reception area. After passing the town’s historic jetty, you’ll walk to the Karakulia Weavers where Karakul sheep wool is spun, dyed and woven into rugs and wall hangings. Explore the Kristall Gallery, which displays crystals weighing up to 14 tons, and appreciate free time at the Brauhaus Gallery, a town center shopping arcade. En route back to Walvis Bay, you’ll pause for photos at Dune 7, the highest sand dune in the area, then make a brief stop at the Walvis Bay Lagoon and tidal flood plains, declared a Wetland of International Importance, and marvel at its rich marine life and myriad bird species.

Applaud the splendid natural beauty of Southern Africa's western coast during this dolphin and seal cruise on the Walvis Bay Lagoon. Travel along a littoral road to the historic jetty at Swakopmund and board an open-air boat for a three-hour cruise in the renowned Walvis Bay Lagoon, declared a Wetland of International Importance as it is one of the most significant ecological sites along Southern Africa’s western coast. You’ll learn that the lagoon is well-known for its native bird species and vast array of intra-African and Palaearctic migrants, and find the water is usually very calm yet teeming with avian and marine life. Continue on to Pelican Point, a sand spit separating Walvis Bay from the Atlantic Ocean, where you’ll likely encounter a large Cape fur seal colony, and watch for schools of heavyside and bottlenose dolphins that often swim alongside the boat. Keep a sharp lookout for white-chinned petrels, Wilson’s storm petrels, cape gannets, pelicans and cormorants. During your cruise, you’ll savor a delicious repast of fresh oysters, sparkling wine, soft drinks and a selection of open-faced sandwiches, a perfect accompaniment to your outdoor adventure.

Enjoy a scenic cruise aboard a catamaran across Walvis Bay to Pelican Point. Kayak off Pelican Point, a thin finger of land that enormous numbers of seals and seabirds inhabit. Look for bottlenose and Heaviside’s dolphins, often swimming right next to your kayak. Ride across the surrounding salt pans, along the coast and into the dunes in a 4x4 vehicle.

Experience the treasures of the Namib Desert during this memorable off-road expedition that includes a stop at the renowned Walvis Bay Lagoon. Board your off-road vehicle for a drive to the Namib-Naukluft National Park, which encompasses the Naukluft Mountain Range and part of the Namib, one of the world’s oldest deserts and site of the world’s highest and most vividly colored sand dunes. As you explore the unique plant life and terrain of this arid region, you’ll discover Moon Landscape, a vastly eroded valley that is reminiscent of the lunar surface due to the wind’s effect on the rock formations and sand. You’ll proceed to the Welwitschia Valley, where thousands of bizarre welwitschia plants are scattered about. After stopping to view these distinctive specimens as well as a variety of interesting lichens, you’ll continue to a scenic location for a refreshment of orange juice and savory snacks. Pause for photos at Dune 7, the highest sand dune in the area, then make a brief stop at the Walvis Bay Lagoon and tidal flood plains, declared a Wetland of International Importance for its abundance of marine life, pelicans and a wealth of other avian species.

Discover the unique denizens of the world's oldest desert during this off-road adventure in the Namib Desert. Settle in for a vista-filled drive in an off-road vehicle to the eerily beautiful Namib Desert. Upon arrival, you’ll be led by an expert guide through seemingly lifeless landscapes in search of indigenous species and learn how they adapt to the inhospitable environment. Perhaps see creatures like the sidewinding adder, the Palmetto gecko, the sand-diving lizard, the Namaqua chameleon and various other diminutive beetles, lizards and geckos that live and survive in the torrid desert conditions. You’ll conclude your tour with a stop at Sundowner Dune to take in spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean and enjoy refreshing orange juice and savory snacks. During your return along a scenic coastal road, contemplate the nearly ineffable beauty of the bewitching Namib and its resilient tenants.

Thrill to sightings of a profusion of bird species during this tour to the rich feeding grounds of the Walvis Bay Lagoon and salt mine. Journey to the ecologically indispensable Walvis Bay Lagoon, declared a Wetland of International Importance, and begin your quest to identify the wide variety of shore birds and waders who congregate there, including sandpipers, plovers, pelicans and herons, depending upon the season. You’ll enter the sedimentation pans of the expansive Walvis Bay Salt Holdings, the largest producer of solar sea salt in sub-Saharan Africa, and enjoy a close-up view of the many resident birds, perhaps even seeing phalaropes, grebes and terns, including the rare Damara tern. Travel farther along the beach to Pelican Point and discover a large Cape fur seal colony, along with osprey and exotic African black oystercatchers. Depending upon the weather and time of day, you’ll possibly glimpse the dune or sabota lark and perhaps recognize an Orange River white-eye on your return through the enthralling Kuiseb River delta, a fabulous site in which to round out your unforgettable bird-watching foray.

Survey Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks by panoramic coach and tour the castle that has crowned Castle Rock for a millennium. It’s said that ancient British tribes clustered their wooden huts on this same rocky outcrop, believing the windy heights brought greater security. Today, Edinburgh Castle is still secure enough to safeguard the Scottish Crown Jewels you will see on dazzling display during your inside visit. Entering through the main gate as warriors Robert the Bruce and William Wallace gaze down on you forebodingly, you’ll pass from modern times to medieval – and soon find yourself immersed in a place of profound history. Just one example is seeing the Royal bedchamber where Mary, Queen of Scots gave birth to James VI – the King who united the thrones of Scotland and England in 1603. Returning to the present day, you’ll travel by coach through Old Town, descending along the ridge known as the Royal Mile. This fabled route takes you along Castle Hill, Lawnmarket, High Street and Canongate, passing lofty St. Giles Cathedral, picturesque tenement houses and their tiny side “wynds,” and the Palace of Holyrood House, official Scottish residence of the Queen.

Walk Edinburgh’s glorious Royal Mile, the medieval thoroughfare that stretches from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The walk will commence at the castle’s esplanade in the shadow of the imposing fortress, the city’s oldest building. While descending the Royal Mile, you will pass a litany of historical buildings such as Gladstone’s Land, the former townhouse of a wealthy merchant that has been restored to its 17th-century splendor. You will also see Lady Stair’s House, a literary museum dedicated to the works of Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson, both of whom were born in Edinburgh. Upon reaching the end of the street, you will enjoy free time, during which you might explore Holyroodhouse, the British monarch’s official residence in Scotland. In the 18th century, famed novelist Daniel Defoe hailed the Royal Mile as “the largest, longest and finest street in the world.” It remains extraordinary even today.

Explore parts of Edinburgh that are often overlooked but shouldn’t be, as these revitalized areas have become thriving destinations. For instance, Dean Village was once a separate section of town where many mill workers lived, and it still seems vastly different from busier Edinburgh. Highlights include a 19th-century residential building for the mill workers known as Well Court and Dean Bridge, which spans the Water of Leith. You will next explore Stockbridge, a village on the north edge of Edinburgh that is wonderfully bohemian and artsy. Landmarks include the Roman temple-inspired St. Bernard’s Well, whose waters supposedly have medicinal qualities, and Stockbridge Colonies, a cluster of 19th-century stone homes that is really a village within a village. Then there is Leith, a port for more than 1,000 years. You might see what was once the largest swing bridge in the United Kingdom, a 17th-century signal tower that was originally a windmill and the statue of Roberts Burns.

Enthusiasts won’t want to miss this pilgrimage to St. Andrews and the legendary links known simply as the Old Course. It’s a picturesque two-hour drive from Leith into the North Sea coastal county of Fife, branching off the main road onto country byways with fine pastoral views as you head ever closer to St. Andrews. On arrival, you’ll make a brief stop at the atmospheric ruins of St. Andrews Cathedral, its great east window and surviving 12th-century foundations presenting one of Scotland’s most photographed scenes. Your tour continues with a panoramic drive through this bustling market town, before arriving at St. Andrews most enduring claim to fame: The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews. Founded 1754, The Club is the headquarters of world golf and holds supreme sway in all golfing matters. After your exterior view of the Club, you’ll have free time for a stroll around areas of the Old Course, or to browse in one of the many small specialist shops selling golfing memorabilia and togs here. Or to simply breathe in the sea air as you ponder the drama these noble fairways and greens have seen.

Travel deep into the Scottish heartland, and the country’s history, to visit a great Gothic palace where kings have been crowned since time immemorial. Scone Palace is where Macbeth, King of Scots bled to death, and where Robert the Bruce was crowned King in 1306 after slaying William Wallace. The legendary Stone of Scone, aka the Stone of Destiny, was part of the coronation seat here until late in the 13th century – when it was seized by King Edward I and used in England’s coronations for the next 500 years. Against this rich historical backdrop, your Scone Palace tour becomes even more momentous as you visit the ceremonial dining room laden with precious ivories, the drawing room with walls clad in silk, the library overlooking parkland pastures and the River Tay, and the Ambassador’s room where an 18th-century royal bed sports three magnificent coats of arms of King George III. Then there are the Inner Hall’s beautiful carved oak fireplaces and the Royal Gallery, its 142-foot length of Scottish oak walked by many a king. Before leaving, you’ll also have some time to explore the palace grounds landscaped with formal gardens and lawns where splendid peacocks wander free.

Visit two essential landmarks from Scotland’s valiant and at times blood-soaked history. This is, after all, a land of mighty fortresses on rocky heights, isolated keeps and great halls in towering strongholds where great men discussed affairs of state against backdrops of regal splendor. Foremost among these landmarks is one that pays homage to Robert the Bruce’s hard-fought campaign to drive the English from Scotland and be recognized as rightful king inside his own country. It reached its climax at the 1314 battle at Bannockburn – your first stop on this fascinating tour. Here at the Heritage Center you’ll encounter an informative ‘Kingdom of the Scots’ exhibition and a multimedia presentation of the Battle of Bannockburn presented amidst a colorful atmosphere of heraldic banners. Barely four miles away, rising abruptly from the flat plains is a fortress-crowned rock with the grey town of Stirling clinging to its sides. Stirling Castle has appropriately been called the key to Scotland, bitterly fought over and staunchly defended over many centuries. Your self-guided tour will acquaint you with this classic castle’s central turreted gatehouse, flanking towers and curtain wall – as well as the Great Hall, Renaissance-era Palace and Chapel Royal within.

View an array of landmarks in Scotland’s capital with stops at Edinburgh Castle and at a former royal yacht and come away with a greater understanding of this historical city. On the drive through town, you can expect to pass the Royal Botanical Garden, the National Museum and Holyrood Palace, all of which commentary will describe. UNESCO declared Edinburgh a World Heritage site for the harmonious juxtaposition of its Old Town and 18th-century New Town, the latter having greatly influenced European urban planning. You will have the opportunity to walk or roll along the upper half of the Royal Mile, the shop-lined street that runs between the iconic castle and Holyrood Palace. Afterwards, you will tour the Britannia, the royal yacht that served Queen Elizabeth II and the British monarchy from 1953 to 1997. You may see the royal apartments, the admiral’s quarters and the Sun Lounge, the queen’s favorite room to take afternoon tea.

Enjoy an enlightening survey tour of Buenos Aires with visits to its most characteristic neighborhoods and its most famous square. Departing the pier by comfortable coach, you’ll soon be standing in the Plaza de Mayo, where Argentines have thronged to voice jubilation or resistance since the days of the 1810 revolution that led to independence from Spain. With its May Pyramid obelisk in the middle, the pink presidential mansion on one end and the gloriously frescoed Metropolitan Cathedral along one side, this is the quintessential heart of the country. By way of contrast, you’ll travel to the working class La Boca district to stroll its El Caminito, a historic street beloved for it brightly colored buildings and for the tango dancers often seen performing impromptu on the cobbles. For still more contrast, you’ll drive through magnificently affluent Barrio Norte on a pilgrimage to Recoleta Cemetery, the final resting place for Argentina’s wealthy and powerful. This miniature city of sorts is lined with grandiose mausoleums housing the mortal remains of generals, sports heroes and the great Evita herself. A spin through sprawling, leafy Palermo provides a glimpse of the city’s trendiest boutiques and cafes.

Combine a survey of Buenos Aires’ most iconic neighborhoods with a tour of the museum dedicated to the city’s most iconic resident ever. Departing the pier by coach, you’ll visit the Plaza de Mayo, the most politically and historically significant square in all of Argentina. Foremost among the landmarks surrounding it on all sides is the pink Casa Rosada presidential mansion from which Evita delivered her famous speeches to adoring throngs below. A drive through the cobbled streets of colonial-style San Telmo is a trip through Buenos Aires past while the roads of picturesque La Boca radiate warm personality and vibrant color. Affluent Barrio Norte is all about French and Italian elegance, and a visit to Recoleta Cemetery brings you into one of the world’s most impressive cities of the dead, its rows of ornate above-ground mausoleums seeming to be in a struggle to outdo each other for grandeur. But none can compete with the elegance of the Museo Evita, housed in a 1923 mansion in the leafy Palermo district. Opened in 2002, this impeccably curated museum brims with memorabilia from her personal life and explores the social realities and international implications of her era as Argentina’s first lady.

Cruise through the labyrinthine canals of the Tigre River delta, amidst unspoiled natural beauty and unexpected English-style architecture. You’ll depart the pier by coach, first cruising the roads as you travel past stately mansions, soaring highrises and plush waterfront homes in several Buenos Aires neighborhoods. When you reach San Isidro Cathedral, you’ll stop for exterior photos or perhaps an inside visit of this National Historic Site if time allows. Considered one of Argentina’s most beautiful cathedrals, it’s also one of the tallest – its neo-Gothic clock tower soaring more than 225 feet above the city. Continuing northward, you’ll reach the Tigre River and begin your waterborne cruise by motor launch through this lush network of winding canals and forested islands. A green wonderland named for the tigres or jaguars that once roamed here, the stately riverside homes along these tributaries are quite wondrous themselves. Many are mock Tudors or Victorians sporting British-style gardens that reveal England’s strong historic ties with Buenos Aires. Once viewed up close from the river, you’ll understand why the Tigre delta remains such a desirable weekend getaway for affluent locals.

Travel into the legendary pampas outside Buenos Aires for an afternoon of feasting and horsemanship. You’ll depart the pier by panoramic coach, headed for a large private ranch – known here as an estancia – where the highly-skilled hands on horseback are the gauchos. Steeped in folklore, myth and song much like the cowboys of the American West, these men almost literally live in the saddle and have the flair for ridership to prove it. Upon arrival at the estancia, enjoy a welcome with tasty empanadas typical of the region. Stroll around the property, enjoy a horse or carriage ride, or watch the gauchos preparing your authentic slow-cooked barbeque lunch, called asado al asador. At noon, you’ll sit down together to share this savory feast, spit-roasted over an open fire. After lunch, your hosts will play traditional music and show how dancing is done in this part of the world. Then, for yet another highlight of this day, they’ll mount up and present a thrilling display of their almost-unbelievable horsemanship skills. Don’t try these tricks at home!

Experience a live tango show and enjoy all the sensuous, dramatic qualities of this deeply historic dance form. Like the steps themselves, the story of tango is steeped in myth and romance. In the latter part of the 19th century, Buenos Aires was becoming an immigrant city where frustrated and melancholic Europeans were arriving in great numbers as the displaced rustic gauchos retreated into the ever-more-distant countryside. Filled with nostalgia for the disappearing old ways of life, the tango show grew to express the apprehensions of the culture in transition. Lost passions like horse racing and other traditional diversions were expressed, as well as deeper cultural anxieties. The tango was a passionate response to a changing community landscape, a feeling of betrayal by women, the loss of a mother figure and the disruption of longstanding friendships. This highly emotional backstory was captured and given musical expression in the intricate, stylized dance now beloved the world over. Sit back and enjoy the show.

Step onto the dance floor of a San Telmo tango club for a fun, informative lesson in the basics of this sultry dance of love and loss. Long associated with Buenos Aires and especially with the city’s cobbled district of San Telmo, the classic Argentine tango remains the definitive expression of this dance enjoyed around the world. It’s a short coach ride from the pier to La Ventana, a venue that hosts one of the most extravagant tango and folk shows in the city. Here, your friendly instructor will provide some background on the tango’s rich history and cultural importance, then give you your very own tango lesson. You and your fellow guests will spend an energetic hour refining your moves – and toast your new skills over a well-earned drink. Besides learning some of the tango’s key steps, you’ll gain insight into its mystery and outsized role in Buenos Aires society.

Visit an exclusive polo ranch committed to sustainable practices, where you will watch a polo match and have the opportunity to learn the basics of this “sport of kings.” Upon arriving at the Estancia La Carona, you will be served a snack of empanadas and wine while the host describes the eco-friendly methods that ensure the ranch’s sustainability and energy independence. A hearty barbecue lunch follows, after which you will learn the fundamentals of polo. That introductory knowledge will make it all the more enjoyable to watch the professional polo match. The oldest equestrian sport, polo showcases the powerful bonds between the players and the horses. You can expect the game to be exhilarating as the teams race across the polo field in a display of extraordinary athleticism. Afterwards, you will have the option of taking a polo lesson or spending free time exploring the estancia on your own.

Enjoy a scenic drive through central Montevideo and out into the country to tour a premier vineyard and savor a Uruguayan buffet lunch accompanied by award-winning wines. The day starts with a narrated sightseeing spin through downtown, abounding in landmarks both historic and modern. Then it’s time to leave the coastal city behind and head northward into the pastoral Uruguayan landscape. Your destination is Juanicó, whose soil and microclimate combine to make this a superb locale for viticulture. The Juanicó winery planted its first vines well over a century ago and has grown to be Uruguay’s largest producer. The historic 1840s stone buildings still showcase the style and time-honored traditions of that era – yet also incorporate state-of-the-art technology to help create outstanding wines – everything from Cabs, Pinots and Tannats to Chardonnays, Rieslings, Sémillons and Viogniers. After an in-depth vineyard tour, your hosts will serve up a traditional regional lunch paired with a selection of outstanding wines.

Explore two centuries of Jewish influence in Montevideo during this informative tour that includes landmarks in Old Town, the Pocitos district and Independence Square. An influx of German and Italian Jews during the 1920s and 1930s added modern vibrancy to what had been a relatively modest Jewish community in this safe haven, the first Latin country to recognize Israel after 1948. Your drive will bring you past the first Sephardic Synagogue, Golda Meir Square and the Hebraica-Maccabi Sports Center – as well as the area around the still-standing Jaime Zhitlovsky Cultural Center, where the first immigrants faced the challenges of finding their place in a new and different cultural world. The city’s outdoor Holocaust Memorial, unique in South America, uses angular architecture to convey a sense of dislocation, while its inscriptions include some that create a great sense of peace. Two synagogues in an upscale coastal area with strong Jewish roots will be visited. And a drive along the city’s shore-hugging Rambla will lead to a visit of Independence Square, home to a powerful equestrian monument, the tower housing the President’s Office and the emblematic Palacio Salvo – once the continent’s tallest building.

Feel the cobbled past come alive on this excursion to the oldest city in Uruguay, a UNESCO-listed gem where the colonial era seems never to have ended. Colonia del Sacramento is a scenic 2.5-hour drive away by coach, situated along the Rio de la Plata directly across from Buenos Aires. Founded by the Portuguese in 1680, the city was fought over for more than a century before the Spanish at last prevailed. Clad in ancient stone and amazing architecture, the streets of Santa Rita, San Gabriel, San Pedro Road and the famous “Calle de Los Suspiros” – the Street of Sighs – have served as perfect period settings for historical films. Puerta del Campo, the Plaza Mayor 25 de Mayo, the Cathedral, and the 19th-century lighthouse are additional must-sees included on this tour, as is the Real de San Carlos bullring, imposing but silent after bullfighting was outlawed in Uruguay in 1912. In addition to its cultural and architectural significance, Colonia del Sacramento also boasts outstanding natural beauty, enhanced by the picturesque Rio de la Plata. Following an afternoon lunch served at Meson de la Plaza restaurant, enjoy an overview survey of downtown before settling back for the return journey to Montevideo.

Take in the marquee attractions of central Montevideo, from its architectural gems to a lush urban park, to free time – and beer – at the century-old farmers’ market. This vibrant, cosmopolitan capital city is home to nearly half of Uruguay’s population; it’s also a wonderfully photogenic place, which you’ll quickly discover as you skirt miles of waterfront and continue on through neighborhoods sporting one camera-friendly sight after another. Like the Legislative Palace, a neo-classical wonder built with more than 50 varieties of marble and considered one of the world’s most stunning Parliamentary buildings. And Centenario Stadium in Batlle Park, where the first-ever World Cup match was played between Uruguay and Argentina. The same park is home to an impressive obelisk, a velodrome that doubles as a concert venue and a massive bronze sculpture depicting a rural oxcart driver and his beasts of burden. The sprawling Mercado Agricola farmers’ market offers up a heady cornucopia of sights, sounds, colors and aromas. Beyond the usual fresh fruits and vegetables, look for local handicrafts, merchandise of every imaginable type, live entertainment, and artisanal restaurants. You can toast it all over a complimentary Uruguayan beer tasting at one of the market venues.

Two-wheel your way through the streets of Montevideo as your seasoned guide points out the premier attractions and provides fascinating background on their cultural significance. Like leafy Zabala Square in the heart of the Old City, named for Montevideo’s founder and anchored by a fine equestrian monument to this Spanish soldier who helped kept the pirates and Portuguese at bay in the 1700s. Pedaling through the city’s oldest plaza brings you by the colonial-era Metropolitan Cathedral, while a spin through coastal Palermo reveals the U.S. Embassy and other key governmental buildings. Breathe in the oxygen of lovely Park Rodo and the Golf Club of Uruguay, and ride past the quixotic Alchemist House, a rambling 54-room castle awash in turrets and mystery, built over decades by eccentric occultist Humberto Pittamiglio. Visit the Punta Carretas Lighthouse and drink in the historic character of the landmarks surrounding Independence Square, from über-ornate Salvo Palace to the Spanish gate that led to the citadel. Nearly half of Uruguay’s population lives here in Montevideo, and after this rolling firsthand tour through their home, you may want to join them.

Experience the Uruguayan capital’s architectural landmarks, its savory wines and its sultry tango on a tour that samples them all. Traveling through the heart of the metropolitan center by coach, encounter gems like the Solis Theater, its formally Greek façade accented by a touch of modernity thanks to columns designed by Philippe Starck. Stop to ogle the ornate Legislative Palace, clad in enough colors of marble to earn it a slot on the world’s most beautiful parliamentary buildings list. Other highlights seen include lovely Batlle Park, famed for its Obelisk and Centenario Stadium – a shrine to lovers of World Cup soccer – and for “La Carreta,” a massive bronze sculpture depicting the ox-drawn carts commonly seen in this area in the 19th century. Leaving the downtown area behind, you’ll head out to the vineyards of Cuchilla Pereira – “The Wine Land “ – for a visit to Bodega Spinoglio. Founded in 1898, and with an old machinery museum to prove it, you’ll tour the venue and be treated to a tasting of regional wines and delicious snacks. Adding to this pleasure will be a live performance that recreates the era when tango first emerged here along the Rio de la Plata.

Sample a selection of prime Uruguayan beef paired with craft beers at a popular downtown brew pub. On the drive there, you will stop for photos of landmarks such as Independence Square, the glorious Legislative Palace and La Carreta, a bronze sculpture that depicts the area’s 19th-century oxcart drivers. Commentary will describe their significance. Montevideo is just as well-known for its delicious high-quality beef, as most cattle are grass-fed in natural pastures. At the Matute brew pub, you will sample selections of beef from different breeds of cattle raised in different areas of Uruguay. The meats will be cooked in a cast-iron skillet rather than grilled to help maintain their natural juices and nutrients. Thoughtfully chosen beers will be served to complement the beef dishes. They may include a refreshing lager, a red IPA and a malty porter, brewed on the premises in a process that you will be shown.

Experience the beauty and sophistication of Punta del Este, Uruguay’s answer to elite beach destinations like the Hamptons or Saint-Tropez. A panoramic drive along coast roads reveals picturesque beaches and exclusive residential districts such as San Rafael and Parque del Golf. Visit the Ralli Museum, a private gallery showcasing contemporary works by Latin American and European artists, and admire the unique architecture of Casapueblo, a stunning cliffside villa with no straight lines, designed by the Uruguayan artist Carlos Páez Vilaró. End your tour with time to explore the chic downtown district, time permitting.

Delve into the cultural side of Punta del Este on a guided tour through its finest museums and architecturally rich neighborhoods. Begin with a drive along the scenic peninsula, passing glamorous beaches like Playa Mansa and Playa Brava, while learning why this coastal city is considered the "St. Tropez of South America." Explore the Ralli Museum of Contemporary Art, home to an impressive collection of Latin American and European masterpieces, including works by Dali and Chagall. Following your museum visit, enjoy 90 minutes of leisure time along Golero Avenue, the city's premier shopping district. Conclude the day with a visit to the stunning Casapueblo, the iconic whitewashed villa of artist Carlos Páez Vilaró, where you’ll admire his artwork and enjoy a champagne toast before heading back to the pier.

Cruise out to the Atlantic’s Isla de Lobos, home to the world’s largest colony of non-migrating sea lions. On this six-mile journey from the mouth of the Rio de la Plata, you’ll circle the tiny islet, observing thousands of South American sea lions lounging, feeding, and frolicking in the waters. Watch as males, three times the size of females, noisily interact and guard their territory. Gaze up at Uruguay’s tallest lighthouse, a beacon towering over the sea lion colony. Keep an eye out for whales that are occasionally spotted in these waters. Once hunted to near-extinction, these protected sea lions now thrive in this natural reserve.

Spend about three hours cycling through Punta del Este's scenic, cycle-friendly streets, guided by a local expert. You’ll pedal along the calm Rio de la Plata and the wilder Atlantic shoreline, soaking in key sights like the towering Punta del Este Lighthouse and the Candelaria Church. Marvel at upscale residential districts like Beverly Hills and San Rafael before stopping at Playa Brava to capture a photo with The Hand, the iconic sculpture of giant fingertips emerging from the sand. This leisurely ride offers a great way to explore one of South America’s most glamorous resort cities at a relaxed pace.

Settle in for a relaxed yet detailed exploration of Punta del Este’s glamorous coastline and renowned landmarks. Your panoramic drive will take you past stunning beaches and elegant residential districts like Beverly Hills and San Rafael, home to lavish estates and luxury high-rises. You’ll visit Punta Ballena peninsula for a closer look at the cliff-hugging Casapueblo, an architectural marvel by artist Carlos Páez Vilaró. Another highlight is the Victorian-style Candelaria Church, which shares a square with Punta del Este's iconic lighthouse. The tour also includes a stop at a classic car museum, where you’ll marvel at meticulously restored vintage automobiles, along with race trophies and motoring memorabilia.

Venture into Uruguay’s scenic countryside to master the art of “parrillada,” the nation’s renowned grilling technique. At the eco-friendly Vina Eden ranch, approximately 90 minutes from Punta del Este, you’ll experience a hands-on cooking class led by local experts. Begin by sampling traditional appetizers such as cheeses, salami, and country bread, while sipping local liquors like Jelly palm fruit beverages or honey-infused grappa. After an introduction to meat sourcing and grilling techniques, learn how to start a proper fire, select the best wood, and prepare a variety of meats and sausages. You’ll also see how Uruguayan staples like eggs and provolone-stuffed peppers complement the grill. Before dining, prepare a regional dessert of sweet potatoes and meringue. The feast that follows will be a delightful culmination of your culinary efforts, accompanied by delectable sides and drinks.

Dive into the heart of Uruguayan culinary culture with a parrillada masterclass, where you’ll learn the art of barbecuing meats to perfection. After a Chef’s briefing onboard, journey by coach to an inland lodge nestled in a picturesque vineyard on Cerro del Toro’s northeast slope. Under the guidance of your Culinary Center Chef and a local parrillar, you’ll discover the best wood to burn, how to build the perfect fire, and the secrets behind grilling Uruguay’s signature cuts of meat and sausages. Savor traditional snacks, sip on local liquors, and prepare a delicious dessert while waiting for the meats to cook. The highlight? A feast of grilled delicacies shared with fellow food lovers in an unforgettable outdoor setting, accompanied by local wines and great conversation.

Enjoy a classic Rio orientation plus stunning views on this leisurely tour that combines panoramic drives with a cog-rail trip up Corcovado Mountain to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. From the port, you’ll see the sights of downtown as you work your way to the Cosme Velho district to reach the base station of the historic cog railway. First opened in 1884 and traveled by steam trains before it was electrified in 1910, this world-famous 2.5-mile railway traverses lush Tijuca Forest terrain on its way up Corcovado mountain. The views get increasingly dramatic as the 30-minute ride progresses. Once at the upper station, you’ll be treated to a stunning vantage point on the entire city, weather permitting. But don’t stop there; go for the full experience, which involves an elevator and escalator trip still higher to reach the summit and the 120-foot Christ statue perched some 2,300 feet above Rio. It’s a bucket-list view, and you’ll have about an hour there before descending to rejoin your coach for a rolling survey of the São Conrado district and some of Rio’s legendary beachfront. There’s no other city like it.

Spend a full day experiencing Rio’s most spectacular landmarks, including visits to Sugarloaf Mountain and Corcovado and a traditional churrascaria lunch. Start off with a scenic drive to the base of Sugarloaf, where you’ll board a cable car for a short ride up to Urca Hill, with its lovely gardens. From here, those who wish to can continue up to Sugarloaf’s top for breathtaking harbor views. Back at sea level, travel through city’s quiet green sanctuary of Tijuca Forest top reach Cosme Velho, where you’ll board a historic cog railway for the 30-minute journey up to the summit of Corcovado mountain, topped by the iconic 120-foot Christ the Redeemer statue. A brief further rise by elevator and escalator brings you to the panoramic belvederes at the statue’s base – and views you’ll never forget. Having seen the city from its best vantage points, you’ll soon taste its best flavors as you savor a traditional Brazilian churrascaria lunch. The aroma greets you at the restaurant’s door; once inside, enjoy your choice of tender meats from the huge barbecue grills, with fresh salads and accompaniments. The trip back passes several premier Rio residential areas and the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon and Botanical Gardens.

Discover the manicured beauty of Rio’s world-renowned Botanical Gardens and venture into the wild, green mountain forests of Tijuca National Park. The lush urban oasis known as “Jardim Botanico” covers some 350 acres and began as the imperial gardens of King Dom João VI back in 1808. Today, this serene garden sits amidst a teeming metropolis – and your leisurely guided walk along 90-foot royal palm-lined pathways will lead you into a world of unbridled subtropical nature. Some 140 types of birds and monkeys inhabit the trees, there’s an orchid nursery and insect-eating plant house, and endangered species don’t seem nearly as endangered here. Once you’ve taken in this magical place, you’ll reboard your open-air jeep and head for Rio’s western fringes, where several forests combine to form an 8,200-acre national park. Your 4WD vehicle is ideal for probing this mountainous terrain to find the deepest, lushest green growth – and a visit to the Chinese Lookout rewards you with magnificent high views of Corcovado and Sugarloaf mountains, famous Ipanema beach and the lagoon you drove past when approaching the botanical gardens earlier. A stop at the gently cascading Taunay Waterfalls adds a final dose of freshness to the journey.

No encounter with Rio is complete without discovering its two most celebrated landmarks – Copacabana and Sugarloaf Mountain. Traveling by coach through bustling downtown, you’ll make your way to exotic Praia Vermelha – the name means Red Beach. Catch a cable car and ride up to Urca Hill, the smaller hill adjacent to iconic Sugarloaf, the granite cone that so famously guards the entrance to Rio’s Guanabara Bay. Urca sits 650 feet up, with shops and restaurants sit tucked amongst beautiful shady gardens. The faint-hearted may decide to remain on this middle level – but for breathtaking bird’s eye views of the city and its coastlines, summon your courage and ride a second cable car all the way up to the 1,200-foot overlook at the Sugarloaf’s summit. You’ll see Rio from a vantage point normally reserved for pictures in coffee table books and wall calendars. Back at the base of the mountain, travel through one of the city’s picturesque residential areas en route to Copacabana, Rio’s signature crescent beach. Set against its backdrop of towering apartment skyscrapers, this vibrant part of Rio never seems to rest. You’ll also travel past neighboring Leme and Ipanema beaches on your return to the pier.

Enjoy a carefree drive of Rio de Janeiro, whose name alone evokes images of samba dancing, bikini-clad sunbathing and an irrepressible exuberance for life. The city is also a cultural focal point, rich with architectural landmarks both modern and historical. Heading from the pier into the heart of town, you’ll travel along broad avenues where glass skyscrapers stage with colonial-era stunners like the magnificently ornate 1909 Municipal Theater, which could double for the Paris Opera House. Further highlighting Rio’s diversity of design is the modern Metropolitan Cathedral, its one-of-a-kind conical shape inspired by an ancient Mayan pyramid. Your survey passes still more showstoppers, like the bold concrete Museum of Modern Art and the WWII monument that towers over Flamengo Park. Several historical neighborhoods flesh out the itinerary, along with passes by the Jockey Club racetrack and a Botanical Garden with roots dating back 200 years. But perhaps more than anything else, beaches are what define Rio – and you’ll gaze on a few of the most famous of them, including Copacabana and Leblon, an extension of the iconic Ipanema strand. A lagoon-side refreshment stop taken on the way back to the pier provides beautiful views of Corcovado and Tijuca Forest.

Enjoy a round-trip coach transfer to Copacabana beach that leaves you free to experience this legendary strand in whatever way pleases you most. You might sunbathe, take a refreshing swim, stroll a 3-mile beachfront walkway or cross Avenue Atlantica to browse the shops and restaurants overlooking the beach. No matter how you spend your three-or-so hours here, you’ll find Copacabana a vibrant and unmistakable emblem of the Carioca life. Once hard to reach from the rest of town, an 1892 tunnel connected Copacabana to the city center – and luxurious landmarks like the Copacabana Palace hotel soon followed. Over time, and with the help of Hollywood, this photogenic crescent became a defining symbol of glamorous, sensual Brazil. Dropped off here after a scenic drive from the pier, you can immerse yourself in the beach’s always-bustling scene and soak up a quintessential Rio experience. Expect to see soccer being played, sunbathers lounging under umbrellas, families frolicking in the surf, and people of all ages parading along the shoreline for miles – some of them in microscopic swimwear. At the designated time, be sure to be at the pickup point at the Copacabana Palace for your return trip back to the pier.

Take a Jeep ride through what may be the world’s largest urban forest and then gain a different perspective of this natural wonderland on a walk. Once you reach the Tijuca National Park, you will pause for photos at Vista Chinesa, a panoramic lookout named to honor the 19th-century Chinese immigrants that introduced tea cultivation to Brazil. UNESCO declared the park a World Heritage site for the way it seamlessly fuses urban structures and natural features. As you will discover while riding in the open-air Jeep, the panoramas and serenity are absolutely spectacular. Depending on the route, you may see thundering waterfalls, exotic rainforest vegetation and Capuchin monkeys. It is hard to imagine now, but in the 17th century almost all of the trees in this area were cleared for coffee plantations. A leisurely walk through the rainforest will further reveal the success of the reforestation and increased biodiversity that followed.

Explore the scenic foothills of the Namib Desert on a hike along the Schanzen Trail, where cooler temperatures make for a comfortable trek through rugged terrain. Marvel at the expansive views and unique desert flora, including the distinctive Bushman’s Candle shrub that blooms in striking shades of pink and cream. The trail features highlights like a quartz outcrop, erosion cliff, and a dry riverbed, with the hike culminating at the Desert Horse Inn for a refreshing beverage. This moderately strenuous hike offers a close-up look at Namibia’s dramatic desert landscapes.


Cruisebound

22 Night Transatlantic Cruise