Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires with Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Make the most of complimentary airport lounge access before your overnight flight from the UK to Rio de Janeiro. 

On arrival in Rio de Janeiro, a private transfer will bring you to your glamorous, Art Deco-style hotel overlooking Copacabana Beach – one of the world’s most famous beaches. While this iconic stretch of golden sand is undoubtedly enticing, you’ll also want to indulge in the hotel’s superb amenities, which include a gorgeous outdoor pool and terrace, a luxurious spa and a floodlit rooftop tennis court. Once you’ve settled in, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

The following morning, you’ll embark on a half-day tour to Corcovado mountain in Tijuca National Park – a 710-metre high peak rising above the forest and crowned with one of Brazil’s most recognisable landmarks, the Christ the Redeemer statue. You’ll have ample time here to marvel at this majestic monument before returning to the city for the afternoon. Later on, you’ll be treated to a live samba show and dinner. 

After breakfast, it’s time to visit another of Rio de Janeiro’s standout sights, Sugarloaf Mountain, on a guided half-day tour. Rising 396 metres above Guanabara Bay, it’s renowned for its peculiar conical shape and offers magnificent panoramic views over the city and the surrounding coastline. Following the tour, you’ll be transferred to the port to board Seven Seas Mariner ahead of your luxury, all-inclusive Regent Seven Seas cruise, which will depart in the evening. 

Stay: Seven Seas Mariner

The first stretch of your cruise sees you sail south from Rio de Janeiro along the coast of Brazil to the tiny fishing village of Búzios, which is Often considered to be one of the ten most beautiful spots in the world. The village burst into prominence when French actress Brigitte Bardot visited here in her heyday (there’s a statue of her looking out to sea on the Orla Bardot). Today, this once sleepy village is an international resort -- St. Tropez, with a unique Brazilian beat - and offer some of South America’s most beautiful beaches.

Stay: Seven Seas Mariner

Today, you’ll arrive on the coast of Ilha Grande, a car-free island carpeted in untamed Atlantic rainforest and ringed by wild, secluded beaches. It’s home to an abundance of wildlife, including the likes of capybaras, howler monkeys, iguanas and many exotic bird species. While nature may be the island’s biggest draw, it also harbours a fascinating history, formerly as a pirate’s hideaway, a leper colony and a penitentiary, which you can learn all about on a guided historical and cultural walking tour. Alternatively, you may prefer to join a schooner and snorkelling adventure to the Blue Lagoon, where you can swim among shoals of tropical fish and, if you’re fortunate, potentially even dolphins or turtles. 

Stay: Seven Seas Mariner

The aptly named Ilhabela (which translates to ‘beautiful island’ in Portuguese) is your next port of call. It’s another slice of tropical paradise with stunning beaches, thick swathes of rainforest, stunning waterfalls and a mountainous interior with several peaks rising over 1,000 metres. Take a boat tour to one of the island’s most idyllic and secluded beaches, take a stroll through the colourful town centre, or venture deep into the rainforest on a 4x4 Jeep adventure to go swimming in waterfalls. 

Stay: Seven Seas Mariner

A major port in the state of Santa Catarina, São Francisco do Sul is situated at the entrance to the Babitonga Bay in south-eastern Brazil. The region boasts an array of immaculate beaches and colonial-era architecture. Explore the variety of German, Norwegian and Portuguese architecture found in the city’s historic waterfront district, all preserved by Brazil’s heritage trust. Nearby Joinville offers more 18th- and 19th-century buildings, an intriguing domed cathedral and an 800-foot-high viewpoint offering panoramic views of the bay. Make like a local and head to beautiful Enseada Beach, one of many strips of glorious white sand to unwind upon.

Stay: Seven Seas Mariner

Continuing south along the coast of Brazil, your next port of call is Porto Belo, an easy-going seaside town at the foot of lush mountains. Either spend the day here exploring the town and relaxing on the beach, or choose from several day trips to other cities in the surrounding region, such as Balneário Camboriú (akin to a smaller version of Rio), Blumenau (renowned for its Oktoberfest celebrations and German-style timber buildings) and Florianópolis (known for its lively atmosphere and beautifully preserved colonial-era buildings).

Stay: Seven Seas Mariner

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as you continue to cruise along the Brazilian coast, making the most of the ship’s onboard amenities and enticing array of dining options.

Stay: Seven Seas Mariner

The final stop of the Brazilian section of your voyage brings you to Rio Grande, a historic port city colonised by the Portuguese during the 17th century, replete with numerous elegant squares and churches. Here, you’ll have the option to disembark for a sightseeing tour, including a visit to the Oceanographic Museum to learn about the region’s abundant marine life.

Stay: Seven Seas Mariner

Leaving Brazil behind, you’ll cross the maritime border into Uruguay. Feel free to seek some relaxation and rejuvenation in the spa, unwind by the poolside, or enjoy a game of bocce or paddle tennis – the choice is yours. Evenings, meanwhile, are filled with fabulous live entertainment in the form of musical performances, theatrical productions and plenty more.

Stay: Seven Seas Mariner

This morning, you’ll arrive in Montevideo, Uruguay’s sophisticated and delightfully laid-back capital city. It’s considerably smaller and less-visited than its South American counterparts, Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires, but it has much to offer in the way of an attractive old town (Ciudad Vieja), a bustling farmer’s market, interesting museums, gorgeous parks and beaches and a delightful seafront promenade that stretches 22 kilometres along the coast. With an overnight stay, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Montevideo in all manner of different guided tours, whether it be on foot, by bike, or by coach. Some of these also incorporate the likes of craft beer tasting and live tango performances. Or, if you’d rather head beyond the city for a more rural experience, there’s the chance to visit a vineyard for a Uruguayan cooking class and delicious lunch accompanied by artisanal wines. 

Stay: Seven Seas Mariner

After one last breakfast this morning it’s time to disembark and transfer to your land-based accommodation – a luxurious, palatial-style hotel in Buenos Aires’ elegant La Recoleta neighbourhood, replete with a rooftop indoor pool and a spa. It’s a perfect base for the final two nights of your trip. 

You’ll have the chance to explore Buenos Aires in greater depth this morning with a guided half-day tour, taking in the city’s famous sights and the neighbourhood of La Boca, renowned for its vibrant, multi-coloured houses and tango dancing heritage. Later on, an included dinner and traditional tango show will bring your trip to a memorable conclusion. 

A transfer will bring you to the airport to catch your overnight flight back to the UK.