South America with Antarctica
*Fully escorted from Australia
Guaranteed SINGLE room throughout
Departing  Sydney 18 January, 2011

2 nights Santiago, 18 days cruising aboard Crystal Symphony, 2 nights Buenos Aires
Optional extension:  Iguassu Falls & Rio de Janeiro 

With Crystal Cruises' new As You Wish promotion you’ll receive $US1,000 per person in shipboard credits to spend any way you wish.

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Day 1   18 January, 2011   Australia - Santiago  Depart from Sydney for Santiago.  Arrive same day.  Transfer to hotel for remainder of day at leisure.  Accommodation:    Hotel Santiago Park Plaza or similar  (2 nights)  Hotel is located in the heart of Providencia, near the subway, commercial and financial center, which makes it one of the city’s most attractive areas.

Day 2   19 January, 2011     Santiago, Chile (B)   This morning we'll enjoy a 4 hour city tour.   The tour begins by heading south through the downtown area, passing the Club Hípico, a beautiful horseracing track in the older residential area of the city. You then proceed alongside the Parque O’Higgins and the Cousiño Palace, built between 1870 and 1878 for the wealthy Cousiño family.    From here you head along the famous Alameda, Santiago’s colorful main avenue, to the heart of the city, seeing the Chilean University, San Francisco Church and the Santa Lucia Hill, site of Santiago’s foundation in 1541. Then you will visit the Plaza de Armas and the cathedral. Just around the corner, you will visit the Pre-Colombian Art Museum, one of the most complete collections of ceramics, ancient textiles and relics of American culture (Monday closed). Very nearby is the famous Central Market, which is the main market for fish and seafood, an interesting building, dating back to the end of the 19th century: It is a metal construction, built in London and brought by ship to Chile. Afterwards, you continue the tour by crossing the Mapocho River to reach the bohemian Bellavista district on the way to the San Cristóbal Hill. From one of the hill’s view points, you will have the finest views of Santiago and the Andes Mountains. To round off the tour, you will pass through the modern residential areas of the city with their daring architecture and, finally, the bustling Providencia shopping zone.

Day 3  20 January, 2011  Santiago - Valparaiso, Chile (B,L,D)  After breakfast we transfer to Valparaiso to board our Crystal Symphony cruise in time for lunch. Afternoon at leisure. Ship sails at 9pm tonight.   Valparaíso, the "Vale of Paradise," has a population of almost 300,000 and is Chile's principal seaport and home to Chile's Congress. It climbs a crescent of 45 hills creating a maze of alleys, winding streets, connecting stairs and funicular railways. The port and business centre lies at the foot of the hills, in a narrow belt of flatland. Having experienced the rich culture and history of this popular port city, you will realize how ingenuity has transformed this abrupt stretch of coastline into one of the world's most picturesque and famous port cities.    Nearby lies flower-bedecked Viña del Mar, where the wealthy and powerful come to play in the sun and at the casino. And just 20 minutes from Valparaíso, this beach resort city, also popularly known as the "Garden City," boasts white-sand beaches, notable museums and a variety of carefully designed parks and beautiful public spaces.    Farther afield, the churches, colonial grandeur and sophistication of Santiago beckon for exploration and discovery.

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Day 4  21 January, 2011  Cruising the Pacific Ocean  (B,L,D)  Adjust the compass of your mood and design your day exactly as you wish: pamper yourself at the Feng Shui-inspired Crystal Spa, work-out at our state-of-the-art fitness center or Walk-on-Water along our 360o Promenade Deck; teach yourself something new with complimentary language lessons by Berlitz or piano instruction with Yamaha; enhance your computer skills at our Computer University@Sea or learn about art, history and worldly destinations with our engaging lecture series; sneak away to watch recently-released movies in the Hollywood Theater, shop our luxury boutiques, or simply relax by one of our tranquil pools. From Tai Chi and yoga to PGA golf instruction and paddle tennis on full-size courts, today is all about you. As evening arrives, dine on the inspired cuisines of Nobu Matsuhisa, Piero Selvaggio and Crystal’s own acclaimed chefs, enjoy special wine-makers dinners, lavish Broadway-style productions, intimate lounges, a pulsing dance club or our action-packed Crystal Casino. The choices are yours.

Day 5  22 January, 2011   Puerto Montt, Chile  (B,L,D)    8am  -  5pm  Puerto Montt was founded in 1853, at the head of the Pacific inlet known as Reloncavi Sound. Since then it has become the gateway to the Bavarian-flavoured Chilean Lake District, a region graced with some of the world's most inspiring scenery. Virgin forests, picturesque towns, snow-mantled mountains and translucent lakes adorn this idyllic setting.  A wonderland of scenic splendour awaits - the towering volcano of Mount Osorno, the tranquil Lake Llanquihue, the rushing rapids of Petrohue and the serenity of Lake Todos los Santos. Keen shoppers won't want to miss the great buys at the Angelmó-Handicraft Market, adjacent to the main port gate.

Day 6 & 7   23 Jan and 24 January, 2011   Cruising the Pacific Ocean  (B,L,D)   Like people, all brands have distinct personalities. Guests who know them well would say that Crystal Cruises is authentic, warm and refined. That they are like a good friend or a gracious family member, who genuinely enjoys seeing guests smile.   It's hard to put into words just how welcome you feel when you first board their ships and that feeling continues throughout the cruise.  It’s hard to put into words how special you feel every moment of every day.  The luxury is evident everywhere without being pretentious.   The service is sometimes described as "classic" and often called "award-winning,"  Whatever the adjective…Crystal Cruises' service is always first-rate, and is genuine, and unremitting, without being intrusive.   Crystal certainly achieve their  goal which is to make every guest feel special and at ease.

Day 8  25 January, 2011   Punta Arenas, Chile   8am - 10 pm   (B,L,D) Punta Arenas (Sandy Point) is the only city situated on the Strait of Magellan, the 300-mile waterway which cuts a swath between the mainland and the island of Tierra del Fuego. This remote centre is Chile's southernmost city and capital of Magallanes Province. Since it was founded in 1848, Punta Arenas prospered as a busy coaling station until the building of the Panama Canal. Today it boasts a population of 100,000, of which approximately one-quarter are descendants of Croatian immigrants. It is also the bustling centre of one of the world's largest sheep farming areas, with major exports of wool and mutton. Punta Arenas is your gateway to a wealth of sightseeing options. Take a thrilling private air charter over Antarctica, explore museums which bring the events of yesteryear alive, or delve deep into Patagonia's frontier regions.

Day 9  26 January, 2011    Cruising Cape Horn   (B,L,D) Cape Horn island ( named after the city of Hoorn in the Netherlands) is the southernmost headland of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago of southern Chile. 
Cape Horn is widely considered to be the most southerly point of South America, and marks the northern boundary of the Drake Passage; for many years it was a major milestone on the clipper route, by which sailing ships carried trade around the world.

Day 10  27 January, 2011   Ushuaia, Argentina  8 am  -  5 pm  (B,L,D) Ushuaia, the world's southernmost town, lies on the triangular-shaped islandof Tierra del Fuego. While Ferdinand Magellan was exploring the straits between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans in 1520, he was amazed by the smoke and fires which seemed to appear at every turn. These fires, which were kept continuously alight by the Yaghan and Ona Indians, became the inspiration for the name "Tierra del Fuego," Land of Fire.   Little has changed since the days of those intrepid first explorers. The abundant wildlife, scenic beauty and mysterious history of this rugged frontier land still retain an irresistible fascination.

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Day 11   28 January, 2011      Cruising the Drake Passage   (B,L,D)   The Drake Passage or Mar de Hoces -Sea of "de Hoces"- is the body of water between the southern tip of South America at Cape Horn, Chile and the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica. It connects the southwestern part of the Atlantic Ocean (Scotia Sea) with the southeastern part of the Pacific Ocean and extends into the Southern Ocean. The passage is named after the 16th century English privateer Sir Francis Drake.    There is no significant land anywhere around the world at the latitudes of the Drake Passage, which is important to the unimpeded flow of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current which carries a huge volume of water (about 600 times the flow of the Amazon River) through the Passage and around Antarctica.   Ships in the passage are often good platforms for the sighting of whales, dolphins and plentiful seabirds including giant petrels, other petrels, albatrosses and penguins.The passage is known to have been closed until around 41 million years ago according to a chemical study of fish teeth found in oceanic sedimentary rock.

Day 12  29 January, 2011      Cruising Palmer Station, Antarctica  (B,L,D)  Palmer Station, on Anvers Island, is Antarctica's only US station north of the Antarctic Circle. Initial construction of the station finished in 1968.  The station is named for Nathaniel B. Palmer, usually recognized as the first American to see Antarctica. The maximum population that Palmer Station can accommodate is 46 people. The normal austral summer contingent varies but is generally around 40 people. Palmer is staffed year-round, however, and the population drops to between 15 and 20 people for the winter maintenance after the conclusion of the summer research season.

Day 13  30 January, 2011      Cruising the Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica  (B,L,D)   The Antarctic Peninsula is regarded by many visitors as being one of the most beautiful places on earth.   Jagged mountain peaks clad in glaciers flowing sometimes down to the sea and sometimes spilling into mid air from an altitude of hundreds of feet or more. Huge open skies, enormous icebergs, low clouds, sudden weather changes and constant surprises from the hugely abundant wildlife you see will keep you in a constant state of awe. The whole peninsula is a wonderland..

Day 14  31 January, 2011       Cruising Elephant Island, Antarctica   (B,L,D)   Elephant Island is an ice-covered, mountainous island off the coast of Antarctica in the outer reaches of the South Shetland Islands in the Southern Ocean. Its name was given by early explorers sighting elephant seals on its shores. It lies 1,253 kilometres (779 mi) west-southwest of South Georgia, 935 kilometres (581 mi) south of the Falkland Islands, and 885 kilometres (550 mi) southeast of Cape Horn. It is within the Antarctic claims of Argentina, Chile and the UK.   Elephant Island is quite famous as far as Antarctica is concerned, because this was where Ernest Shackleton and his men were forced to winter back in 1916, and where he started his incredible 850 mile sailing in the little open lifeboat James Caird to South Georgia to get help.

Day 15  01 February, 2011     Cruising the South Atlantic Ocean    (B,L,D) Time to relax or perhaps enjoy some of the lectures & enrichment programmes on board. The popular Crystal Visions Enrichment Program and Creative Learning Institute are offered on every cruise and include a noted destination expert who lectures on the regions visited during the cruise, plus at least one other respected enrichment speaker who shares insights into his or her particular world.    

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Day 16  02 February, 2011     Falkland Islands/Port Stanley, UK      8 am  -   5 pm    The Falkland Islands are situated some 350 miles east of Tierra del Fuego, 1,000 miles north of Antarctica and, as the locals claim, a mere 8,000 miles from Britain. Port Stanley is home to the majority of the island's residents -1,990 out of a total population of 2,490. These 700 islands have long been of historical importance to scientists and seamen alike. Prior to the construction of the Panama Canal, they offered safe anchorage and provisions for sailing vessels as they headed around Cape Horn. Today, maritime interests centre mostly on the British Royal Navy, fishing fleets from a variety of nations and scientific expeditions to Antarctica. In 1982, world attention was riveted on these islands when Argentine and British forces fought fiercely for the right to call them their own. A number of vessels, numerous aircraft, thousands of troops and many local residents were involved in the conflict. After heavy combat, the will of Britain, supported by the island people, prevailed and the Falkland Islands remain British to this day.

Day 17  03 February, 2011      Cruising the South Atlantic Ocean  (B,L,D)   One stroll about the public areas on any Crystal cruise and you will discover entertainment at practically every turn. There's a headline show every evening in the Galaxy Lounge. There is frequently music in the Crystal Cove and a pianist performs nightly in the Avenue Saloon. A string ensemble entertains in the Palm Court during Afternoon Tea. Entertainment may also be found at various times in other venues including the Crystal Dining Room, the Starlite Club, the Stardust Club, the Club 2100, on the Lido Deck, and more. 

Day 18  04 February, 2011       Puerto Madryn, Argentina  8 am  -   6 pm   (B,L,D) The Patagonian city of Puerto Madryn lies on the shores of the Golfo Nuevo, along the southern coast of Argentina. It was here that a band of Welsh settlers arrived in 1880 aboard the brigantine Mimosa. These pioneers were brought by Viscount Madryn to found a colony far away from the rigors of Britain's Industrial Revolution. Soon they established the town of Trelew and populated the green Chubut River Valley. Others later followed from Scotland and England as small farms and sheep ranches were gradually developed. Today, Argentina's finest wool originates from here. Although this region is not particularly blessed with buildings of great architectural significance or beautiful scenery, it is nonetheless recognized for its opportunities to view such wildlife as sea elephants, sea lions, penguins and birds.

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Day 19  05 February, 2011     Cruising the South Atlantic Ocean   (B,L,D) Adjust the compass of your mood and design your day exactly as you wish: pamper yourself at the Feng Shui-inspired Crystal Spa, work-out at our state-of-the-art fitness center or Walk-on-Water along our 360o Promenade Deck; teach yourself something new with complimentary language lessons by Berlitz or piano instruction with Yamaha; enhance your computer skills at our Computer University@Sea or learn about art, history and worldly destinations with our engaging lecture series; sneak away to watch recently-released movies in the Hollywood Theater, shop our luxury boutiques, or simply relax by one of our tranquil pools. From Tai Chi and yoga to PGA golf instruction and paddle tennis on full-size courts, today is all about you. As evening arrives, dine on the inspired cuisines of Nobu Matsuhisa, Piero Selvaggio and Crystal’s own acclaimed chefs, enjoy special wine-makers dinners, lavish Broadway-style productions, intimate lounges, a pulsing dance club or our action-packed Crystal Casino. The choices are yours.

Day 20  06 February, 2011   Montevideo, Uruguay 8 am  - 6 pm   (B,L,D) Montevideo is the capital of Uruguay, South America's second-smallest country. Beyond urban limits, 90% of Uruguay's land is devoted to sheep and cattle grazing, as Montevideo is this nation's largest city. Legend tells us that its name originated from the words monte vide eu meaning "I see a mountain," exclaimed by an eager lookout when Magellan's fleet first arrived in 1520. Set in a picturesque location along the River Plate's shores, Montevideo evokes all the flavour of Spain with the massive masonry, hidden patios and palm-shaded plazas that are so reminiscent of that country. Attractions abound. Stroll wide boulevards and leafy parks, view imposing statuary or experience the thrill of an estancia visit.
         

Day 21  07 February, 2011  Buenos Aires, Argentina   After breakfast we'll disembark Crystal Symphony and enjoy a half day city tour of Buenos Aires en-route to tour hotel.  Get in direct touch with the town where the Tango was born! During this tour you will visit Avenida de Mayo that runs into the Plaza De Mayo, which is surrounded by the Casa Rosada (Government House), the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Cabildo (first City Hall, built during Spanish rule). At the other end of Avenida de Mayo you find the Congress building. Then, continue to San Telmo, the best kept historical neighborhood and eldest district of Buenos Aires. Here you have time to stroll around Plaza Dorrego, where you can find many antique shops.  Next stop is La Boca, a most colorful area with the famous street Caminito. Driving along 9 de Julio Avenue, the widest in the world, you see the Colon Theatre, famous Opera House that stages the most important artists and musicians from all over the world.

Continue to Palermo with its beautiful parks, the City Zoo, Botanical Garden, Argentine Horse Track and National Polo Fields. Palermo is beautiful for its artificial lakes. At the end of the tour you will visit Recoleta area, one of the city’s glamorous spots. Here you will find the Municipal Cultural Centre, elegant boutiques and excellent restaurants, surrounded by centennial trees. At the cemetery of Recoleta you will find the grave of Eva Duarte who became famous as Eva Perón (Evita). The cemetery is the centre of this aristocratic neighbourhood, as the more relevant personalities of Argentina’s history rest in this place. The mausoleums and pantheons reflect the architectural diversity emerging from the different cultural tendencies Argentina incorporated in its formation as a nation. The cemetery is considered to be one of the most impressive monuments of Argentina.   Remainder of the day is at leisure.     Accommodation:    Hotel Americas Towers or similar  (2 nights)  The hotel is located in the heart of the most elegant and safe commercial and residential area of Buenos Aires, La Recoleta. Just a few meters from the most important avenues: 9 de Julio and Santa Fe, where you will find the best luxury shops, restaurants and cafes. Short distance from the financial area, shopping malls, commercial buildings, embassies, consulates, air companies and cultural centers like Colon and Cervantes theatre.

 Buenos Aires is not only the capital of Argentina; it is also one of the 10 most important metropolis in the world and the center of the political, economic and intellectual life of the country. It is also the most elegant and busy city in South America. This cosmopolitan city - with great European cultural influence - displays a refined taste in its cooking, in its “boutiques” and in the elegance of its inhabitants. Whilst of modern construction and dynamic activity, it has managed to preserve old traditions and charming corners. The atmosphere, the individual personality of each of its neighborhoods, the cordiality of its people and the wide selection of its cultural and commercial opportunities, fascinates one.   Almost 13 million people live there and can enjoy the plentiful nightlife visiting “tango” bars, cabarets, discotheques, restaurants or eternally open bars. During the day, a wide variety of attractions is offered: museums, art galleries, tasteful shops, fascinating antiques, large green areas, parks, wide tree lined boulevards, clubs and sporting events.

Day 22 08 February, 2011 (B,D)  Buenos Aires, Argentina   Day is at leisure. 

Day 23  09 February, 2011 (B)  Those who are finishing their tour today will have the day at leisure before transferring to the airport for flight to Santiago and Sydney.
Arrival date back into Australia is 11 February.

               *******      For those continuing on we offer the following optional extension with Iguassu Falls and Rio de Janeiro    ********

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Day 23   09 February, 2011  (B)  Buenos Aires, Argentina  - Iguassu, Brazil   Morning transfer to the airport for our flight to Iguazu.   Foz do Iguassu is located close to the point where the Iguassu River empties its waters into the Parana River   forming the world’s widest waterfalls and giving rise to the double border of Brazil and Argentina, is of great tourist interest.  We transfer from the airport to our hotel at the Brazilian side and visit the Argentinean side en-route.    Accommodation:   Bourbon Cararatas Hotel or similar  (2 nights)  The hotel is located  between the airport (8Kms to Brazilian airport) and  downtown (3Kms), and the Tancredo Neves Bridge that unites  Brazil and Argentina.


 Day 24   10 February, 2011   (B)   Igusassu, Brazil   After breakfast we explore the  Brazilian Side of the Falls.    Leaving from other hotels on the Brazilian side by motorcoach and crossing Iguassu National Park as far as the Brazilian Falls. Walking along the paths following cascades and then walking along the catwalk that leads very close to the bottom of the Devil's Throat. Enjoy magnificent views. We take an elevator to go up to the road, and there board the motorcoach to go back to the hotel.

Day 25  11 February, 2011  (B)   Iguassu, Brazil  -  Rio de Janeiro, Brazil   Morning at leisure before transferring to the airport for our flight to Rio de Janeiro.  Remainder of day is at leisure.    Accommodation:   Porto Bay Rio Internacional Hotel or similar  (2 nights)  The hotel is located right in front of Copacabana Beach, in walking distance from the main shopping areas and restaurants of Copacabana.   Rio de Janeiro, the so called Marvelous City, is the capital of Rio de Janeiro State. Second biggest city in Brazil, it is nevertheless a beach resort, located by the Atlantic Ocean and by the big Guanabara Bay.Rio  is  graced  by  its topography. The city spreads on a  24 kilometer long strip of land, nestled between mountains and sea.  There  are  some 45 kilometers separating downtown Flamengo  from far flung Recreio, bordered on one side by the blue ocean, on the other  by  verdant hills.  Between them lies a colourful state of mind called “carioca”, relaxed and high-spirited.

 Day 26 12 February, 2011   (B)   Rio de Janeiro, Brazil  In the morning, we will set off for a full day Sugar Loaf and Corcovado tour.  In the Cosme Velho district we board the cog-wheel train which takes us through the Tijuca Forest to the top of Corcovado Mountain. The ride takes 20 minutes and is a wonderful opportunity to have a close look at the tropical forest's lush vegetation and to enjoy scenic views of the beaches and the city. Disembarking at the top of Corcovado you may climb the stairs or take the elevator and escalators to the very top of the mountain, where you will stand next to one of the Modern World Wonders: The Statue of Christ the Redeemer. From here you have a really divine view of the "Marvelous City". After descent this tour ,we will drive along some of the most beautiful beaches to the Urca District, where we board the cable car that takes us to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain. The view overlooking the city of Rio de Janeiro is one of the most spectacular views of the world and one you will never forget. A drive through the Flamengo Park will take us to downtown Rio to see colonial Rio meeting modern skyscrapers: Rio Branco Avenue with the remarkable neighborhood, is composed of 3 generations of buildings of the twentieth century, the Candelária Church built in the 19th century, the splendorous Opera House (Theatro Municipal), Carioca Square, church of Santo Antonio (18th century), new Cathedral ( 20th century), Rio's aqueduct (18th century, now serving as a bridge for the street-cars) and many more. If time and traffic conditions permit see the "Sambódromo", the site of Rio´s famous Carnival parade

Day 27  13 February, 2011   (B) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Santiago, Chile - Sydney, Australia Morning is at leisure before our afternoon transfer to the airport and flight to Santiago with connections to Australia.
 
Day 28   14 February, 2011    En-route to Australia

Day 29  15 February, 2011   Arrive Sydney this morning 
 

 With Crystal Cruises' new As You Wish promotion you’ll receive $US1,000 in shipboard credits to spend any way you wish. Indulge in spa treatments, fine wines, a Vintage Room experience with your friends, gratuities for your favourite waiter, something special from the boutiques, or even a unique Crystal Adventures^® shore excursion.    The choices – all of them – are yours.

With Crystal Cruises' new As You Wish promotion you’ll receive US1,000 in shipboard credits to spend any way you wish. Indulge in spa treatments, fine wines, a Vintage Room experience with your friends, gratuities for your favourite waiter, something special from the boutiques, or even a unique Crystal Adventures^® shore excursion.
The choices – all of them – are yours.

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Deluxe Stateroom with Large Picture Window - Categories C, D and E
Large picture window, seating area and Queen-size bed, also available as twin beds. 202 sq. ft.
Decks 5, 7 & 8

Tour price is based on Category E cabins which are available on Deck 7 & 8 and have partially or fully obstructed view
Category C & D cabins on Deck 5,7 & 8 have no obstruction and are available at a surcharge
Layout and size of all above categories is the same

Tour cost does not include:

**  Please note:   This tour involves services which are settled in a number of currencies and the exchange rate has been calculated on

rates current at the time of uploading this tour onto our website.  

Should there be a fluctuation of exchange rates of more than 3% from this time to the time we receive payment, we reserve the right to pass on an exchange rate surcharge.

These prices are subject to increase and/or currency surcharge