New itineraries, destinations and ocean cruises are just some of the exciting additions to luxury travel operator APT’s South America portfolio in 2017.
Showcasing the length and breadth of South America, from Peru to Panama, Argentina to Antarctica, Chile to Cuba and more, APT’s journeys across the region cater to small groups of just 28 guests.
From today, travel agents can book a new shorter APT itinerary designed for guests who prefer not to travel at altitude.
The 19-day Best of South America takes guests from Santiago to Cusco and includes the chance to enjoy some of the most iconic sights, including Sugarloaf Mountain and Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro; the Argentinean side of the Iguassu Falls; and the centre of the Peruvian Inca empire, Cusco.
Priced from $12,795 per person, twin share, the journey introduces three nights in Sacred Valley which includes additional Freedom of Choice™ touring options.
Guests can choose to sample local craft beers at the Sacred Valley Brewing Company or visit an artisan ceramics studio.
A new and exclusive APT Signature Experience also features, offering the chance to see the pre-Inca salt pools of Maras, which have been harvested by local families since the Inca Empire. This is followed by lunch overlooking the salt terraces at El Parador de Moray.
Also new for 2017 is APT’s 25-day South America Inca Journey, travelling from Santiago to Arequipa and covering Peru in depth.
The highlights of this new tour include the chance to experience rail journeys aboard PeruRail’s Vistadome (Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu return) and the Andean Explorer (Cusco to Puno); and travelling by speedboat over the waters of Lake Titicaca to the village of Luquina to visit a local school, followed by a cruise to the reed islands of the Uros people.
It also features a new APT Signature Experience – a ‘bean to bar’ chocolate workshop in Arequipa, where guests mix their chosen flavours to make their own bespoke chocolate creation.
Additional Freedom of Choice™ options have been added in Colca Canyon where guests can choose to visit an Alpaca farm, go fishing on the Colca River or spend time with local villagers, learning their customers, songs and even how to weave.
APT is offering a Panama extension as another new feature for 2017.
This three day journey showcases all the highlights, from exploring Panama City to enjoying a ride on the Panama Canal Railway and watching the ships as they navigate their way through the lock systems of the canal itself.
This new extension features on the 28-day Best of South America with Cuba & Panama, the 30-day Latin America Discovery and the 40-day Ultimate Latin America Discovery.
Guests can also choose to cruise through the Panama Canal aboard one of APT’s new luxury ocean cruises in 2017.
For the first time APT is offering guests the chance to set sail on Le Boréal or Le Soléal on a cruise-only itinerary or as part of a cruise and land tour combination. These ultra luxurious yachts feature on three itineraries.
New cruise itineraries include the 22- or 28-day Panama to Peru cruise offering nine nights aboard Le Soléal sailing from Panama City, through the famed Canal, via Ecuador to Peru.
Guests can also choose to cruise along the Andean coast from Peru to Chile aboard the same ship.
Alternatively APT’s is offering a choice of two Patagonian and Chilean Fjord tours aboard Le Boréal. Also available aboard the same vessel is cruising to Antarctica.
In addition to luxury ocean cruising, APT continues to offer Galapagos Islands cruising, with four night cruises for just 48 of its guests available aboard La Pinta, a luxurious small ship.
Amazon cruising also features with APT offering a four night cruise for a maximum of 28 guests on the boutique Delfin II. All cruises are led by a cruise director supported by experienced naturalist guides.
APT’s success in South America continues to grow according to Executive General Manager Global Marketing and Sales Debra Fox, “We’ve created a stand out program in South America that continues to go from strength to strength. Exclusive hotel stays, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, small group sizes and a huge array of luxury holidays mean guests are spoilt for choice.
“We’re also one of just a few operators that has its own team on the ground in South America. This ensures guests benefit from our knowledge and passion for the places they are visiting,” she added.
APT’s all inclusive pricing covers most meals, with guests dining at highly sought after restaurants; all sightseeing and luxury hotel accommodation; the services of an APT Tour Director along with local guides; flights within South America; and tipping, airport transfers and porterage.
APT’s South America 2017 brochure is available in travel agents now.
For further information call APT on 1300 196 420, visit aptouring.com.au or see your local business development manager.
SOURCE: APT