Your journey begins the moment you arrive in vibrant Rio de Janeiro. This sprawling city is famous for its golden beaches, lush jungle and colourful favelas, all under the watchful eye of Christ the Redeemer.

This afternoon, you’ll board Scenic Eclipse, where the Captain and crew will greet you with a warm welcome and a glass of Champagne. Settle in your spacious suite, your luxurious home for the next 11 nights. Toast the beginning of this adventure from the Sky Bar on the top deck, as you wave farewell to the coast and tap crystal glasses with a hearty “saúde”.

Please book your flight to arrive into Rio de Janeiro prior to 02:00 PM.

Welcome to the Cidade Maravilhosa, or the Marvelous City, as Rio is known in Brazil. Synonymous with the girl from Ipanema, the dramatic views from Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado mountain, and fabulously flamboyant Carnival celebrations, Rio is a city of stunning architecture, abundant museums, and marvelous food. Rio is also home to 23 beaches, an almost continuous 73-km (45-mile) ribbon of sand.As you leave the airport and head to Rio's beautiful Zona Sul (the touristic South Zone), you'll drive for about 40 minutes on a highway from where you'll begin to get a sense of the dramatic contrast between beautiful landscape and devastating poverty. In this teeming metropolis of 12 million people (6.2 million of whom live in Rio proper), the very rich and the very poor live in uneasy proximity. You'll drive past seemingly endless cinder-block favela, but by the time you reach Copacabana's breezy, sunny Avenida Atlântica—flanked on one side by white beach and azure sea and on the other by condominiums and hotels—your heart will leap with expectation as you begin to recognize the postcard-famous sights. Now you're truly in Rio, where cariocas (Rio residents) and tourists live life to its fullest.Enthusiasm is contagious in Rio. Prepare to have your senses engaged and your inhibitions untied. Rio seduces with a host of images: the joyous bustle of vendors at Sunday's Feira Hippie (Hippie Fair); the tipsy babble at sidewalk cafés as patrons sip their last glass of icy beer under the stars; the blanket of lights beneath the Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain); the bikers, joggers, strollers, and power walkers who parade along the beach each morning. Borrow the carioca spirit for your stay; you may find yourself reluctant to give it back.

Brigitte Bardot was one of the first to discover the charms of Búzios. The iconic French actor visited this small fishing village in the 1960s, catapulting it onto the global stage where it would eventually become known as the St Tropez of Brazil. Glorious beaches and waving palm trees sit alongside luxury hotels, ritzy boutiques, fine restaurants and chic bars.

Búzios is a charming grouping of three settlements on a small peninsula, each with its own unique allure. A late departure tonight means you soak up the live music and party atmosphere along Rua das Pedras after the sun goes down.

Freechoice:
Búzios City tour in Trolleys: Tour the beautiful beaches and charming downtown area of Búzios aboard an open-air wheeled trolley, capturing the essence of this resort town.

Buzios Beach Break: Enjoy a relaxing experience at Búzios' best beach. Relax on a sun lounger at a stylish Beach Club, sipping cocktails and swimming in crystal clear water.

Schooner Cruise: Embark on a gorgeous tour of the beautiful beaches of Búzios by schooner. Stop at Ilha Feia Beach and Tartaruga Beach for swimming and snorkelling and enjoy a caipirinha cocktail. Then tour downtown’s shops and restaurants before returning to the ship.

Around two hours from Rio de Janeiro, Búzios is a string of beautiful beaches on an 8-km-long (5-mile-long) peninsula. It was the quintessential sleepy fishing village until the 1960s, when the French actress Brigitte Bardot holidayed here to escape the paparazzi and the place almost instantly transformed into a vacation sensation. Búzios has something for everyone. Some hotels cater specifically to families and provide plenty of activities and around-the-clock child care. Many have spa facilities, and some specialize in weeklong retreats. For outdoor enthusiasts, Búzios offers surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, diving, hiking, and mountain biking, as well as leisurely rounds of golf.

Enjoy a slow start this morning – perhaps ask the butler to bring breakfast to your suite to be enjoyed on your private verandah. Scenic Eclipse arrives in Ilha Grande at lunchtime.

This island is a natural paradise and 99 per cent is cloaked in lush greenery. Wander under magical canopies with the sounds of birdcall as your soundtrack as you look for wildlife peeking from the forest. With no cars on the island, it remains pedestrian-friendly. Swimming and snorkelling are a must if you can stand to leave the dreamy comfort of your beach towel. With our late-night departure, a sandy sunset will have you sleeping sweet dreams.

Freechoice:
Green Lake snorkel Local Marine Farm: Experience an underwater excursion on Ilha Grande. Snorkel the serene, green Lagoa Verde, visit a Marine Farm at Sitio Forte, savor fresh seafood at a floating restaurant, and relax at a pristine native beach.

Historical Cultural walking tour on Ilha Grande State Park tour: Take a half-day guided walking tour of Ilha Grande to explore its natural wonders and colourful history, from San Sebastian Church to the Atlantic Forest. At the tour’s conclusion, stop at Black Beach for a refreshing dip in the sea or nearby natural pools.

Saco do Céu nature sanctuary: Sail to the Cove of the Stars, named for its abundance of sea stars. Enjoy the beach at Praia de For a and stop at Saco do Céu (“Bag of the Sky”), a natural sanctuary rich in biodiversity. The tour concludes with a visit to a picturesque fishing village.

Like something from a picture book, Paraty’s cobbled streets and chalk-white buildings will have you grabbing your camera. After breakfast on board, venture into the town's friendly streets to begin your day.

Buildings accented with bright swathes of primary colours, setting off the steeply rising mountains, veiled in emerald leaf cover. There are no cars in the historic town centre, though you may hear the clip-clopping of a horse drawn carriage as you wander the colonial streets. Keep your eyes open for the iconic birds that make this area their home, including jocular toucans, kaleidoscopic parrots and flitting hummingbirds.

Freechoice:
Jeep Tour along the Gold Trail: Drive the historic Gold Trail in Serra da Bocaina National Park. Learn its history, admire waterfalls and sample cachaça at the Engenho D’Ouro Distillery.

Historic Paraty on Foot: Join a guided tour to explore the cobblestone streets of historic Paraty, admiring ornate churches and grand homes built in the days of gold mining prosperity.

Enrich
Enjoy a mesmerising performance of Capoeira, the graceful fusion of martial arts, acrobatics and dance and a quintessential symbol of Brazilian culture. Watch as the capoeiristas blend kicks, spins, cartwheels and handstands to create a rhythmic spectacle.

The Costa Verde's main attraction, the coastal village of Parati, is about 180 miles south of Rio de Janeiro. Inhabited since 1660, this small town has remained fundamentally unaltered since its heyday. It was a staging post for 18th-century trade in Brazilian gold from Minas Gerais to Portugal. Raids and pirate attacks necessitated the establishment of a new route linking Minas Gerais directly with Rio de Janeiro. A decline in Parati’s fortunes resulted; being off the beaten track, it remained quietly hidden away. Today, the entire town has been declared a national historic monument by UNESCO as one of the most important examples of colonial architecture. With its newly acclaimed status, Parati has become a popular destination. Its beautifully restored colonial buildings line narrow, cobbled streets which are closed to vehicular traffic. Parati's population of some 15,000 people depends on fishing, farming and tourism for its livelihood. Local artists display their attractive crafts in galleries and souvenir shops. The town, reached via a long pier from the tender landing, must be explored on foot. Among Parati’s attractions is the 1722 Church of Santa Rita de Cassia, a classic example of Brazilian baroque architecture. The surrounding area boasts a scenic backdrop with green-clad mountains and numerous islands are scattered across the bay.

The name of this archipelago is Portuguese for ‘Beautiful Island’ and today you'll quickly understand why. After getting photos from your favourite spot on the yacht, disembark for the wonder of this magical destination where craggy volcanic peaks emerge from heavily forested equatorial jungles. It’s home to a multitude of waterfalls, flourishing plant species and breathtaking beaches. Watch for wildlife sheltered in this World Heritage-listed biosphere reserve, including capuchin monkeys as they perform their gymnastics in the verdant canopy.

You’ll be back on board Scenic Eclipse by mid-afternoon, so you may like to book in for an indulgent treatment# in the Senses Spa.

Freechoice:
Jeep Tour Curral Beach & Agua Branca Natural Pools: A complete tour of the island in an open-top 4x4 Jeep. Relax on beautiful Curral Beach and swim in Agua Branca natural pool.

Cabras Island Snorkel: Take a short cruise to Pedras Miúdas beach for spectacular snorkelling in the Marine Refuge. Spot colourful coral, tropical fish, anemones and starfish.

Ilhabela Walking Tour: Join a local guide for a walking tour of Ilhabela's historic centre, admiring landmarks and statues by Gilmar Pinna. You’ll also visit Engenho D'água farm.

Remote, discrete and the perfect place for Discovery excursions, Ponta do Sul is a 35-kilometre nature preserve that’s famous for having the best beaches in the Brazilian state of Paraná. There are no streets and cars, only pristine forest, the softest sand and narrow trails for discovery. This part of the world has been seen by very few tourists, making it a unique and remote location offering unrivalled exploration just for you.

Spend the day exploring the shores, soaking up the sun, taking advantage of the water sports equipment available.

Freechoice:
Honey Island: Enjoy a leisurely ride on a private boat across Paranagua Bay. Stop at Encantadas (“Enchanted”) pier for a guided walking tour of the village and its inns, restaurants and shops, visit the Enchanted Mermaids Cave and access trails leading to paradisiacal beaches at Farol das Conchas.

Honey Island and Dolphin Bay speedboat tour: Jump in a speedboat and explore Dolphin Bay. Watch for the resident dolphins, who love to greet visitors by swimming alongside them. Visit the historic fortress of Ilha do Mel (Honey Island) and explore the Enchanted Mermaids Cave.

Founded in 1658, São Francisco do Sul is Brazil’s third oldest settlement. History lives on in charming cobblestone streets and colonial buildings, many of which are listed on the National Historic Registry. As you sail toward the island, enjoy some of the best views of the town, perhaps from the cosy cocoon of your private cabana, overlooking pastel homes with arched windows and elegant balconies.

Discover seafaring history at the only museum of boats in Brazil, relax on the endless golden sand beaches and swim in pristine coves teeming with aquatic life.

Freechoice:
Highlights of Joinville and Hemerocallis Park tour: A charming city in southern Brazil, Joinville is home to Hemerocallis Park, a must-see for green thumbs. On a guided tour, you’ll witness the breathtaking colours and fragrant air of the park’s blooming flower beds and stunning mandala garden.

Sao Francisco walking tour: Take a guided tour of Sao Francisco, the third oldest Brazilian city. You’ll explore the historic downtown discovered by a French expedition in 1504, visit the Public Market and the Ecological Park, and learn all about Brazil’s nautical history at the National Museum of the Sea, which has an impressive collection of traditional boats from all over the country.

Since the early 20th century, this sun-drenched peninsula has enjoyed a reputation as a favourite holiday destination for the global elite. Referred to as the ‘Monaco of the South’, Punta del Este’s iconic cityscape and incredible beaches attract visitors from all over the world.

Playa Brava, one of Punta’s main beaches, is home to the renowned sculpture of fingertips that emerge from the soft golden sand, called ‘La Mano’. Among other sculptures around the city, the art galleries and museums give Punta del Este an artsy, eclectic atmosphere that makes it a stand-out destination.

Freechoice:
Punta del Este & Casa Pueblo: Tour Punta del Este, known as the Saint Tropez of Latin America. Admire the views from Punta Ballena then visit Museo Casapueblo.

Punta del Este Bike Tour: An enjoyable, low-strength bike ride through flat areas. Spot sea lions at Mansa Beach, pass local landmarks and soak up the town’s natural charm.

Punta del Este Hiking Experience: A guided hike up a 170m hill while learning about local history, Uruguayan native flora and medicinal uses. Finish with drinks at a traditional house.

Often likened to the Hamptons or St-Tropez, Punta del Este is a flashy destination where parties run nonstop in peak season. But it is also a destination that draws a range of beachgoers to its shores, from summering families to the celebrity jet-set. There's a bustling city on the beach downtown, as well as quiet countryside populated solely with upscale ranches called chacras or estancias, and creative, buzzing hamlets like La Barra and José Ignacio. Though it's pricey and at times a logistical challenge to get around, everyone finds something about Punta to love.The resort takes its name from the "east point" marking the division of the Río de la Plata on the west from the Atlantic Ocean to the east. It also lends its name to the broader region encompassing the nearby communities of Punta Ballena and La Barra de Maldonado. These days even José Ignacio, some 20 miles away, is grouped in. It's usually a given that Argentina’s upper class spends at least part of the summer in Punta, soaking in the ample rays.

The capital of Uruguay, Montevideo’s streets are lined with public buildings and homes that reveal the nation’s architectural history. The Plaza de la Independencia, once home to a Spanish fortress, is the centre of the city, leading to gorgeous Art Deco structures and landmarks including the neoclassical Solís Theatre which opened in 1856.

Visitors will find themselves amongst a vibrant town full of vim and vigour with musical theatre and cosy tango bars right next door to one another. It’s also surrounded by an emerging wine region, so delicious drops are always on hand.

Freechoice:
Montevideo Highlights: A panoramic tour through the highlights of Uruguay’s cosmopolitan capital, including Independence Square, Solis Theatre and Government House Museum.

Ranch Visit: Get a glimpse of authentic farm life at Estancia La Rábida. Meet the owners, enjoy traditional asado (barbecued meat) and sample regional wines.

Uruguay’s capital city hugs the eastern bank of the Río de la Plata. A massive coastal promenade (malecón) that passes fine beaches, restaurants, and numerous parks recalls the sunny sophistications of the Mediterranean and is always dotted with Montevideans strolling, exercising, and lounging along the water. Montevideo has its share of glitzy shopping avenues and modern office buildings, balanced with its historic old city and sumptuous colonial architecture, as well as numerous leafy plazas and parks. It is hard not to draw comparisons to its sister city Buenos Aires across the river, and indeed Montevideo strikes many as a calmer, more manageable incarnation of Argentina's capital.When the weather's good, La Rambla, a 22-km (14-mile) waterfront avenue that links the Old City with the eastern suburbs and changes names about a dozen times, gets packed with fishermen, ice-cream vendors, and joggers. Around sunset, volleyball and soccer games wind down as couples begin to appear for evening strolls. Polls consistently rate Montevideo as having the highest quality of life of any city in Latin America. After one visit here, especially on a lovely summer evening, you probably will agree.

Latin passion and European romance spark a dynamic combination that makes Buenos Aires a dynamic, enticing city. Today we end our journey here, in one of the liveliest and most cosmopolitan cities in the world. There’s much to discover, so after bidding your new friends and the friendly Scenic Eclipse crew farewell, take some time to explore the great Argentinian culture and cuisine.

Please book your flight to depart out of Buenos Aires after 12:00 PM.

#Spa treatments at additional cost. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the cruise will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.

Glamorous and gritty, Buenos Aires is two cities in one. What makes Argentina's capital so fascinating is its dual heritage—part European, part Latin American. Plaza de Mayo resembles a grand square in Madrid, and the ornate Teatro Colón would not be out of place in Vienna. But you’ll know you’re in South America by the leather shoes for sale on cobbled streets and impromptu parades of triumphant soccer fans. Limited-production wines, juicy steaks, and ice cream in countless flavors are among the old-world imports the city has perfected.