Day 1: Depart UK
Depart the UK from your chosen airport.
Days 2 - 9: Cape Town city break & wildlife of the Western Cape
Head south to begin your Southern Hemisphere adventure. Enjoy our Cape Town city break before discovering the wildlife of the western cape on this self-drive trip. Starting in the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town, you can sail to Robben Island and ascend Table Mountain before driving down to the Cape of Good Hope, visiting the penguins at Boulders Beach on the way. You’ll continue through the Winelands towards Hermanus, where southern right whales gather offshore during their breeding season. Finish in the natural beauty of De Hoop Nature Reserve, where long walks through the landscape, stargazing in the clear nights and guided nature hikes looking for ostriches, baboons and vultures is this perfect end to exploring the wildlife of the western capes.
Day 10 - 13: Sydney stopover
Welcome to Sydney! One of the most famous cities in the world Sydney is a must-do on your round the world itinerary. From iconic landmarks to beautiful beaches, Sydney has something for everybody. Spend four days exploring the city - take a walk to Darling Harbour, cruise around the Sydney Opera House, visit kangaroos in Sydney Zoo and spend a day trying to surf on the stunning Bondi Beach.
Day 13 - 21: Follow the Wine Trail: New Zealand self-drive itinerary
Next, fly to Auckland, where you’ll spend nine days exploring on our gourmet New Zealand self-drive itinerary to Christchurch, exploring a few of the key wine regions that account for more than 80% of the country’s wine production. Stay in some of our favourite boutique-style B&Bs as you embark on your journey beginning in the geothermal and cultural hub of Rotorua where you can relax among the geysers and hot springs or learn about the Maori culture.
From here, it’s onto Hawkes Bay for some world-class vineyards and unique art deco architecture. You will also cruise through the spectacular Marlborough Sounds for pure tranquillity and delicious seafood after wine tasting in the vineyards of the area. Finish your trip in Christchurch on a punting trip to take in the best sights of the city.
Days 20 - 26: ‘Off the grid’ French Polynesia trip: Tikehau & Fakarava Island
Head to the Pacific and treat yourself to a peaceful week spent ‘off-grid’ in the Tuamotus in French Polynesia. Bathe in Tikehau’s shimmering lagoon where an indescribable rainbow of tropical fish gathers amongst the calm turquoise waters. Then hop over to Fakarava Island, a diver’s paradise where you can explore authentic Polynesian life on two wheels, from the deserted beaches to peaceful villages and a coral church. The Tuamotus are an ideal destination for uninterrupted relaxation away from the crowds.
Days 27 - 30: Visit Easter Island & the mysterious Moai statues
Make a four-day stop on mystical Easter Island to unravel the mysteries of the iconic Moai statues. Jump straight into your exploration from the moment you arrive and are welcomed with a traditional flower garland. You’ll spend the next few days on some fascinating guided tours around the island, where statues peer out to the sea, to old quarries and different sites with tumbled or well-preserved statues.
Days 30 - 36: Santiago and the Chilean Winelands
You’ve arrived in South America! Visit Santiago and the surrounding region on this seven-day tour taking you from the capital, Santiago through Chile’s world-famous wine valleys and onward to the iconic coastal town of Valparaiso. As one of the main capitals of Latin America, Santiago will enchant you with its cosmopolitan flair and its cultural and culinary heritage. The wine valleys will immerse you in beautiful landscapes and vineyards that are becoming world-renowned for their quality, and the picturesque location of Valparaiso will provide the perfect end to your journey.
Days 36 - 39: Buenos Aires
Head over to Buenos Aires, a city packed to the rafters with colonial architecture, great food, beautiful people, dance, theatre and art. Home to run-down districts and bohemian quarters, over one-third of Argentina’s population lives here. Despite that, the city retains a homely neighbourhood feel in the barrios. Once you set foot in this energetic and seductive port city, you will understand why so many people have fallen in love with the place and its attractive residents (call them Porteños) and may never want to leave.
Days 39 - 42: Iguazu Falls
Explore Iguazu Falls from your base at the luxury Iguazu hotel, the Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas. As the only property within the Brazilian side of Iguazu National Park, you’ll be just a few minutes’ walk from the falls and have time to view them in the morning and evening before and after the crowds. With its elegant decor, the Belmond is ideal for couples and families. Its setting is an oasis of calm, with space to relax on the veranda or under the palms that surround the pool. We’ve included two guided tours, giving you the chance to admire the 275 cascades from both the Argentinean and Brazilian sides, including the spectacular ‘Garganta del Diablo’ (Devil’s Throat). It's a once in a lifetime experience.
Day 42 - 46: Rio de Janeiro
Finish your trip on a high, in the beautiful city of Rio de Janeiro. Known to Brazilians as a Cidade Maravilhosa (‘marvellous city)’, Rio enjoys an enviable location along an astonishingly beautiful coastline, set between rainforest-clad peaks and idyllic sandy beaches. Many have described it as the world’s most beautiful city setting, with its lofty peaks offering panoramic city views over the ocean and bays below. Raise a caipirinha and toast to your once in a lifetime round the world holiday.
Day 47: Arrive UK
