Tango music in Buenos Aires, a freedom fighter in Montevideo* and relaxing bathing in chic Punta del Este play the first bars of your cruise. Art lovers will find Salvador Dali sculptures in the Ralli Museum* and nature lovers can take a boat trip to Sea Lion Island* to marvel at the portly colossi. Half-timbered houses in South America? German immigrants made this possible ? for example, in Blumenau*. Ilhabela, Brazil?s largest island, tempts you with a schooner trip to the beach* or on a Jeep tour* through the rainforest. Three days long with the EUROPA 2 in Rio de Janeiro ? let yourself be enchanted by this fascinating city! As a contrast, you then experience a safari through the rainforest* along jungle trails and suspended bridges before bidding farewell to the EUROPA 2 in Salvador.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TRIP
- Punta del Este: a chic bathing resort at the mouth of the Rio de la Plata.
- Rainforest, beaches and more than 300 waterfalls: Ilhabela ? the ?beautiful island?.
- Sugar Loaf Mountain* and Corcovado*, Samba and Copacabana: three exciting days in Rio de Janeiro.
- On board: Carnaval do Brasil.

Tango music accompanies you throughout Buenos Aires at the start of your cruise when you immerse yourself in the goings-on of the lively metropolis or explore the wonderful Alto Palermo. Alternatively, glide through the Tigre Delta* on a boat trip or enjoy Argentinean rural life in a traditional Estancia*.

The following day, Uruguay?s capital city Montevideo is your host. A city tour* takes you across the Avenida 18 de Julio and presents famous freedom fighters to you in the monumental Plaza Independencia at the Artigas Mausoleum. From here, you are offered a tour through the old town*. Learn about the viticulture of the country on a visit to a vineyard* ? which, of course, includes a tasting.

In the evening, the EUROPA 2 moors at chic Punta del Este, one of the most exclusive coastal resorts of South America. Art lovers will have a worthwhile visit to the Ralli Museum*, which exhibits sculptures by Salvador Dali amongst other artists. Nature lovers can take a boat trip to Sea Lion Island*, where one of the largest colonies of these creatures lives on the continent.

You encounter the legacy of German immigrants setting off from Itajai to Blumenau*, which surprises with half-timbered houses and beer gardens. The cable railway in Camboriu* is also unique and joins Parque Unipraias in the middle of the rainforest with Laranjeiras beach.

Following this, be enticed by Ilhabela, the largest island in Brazil, on a trip by schooner to the beach* or on a Jeep tour* through the species-rich rainforest at the heart of the island.

Pure joie de vivre awaits you the following day: stay with the EUROPA 2 in Rio de Janeiro beneath the Sugar Loaf Mountain for three days. A cable car takes you on a city tour* through the historic centre to the peak of the legendary landmark. Just as breathtaking is the view over the bay to Corcovado*. This is where the world-famous statue of Christ stands, greeting all visitors with open arms. Go even higher on a helicopter flight over the city* ? fantastic vistas, also provided by the lush Tijuca rainforest*. And of course, your cruise would not be complete without a trip to a typical churrascaria*.

A relaxing programme of contrasts relating to Rio de Janeiro awaits you in Armacao dos Buzios and its surroundings*. The small fishing village with exclusive boutiques and bars invites you to shop and stay awhile. Or explore the many species of the underwater world on a special snorkelling experience*.

The riches of Ilheus were once founded in the trade of cocoa. Following the trail of the cocoa barons* gives you insights in the history of the colonial old town. Natural treasures can be encountered on a safari through the rainforest*: hike along jungle tracks and over suspended bridges through the dense jungle. Alternatively, take a canoe trip on the Rio de Contas* in the interior of the country.

The following day in Salvador, you bid farewell to the fascinating spirit of South America.

* These arrangements are not included in the cruise price. The shore excursions listed here are in the planning stage. Subject to changes.