Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil

Transfer to our hotel upon arrival. Later this evening, gather with fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner.

After breakfast, travel to the Rodrigo Bueno neighborhood where grassroots initiatives and community activists have created a model of sustainable urbanization. Spend time mingling with the artists, artisans, and gardeners of La Vivera, a greenspace created by the community for the community. After lunch at a local restaurant, explore the street art of southern Buenos Aires, where massive murals and colorful facades create open-air galleries celebrating the collective life of the city. Embark L’Austral later this afternoon.

Montevideo was founded in 1726 as a fortress guarding the northern shore of the Rio de la Plata. A wave of immigration from Europe in the 19th century transformed the city, introducing a colorful mix of architectural styles and cultures. Tour the historic Ciudad Vieja, stopping to marvel at the massive Italian Neoclassical Banco de la Republica and the Metropolitan Cathedral that dominates the Plaza de la Constitucion, the oldest square in Uruguay. Our ship remains docked in port until late in the evening, providing time to explore the city on our own.

The seaside resort of Punta del Este, situated on a peninsula jutting into the Atlantic Ocean, is known for its beaches, luxury lifestyle, and vibrant art scene. This morning, drive along the Rambla, the city's coastal road, to Playa Brava, site of sculptor Mario Irarrázabal's iconic La Mano—a giant human hand emerging from the sand—and through the upscale neighborhood of Beverly Hills. Visit Casapueblo, the former home of artist Carlos Páez Vilaró and now a museum whose architecture is reminiscent of the work of Antonin Gaudí, before returning to the ship to set sail in the early afternoon.

After a morning at sea, we arrive at the port city of Rio Grande. Begin with a panoramic tour of the city's main landmarks, including the Old Customs House, Xavier Ferreira Square, and the Public Market. At the Oceanographic Museum, stroll through exhibits focusing on biodiversity, ecology, and conservation, before traveling to the Molhes da Barra, two massive stone breakwaters that extend 2.5 miles into the Atlantic to protect the port's channel. Ride aboard a sail-powered vagoneta for stunning views of iconic Cassino Beach, the longest beach in the world, stretching over 150 miles.

During this day at sea, enjoy some of the ship's many amenities and attend lectures and discussions with our faculty leader and the ship's expedition staff.

Today, we dock in Porto Belo, our gateway to Santa Catarina Island and its capital of Florianópolis. Explore the oldest district of the city, Santo Antônio de Lisboa, settled by Portuguese immigrants from the Azores in the 18th century. Visit the iconic church of Nossa Senhora das Necessidades, XV de Novembro Square, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Walk through the bustling Public Market with its shops featuring artisanal hand-woven lace and ceramics. After a seafood lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy time at leisure to explore the waterfront before returning to Porto Belo and our ship.

Today, we take a boat tour to experience the wildlife-rich mangroves of Paranaguá. Continue with a walking tour of the city's old town, lined with cobblestone streets and colonial architecture. At the Ethnological and Archaeological Museum, housed in a former Jesuit College, see exhibits of artifacts from indigenous communities as well as materials from traditional Portuguese festivals. End our visit with free time to browse in the local market hall and perhaps sample some traditional snacks, such as yucca and banana chips.

Ihabela (literally "beautiful island") is famous for its lush rainforest, rugged mountain peaks, and gorgeous beaches. We see all three on today's excursion by local boat and aboard Jeeps. Sail along Ihabela's northern coast, stopping to swim and beachcomb at Praia do Jabaquara. From Jabaquara, take 4x4 vehicles into the forest and across the island to an overlook on Praia do Barreiros with panoramic views of Ihabela and the mainland.

A historic colonial town founded in 1667, Paraty become an important transport hub for gold and precious stones in the 18th century. Embark on a walking tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site to see well-preserved houses painted in vibrant colors, charming boutiques, art galleries, and centuries-old churches. Afterward, enjoy a tasting of cachaça, a rum-like liquor made from fermented sugarcane juice.

Begin our exploration of Rio de Janeiro on Corcovado Mountain, home to the world-famous Christ the Redeemer statue, depicting Christ with outstretched arms embracing the city and the sea. After taking in panoramic views of Rio and its surroundings from the summit, drive through the lively Copacabana neighborhood to a local steakhouse for a traditional Brazilian barbecue lunch. This afternoon, travel to Praia Vermelha for a cable car ride to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. Here the views stretch across the coastline, Guanabara Bay, and back to Corcovado in the distance.

After breakfast aboard, disembark and transfer to the airport for flights returning home.