Award winning luxury tour and cruise operator APT has expanded its small group touring program in South America, announcing Mexico as a new destination and extending its portfolio of five star accommodation in the process, while also securing the exclusive charter of the best luxury small ship available for groups in the Galapagos for 2016.
The new all-inclusive 16-day Mexico Discovery itinerary is priced from $11,495 per person and takes a maximum of just 28 guests on an incredible journey across the country from Mexico City to Riviera Maya, taking in iconic highlights including the chance to visit ancient Mayan ruins; see flurries of pink flamingos on a cruise through Celestún National Park; and discover the gourmet heart of the country in Oaxaca, visiting markets and learning to cook local dishes. In usual APT style, guests will stay in exceptional accommodation, including spending a night in the colourful Hacienda Puerta Campeche, a beautifully restored 17th Century mansion; and enjoying a stay at The Fairmont Mayakoba which is located on the beachfront in Playa del Carmen.
The new tour is combined with a four day Cuba extension and a ten night journey through Peru to make the 30-day Treasures of Peru, Cuba and Mexico itinerary.
APT’s new 112-page South America 2016 featuring Cuba and Mexico brochure features a choice of 18 itineraries covering the length and breadth of the continent.
Santiago continues to be a strong draw card for Australians, and as a new feature for its popular 21-day Best of South America tour in 2016 APT guests the chance for guests to stay at The Singular Santiago an outstanding luxury hotel situated in the popular Lastarria neighborhood .
Also new for Santiago, APT is offering Freedom of Choice™ options in the Chilean capital whereby guests can choose to explore the picturesque seaside city of Valparaiso or opt for a wine tasting and tour of the stunning Santa Rita winery. In addition, new Freedom of Choice™ touring options have been added to Iguassu Falls on this tour, with a boat ride safari or helicopter ride over the falls on offer.
Galapagos Islands cruising remains at the heart of APT’s South America program for 2016 and can be added as an extension to every itinerary. APT has once again exclusively chartered La Pinta, a luxurious small ship offering capacity for just 48 of its guests. Amazon cruising also features with APT offering a three night cruise on the boutique Delfin II which has capacity for 28 people, again all of whom will be APT guests. All cruises are led by a cruise director supported by experienced naturalist guides. The 29-day Best of South America with Amazon and Galapagos Cruising is APT’s bestselling itinerary.
The new brochure also features 10- and 20-night Antarctica small ship cruises aboard APT’s own expedition vessel, with an invitation to pre-register for 2017 cruising in the destination aboard an exclusive charter of La Boréal.
According to APT’s Chief Marketing Officer, Debra Fox, small group touring and cruising in this destination is a big attraction for Australian travellers, “The key ingredient to the success of our South America program is our small group sizes coupled with the fact that we have our own local team who add the extra passion and expertise in this destination. While guests want the contrasts of the lively cities, ancient Mayan civilizations and traversing landscapes, they also want to step off the beaten track and see the real South America – meet the people, experience the culture and get up close to some of the unique native wildlife. For the latter part, it’s only by having access to local experts and travelling in small groups or cruising on a small ship that you can have the intimate experiences that our guests crave. Being one of just a few operators to offer this is what makes APT’s program stand out.”
As well as offering a wide range of itineraries, APT also offers extensions to Atacama in Chile, Cuba, Colca Canyon and Patagonia.
APT’s new brochure features rail journeys aboard PeruRail’s Vistadome (Cusco to Machu Picchu return) and the Andean Explorer (Cusco to Puno) as well as offering a wealth of unique or exclusive sightseeing through its Signature Experiences and Freedom of Choice™ sightseeing.
Signature Experiences for 2016 include a ‘Tango and Tapas’ event in Buenos Aires; the chance to visit a private Hacienda to experience a Peruvian Paso horse show; lunch at a family home in Peru’s Sacred Valley; and a special dinner at one of Lima’s most impressive historic homes, Casa Garcia Alvarado.
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; all flights within South America; and tipping, airport transfers and porterage.
A choice of three APT SuperDeals are available – a ‘Companion Fly Free’, ‘Business Class upgrade from $4,100’ and a ‘Solo Traveller Air Credit of $1,300’. Flights are with LATAM Airlines. Terms and conditions apply and offers are subject to availability.
APT’s South America 2016 brochure featuring Cuba and Mexico is available in travel agents now.
For further information call APT on 1300 196 420, visit aptouring.com.au or see your local travel agent.
SOURCE APT