Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip

Chase the Winter Sun Across the Southern Hemisphere

Rio De Janeiro - Santiago - Easter Island - Valparaiso - Sydney - Ayers Rock - Johannesburg -Hoedspruit - Balule Private Reserve

Starting from between £12,600 to £15,480 per person for 33 days depending on the time of year, type of accomodation and activities

Itinerary Highlights

  • Circumnavigate the Southern Hemisphere in search of nature, culture and endless sun
  • Explore Rio, Santiago, Sydney and Johannesburg with private local guides to lead the way
  • Get off the beaten track as you experience the legends of Easter Island, the blazing sunrise over the outback and the immense wildlife of South Africa
The dense grey skies of winter invite eager adventurers to answer the call of the long-lost sun and set off on a month-long continent-hopping trip across the southern hemisphere. For Brazil, Chile, Australia and South Africa, the latter months of the calendar year are not something to fear but something to anticipate as their lands warm and brighten under a balmy summer sun.

Encompassing captivating cities, serene coastlines and thrilling open landscapes, this epic trip is a globetrotter’s dream. The idea of this winter escape is not to see everything, but to experience each destination in style and comfort. Time is on your side, making it possible to slow down and settle into the rhythm of each stop. Dedicate a day to watching the world go by from a sun lounger on Rio’s Ipanema Beach, marvel at the ancient rock statues on Easter Island, track the path of the sun from east to west in the heart of the Australian outback and explore the natural wonders of the African savannah at your own pace in a private vehicle. And whether it's an original family adventure, an extended honeymoon, a much-awaited sabbatical or simply the getaway of the year, our suggested itinerary can be customised to your wishes. Let the adventure begin…
Rio de Janeiro - Brazil © Alix Pardo
Rio de Janeiro - Brazil © Alix Pardo
Arpoador - Rio de Janeiro - Brazil © Alix Pardo
Arpoador - Rio de Janeiro - Brazil © Alix Pardo
Arpoador - Rio de Janeiro - Brazil © Alix Pardo
Arpoador - Rio de Janeiro - Brazil © Alix Pardo
Rio de Janeiro - Brazil © Alix Pardo
Rio de Janeiro - Brazil © Alix Pardo
Botanical Garden - Rio do Janeiro - Brazil © Alix Pardo
Botanical Garden - Rio do Janeiro - Brazil © Alix Pardo
Rano Raraku - Easter Island © Turavion
Rano Raraku - Easter Island © Turavion
Sydney Opera House - Australia © Lucy Laucht
Sydney Opera House - Australia © Lucy Laucht
Sydney - Australia © Lucy Laucht
Sydney - Australia © Lucy Laucht
South Africa © Olivier Romano
South Africa © Olivier Romano
Johannesburg - South Africa © Olivier Romano
Johannesburg - South Africa © Olivier Romano
Ayers Rock - Uluru-Kata Tjuta - Australia © Droits reservés
Ayers Rock - Uluru-Kata Tjuta - Australia © Droits reservés
Lake Amadeus - Northern Territory - Australia © Lucy Laucht
Lake Amadeus - Northern Territory - Australia © Lucy Laucht
Uluru-Kata Tjuta - Australia © Tourism Australia
Uluru-Kata Tjuta - Australia © Tourism Australia
Elephant © Pie Aerts
Elephant © Pie Aerts
Santiago - Chile © Alix Pardo
Santiago - Chile © Alix Pardo

Itinerary

100% customisable for you

Hop off the plane and hit the ground running as you drop off your suitcases in a luxury hotel overlooking the hustle and bustle of Copacabana Beach. Natural wonders like Sugarloaf Mountain, the soft sands of Copacabana and the lapping waves of Ipanema set the stage for your time in Rio de Janeiro. Combine beachside relaxation with cultural immersion in some of the city’s trendiest neighbourhoods. At some point during your four days here you’ll have the opportunity to explore the hidden gems of Santa Teresa and the city centre with a private local guide before heading up Corcovado to take in the mighty sight of Christ the Redeemer.

Now that you’re well-accustomed to the Latin charm of South America, it’s time to jump from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Disembark in the Chilean capital of Santiago, an effortlessly cool metropolis that marries mountainous Andean scenery with laid-back urban charm. Hang up your hat for two nights in a chic neighbourhood and spend one full day experiencing the highlights of the city on a private tailor-made tour. Make sure to stop in a wine bar or two to sample the fine wines that pour in from the nation’s prestigious vineyards.

Your next destination takes you to the shores of one of the world’s most mysterious slices of South America: Easter Island. It’s here that you can see the moai – gigantic statues fashioned from volcanicrock – that the island is famous for. Your home for the next four nights is a quaint family guest house which is the perfect homey base as you spend the next few days criss-crossing the island with a knowledgeable driver-guide in search of iconic sites such as the extinct volcano of Rano Kao, the abandoned stone village of Orongo and the archaeological complex of Vinapu, as well as the city of Hanga Roa and its museum.

Back on the continent, it’s the colourful hillside city of Valparaiso that opens its arms to you. Two days here is enough to take in the best of the city: ride the cable cars for panoramic views across the port and ocean, head out with a local art enthusiast to discover the city’s thriving street art scene and get your final fill of Chile’s fantastic food and wine before swapping continents.

Rise and shine in a completely new part of the world as you step foot on Australian soil. Your first destination is, naturally, the trendy coastal city of Sydney, where you’ll stay for five nights in a contemporary hotel. Hit the streets with a local guide to discover some of the city’s coolest spots before marvelling at the modernist architecture of the iconic Sydney Opera House.

After a few days here, swap Sydney’s bright city lights for the remote wilderness of the Australian outback. Your home for two nights here is a cosy hotel in the Red Centre, the perfect base for admiring the ochre hues of Uluru and Kata Tjuta — domed rock formations considered sacred to the Aboriginal people.

The final leg of your journey takes you right the way around the southern hemisphere to the golden plains of South Africa. Disembark in Johannesburg and settle in for two nights in a historic propertyin an upscale neighbourhood. Once again, you’ll be following in the footsteps of a knowledgeable local guide as you immerse yourself in the life and culture of a new city and country. The next fournights are yours to spend exploring the great natural landscapes of South Africa at your own pace asyou set off in a hire car.

Your next stop is the immense Blyde River canyon, a 16-mile fracture between the Highveld andLowveld plateaus. Explore by boat and bike and marvel at the towering cliffs that characterise this nature reserve. Round off your adventure in high-octane spirit as you head out to see the legendary creatures that roam the private reserve of Balule, your home for two nights and the final stop on this epic continent-hopping adventure.

Why visit South Africa with Original Travel

Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.

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A few of the benefits of travelling with us to South Africa

  • Our local Concierges
  • The Original Travel app
  • Airport lounge access
  • Wi-Fi router and e-Sim
  • Destination Dossier
  • 24-hour helpline
  • Expert guides
  • 100% carbon absorption

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A rough idea of the price

Depending on the time of year, type of accommodation and activities

The cost for this trip starts from £12,600 to £15,480 per person.

The final cost of the trip depends on the way we tailor it especially for you. The final cost varies according to several factors, which include the level of service, length of trip and advance booking time. The exact price will be provided on your personalised quote.

The average starting price for this trip is £13,400 per person.

100% tailor-made holidays

Understanding Your Needs

Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday

Personalisation

We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities

Our Services

All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges