Once one of South America's most prosperous cities, known as ‘tropical Paris’, today Belém remains a thriving port and is the gateway to the Amazon. The opulence of Belém’s golden era is showcased at the neoclassical-style 1874 Theatro da Paz on the Praça de República. Pretty green spaces are shaded by mango trees and the historical centre has plenty of wonderful museums. The bustling Ver-o-Peso market is Latin America's largest open-air market.

Navigating Brazil's Breves Narrows, upriver from Belem in the Thousand Islands region, is a mesmerising Amazonian journey. This natural passage, surrounded by towering walls of lush vegetation, creates a secluded green canyon in the heart of the jungle. Enigmatic wildlife such as scarlet macaws, and equatorial flora such as giant Victoria water lilies flourish. The welcoming locals, known as ribeirinhos, offer warm hospitality.

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Fortaleza is Brazil's fifth-largest city, located on the northeastern coastline in the state of Ceará. Its history includes a Dutch outpost in 1654, later retaken by the Portuguese and renamed Fortaleza (fortress). Among the highlights are the Praia do Futuro beach, forró, traditional music and dance at the ornate, Art Nouveau-styled Theatro José de Alencar, or shopping for hammocks and handmade lace and embroideries at the Central Market.

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With a rich Afro-Brazilian heritage, Salvador, the capital of Bahia, is a vibrant city where African and South American cultures blend. Salvador served as Brazil's first capital from 1549 to 1763, and its UNESCO-listed historic centre, Pelourinho, bursts with cobblestone streets and colourful colonial buildings. Jorge Amado, a beloved literary figure, is celebrated at his former home, now the museum A Casa do Rio Vermelho.

Itineraries are subject to change. 

Today as you sail, you’ll bask in the endless comforts of your ship. From the deck, marvel at the dramatic sea views. Relax with a nurturing facial treatment or massage in the spa or delve into the ship’s learning resources. Or, simply take refuge in your cabin and enjoy the opportunity to rest.

We might just have saved the best until last. Disembark in Buenos Aires, the capital and largest city of Argentina. This gracefully elegant and attractive city is wedged between the Río de la Plata and fabled Pampas. Known as ‘the Paris of the South’, it’s known for its belle époque grandeur rooted in European influences, and contemporary cosmopolitan verve fuelled by passionately creative Portenos, as residents are called. Delve straight into the city’s history at the famous Recoleta Cemetery, where presidents, generals, poets and captains of industry rest in some 6,400 above-ground mausoleums. The Duarte Family crypt is Eva Perón’s final resting place. Observe as locals lay flowers for Evita. Near the necropolis, you’ll find one of the city’s oldest cafes, La Biela. Pop in for a drink to toast to your 14-day cruise; you’ll be in good company. Afterwards, be sure to visit a parrilla (steakhouse) leaving room for dulce de leche and time to watch some tango. Today is the final day of your exploration of South America’s coastline. Having overnighted aboard the SH Vega, say ‘hasta luego’ to your chic ship and its excellent crew. If time allows before you begin your journey home, continue your Buenos Aires experience in Plaza de Mayo, which is lined with the Casa Rosada, the Cabildo and the main cathedral and centred around the Piramid de Mayo, a white obelisk built to commemorate the first anniversary of Argentina’s independence from Spain. If you didn’t delve into the city’s irresistibly vivacious cultural scene yesterday, today is the day. Explore the National Museum of Decorative Arts – it’s a testimony to the lives of Argentinian high society at the start of the 20th century. From there, visit the sleek and modern Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires (Malba), which makes a big statement. Hit a high cultural note, at the city’s famed opera house, Teatro Colón, where a tour will reveal its grandeur.

Itineraries are subject to change.