South America tours and Galapagos Island cruises are new holidays for Travelmarvel, the alternative brand to APT’s luxury range.

Travelmarvel already has popular programs for Europe River Cruising, Canada-Alaska, Vietnam-Cambodia, New Zealand, Tasmania, Queensland and Western Australia.

Travelmarvel’s first South America brochure carries four itineraries, ranging from 20 to 27 days, running from April-October of next year.

The brochure carries an earlybird companion fly free deal (including taxes of up to $150) on all itineraries for bookings made before December 31.

APT General Manager Marketing, Debra Fox said Travelmarvel covered the continent’s most hypnotic capital cities, world-renowned natural landmarks and fabled sights such as Machu Picchu and Iguessu Falls.

“South America is a compelling destination, embracing a profusion of cultural influences, exotic destinations and extraordinary people,” she said.

“Our repeat Travelmarvel customers want to go there too!”

Ms Fox said the APT Group was committed to responding to strong demand for the Travelmarvel style.

Key selling points are hand-picked premium accommodation, services of a Travelmarvel Tour Director and expert local guides and all flights within South America are included in prices as are tipping and airport transfers.

Travelmarvel’s “Insider Experiences” include a Spanish Class at Café Tortini, cruising Lake Titicaca, meeting the locals of the Sacred Valley, dinner and a caipirinha at the infamous Porcao Rio’s in Rio de Janeiro, and a Chilean wine tasting near Santiago.

Billed as highlights are Galapagos Islands cruising (a stylish four night catamaran cruise where you can disembark each day to encounter an array of indigenous wildlife), Amazon cruising (discover the wonders of the world’s largest river system during an intimate three-night aboard the boutique ship, the Delfin II) and an Amazon Lodge stay (see the untamed wildlife and unbridled beauty of the majestic Amazon Rainforest during a stay at the Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica, a luxurious eco-lodge that’s one of its kind).

The lead-in tour is the 20-day Highlights of South America, priced from $8,495 per person, twin share which includes accommodation, 30 meals, all internal flights, Vistadome train, tipping and airport transfers.

The itinerary starts in Buenos Aires and visits Iguassu Falls, Rio de Janeiro, Santiago, Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco and Lake Titicaca before departing from Lima.