Argentina for the Connoisseur

Day 1 : Buenos Aires (City Tour & Tango Show)

Welcome to Argentina’s capital, often referred to as the Paris of South America, a mosaic as varied and diverse as its culture. Built in the 19th Century, an era of plenty for the wealthy gaucho land barons of Argentina, this city of 10 million is a kaleidoscope of intimate places, events and interactions, each with a slightly different shade, shape, and character. More European than South American in flavor, Buenos Aires boasts bustling streets, grand avenues, old-time cafes and stylish restaurants. It's a city of tragedy and elation; a vibrant, cosmopolitan capital where locals are renowned for their flair and cockiness, even in times of adversity. The city's neighborhoods are small and highly individualized each with its own characteristic colors and forms.

This morning we begin our indoctrination of Buenos Aires making our way along the 9th of July Avenue (Avenida 9 de Julio ) with its eight lanes divided by small green squares with old leafy trees and enriched by sculptures and fountains, considered as widest boulevard in the world. We pass Plaza de la Republica with Buenos Aires’ signature Obelisk projecting upwards as a symbol of the city. Next we visit the picturesque and colorful port section of La Boca, a picturesque neighborhood at the mouth of the Riachuelo River where the city’s first settlers landed; filled with Italian restaurants, and some streets, such as the Caminito, are lined with wooden houses painted in bright colors. Continue to San Telmo, also a center for immigrant settlers that maintain its heritage and architectonic patrimony untouched. We pass along the Palermo District with its elegant residences framed by wide green areas; reaching finally the district of Recoleta, the chic, most sophisticated neighborhood in the city, home to the Recoleta Cemetery, a necropolis of elaborate mausoleums, including that of Eva Peron. Next, it’s on to the modern district of Puerto Madero, a revitalized section of the city once an abandoned old dilapidated port now boasting elegant houses, offices, lofts, luxurious hotels and restaurants. Here we break for lunch Estilo Campo. Widely known for its wide selection of prime Argentinean meats, Estilo Campo not only offers choice cuts but also raises its own cattle to ensure that you’re getting the best-quality meat in town. The traditional Argentine steak “Assada” is succulent, and grilled to your taste. Fresh fish, meat and vegetables are also available. The homemade pastes and ample desserts can make even non-foodies stick around longer, not to mention their wine selection.

This afternoon, in preparation for tonight’s event, we stop for a tango lesson. The exact origins of tango, both the dance and the word itself, are lost in myth and an unrecorded history. Most likely the tango was born in African-Argentine dance venues attended by compadritos, young men, mostly native born and poor, who liked to dress in slouch hats, loosely tied neckerchiefs and high-heeled boots with knives tucked casually into their belts.

This evening a special treats as we step into the Buenos Aires night to Esquina Carlos Gardel, with over 100-year history. Here you’ll enjoy superb cuisine amid this exquisitely decorated Art Nouveau style ambience, recreating the sophistication of old Buenos Aires. We are seated in the VIP section to enjoy dinner sampling the famous Argentine beef followed by a show where we are mesmerized by sensual national dance… The Tango

Overnight at the hotel. (L,D)

Day 2 : Buenos Aires (Fiesta Gaucha)

Full day excursion along the famous Argentine rolling plains of the pampas, one of the most fertile natural prairies of the world, famous for its meat and cereal production, to visit to a typical "Estancia" (Argentine Ranch) for a “Fiesta Gaucha” (Barbecue Party) for a first hand view of the Argentine “gaucho” (cowboy) who will demonstrate their "criollo" horsemanship, along with folkloric music and dances. Welcome drink, lunch including all beverages and an afternoon mate. Return top the hotel for overnight (B,L)

Day 3 : Buenos Aires / Mendoza (Cavas Wine Lodge)

Transfer and flight to Mendoza located at the foot of the Andes. Mendoza is a modern city with a storied past that charms visitors with its tree-lined avenues, handsome villas, adobe houses and, of course, its famous wineries. Though rainfall is slight, irrigation has turned the countryside into a green oasis of vineyards and fruit plantations. Famous for some of the best wines in the world there are numerous wine cellars (bodegas) where wine tasting is a popular activity.

Meeting services upon arrival and before we transfer to the Cavas Wine Lodge we take a city tour of Mendoza, famous for its lovely streets and avenues full of trees and nice parks. The visit includes the Government House, San Martin Park, Independence Square surrounded by the Municipal Theatre and the Modern Art Museum and from there to Plaza Espana, Plaza del Castillo and then a stop at La Rosaleda, a wonderful rose garden with more than 4500 rose plants. The tour ends at Cerro de la Gloria where a monument commemorates the Crossing of the Andes Conducted by General Jose de San Martin during our fight for Independence.

We continue driving approximately 20 miles outside the city to arrive at the 35-acre vineyard situated in the Lujan de Cuyo Region. The lodge boasts amazing scenery and views of the "Cordon de Plata". The lodge has 14 large rooms with small plunge pools and private decks, a great spa and a fabulous wine cellar with some top labels to choose from. The lodge organizes activities for guests including horse riding, cycling and rafting as well as excursions to local vineyards. The Cavas Wine Lodge is an ideal base from which to explore the area with great facilities for relaxing afterwards. Dinner at hotel. (B,D)

Day 4 : Mendoza (Private visits to wineries in the area)

A morning visit exploring Alto Agrelo in Lujan de Cuyo valley followed with a tour of Bodega Achaval Ferrer. This vineyard produces some of Argentina's finest quality wines, and has the hospitality to match. After a delightful morning, travel to Bodega Catena Zapata - owner, Nicolas Catena is often compared to California's Robert Mondavi as a pioneer in the industry. Enjoy samples from this revered winery. Next we visit the El Lagar de Carmelo Patti. This winerary produces quality Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. Return to the lodge to get ready for the evening’s dinner in town.

This evening a feast for the senses as we make our way for dinner at world famous – yes world famous – restaurant 1884 owned by one of Argentina’s most famous chefs, Francis Mallman from the region of Patagonia. Some people come to Mendoza just to eat at celebrity chef Francis Mallman's restaurant, inside the Romanesque Bodega Escorihuela -- known, among other things, for housing the biggest wine barrel in the province. With fine Argentine meats and fresh local produce, his carefully presented cuisine combines his Patagonian roots with his French culinary training. Dishes are prepared with matching local wine selections, with Malbec and Syrah topping the list. In the summer, request a coveted garden table. For dessert, the chocolate fanático will blow your hat off. You can easily combine in the same visit a meal here with a tour of the bodega, which also has an art gallery. Return to the lodge for overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 5 : Mendoza (Aconcagua Mountain Excursion)

Full day tour to the Aconcagua Mountain and Christ the Redeemer. This tour starts along the Pan American Highway passing several summer villages; making our way to Villavicencio Gorge, famous for its thermal waters. Continue to Quebrada del Toro, El Balcon, the Amphitheatre and Los Paramillos to get to Uspallata Village located in the valley between two Mountain ranges in the Andes. Once at Puente del Inca we can enjoy the view of this natural monument, a rock formation that resembles a bridge over Las Cuevas river. From this point we enjoy magnificent view of the Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere (22,841 ft). The tour continues up to Las Cuevas village where following a narrow mountain road we arrive to the Statue of Christ the Redeemer located along the boarder between Argentina and Chile as a sign of friendship between the two countries. Late afternoon return to the hotel.

This evening another culinary adventure as we head towards the La Bourgogne Vistalba restaurant located in the startling new Carlos Pulenta winery in Vistalba. This restaurant may be the best one in Mendoza, and it certainly rivals any other in the country. Famed chef Jean-Paul Bondoux has trusted local Federico Zeigler with his signature blend of French techniques and local ingredients. The menu is incredibly creative (cold avocado soup with fennel and onions) and surprising (pumpkin and grapefruit ravioli in prawn broth). Fish of the day is served with watercress, couscous, and wasabi crisps; duck breast is prepared with chestnuts in a Malbec sauce. The wine list is exceptional -- don't miss the Vistalba Corte B blends, and don't be shy about asking your waiter or the friendly sommelier for suggestions. Return to the lodge for overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 6 : Mendoza / Bariloche

Transfer to the airport for the flight to the year-round resort city of Bariloche, often dubbed the “Switzerland of South America”. Surrounded by deep blue lakes, towering mountains providing for climbing, boating, exploring, dining and just full relaxing make this an incomparable vacation destination. Arrive Bariloche and transfer to the Llao Llao Hotel & Resort. (B)

Day 7 : Bariloche (Short Circuit Excursion)

Today a circuit excursion from Bariloche to the Southwest skirting Lake Nahuel Huapi driving along winding paved road. Crossing the residential district we make our way to Playa Bonita located near Huemul Island . Continuing along scenic landscape to visit Campanario Mountain and the chair-lift that will take us to the summit at an altitude of about 3,465 feet (optional) from where breathtaking views of lakes Nahuel Huapi and Moreno , St Peter peninsula, Llao-Llao , Victoria Island and Otto, Lopez and Cathedral mountains as well as Bariloche. We make our way back passing the post-card setting of Llao-Llao peninsula and Puerto Pañuelo with stops for picture taking before returning to our hotel for overnight. (B)

Day 8 : Bariloche (Victoria Island)

Full-day lake excursion commencing with transfer to the pier for your motor-launch transfer to Victoria Island situated amid the Nahuel Huapi Lake. This is a charming island with varied coasts, cliffs, beaches and forests with a variety of flora and fauna, including 500-year old rupestrian paintings. Continue to the Peninsula de Quetrihue and the Arrayanes Woods (Myrtle wood), profoundly unique and therefore a national monument. Here, scrub-like species resemble trees as they reach up to 18-25 meters and are over 300 years old. (B,L)

Day 9 : Bariloche / El Calafate

Transfer to the airport for the flight to El Calafate, Argentina’s coastal wildlife sanctuaries to a region of extreme natural beauty famed for pristine glaciers and alpine lakes in the high Andes. Meeting services upon arrival and transfer to the Los Notros Hotel. Afternoon free to get acquainted with the region or maybe sign up for an easy horseback ride in El Calafate’s environs. (B,D)

Day 10 : El Calafate (Perito Moreno Glacier)

Full day visit to Perito Moreno Glacier, located along the southern arm of Lago Argentino. The advancing (still growing) glacier spans an area of 20 miles over a total surface of 160 square miles and towering 240 feet above sea level. As the world's largest active glacier, it is one of the most significant natural attractions of Argentina. Lunch box is included during your visit and afternoon return to the hotel for overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 11 : El Calafate (Upsala and Onelli Glaciers)

Full day adventure making our way to Punta Bandera Port to board a catamaran that will take you to Upsala and Onelli Glaciers. Sail along the Northern Arm of the Argentino Lake towards Upsala, the largest continental glacier in the Southern Hemisphere (80 miles long and 16 miles wide) to view icebergs separated from the Glacier as we sail along the Glacier towards Onelli Bay where we disembark for a walk through the lenga forest to reach Onelli Lagoon where Bolado, Onelli and Agassiz Glaciers converge down into the waters. (If icebergs prevent disembarking at Onelli Bay you will stop at Puesto de Vacas). Lunch at a typical restaurant of the region, and then we will return to our hotel for overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 12 : El Calafate / Buenos Aires / Departure

Transfer to the airport for the flight to Buenos Aires. (B)

Remarks

Not included: International Airfare; Gratuities of any kind; airport departure taxes; meals unless included in the itinerary; beverages.

Ask about our special airfares on AMERICAN AIRLINES or LAN AIRLINES for this program.

OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO IGUASSU FALLS, including flights, tranfers, hotel accommoadations, and sightseeing of both sides of the Falls (Argentine & Brazilian) upon request. Brazilian Visa required for this extension. Details upon request.