Argentina Highlights

Day 1: Arrive Buenos Aires (City Tour)

Meeting services upon arrival to Buenos Aires and transfer to the Melia Recoleta Plaza Hotel and check-in. Built in the 19th Century, an era of plenty for the wealthy Gaucho land barons of Argentina, this city of 10 million rivals the architecture and sophistication of Paris. This afternoon city tour takes us along the 9th of July Avenue, the widest in the world, passing the Plaza de Mayo where we view the "Casa Rosada" (Pink House) before continuing on to the chic quarter of Recoleta with sidewalk cafes. Nearby is its famous cemetery, a necropolis of elaborate mausoleums, including that of Eva Peron. Return to hotel for overnight.

Day 2: Buenos Aires (Suburbs of Tigre + Tango Show)

Full day excursions to the suburbs and the Delta of the Parana River. This bus and train excursion travels along the northern residential districts of the city and the suburbs where we board the “Tren de la Costa” (Riverside train) for views of luxurious homes and mansions overlooking the River Plate. Continue to the Tigre district, home to summer residences, yacht clubs and rowing clubs, a weekend getaway for “porteños” (local residents of Buenos Aires). Tonight is a special treat 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. Enjoy dinner sampling the famous Argentine beef followed by a show where we are mesmerized by sensual national dance… The Tango (B,L,D)

Day 3: Buenos Aires (San Telmo Antique Market)

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. Today is Sunday, a grand opportunity to visit San Telmo to experience the famous San Telmo Antique Market, a favorite pastime of the Portenos, as the residents of the city are called, and tourists alike (the antique flea market takes place only on Sundays). First stop is at the famous Café Tortoni, the oldest Café house in Argentina and home to the artistic and intellectual capital of Buenos Aires since 1858. After coffee and delicious deserts we continue to San Telmo, widely hailed as the most picturesque part of Buenos Aires, birthplace of the sultry tango. Cobblestone streets and colonial buildings set the atmosphere for an array of shops and boutiques, tango parlors and cafes. In a departure from the sophistication that is Buenos Aires, here you’ll experience the bohemian side of the city with its mimes, impersonators, musicians and the ubiquitous tango dancers offering free lessons to the least inhibited passersby. (B,L)

Day 4: Buenos Aires / Mendoza (City Tour)

Transfer to the airport for the 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 transfer to the hotel or lodge. Afternoon 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. Return to the hotel for overnight. (B)

Day 5: Mendoza (Wine Tour & Gourmet Dinner)

This morning we make our way towards Lujan de Cuyo, the premier wine growing region in Argentina where some of the most famous wineries are located. Situated some 30 minutes south of the city amidst the country's finest vineyards with the snowcapped Andes as a scenic backdrop. First stoop is the Bodega Hacienda del Plata, a traditional adobe style winery where we participate in a barrel tasting of their Syrah and Malbec reserva. Next we visit Bodega Sottano, a new ultra modern winery where we get a personal tour of the vineyards and taste their rich concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec varietals. Around midday we visit Bodega Ruca Malen, a modern French-Argentine winery where we feast on an incredible gourmet lunch with all their wines matched with a particular dish. We end the day with a visit to Bodega Tapiz where we again enjoy tasting from the barrels and tanks, and weather permitting, a horse and carriage ride through the vineyard. Return to Mendoza late afternoon for overnight at your hotel. This evening a feast for the senses as we make out 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 6: Mendoza (High Mountain Excursion)

Full day tour to the Aconcagua Mountain and Christ the Redeemer. This tour starts along the Pan America 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. (B,L)

Day 7: Mendoza / 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 our hotel. Afternoon free to get acquainted with the town or maybe sign up for an easy horseback ride in El Calafate’s environs. (B)

Day 8: 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)

Day 9: El Calafate (Upsala & Onelli Graciers)

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)

Day 10: Depart Calafate

Transfer to the airport for the flight to Buenos Aires for you connecting overnight flight back home or continue elsewhere. (B)

Remarks

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