Wines and Fjords has been carefully crafted in order to capture the sheer beauty and pristine exuberance of the most outstanding natural areas in the southern cone of the American continent as well as the wine making tradition that characterizes to both Chile and Argentina. Supported by an unsurpassed level of hotels, cruises, guides and excursions, we offer you a unique itinerary where you will be cruising around Patagonia, visiting the southernmost national park in the Americas, researching and savoring some of the best wines in the continent, and savoring the cuisine and cultural scene of the Paris of South America.
PROGRAM DAY-BY-DAY
DAY
DESCRIPTION
1
Arrive in Argentina (Buenos Aires) Buenos Aires has always been known as one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. It charms its visitors with its unique fusion of modernity and tradition, where sleek skyscrapers coexist with gracious colonial buildings and wide avenues packed with elegant boutiques and chic restaurants contrast with quaint neighborhoods, where tango is still danced in the streets and patrons gather in small cantinas to chatter the evenings away. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to rest and relax after the long haul flight or start exploring the city on your own.
Street Markets and Tango shows (Buenos Aires) This morning our guide will pick you up at your hotel and escort you on a three-hour visit of South America's most elegant capital city. You will tour the most important landmarks in the city including Plaza de Mayo Square, Casa Rosada (Government House), the Cabildo (old City Hall), the monumental Congress building and its square, 9 de Julio Avenue, the widest in the world, and the Colon Theatre, one of the most famous opera houses in the world. Sunday is market day at San Telmo so we will spend part of the tour perusing the antique fair and rejoicing at the lively atmosphere often enhanced by impromptu tango dancers and street musicians. In the evening enjoy an exhilarating tango show. The Tango has been defined as the most sensual of all dances. The impressive lyrics, traditional instruments and sensuous moves have catapulted it to one of the most admired genres in the world. The show takes place in a traditional intimate café and includes a delightful dinner featuring traditional dishes and Argentinean wines. (B,D)
At leisure (Buenos Aires) Free day to explore the city at your own pace, do some shopping, tour Buenos Aires museums, or take a river cruise in the delta. Other options include visiting a traditional ranch to learn about the gauchos (Argentinean cowboys) or board the ferry and visit colonial Sacramento in neighboring Uruguay. In the evening you may go to Puerto Madero, one of the city's trendiest night scenes. (B)
The very End of the World (Ushuaia) At the southern tip of the American continent lies an extended archipelago rich in legends and history, whose shores have been visited and inhabited by conquistadores, pirates, adventurers, gold chasers, missionaries and scientists. Despite its faraway location, this is a fertile land of verdant forests, prairies colored by a myriad of flowers, snow-capped mountains, millenary glaciers and diverse wildlife. You will fly to Ushuaia from Buenos Aires and then be transferred to your hotel in the city. The rest of the day is at leisure to start exploring the city on your own or visit the interesting End of the World Museum. (B)
Check it by train and sail off (Patagonia Cruise) This morning, visit the Tierra del Fuego National Park, a fantastic natural reserve that changes its appearance with the arrival of each season. You will be transferred by car to an old ranch, Estancia Rio Pipo. Nearby is the train station where you will board the legendary Train of the End of the World, a replica of the original one, which was used to transport prisoners. Enjoy a lovely ride throughout the national park, stopping to observe an Indian settlement and a beautiful cascade. After reaching the end of the line through the impressive Bull’s Canyon gorge, embark on a hiking excursion along the park trails enjoying the magnificent landscapes and admiring some exquisite views over Beagle Channel and Lapataia Bay. This afternoon you will be transferred to the port in order to board the Mare Australis and set sail towards Cape Horn. (B,D) *Note: Deluxe option includes upgrade to AA cabin on the Mare Australis cruise
6
Legendary Cape Horn and Walaia Bay (Patagonia Cruise) Cape Horn, an island featuring cliffs of almost 425 meters high, was discovered on January 30, 1616 by a Danish commercial expedition organized by Isaac LeMaire and under the command of Captain William Schouten Isaac Le Maire. The Cape owes its name to the Port of Hoorn from where the expedition departed on June 14, 1615. Later in the day we will disembark at Walaia Bay, one of the most important indigenous sites in the region. (B,L,D)
7
Gunther Plüschow Glacier (Patagonia Cruise) Morning navigation. In the afternoon, we will admire awe-inspiring Gunther Plüschow Glacier, named after the region’s pioneering German aviator. Then we sail to Chico Sound, where we disembark in zodiacs to observe majestic Piloto and Nena glaciers. (B,L,D)
8
Penguins galore at Magdalena Island (Santiago) Located 25 miles north of Punta Arenas, in the middle of the Strait of Magellan, Magdalena Island is a natural reserve of Magellan penguins, cormorants and other birds, which peacefully coexist with sea lions. Here we will discover a rookery of more than 60,000 couples of penguins that come back year after year to nest in the same burrows. Between October and March they occupy almost the entire island, a unique sight. We will walk through the island along a marked path leading to the San Isidro lighthouse where there is an exhibition of photographs and information on the marine life in the Strait of Magellan. After our visit we continue to Punta Arenas where we dock at 11.00 AM and start disembarkation formalities. Our guide will be waiting to transfer you to the airport for your flight to Santiago, where you will overnight. (B)
The cradle of Chilean Wines (Santiago) We leave Santiago and start heading south towards the beautiful Maipo Valley, where the famous Concha y Toro winery is located. Founded in 1883 it sits amidst a beautiful park next to the old family mansion La Chascona, which dates back to the 19th century. Escorted by a local guide we tour the vineyards and then continue with a comprehensive presentation of the winemaking process. At the end of the tour we will enjoy a wine tasting of the different wines offered by Concha y Toro. Return to Santiago in the late afternoon. (B)
Mendoza, the Argentinean vineyard (Tupungato) This morning leave Santiago for a short flight to Mendoza, Argentina's vineyard. Upon arrival in Mendoza, depart for Tupungato, located in the fertile Uco Valley. The Uco Valley is a privileged area for high quality wines due to its prime location, at the foot of the Andes. While in the valley, you will stay at the charming Posada Salentein, a small cozy hotel with its own winery, surrounded by mountains, vineyards and forests. This evening enjoy a guided wine tasting tour of the hotel’s cellar before dinner. (B,D)
Researching Argentinean wines in the Uco Valley (Tupungato) After breakfast and some personal time, set off on your first wine tasting expedition in the valley. You will visit wineries founded by French and Italian immigrants during the 19th century, admiring the traditional processes still in use, learning about the different types of grapes and, last but not least, tasting the exquisite wines that the region offers. Back in the estancia, have lunch and enjoy a free evening that you may use to take a dip in the swimming pool, take a stroll in the premises or sign up for a horseback tour. (B,L,D)
Return to Mendoza along the winery trail (Mendoza) Departure to the productive oasis of the Central-West area. We will visit first Bodegas Norton and Lagarde, founded in 1895 by an English engineer. Then we continue to Casa Vinícola Viniterra, a boutique cellar that produces Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin among white varieties, and Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Sangiovese and Bonarda among reds. Next is prestigious Bodegas Lagarde, well known for its wines elaborated in limited lots in a centennial wine cellar. We will stop for lunch at a restaurant in the area and then spend the afternoon touring Bodega Domaine Vistalba, where its French owners have managed to combine the “savoir faire” of its origins with the grapes produced by the native soils. Return to Mendoza in the late afternoon. Free evening. (B,L)
Investigating the city (Mendoza) Founded by the Spaniards in 1561, Mendoza is one of the oldest cities in Argentina. Its outskirts are characterized by narrow tree-lined streets, opulent mansions, small adobe houses and prosperous wineries that combine to make the city one of the most beautiful in Argentina. Enjoy a comprehensive rolling tour including a stop at one of the oldest wineries in the area, founded in 1895 by an Italian immigrant. In the afternoon, after lunch at a local restaurant, wrap up your wine odyssey with a visit to two of the most traditional wineries in the area. This evening we have scheduled a very unique farewell dinner at worldwide renowned chef Francis Mallmann’s "1884" restaurant. Overnight in Mendoza. (B,L,D)
Depart Mendoza Today our local representative will be transferring you to the airport in time for your departure flight. We recommend you extend your trip with a visit to Iguassu Falls. We wish you a pleasant trip back home and hope to enjoy your company in another exciting adventure very soon. (B)
PRICES FROM
From: $4,803 per person in double occupancy
FACTS
Departure: Saturdays from October through April
Duration: 14 Days / 13 Nights
Type of services: Private throughout except for the activities at Mare Australis and in Mendoza, which are conducted in small groups.
Highlights: A private guided tour and Tango show in Buenos Aires; San Telmo Market; Lapataia National Park in Ushuaia; cruising around Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego; winery tours in Santiago and Mendoza; a dinner at famous 1884 restaurant.
Travel documents: American citizens only need a valid passport to travel to Argentina and Chile.
Inclusions: All ground and sea transportation at the destination; lodging, meals and tours per itinerary; hotel taxes; English-speaking assistance.
Not included: International and domestic airfares; airport departure taxes; tips of any kind; incidentals at hotels; any meals not included in the itinerary; alcoholic beverages; souvenirs.
VISA INFORMATION
It is the travelers responsibility to have all proper travel documents which can include passports and foreign visas. Learn more here: Passport & Visa Information
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel Insurance is highly recommended to protect your travel investment and for any emergencies that could occur while traveling. Learn more here: Travel Insurance
IMPORTANT NOTES
All rates are “From Prices”
and correspond to the lowest season in the year.
Expect moderate to high increases for high season
and holiday periods. Low season dates vary from
destination to destination. Please inquire for details.
All rates on this website are per person and based
on double occupancy, unless otherwise indicated.
If a hotel included in a program is not available
at the time of the reservation, we will substitute
it for a hotel of similar category.
Room and cabin upgrades are available at most hotels
and cruises. Please inquire at the time of reservation.
Most programs can be customized.
All itineraries are subject to change without notice.
Website is for research purposes only.
To receive an estimate, please contact Toll Free at 1-800-255-4266 us
or send
an email to us.
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