Mendoza is usually known as the land of sun and good wine. We will visit the enchanting Uco Valley, where we will stay at a lovely winery and the historic city of Mendoza, the hub of wine production in South America. During these days we will visit several wineries, talking to their owners and learning the secrets and techniques of wine production. The itinerary wraps up with a two-night visit to the incomparable Iguassu Falls. The tour also includes a full day of Tango with both lessons and a sultry show in Buenos Aires and a special farewell dinner at the acclaimed 1884 restaurant in Mendoza.
PROGRAM DAY-BY-DAY
DAY
DESCRIPTION
1
The Paris of South America (Buenos Aires) After clearing customs and immigration, proceed to the reception area, where our guide will be holding a board with your name on it. You will be greeted with a "Bienvenidos a Argentina" and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the morning is free to rest and relax after the long haul flight. This afternoon, meet your guide for a comprehensive tour of some of Buenos Aires’ most emblematic neighborhoods. Our guide will pick out some of the city’s highlights such as Plaza de Mayo, the cathedral and Casa Rosada to illustrate the history of Argentina. Moving on to San Telmo, the oldest district in the city, you will admire old colonial houses and famous antique shops and ateliers. Then visit colorful Boca and wrap it up with a panoramic ride along upscale Recoleta and Palermo. Free evening.
Mucho Tango (Buenos Aires) Free morning to explore the city at your own pace or take a river cruise in the delta. In the afternoon we are in for an exhilarating dance lesson. 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. Under the watchful eye and experienced tuition of a local teacher, you will learn the basics and have a lot of fun trying out a few of those sensuous moves. In the evening attend a fabulous show in one of the best venues in the world, rounded up with a delightful dinner featuring traditional dishes and excellent Argentinean wines. (B,D)
Free day in the capital city (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 neighborhoods and enjoy the night scene. (B)
Mendoza, the Argentinean vineyard (Tupungato) This morning leave Buenos Aires and head north, to the land of wines. 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 the wines of 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)
Exploring the city and its culinary scene (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)
“The Big Water” (Puerto Iguazu) Iguassu is one of the most impressive natural monuments in the Americas. The roar and grandiosity of the falls contrasts with the tranquility of the surrounding national park, where coatimundis and other small mammals ramble at ease. The spectacle of almost 300 falls precipitating over the Iguazu River forming a myriad of rainbows is a memory to be cherished forever. Upon arrival in Puerto Iguazu, you will be transferred to the Sheraton Hotel, a beautiful property with commanding views of the famous falls. Balance of the day at leisure. Overnight. (B)
Falls galore! (Puerto Iguazu) This morning, in the company of our local guide, walk along the numerous walkways and bridges with a chance to observe the myriad birds and butterflies that abound in the lush surroundings. After admiring the spectacular Bozetti and San Martin Falls at close range, board a picturesque train for a 30-minute ride through the forest. At the end of the trail is the belvedere overlooking the famous Devil’s Gorge, a thunderous, most impressive fall, which was immortalized in the movie “The Mission”. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to take a tour of the Brazilian side, embark on the thrilling Great Adventure boat tour or take a helicopter ride over the Iguazu National Park and Falls. Overnight. (B)
Depart Argentina 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 Rio de Janeiro or the astonishing Patagonia. We wish you a pleasant trip back home and hope to enjoy your company in another exciting adventure very soon. (B)
PRICES FROM
From: $3,346 per person in double occupancy
FACTS
Departure: Daily year round PLUS Special Departure and Itinerary for December 23
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Type of services: Most services are operated on a private basis with some excursions (mostly in Mendoza) being operated in small groups.
Highlights: A private guided tour, Tango lesson and Tango show in Buenos Aires; winery tours in Mendoza; charming Posada Salentein; dinner at famous 1884 restaurant; magnificent Iguassu Falls.
Travel documents: American citizens only need a valid passport to enter Argentina. Americans wishing to visit the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls need a tourist visa to enter Brazil. Please check with your closest Brazilian consulate or the Brazilian embassy in Washington DC for further information.
Inclusions: All ground 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.
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