zFive Days in Argentina

You’ll be warmly greeted upon arrival and escorted to your choice of accommodations:   our vineyard hotel, the luxurious Cavas Wine Lodge , a Relaix et Chateau estate situated on 55 picturesque acres at the foot of the Andes or those in the heart of the city: the traditional Diplomatic Hotel or the Park Hyatt, situated in a splendidly restored Spanish Colonial landmark on Plaza Independencia. (Stays at Cavas Wine lodge include dinner.)

Today you will set out to explore the wineries and award-winning vintages of Mendoza. The regions is perhaps best known for its award-winning Malbec, a Bordeaux variety introduced to Argentina from France in the mid-19^th century; other esteemed reds include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Tempranillo. For white-wine enthusiasts, Argentina is best-known for its floral Torrontés, but also produces Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio.
 
With your 0wn private car and driver, you can truly indulge in today’s winery tours and wine-tastings as you get to know the region’s vinicultural traditions with local experts and people who are living their passion for fine wine-making You’ll visit two different wineries and sit down to lunch at one of these vineyard estates.  (Stays at Cavas Wine Lodge include dinner.) Meals B+L

After breakfast, you'll be escort to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires.  Meals B

Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be met and chauffeured to the Azur Real Hotel Boutique, a superior first class hotel situated in Cordoba’s historic city center. After time to refresh, your private car, driver + guide will be waiting to show you the handsome Colonial-era landmarks recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Admire the Spanish Baroque façade of the Cathedral and stand in Jesuit Square, where you’ll learn about Cordoba’s history and the country’s oldest university – founded in 1613 by the Jesuit Order. This afternoon’s private sightseeing also includes the Cabildo, Cordoba’s Colonial-era town hall, and the other landmarks of Plaza San Martin – the lively central plaza which dates back to the early years of the city’s founding in the 16th century.

Today’s privately guided excursion takes you into the countryside to visit two of the Jesuit Estancia’s that comprise this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site. For nearly 150 years during the 17th and 18th centuries, these farming estates were a pioneering religious, social and economic experiment that brought together European and Native American cultures. Together with the Jesuit landmarks of Cordoba, including the university, this ensemble represented a unique territorial organization that brought together urban and rural settlements that allowed the Jesuit Order to pursue its educational and missionary goals. At the Estancia Santa Catalina, you’ll see the estate’s beautiful church as well as the workers’ quarters, the priest’s residence, the mill and reservoir. Surrounded by rolling hills, the Estancia offers a fascinating look into this important chapter of Argentina’s early settlement and growth. In the afternoon, your exploration continues at Estancia Candonga. Built in 1730, this estate’s chapel is particularly unique and well-known for its fusion of Jesuit and indigenous architectural styles.  Meals B+L

Our private car + driver will take you to the airport in time for your flight to Buenos Aires.  Meals B

Upon arrival, you’ll be met and escorted by private car to your choice of accommodations: The El Casco Art Hotel is a luxury lakeside property with stylish guestrooms and inviting public spaces featuring more than 500 paintings and sculptures by celebrated Argentine artists. Or retreat to the legendary Llao Llao Resort, inspired by the grand lodges of the American Rockies and spectacularly situated on a peninsula surrounded by the azure waters of Lake Nahuel Huapi.

This morning’s privately guided sightseeing excursion begins in Argentina’s oldest national park, dominated by the mighty Tronador Volcano. Nearby, the forested peninsulas and tranquil bays of Nahuel Huapi rank among the loveliest places on Earth. Your touring also takes you up the Campanario Chairlift for breathtaking views over the region’s deep forests, mountains and lakes. End your sightseeing on a sweet note as you watch the creation of Bariloche’s well-known specialty – chocolate! The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax and enjoy the amenities and lovely setting of your hotel.  Meals B

You’ll be escorted to the airport today for your included flight to Buenos Aires and the start of your Five Days in Argentina tour.  Meals B

After your morning excursion, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your included flight to Rio de Janeiro where you’ll be met and escorted to  the Belmond Copacabana Palace, a luxury landmark overlooking one of the city’s most famous beaches.

On today’s comprehensive sightseeing tour, you’ll discover the best of the city as we take you to two of Rio’s most celebrated landmarks. Along the way, you’ll pass through some of Rio’s most famous districts and past spectacular beaches as our expert guide shares his extensive knowledge and offers fascinating insight into the city’s history and the modern vibrant spirit of its residents.

Towering over Rio, you’ll also see the imposing statue of Christ the Redeemer, arms spread as if to protect the city below. To get to the top, you’ll ascend 2,400 feet by train to visit this 100-foot tall landmark and to take in the stunning 360° panoramic views of the city.

Then starting from Red Beach, you’ll enjoy a thrilling 2-stage cable car ascent up to the summit of Sugar Loaf Mountain. From the top, the crescent of the Atlantic Ocean beaches comes fully into view and the city is spread beneath your feet! Meals B

We’ll transfer you to the airport today for your onward flight. Meals B

Upon arrival, you’ll be met and escorted to the charming Legado Mitico Hotel, set in an historic mansion in the historic heart of this centuries-old city. After time to refresh, join your private guide for a sightseeing tour showcasing Salta’s Colonial heritage. In the town square, you’ll have a chance to admire impressive landmarks like the Archbishop’s Palace and Salta Cathedral as our expert guide shares his deep knowledge of the region’s history and cultural traditions. Dive up San Bernardo Hill for a panoramic view of the city and then visit San Lorenzo, a traditional village just outside of town. You’ll have time to browse in Salta’s colorful artisans market before returning to your hotel.

Journey with your private car, driver and guide into the stunning desert landscapes of northern Argentina and venture into the Quebrada del Rio de las Conchas, a rugged valley with multi-hued rock formations bearing fanciful names like Devil’s Throat and The Castles.
 
Continue your scenic drive to Cafayate, a charming town surrounded by vineyards in the foothills of the mighty Andes range. Sample the region’s esteemed vintages including fruity Torrontes wine and visit the bustling town market, a great place to shop for local arts and crafts.  This evening, you’ll spend the night at the Patios de Cafayate Hotel & Spa. Situated on a vineyard estate, our enchanting hotel is stylishly furnished and decorated with traditional antiques and artisan carpets.   Meals B

This morning’s scenic drive takes you deep into the spectacular and unique terrain of the Quebrada de las Flechas and onward through the Calchaqui Valley, where the rugged landscapes and unusual rock formations evoke the scenery of Utah and Nevada. In Molinos, you’ll discover a timeless village founded during the Spanish Colonial era. Continue your scenic journey to Cachi, a picturesque town that has preserved its centuries-old architecture of stone houses and adobe churches. Overnight at the charming Hotel La Merced del Alto, surrounded by rolling plains that give way to rugged mountains.  Meals B

Travel through the striking desert landscapes of Los Cardones National Park and along the Recta de Tin Tin, a completely straight, 11-mile stretch of road that traces an ancient Inca trail. Continue through the provincial towns of El Carril, La Merced and Cerrillos to Salta where you’ll arrive at the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires – and the start of your Five Days in Argentina tour. Meals B

[Note: You’ll arrive at the airport in Salta in the mid afternoon. So please ensure that your onward flight is booked for 5:20pm or later.]

Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted by private car to your choice of hotel: The 4-star Kosten Aike Hotel or Los Sauces, our luxury retreat set on landscaped grounds of willow and rose hips.

Your private car, driver and guide will be waiting this morning to take you on a thrilling full-day excursion into Los Glaciares National Park. The scenic drive, punctuated by photo stops en route, transports you through the captivating landscapes of Patagonia to the celebrated “Curve of Sighs”, where you’ll catch your first glimpse of the enormous Perito Moreno Glacier. This incredible moving wall of ice stretches 3 miles across and soars nearly 200 feet above the pristine waters of Lake Argentino! From specially constructed viewing platforms and catwalks in front of Perito Moreno, you’ll have unforgettable views of the glacier’s immense face.  Meals B

A second full-day adventure unfolds as you board our sightseeing vessel in the port of Punta Bandera. A 3-hour cruise takes you across the pristine waters of Lake Argentino, often strewn with icebergs, to view the immense western face of the Upsala Glacier. Make your way through the Cristina Canal and disembark at Estancia Cristina, a 54,000-acre ranch founded in 1914 by an immigrant Englishman and once home to 27,000 sheep, 30 cows and 50 horses. Surrounded by Andean peaks and glaciers on the shores of Lake Argentino, the Estancia Cristina continues to offer visitors a fascinating glimpse into Patagonia’s rich history of intrepid explorers and pioneers. During your sojourn on the Estancia, you’ll enjoy a 4WD excursion through the spectacular scenery for another view of the Upsala Glacier and the ice fields of southern Patagonia. There will also be plenty of time to just enjoy the Estancia’s setting and to have lunch on your own in the lovely dining room. The Estancia’s kitchen prepares outstanding regional cuisine including Patagonian lamb. Fine Argentine wines are also available. Late in the afternoon, you’ll cruise back to Punta Bandera and transfer to your hotel.  Meals B

You’ll be escorted to the airport today for your included flight to Buenos Aires and the start of your Five Days in Argentina tour.  Meals B