Experience Chile's capital Santiago before your journey over the Andes, the highest mountain range in the Western Hemisphere, full of glacial lakes and European traditions. The Mendoza region is a heaven for lovers of excellent wines and beef. Finish your tour in the Paris of South America, Buenos Aires. Opt to extend to see the Iguassu Falls - larger than Niagara - in a lush green Argentine tropical setting.
Your Itinerary
Day 1, Sunday - Santiago de Chile: Arrive Santiago de Chile. Your Guide greets you to the Chilean capital and escorts you to your international 4**** hotel in the green heart of the city, the Radisson**** or Torremayor****. Dinner tonight is included.
Depart from your hotel for a half day sightseeing of Santiago, the capital of Chile. See the civic center, La Moneda Presidential Palace, the Plaza de Armas, the imposing Cathedral and the Main Post Office. Continue to Ahumada and Huerfanos, the busiest commercial pedestrian streets in the city, and then, on to Santa Lucia Hill, the site of foundation of Santiago in 1541. Proceed to the bohemian district of Bellavista with its active nightlife and craft fairs, the residential districts of Vitacura, Las Condes and Providencia with its modern architecture and exclusive shopping malls.
Day 2, Monday - Santiago de Chile: Visit to Concha & Toro, one of the most famous Chilean vineyards around the world. Located in the Maipo River canyon, planted with grapevines of the most noble French stock such as cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Pinot Noir and others. Founded in 1883 showing today a most modern technology in cooling equipment, stainless steel tanks, filters and oak casks which has lead as making of exceptional wines. Take the afternoon at leisure for shopping around.
Day 3, Tuesday - Santiago de Chile/Mendoza: After breakfast, transfer to the intercity coach station for the spectacular ride across the Andean Range to the wine growing region of Mendoza. Transfer to your hotel, the Park Suites**** Mendoza. After a relaxing swim, you might choose to have your first sip of the local wine with your included dinner at the Gourmet Restaurant Azafran.
Day 4, Wednesday - Mendoza: After breakfast meet an oenologist to head a full day wine and gourmet tour. Depart to Mendoza's agricultural oasis and visit two wineries, there you enjoy a wine tasting session. Enjoy your lunch when you are already familiarized with the local wines and its elaboration process. In the afternoon the oenologist will explain the technic of wine tasting and production, the importance of the cork in the bottle and the correct way to handle a glass in order to taste wine. In the evening visit two other wineries with wine tasting again. Return to your hotel and optional dinner at the well known "1884 Restaurant", owned by the famous chef cook Francis Mallmann.
Day 5, Thursday - Mendoza (and opt for exc to the Uco Valley or to Club Tapiz): Head for a half day sightseeing of Mendoza. This city founded in 1561 was totally destroyed by an earthquake 3 centuries later. Visit the modern city with its tree lined streets and its typical irrigation trenches. See the Independence Square, the financial district, the civic center, and the ruins of the church of San Francisco, which are the only vestige of the colonial architecture. Drive toward the city outskirts to see San Martin Park, located at the foothills of the Precordillera de los Andes. Enjoy a panoramic view from de la Gloria Hill.
Choose 1 of the 3 options for the rest of the day:
(1) Return to Mendoza and board a luxury coach for your transfer to Cordoba. (included)
(2) Depart for the Uco Valley in the south of the river Mendoza. It is naturally arid but the soil is very fertile. From the Andes numerous streams of water descend, several with permanent flow that end in the river Tunuyan, which allowed the formation of a flourishing agricultural oasis by means of artificial watering. So the growing of fruits and vegetables is outstanding. Visit the Salentein winery before you check in at the Pousada Salentein, your accommodation for tonight.
(3) Depart for a relaxing stay (overnight) at the Club Tapiz, built in 1890 and surrounded by 10 hectares of vineyards. The house was restored preserving its Renaissance-style villa structure and maintaining emblematic elements, such as the patio and pinewood floors, the connection with the surroundings and enthralling views of the Andean Range. Take a thermal water bath or visit a mineral water spa in the afternoon.
Please ask your tour 4star Argentina tour consultant about -the limited- availability and prices for accommodation in option (2) or option (3).
Day 6, Friday - Cordoba: Transfer to your hotel in Argentina's 2nd largest city. Cordoba is the capital of a wealthy province, modern and industrial, with a lively university population. It lies on the Rio Suquía, extending over a vide valley, with the Sierras visible in the west. The city has been an important trade center since the area was colonized in the 16th century, and retains an unusually fine set of colonial buildings at its hearts. After arrival in Cordoba check-in at the new hotel King David.
Day 7, Saturday - Cordoba & the Jesuit Route: Learn today why the Jesuits needed their Estancias to build this intellectual center of the Americas: Join a 2 hours walking tour through the pedestrian area of the city center to see the historical sites: the Cathedral and Old Town Hall from the 17th century, the Bishop Mercadillo House, the Church of the Society of Jesus and Monserrat College and University and San Martin Square. After lunch - not included - visit the Estancia Alta Gracia. Its main activity was the production of looms and bells. Its main attractions are the church and Tajamar, the oldest dam in the province. Return to your hotel in downtown Cordoba.
Day 8, Sunday - Buenos Aires: Transfer to the capital of Argentina. Buenos Aires is situated just inland from the docks of the south bank of the Rio de la Plata. Arrive on time to opt for a visit at San Telmo's antique market. Your hotel for tonight is the Hotel Abasto Plaza. Enjoy dinner and an impressing Tango Show (included).
Day 9, Monday - Buenos Aires: Half day sightseeing of Buenos Aires, one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. Your tour starts at the Congress Palace, the headquarters of the Legislative power. This imposing neo classic style building is located in one of the extremes of Avenida de Mayo. On the other extreme stands the Government House, also known as the Pink House or Casa Rosada and the Plaza de Mayo Square, which can be considered the most important site in Argentine history, stage of major political activities and public demonstrations. Surrounding this square stands the Cabildo (the old town city hall) and the Cathedral.
Drive along 9 de Julio Avenue to see the Teatro Colon (Colon Theater), the opera house whose perfect acoustic has made it famous all over the world. Then on to La Boca. This colorful district, settlement of Genovese sailors in the 19th century, inspired famous Argentine painters. Walk along Caminito Street, where every weekend a paintings and crafts fair is held. Continue to Palermo, a residential neighborhood with elegant mansions surrounded with green spaces. On the way back to downtown Buenos Aires, view another residential neighborhood called Recoleta, where fashionable restaurants, coffee shops, nightclubs and boutiques are located. Recoleta Cemetery is famous for its valuable works of art and Evita's tomb. The afternoon at leisure for shopping around.
Day 10, Tuesday - Buenos Aires: Enjoy a free day in the City of Tango. This evening, transfer from the hotel to the airport.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
US $2,353 / EU ˆ1,674
Single Supplement - US $830 / EU ˆ591
Single Traveler* - US $4,292 / EU ˆ3,054
Including:
• 10 Days/9 Nights in 4**** Hotels
• 2 Dinners, 1 Lunch, All Breakfasts
• 2 Internal Flights & All Transfers
• English-speaking Guides
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Chile
Argentina
Food & Wine
Cultural Journey
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