Best of Argentina and Chile: An unforgettable adventure

• Meals: Dinner
• Transfer international airport Buenos Aires – Hotel
• Dinner & Tango show at La Ventana Tango House (5h) - On shared basis

Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, transfer from the airport to the hotel.

Buenos Aires is not only the capital of Argentina; it is also one of the 10 most important metropolises in the world and the center of the political, economic and intellectual life of the country. This cosmopolitan city - with great European cultural influence - displays a refined taste in its cooking, in its ”boutiques” and in the elegance of its inhabitants. Almost 12 million people live there and can enjoy the plentiful night life visiting ”tango” bars, cabarets, discotheques, restaurants or eternally open bars. During the day, a wide variety of attractions is offered: museums, art galleries, tasteful shops, fascinating antiques, large green areas, parks, wide tree lined boulevards, clubs and sporting events. The Italian-Spanish descent of the inhabitants has formed this modern metropolis. Feel the flair, above all in the Italian old quarter La Boca and in the wide streets with cafes from the turn of the century. At the Plaza de Mayo, in the political center of town, is the starting point of this tour through this exciting capital. The widest street of the world, the very famous opera house and also the shopping street Florida make Buenos Aires unforgettable.

In the evening, you will be taken to the Tango House La Ventana, because visiting a Tango Show is a MUST when you are in Buenos Aires! La Ventana is one of the most authentic tango houses and is located in the San Telmo neighborhood, the heart of the tango scene in Buenos Aires. 

The Tango tradition started at the end of the last century, developing from a mixture of various rhythms, which were originally danced in the poorer quarters. In the beginning, Tango was only danced by men, accompanied by flutes, violins and guitars. The flutes were later replaced by the "Bandoneón" (a type of accordion), which gave the tango its distinctive flavor. 

During the excursion you can opt between a tango lesson with specialized teachers or a wine tasting session of different Argentinean wines. Afterwards, you will enjoy dinner (which includes three courses and non-alcoholic beverages as well as half a bottle of wine or two glasses of beer per person) and a tango show. 

After the tango show return back to the hotel. Arrival at the hotel around midnight.

**Remarks: The excursion is shared with international travelers. The transfers hotel-tango house and vv. take place with other international travelers from different hotels and Spanish speaking driver. The tango lesson/wine tasting session is bilingual (Spanish/English) 

Middle Class: Overnight at Hotel Loi Suites Esmeralda 3* or similar (Studio)

Comfort Class: Overnight at Hotel Grand Brizo 4* or similar (Comfort room)

• Meals: Breakfast
• Half day city tour Tour including stop at historical Café Tortoni (5h)

Get in touch with the birth city of the Tango! During your city tour in Buenos Aires you will drive along 9 de Julio Avenue, the widest avenue of the world, you will pass close to the Colon Theatre, one of the world's best known opera houses and the cultural pride of the "Bonaerenses".

Visit the famous Avenida de Mayo that runs into the Plaza De Mayo, surrounded by the Casa Rosada (Government House), the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Cabildo (first City Hall, built during Spanish rule). At the other end of Avenida de Mayo the cupola of the Congress building can be seen. Stop and inside visit of the Metropolitan Cathedral, this imposing neo-classical building is Argentina´s main catholic building. The mausoleum of General San Martin (our National Hero) is located inside the Cathedral, and Pope Francisco used to celebrate religious services in this Cathedral when he was cardinal of Buenos Aires city.

We will stop at the famous Café Tortoni, the oldest literati café of the city. Enjoy a cup of coffee & snack. Your next stop is La Boca, a most colorful area with the famous street Caminito. Continue to the north area and visit the Recoleta area, one of the city’s most glamorous spots. Here you will see elegant boutiques and excellent restaurants, surrounded by centennial trees.

The heart of the neighborhood is the Recoleta cemetery. The cemetery is the centre of this aristocratic neighborhood, and the most relevant personalities of Argentina’s history rest in this place. The mausoleums and pantheons reflect the architectural diversity emerging from the different cultural tendencies Argentina incorporated in its formation as a nation. The cemetery is considered to be one of the most impressive monuments of Argentina. 30min stop includes visit of Eva Duarte`s grave, known as Eva Perón (Evita).

Afternoon and evening free at leisure – available tours are optional.

Optional: Argentina culinary experience (3h 30min) - On shared basis 

This tour is designed to give you an introduction to the best of Argentine cuisine and culture. This is not a cooking class, but a fun and unique experience, where you will meet and dine with people from all over the world.

The international team of guides are on hand to spoil you and take you through every step of this culinary journey:

Each guest is welcomed with a welcoming drink. At first you will try Patagonian trout tartar served with Torrontes wine. Choose from the gourmet fillings and create your own Empanada learning the traditional ‘repulgue’ technique for beef as well as cheese and ham fillings. Enjoy a typical Argentinian Picada with Grilled Provoleta Cheese, Sliced Chorizo Sausage, Mollejas (Gizzard) and our homemade Chimichurri.

Learn the most important Argentinian gestures during a short class. Enjoy what many are claiming to be the very best steak in Argentina, cooked to order and accompanied with velvety mash potatoes and a variety of roasted vegetables marinated with vinaigrette of rosemary. These top of the line thick cut filet steaks have a unique 24 hour preparation method that sets apart from the rest. Vegetarian, Pescetarian and Celiac options are available on request.

Two distinct Malbec wines, from boutique wineries in Mendoza, paired to complement food. Learn about and enjoy unlimited wine throughout the dinner. White wine is also available on request.

Enjoy a Cuartirolo cheese tasting with dulce de batata (produced of sweet potato) and dulce de madera (Argentina is the only country in the world where a special kind of wood can be eaten). For desert make your own alfajores, Argentina’s national sweet, where biscuits, dulce de leche, melted chocolate fondue and coconut shavings combine to delight the senses. 

Finally, get taught about the history and etiquette of mate, Argentina’s national pastime, and prepare it from scratch among yourselves.

A fun and dynamic way to approach Argentina cuisine and Argentinean habits while meeting other international travelers!

**Remark: The tour is shared with international travelers. The transfers take place on private basis with Spanish speaking driver. Time: 07:30 pm – 11:00 pm. Not available on Sundays.

Middle Class: Overnight at Hotel Loi Suites Esmeralda 3* or similar (Studio)

Comfort Class: Overnight at Hotel Grand Brizo 4* or similar (Comfort room)

• Meals: Breakfast
• Transfer hotel – domestic airport Buenos Aires
• Flight Buenos Aires – Ushuaia (not included)
• Transfer airport – hotel incl. Short city tour with photo stop

Transfer to the domestic airport for the flight to Ushuaia. Upon arrival at Ushuaia Airport, transfer to your hotel.

On your way to the hotel you will do a short orientating city tour with a foto stop at one of the panoramic viewpoints of Ushuaia.

Ushuaia is the capital of the territory and the southernmost city in the world. Like Rio Grande Ushuaia has grown fast in the last few years, thanks to immigration and the electronics industry in the area. You should not miss the End of the World Museum, the old prison and to explore some restaurants to try the excellent spider crabs. A walk around the harbor is interesting too, where some old boats can be seen. Ushuaia and its scenery inspired the research and fantasies of Jules Verne, Fitz Roy, Charles Darwin and Emilio Salgari.

Middle Class: Overnight at Hotel Patagonia Jarke 3* or similar (standard room)

Comfort Class: Overnight at Hotel Cilene del Faro 4* or similar (standard room)

• Meals: Breakfast
• In the morning half day tour Tierra del Fuego National Park
• In the afternoon Trekking at Isla Martillo and Estancia Harberton Tour (6h) On shared basis 

In the morning, you will go on a half day tour to the Tierra del Fuego National Park, where you will get the impression as if time goes slower than anywhere else. The long stormy winters and the width of the sky formed a very simple and modest way of living. The National Park is crossed by many rivers which flow into the Beagle Channel.

Drive through the park to enjoy the landscapes and have a little walk. In the afternoon transfer from Ushuaia city in northeast direction along National Road 3 and provincial route J to Estancia Harberton, it’s a rustic way with unpaved roads in some sections of the trip.

Estancia Harberton is located 90km (56mi.) from Ushuaia city and on the shores of Beagle Channel. Upon arrival at Harberton you can take a look around the farm and learn something about its origins. The estancia was founded in 1886 by the Anglican missioner Thomas Bridges and it is the oldest building on the island.

Later on, you will take a short sailing trip (15min one way) aboard semi rigid boats in order to cross to Martillo Island. At this point you will have the chance to watch a colony of Magellan and Gentoo penguins and walk close to them.  First penguins arrive at Isla Martillo by late October (just few couples can be seen). Best penguin season is by mid-November till mid-April. Penguins share their habitat with different birds, so you will see during the walking tour: skuas (main penguin predator), albatrosses, petrels, cormorants, and other birds from the area.

Return back to Estancia Haberton aboard the semi rigs boat (15min navigation trip), sometime at leisure to visit the Birds and Sea Mammals museum before returning back to Ushuaia city by land (2h), 90km (56 mi.).

**Remarks: SIC – shared with other International Travelers

Bilingual guide: English / Spanish

Sea mammals Museum entrance fee not included.

Difficulty: Low. This is an ideal tour for adventurous people who enjoy close contact with nature, visit to Isla Martillo is a nice experience but it can be very cold and windy (there is no place to be sheltered while visiting this island).

This tour is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Middle Class: Overnight at Hotel Patagonia Jarke 3* or similar (standard room)

Comfort Class: Overnight at Hotel Cilene del Faro 4* or similar (standard room)

• Meals: Breakfast
• Transfer hotel – airport
• Flight Ushuaia – Calafate (not included)
• Transfer airport – hotel

Transfer to the airport and flight to El Calafate (not included). Pick up at the airport by our local guide and transfer to the hotel.

El Calafate – The village of El Calafate on Lake Argentino, is an expensive and developing Tourist Center. There is a chapel dedicated to Santa Teresa in the center, behind it Perito Moreno Street gently climbs the large hill south of the town, from which one can see the silhouette of the south end of the Andes, the Redonda Lake and Soledad Island on Argentino Lake. It is the southern gateway to the Los Glaciares National Park, which is 50 km (31 mi) away. On the alluvial plain by the lake there are many interesting birds, and in the other direction there is scope for good hill walking. Colorful cave paintings are also captivating.

Middle Class: Overnight at Hotel Sierra Nevada 3* or similar (standard room)

Comfort Class: Overnight at Hotel Kosten Aike 4* or similar (standard room)

• Meals: Breakfast
• Full day tour Perito Moreno – On shared basis

Today guests will go on a full day tour to the Perito Moreno Glacier. After a drive through the National Park Los Glaciares one arrive all of a sudden in a forest full of colours, before one sees - equally unexpected - the glacier Perito Moreno. This is one of the few glaciers that are still growing. Every 4 to 5 years it covers the gap between the mainland and itself and grows into the Lago Argentino. Eventually the ice cannot resist the enormous pressure of the water and crashes with a frightening noise. One can watch this glacier spectacle every day when single ice blocks fall into the lake. Considering that the glacier is 5 km long and 70 m high one can imagine the noise this makes. Here we will have 2 hours to experience the glacier before driving back to Calafate.

**Remark: The excursion is shared with other international travellers and accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

Middle Class: Overnight at Hotel Sierra Nevada 3* or similar (standard room)

Comfort Class: Overnight at Hotel Kosten Aike 4* or similar (standard room)

• Meals: Breakfast
• Transfer hotel – bus terminal
• Transfer Calafate – Puerto Natales – On shared basis
• Transfer bus terminal Puerto Natales – hotel

In the morning, transfer to the bus terminal. From here guests will travel on the public bus to Puerto Natales. Pick up at the bus terminal and transfer to your hotel.

**Remark: The transfer from Calafate to Puerto Natales is in a public bus, without local guide.

Middle Class: Overnight at Hotel Costaustralis 4* or similar (City view)

Comfort Class: Overnight at Hotel Costaustralis 4* or similar (Sea View)

• Meals: Breakfast
• Full day excursion into the Torres del Paine National Park – On shared basis

After breakfast, drive to the Torres del Paine National Park. You will be able to appreciate the most spectacular worldwide reserve at the end of the world, 150km northwest from Puerto Natales. On this protected area you will find a fertile combination of Lakes, Lagoons, Waterfalls, Glaciers, Hills and Peaks. Inside the area, the road is surrounded with dozens of Lagoon, contrasting with hills and snow-capped mountains. You will visit among other things the Milodon Cave and the Salto Grande waterfall.

In the late afternoon drive back to the hotel.

**Remark: The excursion is shared with other international travelers and accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

Middle Class: Overnight at Hotel Costaustralis 4* or similar (City View)

Comfort Class: Overnight at Hotel Costaustralis 4* or similar (Sea View)

• Meals: Breakfast
• Transfer hotel – bus terminal Puerto Natales
• Transfer Puerto Natales – Punta Arenas – On shared basis
• Transfer bus terminal Punta Arenas - airport
• Flight Punta Arenas – Santiago (not included)
• Transfer airport Santiago – hotel

Early morning transfer to the bus terminal in Puerto Natales and transfer by public bus (4h) to the city of Punta Arenas.

**Remark: The transfer from Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas is in a public bus, without local guide.

Punta Arenas found in 1848 at the shores of the Magellan Strait, is definitely a town with "European” character. Sheep-breeding, oil and chemical factories, fishery and commerce are the main sources of income. Penguin colonies and immense farms, as well as a usually cold and windy climate will be experienced here.

Afterwards continue to Punta Arenas Airport for your flight to Santiago de Chile (not included). Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.

Middle Class: Overnight at Hotel Principado Express 3* or similar (standard room)

Comfort Class: Overnight at Hotel Marina Las Condes 4* or similar (standard room) 

• Meals: Breakfast
• Half day city tour Santiago

Santiago de Chile is a city of contrasts with traces of its colonial past mixed with the ultramodern, high-rise buildings of the financial center; Chile’s capital will surprise you. This tour offers you the opportunity to see this eclectic mix for yourself. The tour begins by heading south through the downtown area, to get to the heart of the city. From here, you head along the famous Alameda, Santiago’s colorful main avenue, where you’ll see some important iconic constructions such as the Chilean University, San Francisco Church and the Santa Lucia Hill, site of Santiago’s foundation in 1541. Then you continue towards the Plaza de Armas and the cathedral. Very close from here is the famous Central Market, which is the main market for fresh fish and seafood, an interesting building, dating back to the end of the 19th century: It is a steel construction, built in London and brought to Chile by ship. Afterwards, you continue the tour crossing the Mapocho River to reach the bohemian Bellavista district on the way to the San Cristobal Hill. From one of the hill’s viewpoints, you will have the finest views of Santiago and the Andes Mountains. To round off the tour, you will pass through the modern residential areas of the city with their daring architecture to come back to your hotel.

**Remark: Saturdays and Sundays San Cristobal Hill is closed to vehicles from 08:00 to 14:00 hrs. For city tours that take place in the morning the Santa Lucia´s Hill will be visited instead.
Optional: Wine pairing at Vinolia (3h)

We invite you to discover the secrets of the Chilean wine without leaving Santiago!

We will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Vinolia: “The wine adventure”, where in the “Sensory exploration room” you can discover 48 aromas associated with wine in a setting that also recreates sounds and images that give a sense of being in a vineyard.The visit continues in the cinema room with a virtual panoramic flight that shows you the Casablanca, Maipo and the Colchagua Valley on a giant screen. Five wineries have been chosen in accordance with the quality and prestige of their wines.

As you watch the video, you will taste five superior-quality wines, one from each winery, as the winemaker leads the tasting on screen and reveals the secrets behind each label. The tasting is accompanied by a selection of cheeses and dried fruits.

Once the tour has finished, visitors are free to continue enjoying their visit in the Emporium and Wine & Appetizers on their leisure. Afterwards return to your hotel.

**Remark: The transfers hotel/Vinolia/hotel are on private basis with English speaking guide (who will assist you until the Sensory exploration room only). The visit at Vinolia is together with other international travelers. The film shown during the wine taste is in Spanish with English subtitles. The winemakers speak only Spanish.   

Middle Class: Overnight at Hotel Principado Express 3* or similar (standard room)

Comfort Class: Overnight at Hotel Marina Las Condes 4* or similar (standard room)  

• Meals: Breakfast
• Transfer hotel – airport

Transfer to the airport for your flight back home.