DAY BY DAY JOURNEY

Day 1: Depart US

Depart US on an overnight flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina (own arrangement).

 Day 2: Arrive Buenos Aires

Upon arrival, you will be welcomed at the international airport and taken in your private vehicle to your hotel, the fabulous 5* Hotel Alvear Palace for a two-night stay in a Palace Premier Room. Your private city tour of Buenos Aires starts at the famous 9 de Julio Avenue, which is known as the widest avenue in the world. Pass by the beautiful Colon Theater, the cultural pride of Buenos Aires. Arrive at the main square Plaza de Mayo, which is surrounded by the Casa Rosada (Government House), the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Cabildo (first City Hall.) Visit inside the Metropolitan Cathedral. Continue to San Telmo, a historical neighborhood and the oldest district of Buenos Aires with many antique stores. On Sundays, a visit of San Telmo`s antique fair is a “MUST.” Your next stop is La Boca, a very colorful area of painted houses with the famous street Caminito. The tour ends with the northern districts. Drive to the green area of Palermo with its parks and artificial lakes. Then, visit Recoleta area which offers lots of elegant boutiques and restaurants. At the cemetery of Recoleta you will find the grave of Eva Duarte, known as Eva Perón (Evita). The mausoleums and pantheons reflect the architectural diversity emerging from the different cultural influences Argentina incorporated in its formation as a nation. Later this evening enjoy a 3 course Welcome Dinner at local BBQ restaurant with 1 soft drink, 1 glass of wine and 1 coffee per person. (D)

Optional Tango Show at Rojo Tango

Rojo Tango Experience takes place at El Cabaret, one of the saloons at Faena Hotel + Universe. This cabaret with the Philippe Starck touch was created to experience the nostalgia of the old times full of fantasy and sensuality. Rojo Tango show surprises with the passionate dancers and costumes. Five couples on stage, 2 singers and a 5 member orchestra in the most exclusive tango show Buenos Aires offers. Return to the hotel by midnight. Price: $200pp

Day 3: Buenos Aires-San Antonio de Areco-Buenos Aires

Today, you leave Buenos Aires for San Antonio de Areco, set in the heart of Argentina’s Pampas. San Antonio de Areco is a historical town and it is known as the “Cradle of Tradition.” This preserved colonial town, founded more than 280 years ago; with its cobble stoned streets, old bars (“Pulperías”) and Estancias, has kept alive the gaucho lifestyle and customs. Set on the banks of the peaceful “Areco” River, the town has retained the authentic atmosphere of a small old village with its “siesta” time, artisan´s shops and very relaxed people. Over 30 different silversmiths make this town the center of the traditional Argentinian silverworks known as “platería criolla.” In a variety of distinctive styles, they produce gaucho´s knives, jewelry and many fine pieces of art, in their workshops open to the public. In the surrounding lush farmlands, the old “Estancias” mainly breed cattle and horses, or cultivate soy, corn and wheat. The gauchos perform their tasks in the old fashioned way, over their well-groomed horses and the main diet is still “mate” and beef. You can see them sporting berets or wide-brimmed hats, knotted scarves, and their traditional loose trousers (bombachas) with ornamented belts (tirador).

Full Day visit includes: ● Visit to silversmith workshop and Museum of Creole Silverworks ● Guided walking tour: Colonial historical neighborhood ● Pulperías, artisans: leather and silversmiths ● “Estancia”: (old working ranch) ● Horseback/Carriage riding ● Lunch/asado: complete with drinks & folkloric music (B,L)

Day 4: Buenos Aires-Mendoza

Today, you will be picked up and taken to the domestic airport to board your flight to Mendoza (own arrangement). Upon arrival to Mendoza you will be met and transferred to the fabulous Cavas Wine Lodge for a 3 night stay in a Deluxe Room. The nearby wineries produce first-class wines, the perfect complement to the excellent cuisine of the lodge. (B,D)

 The 5* Cavas Wine Lodge is located on a 22-hectare vineyard at the foot of the Andes. This upscale lodge with a contemporary vibe is 3 km from Bodega Ruca Malen and 8 km from Bodegas Norton. Mendoza Airport is 42 km away. Featuring private decks with views of the Andes, the luxurious and sleekly decorated rooms offer free Wi-Fi, minibars and natural stone bathrooms, as well as outdoor showers, plunge pools, and living rooms with wood-burning fireplaces. Amenities include a chic restaurant, an outdoor pool and a spa. Children age 12 and over are welcome.

Day 5: Mendoza

During your stay at the Cavas Wine Lodge enjoy the following:

• 1 Full Day visiting selected local wineries including round transfers.
• 1 sport activity (rafting, canopy, rappel, kayak, bicycles, horseback riding or golf at La Vacherie 9 holes).
• 1 hour massage per person, per stay.
• Access to the gym, outdoor swimming pool, sauna and jacuzzi.

Savor three lunches in different locations: The Cavas Wine Lodge, restaurant, patio, terrace, chill out, room, local winery or at a local restaurant. Soft drinks included during lunch. Round trip transfers included when going offsite. Enjoy three special dinners inside or outside the hotel. Soft drinks included during dinner. Round trip transfers included when going offsite. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Mendoza

Day at leisure. Choose one of the offered activities that you haven’t done yet! Enjoy a crisp Sauvignon Blanc in the shade of a pergola, combined with a taste of the delicious organic dishes. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Mendoza-Santiago

Enjoy the morning at the Cavas Wine Lodge. After lunch, transfer to Mendoza airport for your flight to Santiago (own arrangement). Upon arrival to Santiago you will be met and privately transferred to your elegant boutique hotel The Singular Santiago for a two night stay in Classic Room. This evening you will be picked up at the hotel and taken to Boragó, one of the 50 best restaurants in the world, where you will enjoy an exquisite dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Santiago

Discover Chile’s capital city that combines colonial buildings with ultramodern architecture. Start your tour downtown on the Alameda, a colorful main avenue with important buildings like the Chilean University, the San Francisco Church, and the Santa Lucia Hill where Santiago was founded in 1541. Continue towards the “Plaza de Armas” and visit the central market nearby located in an interesting building that dates to the 19th century. Continue towards the “Bellavista” bohemian district. When you arrive at San Cristóbal Hill, appreciate the finest panoramic views of Santiago and the Andes Mountains. An assistant chef will meet you in front of the Mercado Central who will introduce you to the different foods in the market and the ingredients for your menu. Then you will visit the market and select the necessary ingredients. Afterwards the chef of El Galeón will welcome you for a private cooking lesson; what you have prepared will then be happily consumed together. The afternoon is free for you to explore Santiago independently. (B,L)

Day 9: Santiago-Millahue

Transfer from your hotel in Santiago to the fabulous Vik Winery for a two night stay in a Suite Room. (B,L,D)

Activities include:

* Tour through vineyard and cellar

* Wine tasting led by our Experience Concierges

* Horseback riding

* Mountain Bike

* Infinity Pool & Solarium

* Hiking and Running experience

* Game Room

* Fitness Center

* Sauna and Relax rooms

* Picnic experience

Meals include:

* Lunch with soft drinks and a glass of La Piú Belle wine per person.

* Tea service in the afternoon.

* Dinner with soft drinks and a glass of Milla Cala wine plus two glasses of VIK wine per person.

Day 10: Millahue

Enjoy your time at the Hotel Vik. Below are additional activities which can be booked.

Services with a supplemental cost:

* Barbecue in the vineyard.

* Excursion with tour guides to the Colchagua and Cachapoal Valley Cellars

* Yoga classes.

* Harvest Experience: only in harvest time, Vendimia (end of March, April and May)      

  coordinated by oenologists of the Vik cellar.

* Spa with exclusive wine therapy treatments

* Wine and Chocolate pairing

* Professional wine tastings

* Cocktail lessons

* Art lessons

* Treasure hunt

* Karaoke

  (B,L,D)

Day 11: Millahue-Santiago-Pucon

After lunch, transfer from the Hotel Vik to Santiago Airport for your flight to Temuco (own arrangement.) Upon arrival in Temuco, you will be met and transferred to the 5* and Beyond Vira Vira Hotel for a three night stay in a Suite Room. (B,L,D)

Days 12 and 13: Pucon

All meals are carefully prepared with ingredients from the farm and all beverages are included featuring a wide selection of Chilean wines (except premium wines and spirits.) Vira Vira’s extensive activities program offers numerous options for your leisure time including hiking, rafting and snowshoeing. Additional activities that can be booked for a supplement include: wellness treatments, ascending the Villarrica Volcano, scenic helicopter flight over the Villarrica Volcano, heli-hiking, heli-biking, heli-fishing, hot springs, snowmobiling and husky dog sledding. (B,L,D)

Day 14: Pucon-Puerto Varas

After breakfast, you will be picked up from the Vira Vira Hotel and driven to your hotel in Puerto Varas. Appreciate the scenic landscapes as you drive along the Llanquihue Lake to reach the western side. In the historic village of Frutillar, see the Lutheran and Catholic churches as well as the German-style homes with beautiful gardens. Visit the German Colonial Museum and learn about the immigrants that came to Chile and see original machinery and furniture from the 19th century. Puerto Varas offers a combination of great outdoor adventures and a distinctive Chilean-German culture. The enchanting town is located by the peaceful Lake Llanquihue and offers a sweeping natural setting. From the lakeside promenade, enjoy the magnificent views of the distant volcanoes. Stroll around Puerto Varas to appreciate its traditional, unmistakably German architecture and its neighborhoods filled with well-tended gardens. (B)

Day 15: Puerto Varas-San Carlos de Bariloche

Experience the journey of a lifetime as you cross from Chile to Argentina. Along the way, appreciate some of the most beautiful, lush landscapes: majestic mountains and volcanoes and bright colored lakes. The journey is 112 miles and includes several buses and boats. Leave Puerto Varas by coach. As you drive along Llanquihue Lake, appreciate the majestic Osorno and Calbuco Volcanoes. Then, visit the 10 Petrohué Waterfalls and admire the turquoise waters that flow into a river that runs through beautiful rock formations. Then, embark on a catamaran and sail along the emerald-colored “Todos los Santos” Lake surrounded by stunning mountain peaks until you arrive in Peulla, where you have lunch surrounded by nature. Then continue by bus to the Chilean-Argentinian border. After custom formalities, continue the ride across the Andes Mountains and arrive at Puerto Frías. From here, take another boat towards Puerto Alegre and a bus to the next port. From Puerto Blest, navigate along the Nahuel Huapi Lake to Puerto Pañuelo and take your last bus ride towards Bariloche, your ultimate destination.

NB:

• This day takes approx. 12 hours. You can choose to do it one day or extend it to two days or more with stays in Puella and/or Puerto Blest.
• The excursion and bilingual guide are shared with other international travelers.

Upon arrival, you will be welcomed at Puerto Pañuelo pier and take a short transfer to the 5* Llao Llao Resort Hotel for a two night stay in Standard Lake View Room. San Carlos de Bariloche – located in the Andean foothills, can be compared to the Swiss Alps for its beauty. Situated on the southern shore of Lago Nahuel Huapi, Bariloche is the most important town in the area and the best departure point to explore the lakes, forests and snow-capped mountains. Bariloche town provides excellent tourist facilities offering a wide range of services for those who like skiing (peak season June till August), fishing is also popular in the lakes, ponds and streams, with species like salmon and trout that sometimes reach unusual sizes, mountaineering, water sports such as kayaking and white water rafting, and one of the most beautiful golf courses in Argentina at Llao Lao Hotel. Bariloche is famous for its delicious chocolate production, local beer and smoked cold cuts delicacies as well as tasteful dishes influenced by the European cuisine.

Tonight, enjoy dinner at Llao Llao Hotel restaurant – 3 course menu with 1 soft drink, 1 glass of wine and 1 coffee per person. (B,D)

Llao Llao Hotel and Resort: overlooking 2 lakes and surrounded by the Andes mountains, this luxe 5* hotel is 2 km from Puerto Pañuelo boat port and 28 km from Catedral Alta ski resort. The country-style rooms offer views, free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, as well as minibars and safes. There are 3 restaurants with panoramic views, 2 bars, a spa and 2 heated pools. Other amenities include a hot tub, a sauna and a gym, and a golf course. Check in for a two-night stay in a Standard Lake View Room.

Day 16: San Carlos de Bariloche

After breakfast, it’s off to the Circuito Chico, a classic in Bariloche and a great way to explore this stunning natural environment. This is an easy hike within Llao Llao Municipal Park, and it involves walking along trails surrounded by ancient trees. This place is ideal for contemplating crystal-water lakes and unique panoramic views of Catedral, López and Capilla mountain peaks, among others. It is also a perfect place to listen to the beautiful sounds of birds and learn about the flora and fauna of the Andean Patagonian Forest. **Remarks: Difficulty: low, combines transportation + hike, includes: local beer tasting & smoked cold cuts (this is an appetizer, not a lunch). Tonight, enjoy dinner at Llao Llao Hotel restaurant – 3 course menu with 1 soft drink, 1 glass of wine and 1 coffee per person. (B, snack, D)

Day 17: San Carlos de Bariloche-Buenos Aires-Departure

After breakfast, you will be picked up and taken to the airport for your flight to AEP Buenos Aires domestic airport (own arrangement) Upon arrival you will be privately transferred to Buenos Aires International (EZE) for your flight back home (own arrangement). (B)

PROPERTIES

PRICES PER PERSON 

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