Living Culture, Gastronomy & Wines of Argentina (8 days)

Introduction

Aconcagua Mountain Trekking

Viña Cobos Mendoza © Paul Hobbs Selections

Cavas Wine Lodge - Pure Relaxation

Cavas Wine Lodge - Accommodations

Susan Balbo Winery - Mendoza

Susan Balbo Winery

El Enemigo Winery - Alejandro Vigil

Viña Cobos - Malbec

Viña Cobos - Barrel Room

Traditional Provoleta Argentina

Hacienda La Bamba de Areco

Cooking Classes - Buenos Aires

Hacienda La Bamba de Areco

© Rojo Tango Show

Algadon Mansion - Cuisine

Algodon Mansion Buenos Aires

Aconcagua Mountain Trekking

Viña Cobos Mendoza © Paul Hobbs Selections

Cavas Wine Lodge - Pure Relaxation

Cavas Wine Lodge - Accommodations

Susan Balbo Winery - Mendoza

Susan Balbo Winery

El Enemigo Winery - Alejandro Vigil

Viña Cobos - Malbec

Viña Cobos - Barrel Room

Traditional Provoleta Argentina

Hacienda La Bamba de Areco

Cooking Classes - Buenos Aires

Hacienda La Bamba de Areco

© Rojo Tango Show

Algadon Mansion - Cuisine

Algodon Mansion Buenos Aires

• 1

  Day 1

  International Arrival Buenos Aires. Overnight Buenos Aires

  Arrival to Buenos Aires International Airport. Private transfer to Algodon Mansion Buenos Aires.

• 2

  Day 2

  Morning Private Tour of Buenos Aires. Evening Tango Rojo Show

  Buenos Aires Sightseeing Tour – 4 hours. Visit Plaza de Mayo, the city’s foundational site and learn the pathway of Argentina’s turbulent political history. There we’ll visit the Pink House, Presidential Palace, the Cabildo, our primitive town hall, and the Neoclassical-style Metropolitan Cathedral. This was the final home of Argentina’s founding father, José de San Martín.

  After visiting the impressive Plaza San Martín we’ll visit the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, one of the city’s oldest churches, which dates to the Colonial era. Finally, we’ll admire the celebrated Recoleta Cemetery, a true labyrinth of ornate mausoleums. We’ll make a stop at Eva Peron’s grave, one of the country’s most recognizable icons.

  Onward to Puerto Madero, the latest addition to the city’s districts. In 1991, its huge warehouses and silos were remodeled and redesigned, to integrate the river to the city and to create a new district fusion of residential, hotel and gastronomy. We’ll then head for San Telmo, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Buenos Aires. It used to be the residential district favored by the upper class until the late 19th century when a yellow fever epidemic caused the wealthier families to leave northwards. The area was marginalized until the 1970s when many artists and artisans came to San Telmo to install their workshops. Nowadays, thanks to its amazing architecture and bohemian atmosphere, this ancient neighborhood is prospering. We’ll walk its cobbled streets, where the city’s Colonial past seems to come back to life, making a stop at Plaza Dorrego, best known for its traditional antiques fair, held every Sunday.

  Leaving San Telmo behind, we’ll continue southwards to La Boca, one of the city’s most authentic and charming neighborhoods. It is a working-class district, heavily shaped by Italian immigrants who came to our country in large numbers during the last quarter of the 19th century. Here, we’ll make a special visit to the mythical Caminito Street, which sums up everything that gives La Boca its distinctive spirit: the strong passion for soccer, the heavy presence of art and color, and the Tango-esque atmosphere.

  Evening Rojo Tango – A cabaret designed by Phillippe Starck – is passion, madness and glamour in a history that ends transforming itself into a legend. Rojo Tango is a fascinating proposal that seduces all the senses combining sounds, fragrances, colors, movements and enigmatic flavors. Includes dinner and private transfers from your hotel.

• 3

  Day 3

  Gaucho Country Life Experience at La Bamba de Areco

  Estancia La Bamba de Areco. Private transfer from your Buenos Aires hotel to La Bamba de Areco ranch. Immerse in the local environment of this historical town, the cultural legacy of Gauchos, argentine traditions, local craftsmen and fine arts. An aromatized aperitif flavored with various botanicals (roots, barks, flowers, seeds, herbs, and spices) typically served in town bars, is a local tradition you shouldn´t miss. Ideally located only 120 km from Buenos Aires and close to San Antonio de Areco in the heart of the Pampa, one of the oldest estancias in Argentina. La Bamba successfully combines luxurious comfort and colonial elegance.

  Enjoy one-horse carriages called “sulkys”, or (optionally) just riding on horse-back to reveal the beautiful landscapes. An active part of Argentine and especially gaucho heritage, La Bamba de Areco is proud to offer authentic gaucho traditions such as asados and mate tasting. Optional activities include private gaucho shows, musical entertainment with folk dances (additional, supplement not included), Indian horse-whispering, games of equestrian skill: patos, boleadoras and sortija. To conclude take our private transfer to your Buenos Aires hotel.

• 4

  Day 4

  Flight Buenos Aires – Mendoza. Overnight Cavas Wine Lodge

  This morning we transfer by private vehicle to Buenos Aires (AEP) Airport and take a flight to Mendoza. This city is located at the foothills of the Sierra de los Paramillos, aside the lofty Andes Mountains. It is a renowned wine producing region in a picturesque setting of wide leafy boulevards under expansive blue skies. Transfer by private vehicle to Cavas Wine Lodge. They boast a vast 475 label wine list guided by resident sommelier Martin Krawczyk Pardo. You are assured his premiere guidance in selection.

• 5

  Day 5

  Premium Vineyards of Casa El Enemigo, Viña Cobos and Susana Balbo

  Take a journey with a professional oenologist into Mendoza wine country and learn all there is to know about the history of the region and how grapes grow. The “Over 90 Wine Tour” visits three of the most prestigious wineries in Argentina. Bookings are essential and are required well in advance for holiday periods.

  We will begin our tour at Casa El Enemigo, inspired by the life of Alejandro Vigil’s childhood (current chief winemaker of Catena Zapata) that he shared with his grandfather. Simplicity abounds here, it is the temple where dreams for the future are kept. A day-to-day cultivator, Alejandro aims to share happiness in the comfort of his home that is located within the same building. After a visit, we will delight in the magnificent wine tasting and, if we are lucky, we will meet the owner of this project.

  Next, we will visit Viña Cobos. The wines of Viña Cobos are the result of a shared dream inspired by the passion of Paul Hobbs, one of the world’s most famous winemakers and two partners from a wine-producing culture deeply rooted in European traditions. The inaugural 1999 vintage of Cobos Malbec received the highest score at the time for any Argentinean wine upon release from Robert Parker’s- The Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator.

  Finally, the tour takes you to we will have lunch at the Susana Balbo winery. Its renowned winemaker, Susana Balbo directs the entire process and is currently a symbol of innovation and wisdom in the Argentine wine sector. Lunch will be at the Osadía Restaurant and consists of five tasting courses combined with their wonderful premium wines. Overnight Cavas Wine Lodge.

• 6

  Day 6

  Aconcagua Mountain Trekking Experience

  Mount Aconcagua is a unique symbol of the province of Mendoza – the highest peak in the Americas at 6,962 meters above sea level. In this hike, we will visit the Confluencia campsite, the first obligatory stop on the way to the summit. National Highway 7 brings us to Aconcagua Provincial Park, whose singular beauty allows us to see an infinite number of mountains, gorges, and valleys. The hike to Confluencia is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy various experiences in the same outing. We’ll follow a route that allows us to see the impressive South Wall of Aconcagua shortly after the beginning of the hike. It takes almost three hours to reach the campsite, where we will delight in a huge panorama of the mountains and glaciers in the area. Return trek to vehicle and overnight Cavas Wine Lodge Mendoza.

  The itinerary reaches altitudes of 3,000 meters above sea level Elevation. Duration: 11 Hours (Total 6 hours of hiking). Physical Fitness – Recommended for all guests who are in good health. Hiking experience is not required. Trip Difficulty Level – Moderate. What to wear and bring: Comfortable clothes & shoes. Sunscreen & sunglasses.

• 7

  Day 7

  BBQ Cooking Class at DiamAndes Winery - Owners House

  Our cooking lessons are about much more than a list of ingredients and how to cook them. Everyone who enjoys quality time with fine wines and food should enjoy these tours. Step off the beaten path and discover Mendoza through its food! Eating like a local is an important aspect of getting an accurate look at a culture.

  Private transportation to Uco Valley, and arrival to Clos de Los Siete. Once there, we will head to DiamAndes Winery. DiamAndes is part of the Clos de siete. Clos de los Siete is the result of a venture undertaken by a group of French winegrowers. It is located at the foot the Andes mountain range, in the heart of the Uco Valley, at the district of Vista Flores, Tunuyán. Their vineyards spread across 850 hectares (2100 acres) at an altitude of 1,000-1,200 masl. In 2005, the Bonnie family, owner of many renowned Châteaus, decided to leave France in search for new horizons in the world of wine. It all began with the acquisition, along with their partners, of a single 130-hectares (321 acres) block of land in the heart of the Uco Valley, to the south of the city of Mendoza. That is where DiamAndes was born, as a member of the prestigious Clos de los Siete group. The winery’s architectural design blends harmoniously into the stunning Andean scenery.

  The name DiamAndes is a pun on the word’s “diamante” (Spanish for “diamond”) and “Andes” (the name of the mountains that provide a background to the estate). Alfred-Alexandre Bonnie came up with it one day as he was enjoying a barbecue at Laguna del Diamante, in Mendoza. The reflection of the Maipo volcano on the lake made him associate the two words.

  Upon arrival, reception with a glass of wine and tour through the winery, after a short introduction about the winery, the Bonnie family and all the history of this place. After the visit you will be introduced to the recognized Chef Santiago Orozco, who with his natural charm will accompany you in this Cooking Class Experience, you will prepare a traditional menu: barbecue and grill food, empanadas and dessert, you also will receive a recipe book from the prepared menu and a souvenir apron. Enjoy a five-course tasting lunch paired with excellent wines from the winery. Later return to Cavas Wine Lodge Mendoza.

• 8

  Day 8

  Flight to Buenos Aires. Transfer to International Airport & Departure

  Private transfer to Mendoza Airport. Flight to Buenos Aires Airport (AEP). Private transfer to Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE). Departure.

  “Wine enters through the mouth, love, the eyes. I raise the glass to my mouth, I look at you, I sigh.” (William Butler Yeats).