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Itinerary: Buenos Aires and Beyond

Abercrombie & Kent | Buenos Aires, Argentina

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From the stylish elegance of the Porteños on the grand avenues of the capital to the raw machismo of the rural gaucho, Argentina is a country with a big personality, and you’ll get to experience it fully on this 13-day journey hosted by Abercrombie & Kent. Expect to soak up the rich culture and folklore of the people and be amazed by natural wonders like the Wild West landscapes around Salta,  the mighty Iguazu Falls and the Andean backdrop of the Mendoza wine country.

Day 1

Buenos Aires

Welcome to the cosmopolitan Argentinian capital where you will be transferred to your luxurious downtown hotel. This evening you will enjoy welcome drinks and briefing with your Resident Tour Director before dinner at the highly awarded Elena Restaurant within your hotel.

Day 2

Buenos Aires

Discover Buenos Aires as you stroll through Recoleta, one of the city’s most elegant barrios (neighbourhoods) and wander down Avenida Alvear admiring the beautiful Belle Epoque architecture. Stop by Nuestra Señora del Pilar Church and pay your respects in the Recoleta Cemetery, known for its rich funerary architecture and the famous characters buried here, including Eva Peron. Following lunch in the museum, admire Teatro Colon, one of the world’s great opera houses, during a private backstage tour. Then there is time to relax before an intimate private tango experience at the riverfront Faena Hotel designed by Philippe Starck. In the sultry surrounds of Rojo Tango learn the basics of Argentina’s most famous dance before dinner and a professional performance.

Day 3

Buenos Aires

Home to the world’s best polo players, get up close and personal to the sport of kings today with a visit to La Martina, home of the Cambiaso family and Adolfo Cambiaso, one of the world’s best player. You will receive an introduction to the game and its history and hear about the breeding and training of the horses. After a morning on the field, a hearty Argentine lunch is served. Then you will return to Buenos Aires where the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 4

Buenos Aires – Mendoza

Fly across the country to Mendoza, in the heart of Argentina’s wine country, and journey to your luxury boutique accommodation set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the snow-capped Andes Mountains and acres of vines. Apart from the verdant vineyards and wineries, Mendoza is also receiving acclaim for its olive oil production as you will discover with a private tasting.  Dinner is then served at The Beef Club, an old bodega on the property.

Day 5

Mendoza

Mendoza is Argentina’s most important wine region with over 1,500 wineries ranging from small, family owned locations to large production, modern architectural masterpieces. What they all have in common is a strong sense of heritage and commitment to quality and a warmth unlike anywhere else in the world. Today you’ll visit some of the great wine estates in the Agrelo district including Bodega Catena Zapata which is world acclaimed as the pioneer of Malbec and high-altitude viticulture. At Benegas, you’ll taste wines that combine French and Argentine traditions with a measured use of oak. A gourmet lunch with wine pairing at Finca Decero showcases their sustainably farmed wines from the 110 hectare estate where Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Tannat varieties flourish.

Day 6

Mendoza – Salta

A flight to Salta in Argentina’s northwest, a world apart from the rest of the country. After arriving at your downtown hotel you’ll wander along the cobblestone streets of the old colonial town learning about its history and storied past. Stop along the way at the most important highlights including the old town hall, the cathedral and the magnificent Franciscan convent. Dine tonight in a local peña with traditional song and dance celebrating Salta’s heritage.

A morning spent admiring the wonderfully preserved colonial architecture of Salta and soaking up its leisurely vibe. You will then take the cable car up San Bernardo hill for panoramic views and visit MAAM, the Museum of High Altitude Archaeology, where exhibits include the Llullaillaco Children, the frozen bodies of three children abandoned as a religious sacrifice 500 years ago at an altitude of 6,730 metres. After lunch return to the hotel with the afternoon at leisure to explore this shopper’s paradise on your own. Search for gaucho-crafted silver and horn pieces, colourful textiles and ceramics.

Take to the high road today through rugged mountain scenery and startling red rock formations into the province of Jujuy and the winding Lipan Slope road to the extraordinary salt flats. Continue the road trip to charmingly sleepy village of Purmamarca which sits famously at the base of the Hill of Seven Colours whose mineral pigments swirl in colourful layers across the slope. Then arrive at your charming locally inspired hotel in the late afternoon.

  • Stay at La Comarca (Standard Room)
  • Breakfast and lunch

Today hike alongside a pack of llamas through valleys and along mountain trails with the backdrop of some of Argentina’s most dramatic mountain scenery. A picnic lunch is included along this scenic way. On return to Purmamarca spend the afternoon discovering the picturesque town on your own. Stroll through the plaza, visit the market and admire the colourful local textiles. This evening toast the changing colours of the surrounding landscape over a sundowner in the grounds of your boutique hotel.

  • Stay at La Comarca (Standard Room)
  • Breakfast and lunch

Journey to Salta and fly to Puerto Iguassu and the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls positioned on the border of Brazil and Argentina. Situated in the heart of the Iguazu National Park your hotel is within walking distance of the falls themselves. This evening enjoy dinner at your leisure in the hotel restaurant.

Today get up close to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Iguazu Falls with 275 waterfalls careering off a horseshoe-shaped chasm. A short walk brings you to a small train which winds its way through the park. Wander along the walkways, witness the mist and hear the roar as you approach the suspended platform where various branches of the river converge creating the ‘Garganta do Diablo’ (Devil’s Throat) the largest of the waterfalls. Following lunch, a speed boat ride through canyons and along rapids sets the scene for an up close and exhilarating view of the falls, during which you’ll most certainly get very wet. For a foodie experience with a difference, tonight take a crash course in Argentine cuisine and customs. Over a glass or two of Malbec with new friends, learn to fold empanadas, order a steak in Spanish, prepare a cup of yerba mate and construct your own alfajores at The Argentine Experience.

Fly back to the Argentine capital where you’ll head to the southern neighbourhoods. Kick off at Plaza de Mayo square, the heart of the city both from a historical and political point of view, and where it was founded in 1580 by Don Juan de Garay. Next stop is San Telmo the oldest residential neighbourhood in Buenos Aires. Stroll along its cobblestoned streets, past boutiques, cafés and antiques shops and on into gritty La Boca, the tough port barrio and colourful working-class area. Round up the day with a boat ride on the Río de la Plata showing you the city from a completely different angle. Farewell Argentina and new friends over dinner at La Cabrera in trendy Palermo Viejo, voted one of the top restaurants in Latin America.

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

  • Breakfast

Buenos Aires & Beyond Argentina Tour

Travel Dates 2018

  • May 10, 2019 – May 22, 2019
  • Sep 29, 2019 – Oct 11, 2019

Prices

  • AU$12,995 per person

For more information and to enquire about this tour visit: www.abercrombiekent.com.au

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