The Spirit of Argentina - completed tour in 2005

Thursday 3th Nov:
Leave DFW on the Wednesday evening flight for Mendoza, Argentina by way of Santiago.

Friday 4th Nov:
A warm welcome awaits you at Mendoza Airport. You will be whisked away to our hotel where you can freshen up and enjoy a leisurely lunch. Spend an easy afternoon as you get your bearings and readjust your internal clock(two hours difference) to the Argentine pace of life. There is the option to join me and take a city tour so that you can get in touch with the local culture, a significant aspect for better understanding the wine spirit of the country. That evening we will dine at the famous restaurant of Francis Molmans within the walls of his picturesque old winery.

Saturday 5th Nov:
We are in the most beautiful country at the base of the Andes and today we will visit the Andeluna Cellars. We will take a tour of this winery where their wine experts will show us the process of wine making and production techniques. They will also introduce us to the art of wine tasting. Following the wine a demonstration of techniques to produce a genuine Argentinian Fadu, followed by a very good lunch!!! Return to Mendoza for an evenings entertainment or relaxation of your choice, I will be there to guide you.

Sunday 6th Nov:
After a leisurely breakfast this morning we will set out, Taste buds ready, to visit three local wineries. I think that we will gain an understanding of why the fertile land of Mendoza is called the garden of the Andes. There is much to learn at this time of year as the young vines burst into spring growth. The La Rural wine Museum is an enlightening reminder of the history of wine making. Dinner that night will be at one of the unique local restaurants.

Monday 7th Nov:
We fly out of Mendoza and travel to Bariloche. I know that you will love this charming town and enjoy exploring it. After lunch we will drive to see the where the Swiss made their first settlement in Argentina. This is a beautiful drive and takes us through the mountains and by a lavender farm. A boat will be waiting to take us across the lake to the picturesque resort of Villa La Angostura. A special evening awaits you!

Tuesday 8th Nov:
After spending the night in this lovely town nestled in the base of the Andes we will follow the scenic drive through the Seven Lakes Trail, stopping for lunch and a stretch in San Martino del Los Andes. As the sun sets we drive to the Estancia Alicura. This will be our home for the next few days. You will have much to talk about as we sit down for a typical dinner at the Estancia Alicura. This will be the first evening of three magical days at the Estancia. There is so much to enjoy here. Fly fishing and the opportunity to learn how, horseback riding, bird watching as they start their migration north, incredible collection of wild animals, visit the petrified forests on the ranch, and if we are lucky, be present at the shearing of the guanaco(for their precious wool). Aside from relaxing at the Estancia we will offer you the opportunity to gather new ideas and learn some new cooking techniques from the Alicura world class chefs. There will be opportunities to learn more about life on the Estancia from those who have lived the gaucho life for many years. Relax and enjoy an exciting new playground!

Friday 11th Nov:
Today we leave beautiful Patagonia and fly to the bustling city of Buenos Aires. We will stay at the elegant Caesars Park Hotel, in the heart of La Recoleta. The best restaurants, cafes, antique shops and boutiques are found in this area. I know that you will enjoy exploring its ample parks and wide avenues.
The Argentinian people are justly proud of the Theatre La Colon an Opera house that rivals La Scala, in Milan, for accoustics and bygone elegance.
This is a Polo Weekend. The schedule is not out yet but it should be about the finals of the Tortugas Championship. Great games. We will be there!
Of course, this is the city in which to perfect your dancing skills. The Tango! I hope that in the future the music of South America will remind you of a very happy time in Argentina.

Sunday 13th Nov:
Sunday is a special day in Buenos Aires. You may wish to visit the
Cathedral or local church in the morning, the rest of the day may be absorbed shopping in the famous Mercado. This is a market where you can find every antique, much local handicraft work or maybe simply enjoy the bustling life, the street musicians, the dancers and the magicians that pass by as you savour a coffee and enjoy the moment. Best of all at this time of year, you will find the answer for all your Holiday gifts.
After a late lunch in the square on San Telmo, there is time for a final stroll around this lovely city before we must leave Buenos Aires International Airport for the evening flight home to Dallas.

For those who have time to round off their trip we offer three more exciting days in South America:

IGUAZU FALLS & RIO!

Monday 14th Nov:
Having come so far it would be a shame to miss the eighth wonder of the world! So, today we fly to Puerto Iguazu to see The Iguazu Falls. This stunning mile and a half set of falling water is set at the heart of the rain forests home to the rainbow-billed toucans, a host of monkeys and refuge of the endangered jaguars and ocelots who live here.
We will cross to the Brazilian side to spend the night at the charming Foz d’Iguazu hotel overlooking the Falls.

Tuesday 15th Nov:
There is so much to see and to do here, many beautiful stones to buy, or maybe you would to explore in depth this fabulous scene.
This evening we take the plane to Rio where we will spend the night.

Wednesday 16th Nov:
Following a relaxed breakfast our coach will take us on a tour to see this famous city. We will eat a lazy lunch at the Copacabana beach where the girl from Ipenema goes out walking!.
This is the evening when we must say good bye to beautiful South
America and fly home to Dallas to share tales of adventures new!

This is going to be a splendid tour of Argentina. So much to see! The wonders and peace of nature! Mouthwatering foods and wines to eat to drink! Delightful people! And oh what shopping:- beautiful leather goods, fashion, antiques trinkets and all at give away prices!