Arrive into Mendoza, Argentina. Connecting flights route through Santiago or Buenos Aires. Argentina's Mendoza region produces nearly 70% of the country's wine. Prolific and beautiful, the Central Andes command the horizon and provide this region with an unforgettable landscape. Upon late arrival you are transferred to Club Tapiz for the start of your culinary Argentina tour.

Today learn the secrets of Argentine cuisine! After breakfast, the guide picks you up from the hotel for a morning wine tasting tour of one of Mendoza's pristine vineyards. Next you are joined by an expert Argentine chef who shares secrets about the delicate science and art of pairing a great wine with a great meal. This is an exclusive cooking class where you can learn not only how to prepare a traditional Mendocino dish, but also the local histories and customs that go behind Argentine cuisine. After a private lunch - stomachs happily content - spend time enjoying a tasting at this winery. You quickly come to appreciate the detailed process that goes into making each wine independent and unique.

Head out today 70 miles northwest of Mendoza to explore the Aconcagua Mountain, the highest in the Americas at 22,837 ft. Along the Panoramic route encounter beautiful vistas of the landscape, such as Cacheuta, Potrerillos, and Uspallata. See the historical Puente de Picheuta, Polvaredas, Paramillos, and Punta de Vacas along the way. Arrive to Los Penitentes (a ski center during the winter months) and admire the Puente del Inca, a natural arch in the rock that forms a bridge over the Vacas River. Test out its hot thermal waters here before continuing on to Aconcagua Park. Set out on a short one hike and arrive to Los Horcones lagoon for the best view of the mountain. Continue up to Las Cuevas before heading back to Mendoza.

Note: Redeeming Christ can only be visited from December through February.

Today is a free day to discover the natural beauty of the Mendoza region. Spend the day relaxing with a glass of wine. Arrange for another culinary experience in advance or arrange it locally, depending on your preferences.

Travelers can choose to traverse the countryside on horseback or take a moderate trek to Quebrada del Salto waterfalls. The horseback riding tour takes roughly 2 hours around Potrerillos and Cacheuta. This horseback riding trip is designed for beginners. For those interested in exploring the countryside on foot instead, enjoy a 3-hour trekking journey that ventures the mountainous, canyon-filled landscape of Quebrada (Gulch) del Salta. At the gulch's waterfalls, trekkers have the option of taking an 18 meter rappel.

Another option is to continue to explore the wineries of the Mendoza valley with a visit to Lujan de Cuyo, one of the most important wine regions in Argentina. The morning begins with visiting the vineyards and sampling the wine at Tapiz Bodega. Next travel approximately 15 minutes southwest of Mendoza to Achaval Ferrer winery to taste the distinct wines of this exclusive vineyard. Finish the tour at Ruca Malen winery and lunch in the shadow of Los Andes mountain range. Tours to Villavicencio Mountain reserve or to vineyards in the Valle de Uco are also possible.

In the late afternoon, return to Mendoza city and explore the city at your leisure.

This morning tour the city with your guide, including the original city foundations at Plaza Pedro del Castillo. Visit its bustling central plazas and celebrated General San Martin park. Enjoy Mendoza's outdoor cafes that are perfect for dinner or sipping wine. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the area around the hotel, or simply relax after your flight.

Today tour the exciting and seductive city of Buenos Aires! This tour includes a bilingual tour guide and visits to typical neighborhoods like La Boca, Palermo, and Recoleta to see the main sights: the Colon Theater, the National Congress, and the Presidential Palace. Experience the highlights of Buenos Aires and appreciate this great city. This is a great introduction to main sites of interest that you can visit with free time throughout the rest of the trip.

It is hard to imagine a visit to Buenos Aires without attending a tango show, so tonight your transfer meets you at your hotel and whisks you away to one of the city’s most famous events! At Esquina Carlos Gardel, experience the intimate dance that unifies the city and its people together in a passionate embrace. The tango expresses the heart and the spirit of Argentina. The night includes dinner and a drink, as well as the transfers to and from the show.

Today is a free day for you to explore Buenos Aires, and we can help arrange excursions in and around the city, such as a trip to a nearby estancia, or even tickets to a local soccer game. We can also offer bicycle tours, or if the previous night's tango show was inspirational, we can arrange tango lessons!

Suggested optional tours click here

Early this morning, your transfer picks you up at the hotel and takes you to the ferry terminal for the three hour ferry to Montevideo, Uruguay. Upon arrival begin with a walking tour of the old city ending at the lively Port Market to enjoy the typical “parrillas” of Montevideo.

After breakfast, transfer to the small town of Pueblo Eden. Enjoy an olive oil tasting and lunch at Viña Eden. Continue onto Posada Mosaico. Enjoy dinner with a private chef who prepares a meal just for you!

Take advantage of a free day in the Josa Ignacio area with loads of activities to be enjoyed in the surroundings, such as cycling, horseback riding, fishing and hiking. The day is free for you to choose your activity in this majestic stretch of land wedged between the lagoon and the coast. A visit to Jose Igancio or an olive oil tasting in the region can be arranged. Please note Laguna Garzon Lodge Hotel Flotante is only open November - April. Another hotel will be used during the months it is closed.
 

After a leisurely morning, you are picked up for a drive to La Paloma light house, where you bike to the Rocha Lagoon. Canoe across the lagoon while keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife. Enjoy a picnic lunch with local products and then continue onto the coastal town of Jose Ignacio.

Join a local chef in a culinary experience coordinated in a private format (by reservation only), for those interested in going beyond mere tasting. The experience takes place within an informal atmosphere, accompanied by a glass of good wine and soon the class becomes a good excuse to meet new friends and learn about the traditional local products of Uruguay such as butia, dulce de leche, olive oil, Uruguayan cuts of meat and other typical local ingredients. Participants are able to prepare the main course of the proposed menu (the menu is pre-selected by the chef, taking into consideration the food restrictions and personal taste of the participants), or the complete menu according to the interest of the group. It includes all the ingredients, equipment and guidance of the local chef!

Transfer back to Montevideo this morning for your return flight home.