Itinerary
Smart Getaway Plans
“A mutual admiration travel society”
Chile & Argentina / October 29 – November 07, 2010
DAY-BY-DAY TOUR ITINERARY
Regarding the day-by-day itinerary, here are a few personal notes:
Day-by-day commentary - As usual, I am leaving out a lot of the colorful commentary that is usually found in the day-by-day itineraries. The online links that I have provided will give you plenty of information about the different cities that you will visit. Please feel free to use the website links to explore the destinations on your own. The Internet is an amazing resource for an abundance of information.
Trust us…you’re going to love this trip! – I’ve said this about our other trips and I’ll say it again about this trip...if you have ever dreamed of going to South America, but have never made it, then this is your chance to fulfill that dream. The history of Chile and Argentina, the varied beauty of the land, the food, wine and music are a travel lover’s dream come true. So come on “Down South America Way”... that is.
VERY IMPORTANT: Reserve your space now! - This year’s trip is based on a maximum of 30 participants and is on a first come, first served basis. Don’t wait, make your reservation now!
TOUR ITINERARY
Day 1 – Friday, Oct. 29
Depart USA for Santiago, Chile
Depart home city via your chosen air carrier to Santiago, arriving the following day, Saturday, Oct. 30. (We will provide you with suggested flight itineraries/schedules).
Day 2 – Saturday, Oct. 30
Arrive Santiago
After clearing customs, you will be personally met by Mike who will escort you to your awaiting transportation which will take you to the Five Star Deluxe Hotel InterContinental Santiago, your “home” for the next two nights (www.intercontinental.com). NanEtte will meet you upon your arrival at the hotel and will help you with your check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy. Take a little time to freshen-up, rest and relax, and explore the property and the local area. Before you “hit the bricks,” be sure to stop by the SGP Hospitality Desk and say “Hola” to your local host. They will be happy to provide you with any information, assistance or arrangements that you may need such as directions, optional tours, restaurant reservations, etc.
This evening, please join NanEtte & Mike and your fellow travel companions for a “Welcome to Chile” cocktail reception and brief orientation about our Chile - Argentina Program. Following the reception, we will have a private dinner at the hotel.
Day 3 – Sunday, Oct. 31
Santiago
Today, you will have a full day sightseeing tour of Santiago and the surrounding area, including a wine tasting and lunch at a local winery. You will be seeing the most attractive sights of the city: Plaza de Armas, Cathedral, residential Palace, Horses’ Club, O’Higgins Park, Santa Lucia & San Cristobal hills with a panoramic view of the city. In contrast you will then visit the more modern (from an architectural point of view) area of the city, filled with the best restaurants and top stores of the country. After that, you will be taken to Cajon del Maipo to have lunch at the Casa Bosque restaurant (www.casabosque.cl).
After lunch, you will visit one of the most prestigious wineries of Chile for a wine tasting at Concha y Tora (www.conchaytoro.com). Tonight you have a free evening to discover one of Santiago’s many magnificent cafes, restaurants and night clubs.
Day 4- Monday, Nov. 1
Santiago to Mendoza
This morning, after breakfast and hotel check out, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Mendoza. Mendoza is known as “the land of good sunshine and good wine!” After clearing customs, you will be transferred to the Five Star Deluxe Hotel Diplomatic (www.diplomatic.parksuites.net/diplomatic_city.htm) for a three night stay. On your way to the hotel, you will be taken on a sightseeing tour of the city of Mendoza. It will help you to become familiar with your surroundings and begin to become acquainted with the most beautiful city in Argentina. You will visit the old city, where Mendoza was born and then continue on to the downtown area designated as the Alameda to see the Civic Center, General San Martin Park, Cerro de la Gloria hill and Frank Romero Day amphitheater, which is the setting for the V-Wine National Fest (vendimia festival). At noon you will enjoy a typical barbecue lunch at Familia Zuccardi Winery (www.familiazuccardi.com) and then you will be returned to the hotel in the afternoon.
This evening is free for you to enjoy dinner at your leisure. The Diplomatic Hotel is conveniently located just a few blocks from the city center, which is laid out around five beautiful and picturesque plazas. Two of the more popular plazas are the Plaza Italia which is in the very center of town and the nearby Plaza Independencia. Your local host at the SGP Hospitality Desk will be happy to tell you about your dining options in Mendoza and make dinner reservations for you, if you wish. Your local host can also answer any other questions that you may have about Mendoza.
Personal note: Mike and I will provide you with a list of nearby restaurants and their website links before the trip so you can have an idea of which ones you may want to consider before arriving Mendoza.
Day 5– Tuesday, Nov. 2
Mendoza City Tour Mendoza / Tour of the wine Region of Lujan De Cuyo
This morning, after breakfast, you will depart for the wine growing oasis of Mendoza to visit two prestigious wineries and participate in a great wine tasting. Your first visit will be to Belassco de Baquedano Winery (www.belascomalbec.com), where Malbec is a passion and a mission, in the traditional artisan style to preserve subtle aromas and flavors, while promoting richness, body and color. Your guide will teach you about wine, its elaboration process, the vineyard’s conduction systems, and wine tasting secrets and techniques. Your next stop is the Norton Winery (www.norton.com.ar), where you will enjoy an unforgettable gastronomic experience. As the sun sets behind The Andes Mountains, you will return to the hotel.
Tonight, the evening is on your own. Mendoza offers an excellent variety of classic and sophisticated dining options - and if there is a “heaven for carnivores” - you are in the right place! Whether you want to partake of the traditional Argentine fare at a parilla (grill or steakhouse) or try a local eatery that highlights the many ethnic influences of the region, the choice is up to you. The region’s best restaurants serve everything from outstanding beef and pork to seafood from the Pacific Coast, complimented by high quality produce and, of course, excellent Mendoza wines!
Day 6 - Wednesday, Nov. 3
Mendoza / Tour of the wine region of Uco Valley
A special day today! After breakfast you will depart for the beautiful winegrowing area of the Uco Valley where you will visit two superb wineries. Located in the upper reaches of Mendoza’s Uco Valley is the Salentein Vineyards. This vineyard is made up of three Fincas (estates); El Oasis, La Pampa, and San Pablo. Each of these estates are blessed with pure snowmelt water and cooler night time temperatures, giving the wines of this area a very special quality (www.bodegasalentein.com/bodega/wines_by/index.html).
Continuing on, you will visit the O Fournier Winery (www.ofournier.com/web), located at approximately 3,950 feet above sea level. The visit to the winery will include a visit of the impressive and unexpected cellar 33 feet underground. O Fournier wines are diverse and rich, grouped in two “constellations”, “Alfa Crux” and B Crux”, which are based on the stars of the magnificent Southern Cross. This constellation is only visible in the Southern Hemisphere. After another splendid wine tasting, you will have lunch at Urban Restaurant on the O Fournier premises. Its glazed cubicle structure next to a lake and its sober and minimalist décor is offset by the view of the Andes Mountains. Return to the hotel in the afternoon.
Since this is your last night in Mendoza, and you are on your own, you should celebrate your special farewell dinner in style. We suggest that you consider the Francesco Ristorante (www.francescoristorante.com.ar/english/index.html). Francesco welcomes everyone with “open arms” who wants to visit and taste the restaurants special dishes. Passion, creativity, sensitivity and love inspire each dish which is expressed by means of its taste, aroma and freshness. This would be a night to remember!
Day 7 – Thursday, Nov. 4
Mendoza to Buenos Aires
After breakfast and hotel check out, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires, also known as the “Paris of the Americas.” You will be met at the domestic airport and transferred to the InterContinental Hotel, located in the historic Montserrat neighborhood. The InterContinental is conveniently located near the Old Town area which is filled with theaters, bistros, classic coffee shops, and walking distance to the famous Calle Florida (Florida Street) which is an exclusive pedestrian only street filled with inviting shops and intriguing street stalls. Be sure to put Florida Street on your “must do” list!
Buenos Aires is a cosmopolitan city, situated on the Plata River (Rio de la Plata). It is the eighth largest city in the world and perhaps one of the most beautiful. After walking through its parks, along its avenues and streets, you will discover a little something from Old World Europe with each step. World renowned for its bursting cultural life, tango, great grilled meats and wine, the city will fulfill every visitor’s expectations with its sophistication, charm and excitement. Buenos Aires is a magical city that everyone will enjoy!!
This evening you are invited to join Mike and NanEtte for a “Welcome to Buenos Aires” cocktail reception followed by a private dinner at the hotel.
Day 8 – Friday, Nov. 5
Buenos Aires
This morning, after breakfast, a sightseeing tour of Buenos Aires has been arranged for you. First you will visit the Buenos Aires historic district and see specific sites such as the Plaza de Mayo, the Metropolitan Cathedral and “The Pink House” - Argentina’s version of the White House (think Eva Peron and the Broadway play/movie Evita). Next you will visit the neighborhoods of San Telmo, Plaza Dorrego, La Boca, and Puerto Madero. Next, heaven forbid you should miss a meal...for your next “feeding” you will be heading north along the river to have lunch at the famous Rodizio Restaurant at Costanera. After lunch, the tour will continue on to the historic Plaza St. Martin, Recoleta, Alvear Avenue, Plaza Francia, Basilica of Our lady of Pilar, Recoleta Cemetery, and you will end up in the Hip Palermo neighborhood!
It’s been a busy day and now the evening is yours to do as you wish. As other metropolitan cities are going to sleep - Buenos Aires comes alive! In Latin fashion, mealtimes tend to be much later than is customary in other nations. Lunch is around 2 pm, and dinner starts a 10 pm. Bars, coffee shops, and sidewalk cafes are open well past midnight. From dimly lit tango clubs to big techno clubs, there are plenty of bars and pubs that are worthy of mention, but strolling along the streets you will find plenty on your own.
Day 9 – Saturday, Nov. 6
Buenos Aires / Free Day
This is another “Free Day” with multiple options. You can choose to visit charming San Telmo and enjoy the fair, the antiques, the tango dancers in the streets and have lunch at one of many local restaurants. Or you may choose to visit one of the wonderful museums. Or you may simply choose to spend the day next to the water at Puerto Madero. Whatever you choose to do will be wonderful...as there are no bad choices.
This evening, please join Mike and NanEtte for a farewell dinner extravaganza at Esquina Carlos Gardel, the creator of the Tango dance (www.esquinacarlosgardel.com.ar). There will be plenty of delicious food, amazing wines and a wonderful tango show. What a great way to spend our last night in beautiful Buenos Aires!
Day 10 – Sunday, Nov. 7
Buenos Aires to the USA
After breakfast, take one last stroll around Buenos Aires. Since most airlines depart in the evening, you will have time to do some last minute shopping for souvenirs (for yourself or others) at one of the many boutiques. Perhaps a few more bottles of wine! Transfers to Ezeiza International Airport will be arranged depending on each individuals schedule.
Mike and NanEtte hope that you will choose to join them on this incredible adventure to South
America! This is your opportunity to visit with old friends and make some new friends and together explore a whole new piece of the world!!
Adios and thank you for sharing your friendship with us…
Mike & NanEtte
