argentina - Wandermelon

Traveler’s Bookcase and wandermelon Journeys present:
ARGENTINA
The Ultimate Argentina Experience
Overview
It’s no secret among experienced travelers that Argentina is the must-see destination
of the new decade. Little wonder. Where else can you experience the culture and
sophistication of Europe mixed with the passion of Latin America, all in one vast and
utterly fabulous destination. Therein lies both Argentina’s attraction and challenge:
How to experience the best of the country in a limited amount of time? The solution:
wandermelon Journeys’ Ultimate Argentina Experience. Our Journeys are based on a
simple proposition: Professional travel writers have privileged access to some of the
world’s most amazing people, places and experiences.
We figured it’s time we share them. In the case of Argentina, veteran travel journalist, guidebook author,
wandermelon co-founder and Argentina aficionado Eric Hiss has taken his favorite experiences from past
assignments there to create a singular, unforgettable experience that includes the best of Buenos Aires, as well
as the chance to dive into the wine and food mecca of Mendoza. Other partners on this Journey include the
five-star travel professionals at Echelon Experiences, who are managing the arrangements and can customize
your trip if you desire, and Natalie Compagno and Greg Freitas of Traveler’s Bookcase, who will be joining the
trip and sharing their passion for adventure.
1
Welcome to Buenos Aires!
Day One-- December 28 – Buenos Aires
Upon arrival at Ezeiza International Airport, your wandermelon Journeys representative will be on hand to
escort you to a private vehicle for transfer to your hotel.
Whether it’s your first time here or the beginning of another memorable visit, Buenos Aires never ceases to
seduce with an elegant alchemy that mixes Continental sophistication with Latin passion to create an
experience that is singularly “BA.” The architecture will have you thinking Paris or
Florence, but the attitude, exuberance and slightly sardonic good humor of the locals
are completely Porteño. Then there are the sights, sounds and flavors that confirm
you could be nowhere else… An impromptu tango as a couple shimmers across the
weathered flagstones in romantically rustic San Telmo. The hypnotic buzz of energy
near the Obelisco, the energetic, pulsing heart of the city. The impossibly flavorful
smell of fresh empanadas wafting from a small bakery in tony Recoleta. And that’s
just the beginning of the superlatives: Grass-fed steaks so large, dining tourists take pictures of their meal; the
bustling expanse of Av. 9 de Julio, the world's widest avenue; La Recoleta cemetery, a permanent address with
striking statuary so ornate, it occupies one of the poshest bits of downtown; and a storied riverfront looking
out on the Rio de la Plata, the world's widest river. Buenos Aires never fails to impress!
Early afternoon: Check-in to Buenos Aires brand new luxury boutique hotel Fierro www.fierrohotel.com
with part of the afternoon at your leisure.
Late Afternoon: Tour of Buenos Aires (North): Meet your hosts and local guide for a tour of this leafy, lovely
section of Buenos Aires. Stops include: Palermo Chico (posh palaces, shaded boulevards and parks); Boho-chic
Palermo Viejo (ethnic restaurants, contemporary design, theme bars); Palermo Soho (art studios, bars, boutique
hotels); and La Recoleta, one of the most elegant and sophisticated districts, known for its luxury shops and
apartamentos, Nuestra Señora del Pilar Church and La Recoleta Cemetery, a must-see for its fantastically
2
ornate memorials and celebrity residents, such as Evita Peron. Return to the hotel and balance of the day at
leisure, overnight at the Fierro. (Dinner on your own this evening)
December 29 – Buenos Aires
Morning: Tour of Buenos Aires (South): This section of BA is where much of the city’s history and culture
still run very deep. Visits include Plaza de Mayo, the historical and political heart of the city since 1580, and a
ride on the Subte (subway system) so you can experience the city like a Porteño, stopping at historic stations
like ‘Peru,” which appear frozen in time in the 1930’s. Arriving in evocative San Telmo, we’ll explore its
cobblestone streets alive with antique shops, artist galleries, intimate restaurants, and street-performing tango
dancers.
Moving on to La Boca, you’ll experience the colorful working class heart of Buenos Aires. This is the nontouristy, unvarnished side of BA, where the first Italian immigrants settled. We’ll get to know La Boca on foot
to feel the color and history of the area, including a visit to Caminito, perhaps the city’s most photographed
area because of its rustic, brightly-colored houses.
Balance of Day
Futbol Fanaticism: “Futbol” (soccer) is like religion in Argentina, and no visit is complete without entering
BA’s most famous “church,” La Bombonera, home to the Boca Juniors, the heroes of working-class La Boca.
(*La Bombonera is regarded as one of the most intimidating soccer stadiums in the world because of wildly
supportive fans). We’ll visit the stadium so you can step on the hallowed turf where greats like Diego Maradona
have played and see trophies (treated more like sacred relics) from domestic and international successes.
Touched by Tango: This evening, get ready for your private Tango Lesson. World-famous dancers Mayoral &
Elsa María, regarded as the best teachers in Buenos Aires, will host us at their incredible Belle Epoque mansion
where this Tony Award-winning couple will share the roots of this elegant, sensual dance. (Previous students
include Bill & Hillary Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg and Liza Minelli).
Experience Rojo Tango: The setting is a gorgeous cabaret designed by Philippe Starck. The show? Part
nostalgia for the underworld roots of Tango, and part celebration of its glamorous present. We’ll experience
this celebrated show as well as enjoy the refined gastronomy of its bistro, Rojo Flavour. After the show, return
to the hotel, or have a drink with us at the sleek Library at the Faena Hotel. Overnight at the Fierro
December 30 – Buenos Aires
Relax on the River: We’ll take a break from the energy of the city to relax the way locals do, spending a full
day on the Tigre & Parana River Delta. We’ll hop a local train with our bikes before getting off at Acassuso
Station to tour past squares, gracious homes, weeping willows and open-air cafes. At the Parana River, we’ll
board a private motor launch and head out along the delta’s waterways, taking in vistas of islands, typical
wooden holiday houses, old stone mansions, English cottages, Italian villas and a flotilla of water-craft. We’ll
then take you to the best spot on the Delta for a mid-day meal, where our lunch will be waiting for us. After
lunch, we’ll cruise back to Tigre and transfer back to the hotel.
Balance
of the afternoon will be at leisure (Dinner is on your own.) Overnight at the Fierro
3
New Years Eve!
December 31 Buenos Aires / Mendoza
Time to move on to Mendozaaaah! Our driver will take us to Aeroparque Jorge Newbery domestic airport
(flight TBA) for a late morning, one-hour flight to Mendoza State. Upon arrival, our local host will drive us to
our new home, the grand Park Hyatt Mendoza (http://www.mendoza.park.hyatt.com/).
Welcome to Mendoza! Situated at the foot of the Andes, the provincial capital city of Mendoza is celebrated
for its endless vistas of vineyards framed by snowcapped mountains and broad tree-lined boulevards that brim
with cafes, bars and restaurants purveying local wine and cuisine. Outside the city, the mountains, rivers and
winding trails open up a whole other world, where adventure awaits with experiences
such as river rafting, mountain biking and trekking.
When all is said and done, however, it is the wine, and the Malbec grape in
particular, that make Mendoza such a world-class, memorable destination (the
region is the heart of Argentina’s wine industry, accounting for 70% of the country’s
output). Here, thanks to favorable temperatures, generous sunlight and an ideal
terroir, Malbec comes into its full expression, summoning wines noted for their full
body, fragrant nose and sophisticated palate.
Mendoza Tour: After arriving, we’ll explore Mendoza City with its inviting tree-lined boulevards, expansive,
verdant Parque San Martin, and squares filled with families, friends and lovers. We’ll also partake in insider
activities such as enjoying one of the city’s sweetest pleasures, indulging in artisanal, hand-made ice cream at
one of Mendoza’s best-loved spots.
Lunch at Verolio Restaurant: Mendoza is more than just wine: The new rising star here is local cuisine and
artisanal olive oil. Celebrating both is recently opened Verolio, nirvana for those who have a passion for
gastronomy and the olive in all its iterations. This is a Mendoza favorite for warm home-made breads,
Argentine meat and cheeses, garden salads and pasta, all marinated with flavorful local olive oils and paired
with outstanding wine. Check in at Park Hyatt Hotel. Rest of the afternoon at leisure.
4
Happy New Year!
New Years Eve Dinner at Club Tapiz: Naturally, we designed our trip to feature a memorable New Year’s
Eve, something special to serve as a highlight of the trip. How does this sound: A private dinner for our group
and a few local friends at Club Tapiz, a 100-year-old historical bodega (winery), now a boutique hotel and topflight restaurant set 20 minutes outside the city amidst the vineyards of Maipu. Our candlelit dinner will be
hosted in the original bodega located at the edge of the vineyards and feature a gourmet meal designed for us
by the restaurant’s chef, paired with some of Tapiz’s top wines (Tapiz remains a prominent Mendoza
winemaker and will be included in our wine tour).
For the party people: For those who want to keep the party going following dinner, we have arranged for our
driver to drop you off at any of the multitude of bars and taverns along bustling Aristides Villanueva, certain to
be in fiesta mode til the dawn’s early light. Overnight at Park Hyatt Mendoza
January 1-3 -- Mendoza
R&R Day: How does a little rest and recuperation sound…? You’ll be on your own today to rise late and have a
lazy day to revisit things you may have encountered earlier on the tour, or make some new discoveries on your
own. Suggestion: Speak to our Travel Concierge Patricia McLemore and she will be happy to arrange a spa
treatment for you at the Park Hyatt’s fantastic spa. Overnight at Park Hyatt Mendoza
Guided Adventure Tours: Sitting at the foot of the snow-capped Andes, there is a whole other wild side to
Mendoza that needs to be explored for the full experience. We’ve made arrangements with one of Mendoza’s
most trusted adventure outfitters to take us out into the rustic backcountry for a full-day experience that
includes river rafting and mountain biking in the unforgettably beautiful foothills (the routes we have selected
are suitable for all levels). Dinner is on your own this evening.
5
January 4 -- Mendoza / Buenos Aires
After breakfast and check out you will be transferred to Mendoza airport for your flight back to Buenos Aires.
Upon arrival, transfers to the International airport will be provided for those returning home. For those
staying, transfers to your new hotel can also be arranged.
Options
Transfer to Ezeiza International Airport for
international travel.
Shopping tour for those staying in Buenos Aires.
Other Activities for those who have made
personalized arrangements with our Travel Concierge can
include pre- or post-trip visits to Iguazu Falls, the beaches
of Uruguay, or any other area you would like to visit. Our
Concierge, Patricia McLemore (949) 466-3526, will be happy to answer any questions and make all needed
arrangements.
Details
Total cost of $4700 does not include international airfare. A nonrefundable deposit of $500 is required by October 1. Please contact the
store (323) 655-0575 to confirm or with any questions.
Buen Viaje!
6