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Patagonia & Wineries, sample Malbec and other fine varietals with the Andes in view

Worlds away, bicycling through Argentine vineyards, sampling Malbec and other fine varietals with the Andes in view

Duration: 14 days
2+ Travelers: $3,635 per person
Over the past few decades, Argentina wines have emerged as some of the world's best. While friends back home are going next door to tour the Napa Valley, you'll be worlds away, bicycling through Argentine vineyards, sampling Malbec and other fine varietals with the Andes in view. If not everyone in your party cares to focus on tastings during your stay in the Argentina wine country, we offer optional, equally memorable, excursions to natural sights. You'll spend the remainder of your Argentina tour exploring the top attractions of both Northern and Southern Patagonia, visiting two of the country's most famous national parks, Nahuel Huapi, prized by hikers for its pristine lakes and breathtaking scenery, and Los Glaciares where the immense turquoise Perito Moreno Glacier is found. For the gourmet hiker with an appreciation for world-class wine, this Argentina Patagonia tour is tops.
This Patagonia & Wineries tour can also be arranged on a private departure basis. Please contact us so we may explain details and costs.

Patagonia & Wineries Tour Itinerary

• Day 1 (Sat): ARRIVE BUENOS AIRES View Buenos Aires accommodations picture gallery Arriving in Buenos Aires, you will be met by a Southern Explorations representative at the international airport. After we get you to your hotel, you'll have the remainder of the day to explore this world-class city on your own. There is much to do in Buenos Aires, from the museums to the markets to the divine cuisine. Many of our travelers enjoy our informative Four Balconies Tour of the city during their short stay here. You'll spend the night at a hotel in one of the capital's interesting neighborhoods.
  View Optional Pre-Itinerary Tour Extensions
• Day 2 (Sun): BUENOS AIRES - MENDOZA View Mendoza accommodations picture gallery After breakfast, you'll be taken to the domestic airport for your flight to Mendoza where your driver will transfer you to your hotel to relax for the next segment of your Argentina tour. Take the evening to enjoy a bottle from a local Mendoza winery with dinner. (B)
• Day 3 (Mon): FABRE MONTMAYO WINERY - RUCA MALEN WINERY LUNCH View Mendoza accommodations picture gallery Today's excursion heads south of Mendoza to the Lujan de Cuyo, a region that has gained considerable attention on the world wine scene. You'll spend the day visiting two family-owned wineries, best known for their Malbec and unique Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties. Your tour begins at Fabre Montmayou, established by French winemakers from Bordeaux. True to its French origins, the winery uses no herbicides. Next door, you will visit the Ruca Malen, a modern winery owned by a long-time Argentine vintner in partnership with a French winemaker from Burgundy. At this winery, overlooking this picturesque region with a lovely view of the southern Andes is where you'll enjoy a delectable lunch accompanied by local wines. In the afternoon, you'll return to your hotel for an evening on your own and spend the night at your hotel. (B,L)
• Day 4 (Tue): WINE TASTING BY BICYCLE View Mendoza accommodations picture gallery Bicycles will be your mode of transportation for today's Argentina winery tours. With your guide, you'll travel twenty minutes south to Beltrán to visit the family-owned and operated Bodega Familia Zuccardi. This winery is known for its unique style and continual innovation including an inventive irrigation system for growing grapes in difficult areas. After a visit to the Casa del Visitante gardens, you'll bike to the Finca F.L. Beltran winery to savor the original, organic and reserve varieties of Santa Julia Chardonnay. Next, you visit the Syrah vineyards, source of Familia Zuccardi's Santa Julia Syrah and Syrah Rosé. Then it's on to the notable Malbec vineyard, source of three varieties of Santa Julia Malbec including an organic and reserve version. Back where your picturesque trip began, you'll finish your Mendoza wine tour with a gourmet lunch paired with regional wines. After a full-day bicycle excursion of wine tasting, you'll return to your hotel to rest. (B, L)

  Aconcagua High Mountain Upgrade ($145 per person)

  For those seeking out a different kind of adventure, spend the day traveling near impressive Mt. Aconcagua instead of the vineyard valleys. After breakfast at your hotel, begin your trip passing Rio Mendoza and the agricultural town of Potrerillos along the Cordon del Plata. Arrive at Uspallata, a lush town in contrast to the surrounding multicolored Andean hills and tunnels. Continue in this famed valley, past the colonial bridge over the Picheuta River, and small picturesque towns such as Punta de Vacas and Polvaredas. After the ski resort of Los Penitentes, visit a unique Inca bridge and the ruins of thermal baths with distinguishing mineral deposits of red and yellow. Nearly to the Chilean border, pass Las Cuervas, the last Argentine settlement in this remote area. Continue your ascent, weather permitting, to 12,600-foot La Cumbre Pass, location of Uruguayan sculptor, Mateo Alonsos, immense bronze Christ the Redeemer of the Andes nearly twenty-six feel tall and weighing over four tons. The monument was erected in 1904 to signify peace between the two neighboring countries. Make your way back down to Mendoza, stopping for an appetizing regional lunch at Estancia Uspallata. Take advantage of the ranchs prominent position at an altitude of 6,600 feet with impressive panoramic views of the lower valley. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. (B, L)

• Day 5 (Wed): MENDOZA - BARILOCHE View Bariloche accommodations picture gallery There will be time in the morning to see the Mendoza sights you may have missed. The city is known for its many parks so you may wish to visit the colonial center, Independence Plaza, Plaza San Martín, Cerro de la Gloria or General San Martín Park or explore unique España Avenue and plaza with its impressive mosaics. After lunch on your own, you'll be transferred to the airport for your midday flight back to Buenos Aires and connecting flight to the resort town of Bariloche, Argentina to begin your Patagonia hiking adventure. Bariloche is set on the shores of scenic Lake Nahuel Huapi. The rest of the day is yours to relax and get acquainted with this pleasant mountain town and its surroundings. (B)
• Day 6 (Thu): BARILOCHE HIKING or MANSO RIVER RAFTING / CLASS III-IV View Bariloche accommodations picture gallery Breakfast will be served at your hotel before you embark on one of two possible outings. Those looking for adventure may enjoy an exciting day of Patagonia river-rafting on the legendary Manso River. A private van will get you to the start of the trip in Nahuel Huapi National Park. At John's Ranch, you'll enjoy coffee on the riverbank, change into your wetsuit and have a safety briefing from your guide. During the thrilling ride through the canyon, you'll pass lush forests. The trip ends at the border with Chile Patagonia where you will change clothes and head back to the ranch for a traditional barbeque.
   
  If hiking is your sport, you may choose instead to take one of the gorgeous Patagonia hikes through the mountains surrounding Bariloche. You will be picked up by your guide who will discuss your Patagonia trekking options for the day, to help you select one that suits your interests and physical condition. You'll spend the evening back in Bariloche and enjoy another restful night at your hotel. (B,L)
• Day 7 (Fri): NAHUEL HUAPI LAKE - KAYAKING View Bariloche accommodations picture gallery After breakfast at the hotel, you'll travel to the launching beach for today's excursion on Nahuel Huapi Lake. Regardless of your fitness level or previous kayaking experience, this full day of paddling makes a very pleasurable outing in a heavenly setting. You'll enjoy a delightful picnic lunch on the lake shore. The trip ends at the renowned lakefront Llao-Llao Hotel, where you will transfer back to your hotel in time for dinner. You'll enjoy an evening on your own and another comfortable night in your lodgings.

  Patagonia Hike & Kayak Option

  If your group prefers, we can arrange instead to combine relaxed trekking with kayaking. Enjoy breakfast before starting out on this exciting Patagonia tour. From Lopez Bay, we will hike to Tristezas granite lookout with impressive views of the Lakes Region. Here we will enjoy a scenic lunch before hiking back. We will travel to Moreno Lake and receive a safety briefing. The rest of the afternoon we will spend paddling this beautiful lake before returning to your Bariloche hotel. (B,L)

• Day 8 (Sat): BARILOCHE - HIKING View Bariloche accommodations picture gallery Today's hike begins after breakfast. After two to three hours in this beautiful wilderness, you'll reach the alpine zone for a well-earned rest and to enjoy a superb picnic lunch. On the remaining three to four hours of the hike, you'll continue to be surrounded by pristine lakes and impressive peaks. You'll return to your Bariloche hotel in time for one last pleasant evening. (B,L)

  Gourmet MultiSport Upgrade ($75 shared / $430 private per person)

  A perfect option for an adventurous traveler, this unique Patagonia tour mixes hiking, rappelling, and kayaking with a delicious meal prepared by an on-site chef. In the morning head to the trailhead of a tranquil hike to the natural balconies of Brazo Tristeza. This lookout highlights a brilliant view of the nearby mountains. We can access another balcony by a short ascent aided by a fixed rope, rewarded with breathtaking views of Cerro Tronador and its seven glaciers. A treat for the daring traveler, we rappel down 130ft to the base of the granite wall where our chef will offer an assortment of Patagonian wines and delicacies to relish. Energized after a gourmet lunch, we travel to Moreno Lake to receive a safety briefing and slip into kayaks. We will tour the beaches of this well-known lake and return to your Bariloche hotel in the late afternoon. (B,L)

• Day 9 (Sun): BARILOCHE - EL CALAFATE  EL CHALTEN View El Chalten accommodations gallery You'll have the morning to relax before departing for the airport to catch your flight south to El Calafate and El Chalten, the gateway town of Fitz Roy. If the weather is clear, this three to four hour drive is a beautiful part of your Patagonia tour, filled with vistas of the Fitz Roy mountain range. Upon arrival in Chalten, transfer to your hotel. After getting settled, enjoy an hour's hike to Piedras Blancas glacier on your own, an ideal warm-up for some of the Patagonia trekking ahead. You'll travel through a beech forest where you may see the amazing Magellanic woodpecker and view the Marconi glacier, the gateway to the Continental Icecap. Overnight at your charming hotel. (B,D)
  Patagonia Hiking Details:
  Piedras Blancas (optional) - 2.5 miles, Altitude gain: 550 ft
  Cerro Polo (optional) - 3.1 miles, Altitude gain: 2,200 ft
• Day 10 (Mon): FULL DAY HIKE FITZ ROY & LAGUNA DE LOS TRES View El Chalten accommodations gallery Today's segment of trekking Patagonia includes a full-day hike to the Laguna Capri base camp (Fitz Roy base camp). The hike north towards Fitz Roy begins with spectacular views of the massif ahead. The peak was sacred and venerated by local Tehuelche groups who believed the mists enshrouding it were volcanic ash, calling it Chalten (God of Smoke). Reaching Laguna Capri, where the image of Mt. Fitz Roy is reflected, you'll stop en route for lunch and then resume the hike to Laguna de los Tres, at the base of Mt. Fitz Roy. Three glaciers drain into this emerald lagoon with majestic Mt. Fitz Roy towering above. You'll enjoy spectacular views of Lake Viedma, the sweeping Patagonian steppe and unrivaled Fitz Roy, highlights of any Patagonia tours. If you choose to continue down the steep trail to the natural balcony onto Laguna Sucia, you'll also gaze on the Saint Exupery and Poincenot spires. Return to your hotel for a good meal and night's sleep. (B, L,D)
  Patagonia Hiking Details:
  Start to Laguna Capri - 2.6 Miles, Altitude gain: 1200 ft
  Laguna Capri to Laguna de los Tres - 2.7 miles, Altitude gain: 1800 ft
• Day 11 (Tue): FULL DAY CERRO TORRE HIKE View El Chalten accommodations picture gallery A full day of hiking another Patagonian classic: Mt. Torre, famous for its beauty but also for its climbing difficulty. This is the pinnacle of trekking Patagonia. Every year, countless expeditions attempt to reach the summit, but only a few succeed. After a forty-five minute climb, you will reach a level area surrounding an old lagoon where vegetation is starting to grow again. The trail enters a forest with a slight descent leading to a lookout facing the Cerro Torre and the Adelas ranges. The trail ends on the shores of Laguna Torre, offering a stunning view of Mt. Torre surrounded by the Egger and Standhard spires and the Adelas range as a backdrop together with the glacier Torre. (B, L,D)
  Patagonia Hiking Details:
  Cerro Torre  11 miles round trip, Altitude gain: 1,000 ft
• Day 12 (Wed): EL CHALTEN - EL CALAFATE View El Calafate accommodations picture gallery After breakfast, you'll have time for more Patagonia hiking including a short trek from town to view Mt. Torre. In the afternoon, a private van will transfer you to El Calafate where you'll have the rest of the day and evening to tour this charming city on your own. Overnight at a local hotel. (B)
• Day 13 (Thu): PERITO MORENO GLACIER View El Calafate accommodations picture gallery On todays portion of your Patagonia tour, you will go by boat on Lake Argentino to reach the Perito Moreno glacier and get an unforgettable view of its massive front wall of blue ice, looking out for icebergs along the way. There you'll make a beach landing and walk along an ancient beech forest that meets the glacier, a great location to photograph this impressive natural wonder. After hiking an hour or so, you'll embark on a short glacier hike (equipment provided) and perhaps witness an ice wall calving into the lake. In the afternoon, enjoy a picnic lunch within earshot of melting and popping glacial ice. In the evening, return to your hotel for another comfortable night's rest. (B,L)
  BLUE ICE GLACIER HIKE UPGRADE - $100 Per Person This additional Patagonia tour is designed for those interested in a more in-depth exploration of the Perito Moreno glacier. Grab your crampons for an adventure of hiking deep into the glacier accompanied by a local glacier guide. After practicing safety techniques, you'll spend the rest of the day exploring the glacier and its ice caves, with plenty of time for photos.
  (This ice hike is very demanding and is advisable only for eighteen to forty-five year old participants who are in good physical condition. The hike takes about seven hours on ice and includes uneven terrain.)
  Click here to see the Blue Ice Glacier Hike picture gallery
• Day 14 (Fri): EL CALAFATE - BUENOS AIRES - HOME Your tour of Patagonia ends with a transfer to the El Calafate airport in time to connect with your flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival transfer to the international airport. (B) View Optional Post-Itinerary Tour Extensions
• Key: (B)reakfast (L)unch (D)inner
• More information about Traveling in Patagonia

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2010 SCHEDULED TRIP DATES

Saturday Departures
2 person minimum / 8 maximum

Mar 02/27-03/12
13-26

Private Departures can be arranged. Please contact us regarding private departure costs.

2010-2011 SCHEDULED TRIP DATES

Saturday Departures
2 person minimum / 8 maximum

Oct 09/25-10/08
09-22
10/23-11/05
Nov 13-26
11/20-12/03
Dec 11-24
18-31
Jan 08-21
15-28
Feb 01/29-02/11
05-18
Mar 02/26-03/11
12-25

Private Departures can be arranged. Please contact us regarding private departure costs.

INCLUSIONS / EXCLUSIONS

Included in tour cost

- Professional, English-speaking local guides

- All hotel accommodations (twin shared basis including continental breakfast)

- Meals as indicated

- All transfers in private van

- Entrance fees for all scheduled tours, national parks, archaeological sites and boats

- Southern Explorations pre departure services

Excluded in tour cost

- International Airfare to / from Buenos Aires

- $1,020 Airfare (Buenos Aires / Mendoza - Mendoza / Bariloche - Bariloche / El Calafate - El Calafate / Buenos Aires), subject to change

- Lunches and dinners in the cities (unless otherwise noted)

- Hiking boots and other personal gear

- Personal expenses (tips and gratuities, alcoholic beverages, medical or travel insurance, laundry, airport taxes, etc.).

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate - Difficult

ARGENTINA ACCOMMODATION

Patagonia & Wineries:

13 nights hotel

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

Additional $1,020

- Single Supplement is the additional cost of a single traveler not sharing a room in double occupancy. We will match you with another same gender traveler unless you request single accommodations.

Prices based on 3% cash discount