February 8, 2025
Welcome to Argentina!!
Upon arrival at Buenos Aires International Airport, you are met and transferred to the Palladio Hotel Buenos Aires MGallery, (around 45 minutes drive).
This evening, we will partake in THE ARGENTINE EXPERIENCE - THE WINE COCKTAIL & DINNER
The Wine Cocktail Experience. Your evening will start kicking off with an exploration of Argentina's main wine varietals (Malbec, Torrontés and Bonarda). Next, you will marvel at a mixologist mixing incredible wine cocktails. You will taste the cocktails, paired with gourmet appetizers, before trying your hand at mixing your own cocktail!
Dinner Experience. Sit back and enjoy a mouthwatering Argentine meal, and learn how to prepare some of the key ingredients. Wine, steak, empanadas, sweets, and Mate all in one unforgettable culinary extravaganza in Buenos Aires.
The name, Buenos Aires, literally means "good airs" in Spanish. It is one of the largest cities in Latin America, with a wide range of cultural offers and stunning sights.
February 9, 2025
After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to the airport for our flight to Mendoza, Argentina's wine capital.
Departing Buenos Aires 10:50 am- Arriving Mendoza 12:50pm
On arrival you will be met and taken over to Chacras De Coria area for a relaxing lunch where we can enjoy the views of the Andes and surrounding vineyards. Later, we will then continue to the La Maria Boutique Hotel which will be exclusively ours for the next three nights .
Early eve, please join Denell in the courtyard of our hotel for a sundowner.
February 10, 2025
Salentein Winery Visit and Zorzal Winery, Uco Valley
After breakfast, 8:30 departure to our first winery.
10:00 am arrive at Salentein Visitor Center.
Private visit to Salentein Winery.
11:00 pm Tasting in private cellar.
12:00 pm Browse through the Killka Private Collection and Art Gallery and perhaps purchase that special piece that catches your eye! All works are created by renowned local, national and international artists.
12:45pm short drive to Zorzal Winery.
1:00 pm - Private guided tour of Zorzal's vineyard and winery facilities.
2:30pm - we will be hosted for a special Asado (BBQ) with all the trimmings accompanied by a selection of their best wines.
By 4:00pm our fun day will be winding up as we embark on 1hr30mins. drive back to our hotel.
February 11, 2025
Morning is yours to relax and enjoy your beautiful surroundings. Perhaps some photography in early morning light or brisk morning walk in through the local neighborhood.
During the heat of the day, is a great time to enjoy the pool or your air conditioned suite. By 4pm, we will head out for our night tour of beautiful Mendoza visiting the Eliana Molinelli Art Space and go for a walk in San Martin Park. Our dinner this evening will be at one of Mendoza's renown restaurants.
Enjoy stepping into the shoes of a winemaker for a day and along the way discover yourself and your palate in this unique experience in Lamadrid winery, founded by Guillermo García Lamadrid, who came from Cuba to Mendoza in 2000 in search of a unique terroir to create great wines. The winery was named in honor of his maternal surname: Lamadrid. The winery has a mansion originally built in the late 1800s, recycled and maintained in optimal conditions so that visitors have an unforgettable experience.
For the night tour you will visit Mendoza’s key hotspots like General San Martin Park, Civic Center, Peatonal Sarmiento, Arístides Villanueva Avenue.
February 12, 2025
After a leisurely breakfast, we will bid farewell to our hosts at La Maria Villa.
We will transfer to airport for our flight to Buenos Aires.
Departing Mendoza 12:35 - Arriving Buenos Aires 14:15.
On arrival in Buenos Aires, we will be met and transferred to the Palladio Hotel Buenos Aires MGallery.
Rest of the afternoon is yours to relax.
We will have dinner at Lo De Jesus Restaurant prior to our "Underground" Buenos Aires Speakeasy Cocktail Adventure. We will visit two of the best cocktail bars in town to enjoy a special cocktail at each.
February 13, 2025
Today, immerse yourself in the vibrant pulse of Buenos Aires with a half-day private guided tour. Our exploration will take us to iconic landmarks and charming neighborhoods, offering a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the city.
We will visit:
- Plaza de Mayo
- Casa Rosada (the Pink House)
- Cabildo (the historic town hall)
- San Telmo
- Plaza Dorrego
- Private tango performance
- Caminito Street Museum
- Puerto Madero
- Lunch at El Gran Paraiso Bodegon Restaurant
We will return to our hotel around 3pm.
Evening at your leisure.
Café de los Angelitos was, during more than a century, one of the most traditional cafes in Buenos Aires. Nowadays; this traditional corner dresses in all its finery to welcome one of the best tango shows in the world, without losing any of its original bohemian charm.
February 14, 2025
Today, we'll explore the neighborhoods of Retiro and Recoleta, often likened to a small-scale Paris nestled in the heart of Buenos Aires.
Our half day tour will visit: (9am to 1pm)
- Plaza San Martín
- Walk along Avenida Alvear, admiring French-style palaces
- Visit Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar
- Explore Recoleta Cemetery, including Eva Perón's grave
- coffee stop at La Biela, a historic café
This evening will be very special experience. We will be hosted by our new local friends for our private Asado (BBQ). This is a fantastic opportunity for open conversations with our English speaking hosts to get an insider's view of life in Argentina today.
February 15, 2025
After breakfast, we will transfer to airport for your flight to Buenos Aires.
Departing Buenos Aires 9:40am - Arriving Iguazu 11:35am.
Upon arrival, we will meet our naturalist guide who will give us an orientation and guided tour of the Argentinian side of these world-famous waterfalls. The “falls” actually is comprised of 275 different waterfalls distributed along a 2-km-long face set in lush, subtropical rainforest. We will spend a couple of hours exploring some of the extensive falls-view trails along the top of the face, including the single most dramatic location of either of these twin parks, the Devil’s Throat.
By 4:00pm, we will drive (1 hour) cross to Brazil's side of the "Falls" where we will check-in to our luxurious hotel located in Brazil’s “Iguaçu Falls National Park”. After the park closes in the late afternoon, all the viewing platforms are exclusive to Belmond hotel guests- for sunset and in the first hours of the morning before the crowds of travelers arrive!
Our dinner will be in the IPE Restaurant at 7:00pm.
Let’s take a moment to explain the shifting spellings of these renowned falls. The Brazilians spell it “Iguaçu”, while the Argentinians write “Iguazú”, and the accepted, English-language, “does-not-take-sides” spelling is “Iguassu”. All three versions are pronounced exactly the same.
February 16, 2025
Today, we will start our day by exploring the Brazilian side of the world-famous waterfalls. This vantage point offers a panoramic view that showcases the falls' breathtaking beauty. We will visit the park before the gates open to the general public. Yes, we are very privileged to have such an exclusive experience this incredible site!
This morning is a good time for those who want to take the helicopter flight over Iguazu Falls. Denell will coordinate this for you locally.
This afternoon, we have planned an exhilarating adventure- jetboat ride below the falls! Guaranteed to that you will get wet and be screaming with excitement.
Later, we'll take a leisurely stroll to the Falls, seizing the opportunity to capture stunning sunset photographs along the way.
Tonight's dinner is left open for your choice between restaurants at Belmond.
Itaipu is the formal restaurant which offers special set menu with wine pairing (reservations recommended)
or, IPE, more casual restaurant which offers outdoor and indoor seating, ala carte menu or international buffet.
For the Macuco Safari Adventure:
Please wear lightweight clothing, as the walk involves getting completely wet.
Please refrain from bringing: glasses, caps, and electronic devices. If you must bring them, Macuco offers lockers for rent at R$10.00.
Helicopter scenic flight over Iguazu Falls.
Lunch & Dinner
February 17, 2025
After breakfast transfer to airport for our flight to Salvador.
Departing Iguaçu 10:40 - Arriving Salvador 16:10 (1 stop in São Paulo).
Upon arrival in Salvador, we will be met and transferred to our iconic Hotel Fera Palace, nestled in the heart of Bahia's vibrant capital.
Tonight's dinner is on the hotel's Fera rooftop restaurant.
February 18, 2025
After breakfast, we will meet our guide and embark on our full-day tour.
Experience the vibrant rhythms and rich cultural tapestry of Salvador.
- Visit to Barra Lighthouse for panoramic views
- Traverse through Corredor da Vitória and Campo Grande
- Walking tour of Salvador's Historic Center in Pelourinho
Later we delve deeper into the rich heritage of Candomblé, our tour offers an immersive experience like no other. Begin with a visit to a percussion workshop, where you'll be introduced to the mesmerizing rhythms of the atabaques and other traditional instruments. Afterwards, unwind with a rhythmic dance to the soulful tunes of the berimbau, mastering some of the iconic movements of this dynamic art form.
Our journey continues with a visit to the vibrant São Joaquim Market, a bustling hub of local culture .
Enjoy lunch featuring local delicacies, before we conclude our adventure with a scenic ride on public transport.
We expect to be back at our hotel by 4:00pm.
February 19, 2025
After an early breakfast, we embark on our private Schooner exploring the breathtaking All Saints Bay. We'll visit 2 of its charming islands among the 56 scattered in the bay. As we sail from the nautical center, marvel at the crystal-clear waters offering superb diving views up to 20 meters deep.
Our first stop is at Frades Island, home to the inviting Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe Beach. Its warm, clear waters beckon for a refreshing swim.
Next, we'll cruise to Itaparica Island, the bay's largest and most significant isle, known for its encircling reefs. At Ponta de Areia beach, enjoy another dip in the sea and savor a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, sampling the flavors of Bahian cuisine.
As the day winds down, we'll head back to Salvador, catching the mesmerizing sunset over the All Saints Bay.
Time for quick freshen up prior to reuniting with our guide for an evening of cultural immersion at the Miguel Santana Theatre in Pelourinho. Be captivated by the vibrant Folkloric Show presented by the renowned "Balé Folclórico da Bahia".
Conclude the evening with dinner before returning to our hotel.
February 20, 2025
After breakfast, transfer to airport for our flight to Rio.
Departing Salvador 10:35 - Arriving Rio 14:15 (1 stop in Belo Horizonte).
Upon arrival in Rio, we will be met and transferred to Copacabana Palace (15 mins drive), a stunning gem among hotels, renowned as a Belmond masterpiece.
Tonight's dinner will be at our hotel.
February 21, 2025
Experience Rio de Janeiro's vibrant culture with a full-day private tour!
Starting with a visit to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue at top of Corcovado Mountain, where you'll soak in breathtaking views of the city.
Afterward, embark on a walking tour through the Olympic Boulevard, exploring its vibrant atmosphere and rich history.
Next, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, dive into the heart of Rio's Carnival with a behind-the-scenes experience. Learn about the history and intricacies of this famous celebration, and even try on a traditional costume for memorable photos.
Later in the evening, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the picturesque shores of Ipanema, accompanied by Denell.
Wrap up our day with an evening of dinner at a local restaurant, where you can savor delicious Brazilian cuisine (to be paid directly).
February 22, 2025
After breakfast, we start our day with a visit to the vibrant Babilônia Community. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, we wander through the winding alleys and staircases, gaining insight into the rich history and daily life of the favela residents. Along the way, we learn about CoopBabilonia, a community-driven initiative focused on reforestation, and have the opportunity to contribute to this noble cause.
After absorbing the panoramic views from Babilônia Hill, we stop for a delicious lunch nearby.
Later visit the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain. Here, we ascend by cable car, marveling at the breathtaking vistas of Guanabara Bay, Copacabana Beach, and beyond.
Following our mountain escapades, we return to our hotel to freshen up and prepare for an evening of celebration.
As the sun sets, we rendezvous at Rio Scenarium, a legendary venue renowned for its live music, delectable drinks, and inviting ambiance. Amidst antique-filled interiors and lively rhythms, we indulge in a farewell dinner, and reminisce about the fun adventures we have just shared together.
Babilônia Community
February 23, 2025
After a leisurely breakfast, we need to pack up and check out of the hotel. Our bags will be stored and we can go for a stroll along the promenade, relax by the pool, prior to our 2pm transfer to airport for our homeward flight. Transfers will be arranged for guests will alternative departure flights.
