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Trip or Vacation
Cost: From $8,110 Per Person (Double Occupancy)
Premier Tours & Travel is headed to Argentina with Master of Wine Sarah Jane Evans, Co-Chair of Decanter World Wine Awards. You won’t want to miss experiencing this exclusive, bespoke, 5-star luxury, expertly hosted tour. We will lead you on Argentinean viticultural, culinary, and cultural adventures throughout Buenos Aires and Mendoza, including hand-selected, renown wineries in the Maipú, Lujan de Cuyo, and Uco Valleys. Discover key grape varieties, such as Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Semillon, and Torrontes, and learn first-hand about some of the most-prominent names in Argentinean wines, including Zuccardi, Vigil, Catena, and Balbo. Hand-selected luxury accommodations will make this truly a Premier experience.
March 29-April 5, 2023 (departing USA March 28)
November 4-11, 2023 (departing USA November 3)
From $8,110 per person; Double Occupancy; Based on a minimum of 14 guests; Includes Domestic Argentina Flight ($200 Airline Credit); $1000 deposit. Optional Extensions Available
March 9-16, 2024 (departing USA March 8, 2024)
November 9-16, 2024 (Departing USA November 8, 2024)
From $8,310 per person; Double Occupancy; Based on a minimum of 14 guests; Includes Domestic Argentina Flight ($200 Airline Credit); $1000 deposit. Optional Extensions Available.
HIGHLIGHTS OF BUENOS AIRES (2 NIGHTS)
Depart the United States on an overnight flight (preferred arrival for group transfer will be by 8:30 AM).
Day 1, Buenos Aires:
After an overnight flight, you will touch down in Buenos Aires — often referred to as the Paris of South America — where Premier Tours & Travel representatives will personally meet you and escort you to your private transportation.
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. Being the capital of the country makes it the starting point for most of the Argentinean experiences. Let yourself be seduced by its busy and beautiful streets full of Tango and football passion, a unique mixture that turns your stay into an exceptional urban adventure.
Enjoy a panoramic, guided visit in the northern barrios (neighborhoods) of Buenos Aires, including Palermo and La Recoleta. Palermo is the largest barrio best known for its large parks designed by celebrated landscape architects, such as the illustrious Charles Thays. It’s a hot destination whether you are a foodie, an art fan, a shopaholic or a plain old reveler. Visit La Recoleta well-known for its historical and architectural significant due to its Beaux-Arts architecture. Admire the celebrated Recoleta Cemetery, a true labyrinth of ornate mausoleums, and make a stop at Eva Peron’s grave, one of the country’s most recognizable icons. Enjoy lunch in the heart of Recoleta. Following your touring, check in for your two-nights in the 5-star luxury of Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt Buenos Aires (or similar). The balance of your day will be at leisure.
Relax and enjoy the incredible amenities of your luxurious surroundings at leisure, including perusing the hotel’s art gallery housing an impressive collection of contemporary Ibero-American art (arrange an Art Ambassador to assist you in a private tour); arrange a wine and cheese tasting in the Duhau Restaurante & Vinoteca; or visit the Ahín Wellness & Spa to immerse yourself in a sensorial journey of well-being at one of the most exclusive spas in Buenos Aires.
Should you choose to wander the area, Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt Buenos Aires is located on Alvear Avenue, close to MALBA (The Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires) and Puerto Madero. Puerto Madero is the latest addition to the city’s barrios and has become the playground for the international jet set.
Day 2, Buenos Aires:
Your second day in Buenos Aires will include a half-day city tour focused other iconic areas and sites of the city. Buenos Aires is one of the most fascinating cities in both Latin America and the world — be it for its splendid and varied architecture, with its old colonial buildings, French palaces, and state-of-the-art skyscrapers; or for its vibrant nightlife and endless cultural options.
Visit Plaza de Mayo, the city’s foundational site and witness of our country’s political history and see the Pink House, our Presidential Palace, the Cabildo, our primitive town hall, and the Neoclassical-style Metropolitan Cathedral, the final home of Argentina’s founding father, José de San Martín. After visiting the impressive Plaza San Martín, where Jorge Luis Borges used to take his walks, we’ll stroll down Avenida Alvear, chosen by the world’s most distinguished brands to install their exclusive boutiques, looking up to see the many wonderful French-style palaces which nowadays house a number of embassies. Visit the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, one of the city’s oldest churches, which dates to the colonial era.
Puerto Madero, the latest addition to the city’s barrios, will be among the stops today. In 1991, its huge warehouses and silos were remodeled and redesigned, to finally integrate the river to the city and to create a new corporative, residential, hotel and gastronomically district. Then head for San Telmo, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Buenos Aires. Thanks to its amazing architecture and hip atmosphere, this ancient neighborhood is really blooming. Walk its cobbled streets, where the city’s colonial past seems to come back to life, making a stop at Plaza Dorrego, best known for its traditional antiques fair, held every Sunday.
Leaving San Telmo behind, continue southwards to La Boca, one of the city’s most authentic and charming neighborhoods. It is a working-class district, heavily shaped by Italian immigrants who came to Argentina in large numbers during the last quarter of the 19th century. Enjoy a special visit to the mythical Caminito Street, which sums up everything that gives La Boca its distinctive spirit: the strong passion for soccer, the heavy presence of art and color, and the Tango-esque atmosphere. Lunch and the balance of your day will be at leisure to explore Buenos Aires.
Reconnect with the group tonight to enjoy a quintessential Argentinean Tango show and dinner at one of the most traditional cafes in Buenos Aires — Café de los Angelitos (or similar).
Highlights of Mendoza (5 Nights)
Day 3 Mendoza:
Private transfers will take you from the hotel to the Domestic Airport (AEP) this morning. After a brief domestic flight (a $200 airline credit included) from Buenos Aires, touch down in the beautiful city of Mendoza to enjoy a guided, panoramic and walking tour.
*Domestic (Argentina) airfare is non-changeable, nonrefundable. For the domestic flight, one checked luggage (33 pounds) per person plus a carry-on item per person is allowed. If your luggage exceeds 33 pounds, it will be your responsibility to pay the excess baggage fees (e.g., a 50-pound bag will incur a fee of $18 each way).
Mendoza is the capital city of the region, and is surrounded by the largest wine-producing area in Latin America. As one of nine cities worldwide in the network of Great Capitals of Wine, Mendoza offers the perfect destination to enjoy the best Argentinean wine while exploring a few of the hundred wineries and dazzling landscapes of this region.
Enjoy a panoramic tour and see such places as 'La Alameda' (a pedestrian road), the Foundational Area (Pedro del Castillo Square), the Aquarium, the 'Serpentario' (snakes' exhibition), the main avenues downtown, the Independencia Square, the Civic neighborhood and Emilio Civit Avenue, which leads to San Martin Park, one of the most important and impressive green urban areas of the city. At the park, the top of 'Cerro de la Gloria' (Glory's Hill) where we will see a monument to the Liberating Army. Near here, the Amphitheatre Frank Romero Day, where the traditional Harvest Festival is held every year, complements the trip and gives the tourist a general idea of what the capital of Mendoza has to offer.
Your introduction into Mendoza will be a wine-paired lunch at to Zuccardi Winery’s Bodega Santa Julia in Maipu Valley. Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience learning about the #1 Winery in the World, and the soils, the Andes mountains, and their winemaking techniques. Enjoy a custom, regional menu with hand-selected Zuccardi wine pairings.
Following your world-class lunch, depart for luxury accommodations. After checking in, refresh and relax before joining the group for a bespoke, custom-curated dinner with wine pairings with your host.
Day 4 Mendoza:
Venture to the Uco Valley to explore this beautiful region with your Master of Wine. Another hand-curated, exceptional experience awaits (TBD).
Day 5 Mendoza:
Today will be at leisure for you to enjoy the spa and other activities offered by the hotel. Reconnect with the group for a special activity and dinner off property in the Uco Valley this evening.
Day 6 Mendoza:
Visit Susana Balbo Winery — home of the first female eonologist and winemaker in Argentina, the “Queen of Torrontes,” and over 20 wines scoring 90+ points by numerous critics, including renowned Tim Atkins. Your Expert Host’s personal relationship with Susana Balbo will position you for an exclusive, one-of-a-kind opportunity at her vineyard where you will discover Torrontes. Under expert tutelage, enjoy a custom blending experience like no other. Be a winemaker for a day, combining different grapes under her guidance to make your own, unique wine, with your hallmark all over it. This exceptional experience will be followed by a gourmet, six-step paired lunch at Matias Riccitelli Winery, home to numerous 90+ rated wines by Decanter Magazine, Robert Parker, and the like. Return to our accommodations for the balance of your day at leisure.
Day 7 Mendoza:
Our final day will include two of the crown jewels of Mendoza vineyards: Catena Zapata Winery and Casa Vigil El Enemigo — listed as #7 and #24, respectively, in the World’s Best Vineyards.
“You don’t know Argentinian Malbec until you’ve tasted Catena Zapata. Owing to the higher altitudes, theirs is floral, pretty and surprisingly light in colour. The estate also produces excellent Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and a set of indigenous grape varieties, some in a natural style.” World’s Best Vineyards.
The story of Catena is the story of Argentine wine. Founded in 1902, Argentina’s Catena Zapata Winery is renown for its pioneering role in resurrecting Malbec and in discovering extreme high-altitude terroirs in the Andean foothills of Mendoza. The family’s Adrianna Vineyard at almost 5,000 feet elevation has been called the “Grand Cru of South America.” Enjoy visiting the Catena winery and tasting its exceptional wines.
Head to Casa Vigil El Enemigo. El Enemigo is the passion project of two Argentinian friends that has earned a cult following. Alejandro Vigil is a soil expert and celebrated winemaker who for years has headed operations at Bodega Catena Zapata, the estate owned by Adrianna Catena’s father, the legendary Nicolás. El Enemigo – the enemy – was created to produce a wine that would respect history and traditions whilst simultaneously rejecting the status quo. Alejandro is still linked to his commitment to the Catena family and is responsible for the enology of Catena Zapata, as well as winemaker at Casa El Enemigo. He and his wife have opened their home for us to enjoy the wines of El Enemigo with a delicious meal with their wines.
Day 8 Mendoza — Buenos Aires — United States:
Say Adios to Mendoza this morning. Private transfer to the airport in Mendoza for your return flights to Buenos Aires and the United States and completion of this incredible cultural, viticultural and culinary experience with Premier Tours & Travel. Private transfers await in Buenos Aires to the international airport. Return flights to the USA are typically late in the evening.
Optional Pre- and Post-Tour in Buenos Aires
We would be happy to arrange a pre- or post-tour extension in Buenos Aires upon request.
Optional 2-3 Night Extension Post-Tour to Iguazú Falls, Argentina
We would be happy to arrange a post-tour extension to the Iguazu Falls to Awasi Iguazu, a Relais & Chateaux property, upon request.
Became an MW: 2006
Based in: United Kingdom
Nationality: British
Languages: English, French, Spanish
Sarah Jane Evans is an award-winning wine writer and journalist, Co-Chairman of the Decanter World Wine Awards, and a former Chairman of the IMW (2014-16). Winner of the Robert Mondavi Winery Award for the highest overall marks in the Theory exam. As a writer and consultant one of her special interests is Spain and Sherry. She is Chairman of the Gran Orden de Caballeros del Vino. She is a certified Sherry educator; and has received the awards of Dama de Albariño and Dama de Solear. Her books on Spain include 'Seville', and 'The Wines of Northern Spain'. She is currently writing 'The Wines of Central and Southern Spain'. Her other interests include the wines of South and North America; Greece; and the great fortified and sweet wines of the world. She studied Classics, and Social & Political Sciences at Cambridge University. She began her career in book publishing, and today is a Trustee of the André Simon Book Award, and a Series Editor of the Classic Wine Library. She spent a decade as Associate Editor of the BBC's Good Food magazine, and has a strong interest in taste and flavour, and in encouraging consumers to build their own confidence in tasting. She's a Founder Member of the Academy of Chocolate and the author of 'Chocolate Unwrapped'. Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Broderers.
Primary area(s) of work:
Communication
Industry sector(s): Author, Broadcasting, Consultant, Educator, Events, Journalism, Marketing, Wine judge, Wine tourism
Wine styles: Cava, Champagne, English sparkling wines, Fortified wines, Madeira, Natural, Orange wines, Port, Prosecco, Sherry, Sparkling wine, Still red, Still rosé, Still white, Still wines, Sweet wines, VDN
Wine region expertise: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bordeaux, Burgundy, California, Canada, Champagne, Chile, France, Galicia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary Tokaj, Jerez, Lebanon, Loire, Marlborough, Mendoza, Navarra, New Zealand, Penedes, Portugal, Priorat, Ribera del Duero, Rioja, South Africa, South America, Spain, UK, USA, Valencia, Western Cape
Market expertise: Europe, South America, Spain, United Kingdom
Specialisms: Production of fortified wines, Packing and labelling, Branding, Broadcasting, Direct to consumer, Events, Food and wine pairing, History of wine, HORECA, Identifying and meeting consumer demand, Independent retail, Marketing wine, Restaurant wines, Routes to market, Wine tourism, Wine judging
Hosted by
Premier Tours & Travel, Inc.
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