Chile and Argentina: Santiago,
Lake District, Buenos Aires

Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport by our local representative who will escort you to your hotel via private coach. We will start our visit of Santiago with a light snack in Providencia, an area popular with Chilean artists, intellectuals. We'll tour Barrio Bellavista and Plaza de Armas, then prepare to be awed by the Museum Chileno de Arte, one of the finest for PreColumbian art in the world. Next, enjoy a seafood lunch, followed by a panoramic view of the city from Cerro San Cristobal, site of the 72-foot Virgin Mary. A welcome dinner is the final touch to the day.

We'll drive south to the paradise that's home to about a dozen of Chile's most important wineries set against the backdrop of the Andes Mountains. A wine guide in the small town of Requinoa explains the culture, people, fruit plantations and wines of the area. In the morning, visit 2 wineries to see the elaborate processes of different wine production followed by tastings. Enjoy lunch at Casa Porta Winery, followed by a wine lesson from a sommelier.

Transfer to nearby Puerto Varas, stopping en route for a walking tour in Angelmo. Then we head to Petrohue bordering Lake Lanquihue. Take in stunning views of Osomo and Calbuco volcanoes, as well as Petrohue Falls in the Vicente Perez Rosales National Park. Board your boat for the trip across Todos Los Santos Lake with even more spectacular views of the mountains. The ecological town of Peulla is the setting for nature lovers to explore for the balance of the day and evening. Stay an extra night if you like, and then continue cruising the next day.

Your coach takes you through the winding roads of the Andes Mountains, at about 3000 feet above sea level, crossing the border. At Puerto Frias board another boat for the cruise across Lake Frias to Puerto Alegre. Upon arrival, visit the refreshing Cantaros Falls, followed by lunch. Back on the lake again, cruise to Puerto Pañuelo where you'll board the coach that takes you into Bariloche, Argentina.

Started by Italian immigrants, the tradition of hand-made chocolates thrives in this beautiful mountain town. From a fairytale atmosphere in some shops to a grandmotherly ambience in others, all the merchants strive for a friendly presentation of their tasty wares. We'll see the whole production process in a factory tour at the chocolate museum. You'll get a sense of chocolate's history dating back to the days when the Mayans and Aztecs used the cocoa beans as currency. You'll be both amused and educated.

We'll take a short flight to the capital city. Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport by our local representative who will escort you to your hotel via private coach. The balance of the day you are free to explore this vibrant city on your own. Buenos Aires has a strong subway system, and taxis are plentiful and cheap, though you may just want to stroll along the pedestrian promenades and discover how easy it is to feel like a local.

Heading through the San Isidro district, we come to Tigre, situated on the delta of the Parana River. The maze of little rivers and isles harbored smugglers until the end of the 19th century when the upper class favored it as a recreation area. We'll sail along the delta, admiring the grand old residences contrasting with their neighboring wooden houses built over piles. Enjoy lunch on the patio at Gato Blanco overlooking the Rio Capitan.

This evening's tango lessons might not turn you into a pro, but you can watch the experienced locals put on a show while you enjoy a sumptuous dinner. Tango's origins trace back to 1880 slums inhabited by Italian and Spanish immigrants, Africans and gauchos. By the 1920's the tango came out of the shadows and into the high-class ballrooms and is still on display today.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home.