Buenos Aires to Santiago Wine Tour & Patagonia Lakes

Arrive today in the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires, where tango dancers seem to appear on every street. Check in to your hotel and rest. Then in the evening, head out to a tango dance club for an exciting tango dance show, including a 3-course meal and Argentine wine. What an incredible way to start your trip to South America!

The Buenos Aires city tour in the afternoon visits the barrio of San Telmo, the main residential area in colonial days, to the picturesque district of La Boca, 2 miles south of the main port area, on the west bank of the river Riachuelo. This former port from the turn of the century was settled by many Italians from Genoa who made their homes from corrugated iron sheets, painting them in bright, cheery colors. Along this colorful Caminito Street sit local artists, painting and selling their wares.

In the evening, enjoy a tango dancing lesson in Buenos Aires, the "Tango Capital of the World." Even if you're just a beginner, you'll have fun learning this Argentine dance with professional, helpful dance instructors.

Today, visit an estancia, a ranch where gauchos herd cattle and shear sheep. Enjoy a day in the country, riding in a horse-drawn carriage, lunching on a delicious barbeque asado meal, and seeing how Argentine gauchos work the land.

Each evening from day 1 to 3, continue with tango dancing lessons in Buenos Aires. Soon enough, you'll get the hang of the tango dance. Don your gown and tie your necktie, because it's tango time!

Leave the bustling Buenos Aires to enjoy the peace and quiet of El Tigre Delta, where many elite homes and mansions sit on the edge of the Parana River. Transfer to the north of the city and cruise along the river, admiring the houses and the delta.

Have breakfast at your Buenos Aires hotel, and then transfer to the airport for the flight to San Carlos de Bariloche, situated in the Andes Mountains near the border with Chile. Once you arrive in Bariloche, your guide will greet you and take you to your hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a half-day tour of Nahuel Huapi Lake, the gorgeous lake adjacent to Bariloche. You can view the lake, the city, the forests, and the surrounding snow-capped mountains from Campanario Hill. Take a chairlift ride to the summit and then soak in the breathtaking views.

Today, you get to explore the scenic alpine beauty of the Andes Lakes District near Bariloche. First head to the Tronador Mountain, which boasts 3 peaks: Argentino (11,253 ft/3.410m), International (11,728ft /3.554m) and Chileno (11,319 ft/3.430m). Argentina and Chile share these mountain peaks directly on the border of the two countries. Then cross through lush forests, passing lakes and rivers, until you reach the Alerces Waterfalls.

Return to Bariloche in the evening.

Set out this morning on the Andes lake crossing from Argentina into Chile. The lake crossing consists of a series of catamaran cruises and overland transfers, all within sight of spectacular volcanos, jagged mountains, and crystal clear lakes. Cross Lago Frio, Lago Todos Los Santos, and Lago Llanquihue. Stop along the way for lunch in Puerto Peulla, and to view the Petrohue Falls. Once you arrive in Puerto Varas in Chile, check into the hotel and rest. From the charming town of Puerto Varas, you'll have views of the Volcano Osorno.

After brekfast in Puerto Varas, transfer to the nearby city of Puerto Montt, the capital of Chile's Lake District. Then fly into Santiago de Chile, the vibrant capital city along the central coast. Once in Santiago, a guide will pick you up and take you to your hotel. Rest and relax or wander the streets of this very European-style capital.

After breakfast, your guide will introduce you to this city nestled between mountains: enjoy a city tour visiting both the historic and modern centers of Santiago, as well as a trip to neighboring San Cristobal for a good look at the surrounding area.

In the afternoon, enjoy an excursion to the Concha y Toro Winery, one of the most famous Chilean vineyards around the world. Located in the Maipo River canyon, planted with grapevines of the most noble French stock such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Pinot Noir and others. Founded in 1883 showing today a most modern technology in cooling equipment, stainless steel tanks, filters and oak casks which has lead to the making of exceptional wines.

Visit Valparaiso, the oldest port in Chile and now a city boasting several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The upper and lower parts of the city are connected through 16 funicular railways constructed around the turn of the century. From Valparaiso, continue along the coast to the beautiful beaches of Viña del Mar, the Garden city, named for its many parks and green spaces.

Return to your hotel in the Chilean capital.

After breakfast at your Santiago hotel, transfer to the airport for the return flight to Buenos Aires. If you plan on spending another night in Buenos Aires before you international flight home, you may want to head out to a tango dance club for a final night of dancing. An alternative is to depart from Santiago for home.