Best of Chile & Argentina - 9 Days

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Chile. When you arrive in Santiago, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Santiago hums with creative energy. Galleries, late-night bars and acclaimed restaurants sit alongside museums and neighbourhoods shaped by diverse cultural influence. It’s no wonder 40 per cent of Chileans call the leafy capital city home. If you arrive early, this city is perfect for strolling and each neighbourhood has a unique flavour and tone. After the meeting tonight, maybe head out for dinner at one of the great local restaurants – your leader will have some suggestions!

After breakfast, discover Santiago’s architecture and urban landscapes with a local guide. Begin in the heart of the city at Cerro Santa Lucia, where Santiago was founded, before passing historic churches, European-inspired neighbourhoods and some of the capital’s most emblematic civic buildings. Along the way, you’ll see the impressive Palacio de La Moneda, wander through the financial district and learn about the events that have shaped modern Chile. Continue to Plaza de Armas, the city’s historic main square, then head to the lively Central Market to taste mote hon huesillo (a traditional non-alcoholic drink made with dried and cooked peaches with a touch of chancaca and spices). Finish the walk in Santiago’s cultural quarter, passing the Fine Arts Museum and a few beautiful parks before returning to your hotel.

This morning, set off from Santiago to the small city of Los Andes to the north, near the Andes Mountains. On the way, you’ll have a winery tour and tasting at Sanchez de Loria Winery in the heart of the Aconcagua Valley. This family-owned estate has been crafting exceptional wines since 1890. Explore its historic vineyards, traditional winery facilities, the family wine cellar and the manor house for a peek into Chile’s rich winemaking heritage. Tonight you’re free to spend some downtime at the hotel or rally your group for dinner and a glass of local wine.

Travel to Mendoza today, crossing the breathtaking Los Caracoles Mountain Pass in the Andes, the famous zigzagging mountain road that connects Chile and Argentina. Along the way, stop at the turquoise Laguna del Inca, explore the iconic natural rock formation of Puente del Inca and take in panoramic views of Aconcagua – the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere at 6962 m (22,841 ft) above sea level. When you arrive in Mendoza, go for a walk with your leader. Check out the city’s tree-lined spaces and get a taste of local life along the bustling street Peatonal Sarmiento. Tonight, you may opt to head out to dinner with your group at a local restaurant.

Today, you’ll explore the Mendoza region, where nearly three-quarters of Argentina’s wine is produced – including the signature Malbec. Sip at the source during tours and tastings at two world-class and innovative wineries. Meet with a local wine expert and learn about the different varieties of grapes and production methods used at each winery, then sample some award-winning vintages. Have lunch at the winery, then visit an olive oil factory where you’ll learn how it’s produced and, of course, taste the best varieties.

Today, fly from the vineyards of Mendoza to the colourful streets of Buenos Aires. When you arrive, you can spend the afternoon soaking up the Argentinean capital’s mix of European and Latin culture on an orientation walk with your leader. In the evening, learn some new moves at a tango class with your group, then have dinner and watch a spectacular live tango show at El Aljibe.

Today, take a ferry across the Rio de la Plata to Colonia del Sacramento. When you arrive, take a walking tour along this UNESCO World Heritage site’s cobblestone streets with your leader. The city was founded in 1680 by the Portuguese and sandwiched in between the Portuguese colony of Brazil and the Spanish vice Royalty of the River Plate (later Argentina, Uruguay and Southern Brazil). If you like, go up to the top of the lighthouse for a great view of the city and river. Sit down to a traditional Uruguayan lunch, then take the ferry back to Buenos Aires.

Start the day exploring the streets of the San Telmo neighbourhood – one of Buenos Aires’ oldest neighbourhoods and an open-air museum where fileteado decorates every corner. This traditional art form, known for its stylised lines and drawings of colourful, climbing flowers, is deeply woven into the porteno (a person from Buenos Aires) identity. Then, visit San Pedro Gonzalez Telmo Church, home to several works by master artist Martiniano Arce, and make your way to the iconic San Telmo Market. After, it’s your chance to get artsy during a fileteado workshop. While enjoying a typical porteno afternoon snack, learn the techniques and secrets of fileteado with a master artist. Create your own piece to take home as a keepsak, then tuck into a traditional asado (barbecue) dinner. Chat with your friendly host about their life here while feasting on meats, provoleta cheese and plenty of local wine.

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you're planning to stay on in Buenos Aires, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise extra accommodation.