Luxury Argentina Explorer
Argentina is famous for many things: polo, steak, tango, but its landscapes and characterful boutique hotels are also a tantalising draw. Staying in luxurious accommodation throughout, this 14-day grand tour takes in the elegant capital of Buenos Aires, the pampas and polo grounds of a family-run estancia, the alpine scenery and lakes of Bariloche and the glaciers and wide open spaces of Los Glaciares National Park. Sampling traditional cuisine throughout – including the country’s finest wines – this is an adventure to remember in the most spoiling comfort.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore the elegant, colourful streets of Buenos Aires
- Stay on a traditional estancia and learn the sport of polo
- Discover the alpine landscapes of beautiful Bariloche
- Experience nature at its most wild in Los Glaciares National Park
- Enjoy the luxury surroundings of specially-selected, characterful hotels throughout
ITINERARY
Day 1 – Arrive in Argentina
Fly to Argentina and land in the capital city, Buenos Aires. On arrival you will be driven to your hotel in the city where you will spend the next three nights, the Hotel Mio. In this eclectic hotel the furnishings are fashioned from wine barrels, and the location is second to none – in the downtown Recoleta district, within walking distance from the city sights.
Days 2-3 – Explore Buenos Aires
You’ll have two days to explore Buenos Aires, starting with a half-day city tour of all the major sights. Your expert guide will lead you on a whirlwind tour of the big, bold, cosmopolitan city, including the central Plaza Mayor with its balconied presidential palace, Teatro Colon, Recoleta Cemetery and the colourful barrios where tango is still danced on street corners. The second day in the city is yours to spend as you please – perhaps catch a tango show or visit one of the city’s famous tea shops.
Day 4 – Fly to Cordoba
You’ll be driven to the airport for your flight to Cordoba, famous for its Spanish colonial architecture. From here you’ll be driven to Estancia El Colibri, where you’ll spend the next three nights. The family-run ranch is set in the stunning countryside of Cordoba, with extensive equestrian facilities so you can learn to play polo, enjoy the warm hospitality and indulge in Argentina’s most famous cuisine, cooked on a traditional asado.
Days 5-6 – Discover the wilderness area of El Colibri
Spend time relaxing in the sumptuous surroundings of El Colibri, where you can indulge glamorous, high-octane polo-playing fantasies or try relaxing horseback rides through the countryside. As well as the equestrian facilities on offer, there are a number of activities on the ranch itself, including bird watching, learning on the farm, mountain biking and trekking. The estancia has a renowned culinary offering, with experienced wine experts and vegetable gardeners who can teach you about Argentine gastronomy.
Day 7 – Fly to Bariloche
You will be taken back to Cordoba Airport for your short domestic flight to Bariloche, gateway to Argentina’s beautiful Lake District. You’ll be taken to the Hotel Llao Llao, where you’ll spend the next three nights. Resembling an alpine lodge, this quirky property is set between two lakes and is overlooked by snow-capped peaks, and has access to golfing, watersports and some of Argentina’s best skiing.
Days 8-9 – Spend time in the Lake District
Your day in the Lake District can be spent in many ways: relaxing in your hotel and enjoying the facilities, exploring the forest on walking trails, learning about the wetlands, riding horses through the countryside or taking boat trips across the lakes.
Day 10 – Fly to El Calafate
You’ll be taken to the airport near Bariloche for your short internal flight to El Calafate. On arrival you will be taken to Hotel Eolo where you’ll spend the next three nights. The hotel itself is calm and understated, letting its 10,000-acre surroundings do the talking. Explore the stunning natural wonders, fascinating culture and unique experiences on offer; from horse riding to hiking, birdwatching to zip-lining, each of the activities is accompanied by a knowledgeable guide. The hotel is on the cusp of Los Glaciares National Park, so it’s an ideal base for exploring.
Days 11-12 – Experience Los Glaciares National Park
Spend two days at Eolo in the wilds of the Patagonian steppe, exploring the area with one of the hotel’s extremely knowledgeable guides. The national park offers 1,500,000 acres to uncover, including 250 glaciers, such as Perito Moreno – you can even trek on the surface of the glacier. The hotel will be able to arrange any number of excursions to fill your days.
Day 13 – Fly to Buenos Aires
You will be driven back to El Calafate Airport where you will board your flight to Buenos Aires. Stay overnight in a hotel near the city.
Day 14 – Return flight
Head to Buenos Aires International Airport where you’ll board your flight back to the UK.
For more information please contact us directly for a tailor-made travel quote.