Tour the Christmas Markets of Vienna, Salzburg, Munich & Prague
In twenty plus years of guiding tours to Europe I have never known a traveler who would repeat the exact same journey over and over again. That is, until Earthbound Expeditions' Festive Winter Waltz came along. Now in its twelfth year, our Winter Waltz Christmas market tour to Vienna, Salzburg and Prague has stood the test of time. Many alumni have been back three or four times to repeat this trip. And its not uncommon for me to hear Winter Waltz alumni to proclaim that this waltz through Vienna, Salzburg and Prague is their all time favorite trip.
So what makes our Winter Waltz Christmas market tour so irresistible? The festive ambiance of Vienna is classy, friendly and warm. Everywhere you stroll you find locals pouring out into the streets, sipping hot spiced wine and enjoying the company of friends and family. Then you have the music and world class museums. Winter is the perfect time to visit these cities for this very reason. After an hour strolling down the cobbled lanes you can duck inside a church or chamber and attend a fantastic concert, then have lunch in a famous cafe and afterwards visit a top museum which is packed with works by Italian and northern European masters. By nightfall you have experienced more in a day than you would in a week at home!
Earthbound's Festive Winter Waltz also includes the Christmas markets of Salzburg, Prague and a visit to the tiny village of Cesky Krumlov in Bohemia.
Some of the highlights which are included are:
A total of three classical concerts to be performed in Vienna, Salzburg and Prague
Private guided walks in Vienna, Salzburg, Cesky Krumlov and Prague with local experts
Unique dining experiences in some of Europe’s most charming cafes, wine cellars and restaurants
Vienna's Fine Art Museum
The Collection of Ancient Musical Instruments
The Hapsburg’s 18th century Schonbrunn palace
An insiders tour of Mozart’s & Beethoven’s residences in Salzburg and Vienna
The colorful baroque monastery of Melk
An abundance of colorful Christmas markets
Vyšehrad cemetery (final resting place of Czech composers, Dvorak & Smetana)
An in-depth look into the history of Prague's Jewish Quarter
Prague’s major symphony halls and opera houses
A small, fun group of soon-to-be-friends.
In 2009, Earthbound Expeditions will again be teaming up with Seattle's classical music station, KING FM 98.1, and to learn more about its Christmas Market Tour to Vienna, Salzburg and Prague visit: www.EarthboundExpeditions.com
Archive for May of 2009
Tour the Christmas Markets of Vienna, Salzburg, Munich & Prague
May 20, 2009Cape Town: My Kind of Town
May 20, 2009
Cape Town easily ranks as one of my favorite world cities (not just in Africa, but on the planet). In fact, I would put it right up there with Paris, Vancouver, Rome, Vienna, Prague or Sevilla. It's sophisticated, friendly, has perfect beaches and lush vineyards. If that is not enough, within an hour drive from Cape Town you find charming Dutch 17th century colonial towns, the Cape of Good Hope and stunning Table Mountain. At Cape Point two great oceans meet and penguins bask in the African sun. And best of all, it is relatively inexpensive.
If you are traveling to Cape Town I would spend no less than three days and five days if you can afford the time. While there I would take the ferry to Robben Island, walk the wharf, hop on a gondola to the top of Table Mountain, visit Stellenbosch (the Dutch Colonial village) and of course the Cape of Good Hope. Garden lovers will think they have gone to heaven when they visit the impressive Kirstenbosch botanical garden.
Getting to Cape Town:
Cape Town is a two hour flight south of Johannesburg. South African Airlines offers direct flights from New York and Washington DC. Another good option is to fly to Paris, Frankfurt, or Amsterdam and then on to South Africa.
Earthbound Expeditions offers year around adventures to Cape Town for just $3995- including air from any city in north America.
For more information visit www.EarthboundExpeditions.com
If you are traveling to Cape Town I would spend no less than three days and five days if you can afford the time. While there I would take the ferry to Robben Island, walk the wharf, hop on a gondola to the top of Table Mountain, visit Stellenbosch (the Dutch Colonial village) and of course the Cape of Good Hope. Garden lovers will think they have gone to heaven when they visit the impressive Kirstenbosch botanical garden.
Getting to Cape Town:
Cape Town is a two hour flight south of Johannesburg. South African Airlines offers direct flights from New York and Washington DC. Another good option is to fly to Paris, Frankfurt, or Amsterdam and then on to South Africa.
Earthbound Expeditions offers year around adventures to Cape Town for just $3995- including air from any city in north America.
For more information visit www.EarthboundExpeditions.com
Blue Ribbon Cooking School Culinary & Wine tour to Argentina & Chile
May 14, 2009
Join Earthbound Expeditions and the Blue Ribbon Cooking School of Seattle on a culinary and wine journey to Chile and Argentina.
If you're ready to linger over long lunches and taste award-winning wines, this wine tour to Argentina and Chile is for you.
Starting out in Buenos Aires, you'll tour this gorgeous Euro-style capital with a knowledgeable local guide and be treated to a feast of the senses, including a tango performance. In Chile, you'll taste the fruit of Chilean vintners and know their reputations are well-deserved.
In both countries, you'll taste delicious, local specialties and learn how to make them. If you're looking for a feast for the senses, join the Blue Ribbon Cooking School of Seattle and Earthbound Expeditions for a wonderful culinary and wine tour to Argentina and Chile.
For more information, visit www.earthboundexpeditions.com
Hasta luego!
If you're ready to linger over long lunches and taste award-winning wines, this wine tour to Argentina and Chile is for you.
Starting out in Buenos Aires, you'll tour this gorgeous Euro-style capital with a knowledgeable local guide and be treated to a feast of the senses, including a tango performance. In Chile, you'll taste the fruit of Chilean vintners and know their reputations are well-deserved.
In both countries, you'll taste delicious, local specialties and learn how to make them. If you're looking for a feast for the senses, join the Blue Ribbon Cooking School of Seattle and Earthbound Expeditions for a wonderful culinary and wine tour to Argentina and Chile.
For more information, visit www.earthboundexpeditions.com
Hasta luego!
What's Cooking? Italian Cooking Classes in Sicily
May 13, 2009
Do you like your pasta al dente? Fine Italian wines? Delicious, sun-ripened tomatoes? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, we’ve got a trip planned for you.
Every year, chef Iole Aguero (Sur La Table, Blue Ribbon Cooking School and featured in Northwest Palate, Seattle Times Pacific Magazine and Seattle Magazine) gathers a group of fun-loving foodies together to travel with Earthbound Expeditions to a region of Italy. Alternating Central Italy’s Tuscan and Umbrian hill towns with Southern Italy and Sicily, she covers the culinary map of Italy.
Imagine attending olive oil tastings, sampling balsamic vinegars of varying ages, cheese-tastings, wine cellar tours and tastings—all with the producers. You are also treated to Italian cooking classes where you learn how to cook, then get to sample the fresh and delicious specialties of Italy.
Italian cooking classes not for you? Non-cooking friends or spouses accompanying the chefs-in-training LOVE these journeys because there are plenty of options available for every taste. Plunk yourself down in a café and do some unparalleled people-watching, visit a museum, go to the beach, take a nap! Our hotels are centrally located, so the sights are just a stroll away.
If you’re ready to finally plan that trip to Italy and would like to combine your love of cooking with your travel—sign up for a festive Italian Cooking Class tour with Earthbound Expeditions. Visit www.EarthboundExpeditions.com
Every year, chef Iole Aguero (Sur La Table, Blue Ribbon Cooking School and featured in Northwest Palate, Seattle Times Pacific Magazine and Seattle Magazine) gathers a group of fun-loving foodies together to travel with Earthbound Expeditions to a region of Italy. Alternating Central Italy’s Tuscan and Umbrian hill towns with Southern Italy and Sicily, she covers the culinary map of Italy.
Imagine attending olive oil tastings, sampling balsamic vinegars of varying ages, cheese-tastings, wine cellar tours and tastings—all with the producers. You are also treated to Italian cooking classes where you learn how to cook, then get to sample the fresh and delicious specialties of Italy.
Italian cooking classes not for you? Non-cooking friends or spouses accompanying the chefs-in-training LOVE these journeys because there are plenty of options available for every taste. Plunk yourself down in a café and do some unparalleled people-watching, visit a museum, go to the beach, take a nap! Our hotels are centrally located, so the sights are just a stroll away.
If you’re ready to finally plan that trip to Italy and would like to combine your love of cooking with your travel—sign up for a festive Italian Cooking Class tour with Earthbound Expeditions. Visit www.EarthboundExpeditions.com
Wine Tour to Argentina and Chile
May 13, 2009
Earthbound Expeditions is proud to announce a new wine tour to Argentina and Chile. Participants will visit some of the most amazing vineyards in Mendoza (Argentina) and Santa Cruz (Chile). This special wine tour will include two nights in Buenos Aires, three nights in Mendoza, two nights in Santa Cruz and will culminate with a three night stay in Santiago.
Besides sampling fantastic wines, guests will also be treated to outings to colorful markets, world class museum tours, a cooking class, a passionate tango performance and will cross the Andes from Argentina into Chile at sunrise.
To learn more about this special wine tour to Argentina and Chile visit Earthbound Expeditions
Besides sampling fantastic wines, guests will also be treated to outings to colorful markets, world class museum tours, a cooking class, a passionate tango performance and will cross the Andes from Argentina into Chile at sunrise.
To learn more about this special wine tour to Argentina and Chile visit Earthbound Expeditions
Happy Birthday Chopin
May 13, 2009
For lovers of Chopin, Earthbound Expeditions has created a very special, one-of-kind tour to Poland in 2010 to celebrate Chopin's 200th birthday. With a small group of classical music lovers, we'll explore Chopin's home town, the university where he was a student and also attend a concert in his honor.
After three nights in Warsaw we'll drive five hours south to the cultural capital of Poland, Krakow! For three nights tour participants will soak up the rich culture of Krakow before heading westward to the home country of Dvorak and Smetana. Spring participants will be treated to the Prague Spring International Music Festival.
A post-tour journey to Dresden and Berlin is also planned. Guests will enjoy concerts highlighting the works of Wagner and Bach.
Don't miss out. Reserve your space today at Earthbound Expedition.
Happy birthday Chopin!
After three nights in Warsaw we'll drive five hours south to the cultural capital of Poland, Krakow! For three nights tour participants will soak up the rich culture of Krakow before heading westward to the home country of Dvorak and Smetana. Spring participants will be treated to the Prague Spring International Music Festival.
A post-tour journey to Dresden and Berlin is also planned. Guests will enjoy concerts highlighting the works of Wagner and Bach.
Don't miss out. Reserve your space today at Earthbound Expedition.
Happy birthday Chopin!
Family Trips to Costa Rica
May 12, 2009
Lots of families are looking for fun ways to spend their family reunions and one great way to do this is a family trip to Costa Rica. The owners of Earthbound Expeditions recently did a family trip, joining 3 additional families for a rollicking trip to Central America. There were kids ranging from 5 years old to 12 and they all had the time of their lives.
Costa Rica is the perfect destination for families: there’s an abundance of wildlife: monkeys swinging through trees, iguanas scrabbling on your cabina roof and an array of birds everywhere singing your name. A great thing to do with the kids is to teach them the various calls of the birds. They’ll be naming them for you by the end of the trip!
The options are endless: in the cloud forest of Monteverde, you can walk on bridges suspended in the mist of the forest canopy: looking down at fern trees and giant palms. It feels prehistoric: and indeed it is. Those looking for more action may want to fly through the forest by zip line, also available in Monteverde.
On your family trip to Costa Rica, you can visit butterfly farms, wild animal preserves, horse ranches, orchid gardens and go river rafting, all in a country the size of West Virginia!
If you feel overwhelmed by the idea of planning everything out, let Earthbound Expeditions plan your family trip to Costa Rica for you! We’ll create your itinerary to hand out to the group AND if you have a group of 10 or more leaving from the same city, Earthbound can even help you arrange group air fare.
No matter your budget or other needs, Earthbound Expeditions specializes in customizing trips to destinations around the world. Check out our website (www.earthboundexpeditions.com) for the many places we’re traveling in 2009, at affordable rates. Costa Rica is a great choice for a group (and individuals!), because it’s easy to keep expenses at a minimum.
Call us at 1-800-723-8454 or send us a message online: info@EarthboundExpeditions.com. We’re ready now to plan your future family trip to Costa Rica!
Costa Rica is the perfect destination for families: there’s an abundance of wildlife: monkeys swinging through trees, iguanas scrabbling on your cabina roof and an array of birds everywhere singing your name. A great thing to do with the kids is to teach them the various calls of the birds. They’ll be naming them for you by the end of the trip!
The options are endless: in the cloud forest of Monteverde, you can walk on bridges suspended in the mist of the forest canopy: looking down at fern trees and giant palms. It feels prehistoric: and indeed it is. Those looking for more action may want to fly through the forest by zip line, also available in Monteverde.
On your family trip to Costa Rica, you can visit butterfly farms, wild animal preserves, horse ranches, orchid gardens and go river rafting, all in a country the size of West Virginia!
If you feel overwhelmed by the idea of planning everything out, let Earthbound Expeditions plan your family trip to Costa Rica for you! We’ll create your itinerary to hand out to the group AND if you have a group of 10 or more leaving from the same city, Earthbound can even help you arrange group air fare.
No matter your budget or other needs, Earthbound Expeditions specializes in customizing trips to destinations around the world. Check out our website (www.earthboundexpeditions.com) for the many places we’re traveling in 2009, at affordable rates. Costa Rica is a great choice for a group (and individuals!), because it’s easy to keep expenses at a minimum.
Call us at 1-800-723-8454 or send us a message online: info@EarthboundExpeditions.com. We’re ready now to plan your future family trip to Costa Rica!
It Takes Two to Tango: South to Chile and Argentina!
May 08, 2009
It Takes Two to Tango: South to Chile and Argentina!
I'll soon be flying off to Chile and Argentina to put the final touches on our 2010 expeditions to South America. On this journey you'll be tasting velvety smooth wines, see gauchos in action on local Estancias (ranches), experience charming colonial towns and discover the towering Andes Mountains at sunrise. I'll be posting photos to Earthbound's website, so log on to travel vicariously through me. For more details about this journey, visit our website: 2009 and 2010 dates are often updated.
You can learn more about this trip by going to www.EarthboundExpeditions.com
I'll soon be flying off to Chile and Argentina to put the final touches on our 2010 expeditions to South America. On this journey you'll be tasting velvety smooth wines, see gauchos in action on local Estancias (ranches), experience charming colonial towns and discover the towering Andes Mountains at sunrise. I'll be posting photos to Earthbound's website, so log on to travel vicariously through me. For more details about this journey, visit our website: 2009 and 2010 dates are often updated.
You can learn more about this trip by going to www.EarthboundExpeditions.com
Earthbound Expeditions 2010 Adventures
May 08, 2009
In the Works for 2010
1) Great wine estates of Chile and Argentina
2) Peru and Ecuador: In pursuit of Incan Treasures
3) The Passion Play of Bavaria 2010
4) Israel: In search of the Dead Sea Scrolls
5) Celebrate Chopin's Birthday in Poland and experience a Prague Spring in the Czech Republic and Germany
Learn more at www.EarthboundExpeditions.com
1) Great wine estates of Chile and Argentina
2) Peru and Ecuador: In pursuit of Incan Treasures
3) The Passion Play of Bavaria 2010
4) Israel: In search of the Dead Sea Scrolls
5) Celebrate Chopin's Birthday in Poland and experience a Prague Spring in the Czech Republic and Germany
Learn more at www.EarthboundExpeditions.com
Kiva Micro Lending
May 08, 2009
Kiva Micro-Lending: I'm Sold
I admit I was a bit of a skeptic, but I have now tested Kiva micro-lending and the results are in. Kiva allows you to lend to a specific entrepreneur in the developing world, empowering them to lift themselves out of poverty. Judging from my experience, they deliver on their promise. As a test, I lent $50 to three different struggling entrepreneurs in three different corners of our globe in January. Repayments on these loans are already coming in. The hardest thing about visiting the Kiva web site is deciding to whom to give the money. Initially I intended to make just one loan, but signed off Kiva's website with three small loans made. I found myself wanting to make a loan to everyone! If you have a moment, have a look at Kiva's web site, but a word of caution, you might find yourself making multiple loans. www.kiva.org/
I admit I was a bit of a skeptic, but I have now tested Kiva micro-lending and the results are in. Kiva allows you to lend to a specific entrepreneur in the developing world, empowering them to lift themselves out of poverty. Judging from my experience, they deliver on their promise. As a test, I lent $50 to three different struggling entrepreneurs in three different corners of our globe in January. Repayments on these loans are already coming in. The hardest thing about visiting the Kiva web site is deciding to whom to give the money. Initially I intended to make just one loan, but signed off Kiva's website with three small loans made. I found myself wanting to make a loan to everyone! If you have a moment, have a look at Kiva's web site, but a word of caution, you might find yourself making multiple loans. www.kiva.org/
Travel Carbon Neutral with Earthbound
May 08, 2009
Travel Carbon Neutral with Earthbound
Earthbounders will travel carbon neutral in 2009 through Earthbound's partnership with the Carbonfund. Here's how it works: the Carbonfund has calculated your carbon footprint based upon the specific Earthbound trip you are taking. Travel with Earthbound and we'll make a donation to the Carbonfund on your behalf. The Carbonfund in turn invests in renewable energy sources and plants trees in order to absorb carbon. At this time there is no way to travel anywhere completely carbon-free, but this is an important step in assisting mother nature to help keep global warming to a minimum. To learn more visit our home page at www.EarthboundExpeditions.com
Earthbounders will travel carbon neutral in 2009 through Earthbound's partnership with the Carbonfund. Here's how it works: the Carbonfund has calculated your carbon footprint based upon the specific Earthbound trip you are taking. Travel with Earthbound and we'll make a donation to the Carbonfund on your behalf. The Carbonfund in turn invests in renewable energy sources and plants trees in order to absorb carbon. At this time there is no way to travel anywhere completely carbon-free, but this is an important step in assisting mother nature to help keep global warming to a minimum. To learn more visit our home page at www.EarthboundExpeditions.com
International Airfare at Rock Bottom Prices
May 08, 2009
International Airfare at Rock Bottom Prices
We haven't seen such low airfare in years! Now's the time to hop on a plane and zoom around the planet. Looking for the best air ticket can be challenging. I prefer Sidestep.com to all other search engines, but here's a tip: you won't always find the exact same deals on each search engine. When looking for airfares, try both www.Sidestep.com and www.kayak.com. If you are simply looking for the lowest fare, you have to be fairly flexible. Sometimes mid-week flights or off-season dates are cheaper. To learn more visit us at www.EarthboundExpeditions.com
We haven't seen such low airfare in years! Now's the time to hop on a plane and zoom around the planet. Looking for the best air ticket can be challenging. I prefer Sidestep.com to all other search engines, but here's a tip: you won't always find the exact same deals on each search engine. When looking for airfares, try both www.Sidestep.com and www.kayak.com. If you are simply looking for the lowest fare, you have to be fairly flexible. Sometimes mid-week flights or off-season dates are cheaper. To learn more visit us at www.EarthboundExpeditions.com
2009 Journeys Selling Fast
May 08, 2009
Quick update to all Earthbounders...
2009 Journeys Filling Fast
Island Hopping in Greece is popular this year and filling quickly! Come experience the best of Greece with us. From $3375 Journey dates: September 18-30
Croatia Expedition: From the Alps to the Adriatic, discover the best of Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro and Bosnia. I'm planning to guide this historic journey and would love to have you along. From $3159 Journey dates: September 22- October 5
Wines of Piedmont and Stunning Lake Como: Travel with Esquin Wine Merchants and wine Sommelier Arnie Millan and become an insider in Italy's most prestigious wine region.
From $2950 Journey dates: September 6-13
Spain and Morocco: From artsy Barcelona to enchanting Sevilla via romantic Granada and historic Fez. From $3795 Journey dates: September 27- October 10
A Festive Winter Waltz: Join us for our 12th annual Christmas market journey to Vienna, Salzburg and Prague. Waltz your way through Europe this December and enjoy multiple classical concerts! From $2595 Journey dates: December 2-12 (Plus group air option on Lufthansa from $590)
Winter Waltz with a French Twist: Munich, Innsbruck, Lucerne and Strasbourg decorated for the holidays. Guided by yours truly. Hope you will join me for a holiday trip that will leave you with a lifetime of happy memories. From $2595 Journey dates: December 1-11 (+ Group air option on Air France from $435)
Germany with Gabriel Fawcett: Join historian Gabriel Fawcett for an amazing journey through Munich, Leipzig, Nuremburg and Berlin! From $2695 Journey dates: December 1-10
2009 Journeys Filling Fast
Island Hopping in Greece is popular this year and filling quickly! Come experience the best of Greece with us. From $3375 Journey dates: September 18-30
Croatia Expedition: From the Alps to the Adriatic, discover the best of Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro and Bosnia. I'm planning to guide this historic journey and would love to have you along. From $3159 Journey dates: September 22- October 5
Wines of Piedmont and Stunning Lake Como: Travel with Esquin Wine Merchants and wine Sommelier Arnie Millan and become an insider in Italy's most prestigious wine region.
From $2950 Journey dates: September 6-13
Spain and Morocco: From artsy Barcelona to enchanting Sevilla via romantic Granada and historic Fez. From $3795 Journey dates: September 27- October 10
A Festive Winter Waltz: Join us for our 12th annual Christmas market journey to Vienna, Salzburg and Prague. Waltz your way through Europe this December and enjoy multiple classical concerts! From $2595 Journey dates: December 2-12 (Plus group air option on Lufthansa from $590)
Winter Waltz with a French Twist: Munich, Innsbruck, Lucerne and Strasbourg decorated for the holidays. Guided by yours truly. Hope you will join me for a holiday trip that will leave you with a lifetime of happy memories. From $2595 Journey dates: December 1-11 (+ Group air option on Air France from $435)
Germany with Gabriel Fawcett: Join historian Gabriel Fawcett for an amazing journey through Munich, Leipzig, Nuremburg and Berlin! From $2695 Journey dates: December 1-10
Wine, History and Food of Chile and Argentina with Earthbound
May 03, 2009
Blue Ribbon Cooking School: It Takes Two to Tango: Chile and Argentina
Lush jungles, lost Incan empires, aromatic coffee and passionate Tango performances may all spring to mind when you think of South America. Without a doubt, the image you have of South America is based on some degree of reality and fact. However, travel there and you’ll find that these clichés quickly evaporate.
Starting at the border of Panama and ending at the Tierra del Fuego in Argentina, the continent of South America has so much to offer the intrepid traveler that earthbound has decided to create an all new travel program to this hot destination. In 2010 a small group of Earthbounders will set out to explore and discover the wines, cuisine, culture and history of both Chile and Argentina.
The journey is set to begin in Argentina’s colorful capital city, Buenos Aires. Along with an informative Earthbound guide, we’ll explore the city’s markets, museums and neighborhoods and take in a sizzling tango performance.
After several nights in Buenos Aires, you’ll fly west to the colonial city of Mendoza. Chances are, you probably have never heard of the place, unless you are a wine enthusiast. My guess is that after spending three nights in this beautiful oasis, you'll understand why National Geographic listed Mendoza as one the top 10 historic destinations in the world.
Two of the main industries of the Mendoza area are wine making and olive oil production. Our plan is to discover as many fine wines as we can in three days. Enjoy incredible views of the towering Andes Mountains as we drive south fifty miles to the world renowned Uco Valley. Incredibly, all vines in this region are located in the Alto Valle de Uco between 4,000 to 5,500 feet. The result is that several microclimates have been created, which in turn produce outstanding quality wines. In Mendoza Earthbounders will also enjoy an authentic Argentinian cooking class and private tours of the city’s most important monuments.
Then, after three glorious nights in Mendoza, at sunrise we’ll set out for Chile and will cross the Andes beneath the America’s highest peak, Mount Aconcagua.
Our days in Chile will be spent leaning about Chilean history and culture and of course… wine.
Expedition Highlights include
Numerous private wine tastings with local producers
Privately guided tours of each town and city visited
A passionate Tango performance
Excursions to local markets
A cooking class highlighting local dishes
A wine pairing dinner in Mendoza
Backstage tour of the newly restored Buenos Aires Opera House
Sunrise alpine crossing into Chile
A small group of fellow wine, food and travel enthusiasts.
Food and wine lovers will love our all new journey with Seattle’s very own Blue Ribbon Cooking School. Departing in March of 2010, this journey will focus on the food and wine.
To learn more or to make your culinary escape to South America visit: www.earthboundExpeditions.com
Lush jungles, lost Incan empires, aromatic coffee and passionate Tango performances may all spring to mind when you think of South America. Without a doubt, the image you have of South America is based on some degree of reality and fact. However, travel there and you’ll find that these clichés quickly evaporate.
Starting at the border of Panama and ending at the Tierra del Fuego in Argentina, the continent of South America has so much to offer the intrepid traveler that earthbound has decided to create an all new travel program to this hot destination. In 2010 a small group of Earthbounders will set out to explore and discover the wines, cuisine, culture and history of both Chile and Argentina.
The journey is set to begin in Argentina’s colorful capital city, Buenos Aires. Along with an informative Earthbound guide, we’ll explore the city’s markets, museums and neighborhoods and take in a sizzling tango performance.
After several nights in Buenos Aires, you’ll fly west to the colonial city of Mendoza. Chances are, you probably have never heard of the place, unless you are a wine enthusiast. My guess is that after spending three nights in this beautiful oasis, you'll understand why National Geographic listed Mendoza as one the top 10 historic destinations in the world.
Two of the main industries of the Mendoza area are wine making and olive oil production. Our plan is to discover as many fine wines as we can in three days. Enjoy incredible views of the towering Andes Mountains as we drive south fifty miles to the world renowned Uco Valley. Incredibly, all vines in this region are located in the Alto Valle de Uco between 4,000 to 5,500 feet. The result is that several microclimates have been created, which in turn produce outstanding quality wines. In Mendoza Earthbounders will also enjoy an authentic Argentinian cooking class and private tours of the city’s most important monuments.
Then, after three glorious nights in Mendoza, at sunrise we’ll set out for Chile and will cross the Andes beneath the America’s highest peak, Mount Aconcagua.
Our days in Chile will be spent leaning about Chilean history and culture and of course… wine.
Expedition Highlights include
Numerous private wine tastings with local producers
Privately guided tours of each town and city visited
A passionate Tango performance
Excursions to local markets
A cooking class highlighting local dishes
A wine pairing dinner in Mendoza
Backstage tour of the newly restored Buenos Aires Opera House
Sunrise alpine crossing into Chile
A small group of fellow wine, food and travel enthusiasts.
Food and wine lovers will love our all new journey with Seattle’s very own Blue Ribbon Cooking School. Departing in March of 2010, this journey will focus on the food and wine.
To learn more or to make your culinary escape to South America visit: www.earthboundExpeditions.com