Day 1: Friday, Feb 12: Depart North America for Chile

Day 2: Saturday, Feb 13: Arrive in Santiago in the morning
Upon arrival in Santiago this morning, you’ll be greeted at the airport by your local Earthbound Expeditions guide and escorted to your beautiful, centrally located hotel. Spend some time freshening up before meeting your guide and host for a fascinating exploration of the heart of Santiago. Visit Santa Lucia hill, where Pedro de Valdivia founded the city in 1542 and walk to the oldest church in Santiago. See the charming neighborhood known as Paris-Londres and visit the main square, “Plaza de Armas.”   Welcome dinner included this evening. Sleep in Santiago

Day 3: Sunday, Feb 14: Santiago to Santa Cruz
This morning we set out to discover one of South America’s most amazing museums, the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art. Housed in the elegant building of the former Royal Customs House, this is one of Chile’s best museums and offers visitors a rare glimpse into Chile’s pre-Columbian past. We’ll have lunch in the colorful and chaotic Mercado Central, a fun way to see Chile’s agricultural exports displayed. Shoppers always enjoy watching the lively fishmongers gutting and filleting fish and the market displays every kind of fish and shellfish available along the Chilean coast. After lunch, we’ll drive south two hours to the beautiful town of Santa Cruz. Located in the heart of Chile’s premier wine valley, Santa Cruz is the perfect location in which to start our wine adventure of Chile.  Sleep in Santa Cruz

Day 4: Monday, February 15: Great Wine Estates of the Colchagua Valley
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Santa Cruz and then depart for the Viña Santa Laura. While at the estate you’ll enjoy an in depth private tour, tasting and lunch. Return to Santa Cruz in the late afternoon. Sleep in Santa Cruz

Day 5: Tuesday, February 16:  Colonial Haciendas and Great Wine Estates
By private mini coach we set out to discover one of South America’s best preserved colonial estates. The World Heritage Site of the San José del Carmen de El Huique Museum is a time capsule which offers visitors an exceptional look into Spanish colonial life. After the morning museum tour, we discover the wines and history of the Colchagua Valley. We visit Viña Montes, a winery founded by four partners and located in an area known as the “Apalta.” This region is one of the most recognized and respected wine zones in the Colchagua Valley. The Colchagua Valley was one of the main agricultural areas of the country because of big family "haciendas," which were the productive centers of the central region of Chile. Today, remains of these old "patronal" houses can be seen along the roads along which you will travel. Enjoy a winery visit and tasting before lunch, which will be served in a lovely setting overlooking the Colchagua Valley.  We will return to historic Santa Cruz in the late afternoon. Sleep in Santa Cruz

Day 6: Wednesday, February 17:  Into the Andes Mountains
After a hearty Chilean breakfast, we set out to explore the Museo de Colchagua.  This is the largest private museum in Chile and considered by many to have the best collection of Chilean artifacts.  It has a vast, eclectic collection containing pre-Columbian pottery and textiles as well as fossils, artifacts from the conquistadors, wine-making equipment and religious artwork. The museum even contains a room dedicated to huasos (Chilean cowboys). The museum is conveniently attached to the Hotel Santa Cruz Plaza. After lunch, we continue north to our mountain ski resort home in Portillo. Sleep in the shadow of the Andes Mountains in Portillo

Day 7: Thursday, February 18: Cross the Andes to Mendoza, Argentina!
Weather-permitting, we will see the tallest mountain in the Americas. The “Puente del Inka” or “Aconcagua” soars towards the heavens to 23,000 feet. After crossing the Argentine border we reach the town of Mendoza. Located in the heart of Argentina’s premier wine country, Mendoza is a perfectly situated. Full of charming boutiques, cafes and superb restaurants, Mendoza is Chile’s version of Napa Valley. Tonight you sample Argentina’s world-famous grass-fed beef with a fine, locally produced Malbec wine (vegetarian and poultry dishes also available).  Sleep in Mendoza

Day 8: Friday, February 19:  Argentine Culinary Secrets
After breakfast we begin our day with a bit of history of Mendoza. We’ll visit “Pedro de Castillo” Square, the very place where the city was founded, learning more about the history of Mendoza and South America.  In the afternoon, we continue on to visit the Bodega Zuccardi, where our hosts have prepared a very special cooking class followed by a delicious wine pairing lunch. An optional horseback riding trip into the outback with a local gaucho may be arranged for those not wishing to spend a morning in the kitchen. Ask your guide for details. We’ll make our way back to Mendoza for a siesta before dinner (if anyone plans to eat again!)  Sleep in Mendoza

Day 9: Saturday, Feb 20: An outing to the Lujan de Cuyo Valley
Spend a leisurely free morning in a café or strolling the charming streets of Mendoza. Then, enjoy a special late afternoon lunch and wine tasting at the Bodega Norton. This winery was founded in 1895 by the English engineer Mr. Edmund James Norton and is located south of the Mendoza River in the district of Perdriel. In 1989 the winery was bought by the Austrian entrepreneur Gernot Langes Swarovski and today is one of the leading wine producers in Argentina. Sample fine Cabernet Sauvignons, Malbecs, and Merlots. Afterward we’ll visit two wineries: Achaval-Ferrer and Trapiche. Return to Mendoza in the late afternoon.  Sleep in Mendoza

Day 10: Sunday February 21: Buenos Aires &  San Telmo market
This morning we transfer to the Mendoza airport for our morning flight to Buenos Aires. Our first visit in this world-class city is the Sunday market of San Telmo.  This is where you’ll capture a true slice of Buenos Aires life as you stroll past artisan stalls, entertaining street musicians and talented dancers demonstrating the Tango!  Tonight we’ll dine together in the Palermo district. Sleep in Buenos Aires

Day 11: Monday February 22: Buenos Aires
This is our day to discover the history of Buenos Aires. We’ll see the 16th century Plaza de Mayo with the “Casa Rosada” (government house), the Metropolitan Cathedral and the old “Cabildo” (chapter house) which was once the Spanish headquarters for this region of South America. Traveling down the “Avenida de Mayo” we arrive in historic Congreso Square which leads to both National Congress and “Corrientes Avenue,” (also called “the street that never sleeps”).  Near the National Congress is the newly restored opera house known as the Theater Colon and the  “avenue 9 de Julio” (the world’s largest avenue) known affectionately today as “La Boca.”  This is the district of bohemian Italian neighborhoods overflowing with colorful shops and lively cafes. Our journey culminates with a tour of the “Recoleta” and “Palermo” districts, where we’ll learn about the remarkable life story of Evita (Eva Peron). Before returning to the hotel, we’ll stop by the city cemetery to pay our respects to Argentina’s beloved artists and intellectuals.   Rest and relax at the hotel before heading out for dinner and an evening of passionate flamenco.  Sleep in Buenos Aires

Day 12: Tuesday, February 23:  An Excursion to Colonia—Uruguay!
This morning we make our way to the port, where we’ll catch a ferry from Buenos Aires to Colonia, Uruguay. We’ll cross the world’s biggest river the “Rio de la Plata” and in just over an hour we arrive in what is commonly called the “Switzerland of South America:” Uruguay.  Enjoy a private walk through the cobblestone streets of this colonial Portuguese town, after which we’ll have a wine tasting and farewell lunch to toast our wonderful two weeks in South America. After lunch, you’ll have free time to further explore this little gem on your own. In the late afternoon we’ll board our ferry and return to Buenos Aires. Our flight departs for the United States at 11:00pm.

Day 13: Wednesday, February 24: Arrive Home
Our exquisite journey has come to an end. Return home with a lifetime of memories.

Three Night Post Tour Extension to Iguazú Falls
$1,095 Dbl Occup.

$135 single suppl
 
Straddling the border of Argentina and Brazil, the Iguazu Falls stretch close to 2 miles and this adventure provides opportunities to see both the panoramic views and the adrenaline-rushing up-close-and-wet version. Iguazu is a Tupi Indian name meaning 'great waters', and upon seeing this mighty testament of nature you are sure to understand why.

Day 12: Tuesday, February 23: Post Tour Extension Begins
Participants return to Buenos Aires Hotel.  Those returning home to the U.S. board their flight at 11:00 pm tonight. Those staying for the extension may enjoy an evening on their own in the city.  Sleep in Buenos Aires

Day 13: Wednesday, February 24: Post Tour to Iguazú Falls Begins
Transfer to the airport for your flight north to Iguazú Falls. Upon arrival, spend the day relaxing or exploring the surrounding area. Sleep near Iguazú Falls

Days 14: Thursday, February 25: Iguazú Falls
Join a half-day tour of the Brazillian National Park for amazing panoramic views of the falls, stretching almost 3 km long and containing over 270 separate cascades. The green jungle, thousands of butterflies, muggy heat and the roar of the falling water makes this an unforgettable vista. It's possible to take an easy walk into the canyon of the Devil's Throat. Spend the next day hiking the Argentine side of the falls. A train ride, a bridge walk, and a hike to the bottom all offer spectacular up-close views of the falls. There is also the option to take a 4WD to the lower part of the falls. Sleep near Iguazú Falls

Day 15: Friday, February 26: Return flight home
Transfer to airport and fly to Buenos Aires. Return flight to U.S. departs from Buenos Aires at 11:00 pm tonight. Overnight flight to U.S.

Day 16: Saturday, February 27: Arrive home with a lifetime of memories

                                                                                           Buen Viaje!