On a continent so abundant in natural drama and spectacle, the southern landscapes of Argentina and Chile almost defy the imagination. Here we find towering giants of ice and snow, pristine lakes and ice floes that shimmer beneath the southern skies. Giant glaciers calve into the icy waters and the oceans and land swarm with a rich bounty of flora and fauna, from seals and humpbacks, to pumas and condors. The best time to visit Patagonia is between October and April.

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The spectacular Iguassu Falls are located in the north of Argentina and border on both Brazil and Paraguay. The Argentinian side of the falls is where the thundering ‘Devil’s Throat’ can best be viewed, with visitors able to get very close to this amazing sight on an extensive boardwalk.You can go on guided jungle walks, bird-watching trips with a trained ornithologist, or take an adventurous boat safari on the Lower Iguassu River below the falls.You could perhaps also cross to the Brazilian side and take a thrilling helicopter ride to view the falls from the air. A cruise on a catamaran along the Parana River, visiting the native community at Puerto Bertoni, is also available on weekends. For your accommodation on the Argentinian side of the falls,we recommend a stay at first class Sheraton Hotel.

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One of Argentina’s most celebrated steakhouses, La Cabana offers classic styling and the very best in Argentine beef. Re-opened in 2003 by the Orient-Express group, La Cabana recreates the original rustic charm and renowned menus that attracted the likes of Louis Armstrong, the Aga Khan, King Juan Carlos and Fidel Castro through its doors. For aficionados of steak, La Cabana offers the choicest cuts in the world, complimented by a full range of some of the New World’s finest wines.

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The Mare Australis and Via Australis are almost identical modern expedition cruise ships, launched in 2003 and 2005 respectively. They are equipped with state-of-the-art navigation technology, air-conditioning throughout, and meet all international safety standards. Each of the ships 63 outside cabins, have lower beds and private en suite facilities. Meals are taken at one sitting in the Patagonia Dining Room. Lunch and dinner each day are accompanied by fine Chilean wines, and there is an unlimited open bar during the cruise. Informal lectures are given in the evenings. Shore excursions are taken in zodiacs (motorised dinghies), in the company of expert naturalist guides. Rubber boots and waterproof overalls are provided for each passenger. The ships both have a shop, a games room and a small library. Cabins are located on 3 decks: the Magellanes (A) deck; the Tierra del Fuego (AA) deck and the Cabo do Hornos (AAA) deck. Supplements apply for the AA and AAA decks although they are identical in size and facilities to the A cabins. Both ships operate 4 night cruises sailing from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia, and 3 nights sailings in the reverse direction, with all itineraries including a landing (weather permitting) at Cape Horn. Prices for 3 night cruises start from £825 per person twin sharing.

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The city of Mendoza, one of the world’s great wine capitals, with wineries at the foothills of the Andes that include Bodega Catena Zapata, Trapiche and Norton, hosted its first Masters of Food and Wine event in February 2007, based at the Park Hyatt Hotel. The event consisted of a wide variety of gastronomic experiences in intimate settings – most events allowed up to 50 guests only – with opportunities to taste, pair and learn about wine from respected worldwide industry names. The second event will be held in February 2008, and if you would like more information about this then please do not hesitate to contact our sales team.

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The attractions of this remote and windswept South Atlantic outpost,where there are more penguins than people, are many, particularly for those interested in the natural world. The Falklands Islands (also known as the ‘Islas Malvinas’) are made up of two large islands, surrounded by hundreds of smaller ones. The islands are so remote that the animals show little fear of humans, and you can see elephant seals, dolphins,whales, albatrosses and (above all) penguins at close quarters. Sea-lions breed on the beaches and you can take cruises off the coast to see Orca whales. Tourism is still in its infancy, but that is part of the charm, and you will receive a warm welcome from the local Falkland Islands community.

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A two-hour flight away from Buenos Aires, the Valdes Peninsula is located at the northern tip of Patagonia, and is Argentina’s premier wildlife destination. Regular whalewatching cruises from Puerto Piramide take place between late June and December. If you want to see the enormous elephant seals, then Punta Delgada at the southern end of the peninsula is the place, between September and November. This is also the best time of the year to see penguins at Punto Tombo. They breed in September,with the chicks appearing in mid November, and you can see up to 500,000 penguins at the peak of the season. From late November through to March, there are also dolphin-watching cruises from Puerto Rawson, located close to Trelew, the gateway by air to the peninsula.

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Taking place in Mendoza in Argentina over the first weekend in March, the ‘Vendimia’ is the grape harvest festival. Started by immigrant communities in the late 1890s following a harvest that had survived summer hailstorms, this fiesta has developed into one of the biggest events in the calendar and is celebrated with many parades, processions and, firework displays.

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The resort of Bariloche is the gateway to this beautiful region in northern Patagonia. Argentina’s top winter sports destination, it is also a delightful region to visit in the summer (the European winter months).

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One of the most breathtaking sights in Patagonia, a huge river of ice changing colours as in a kaleidoscope under the rays of the sun, with enormous slabs of ice falling from its 300ft facade into the waters of the lake. Nearby you can marvel at the incomparable grandeur of Lago Argentino, an immense blue-grey sheet of serene water considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.

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Built in 1932, the Alvear Palace Hotel is one of the most elegant in the city. Situated in the heart of La Recoleta district, surrounded by excellent restaurants, shops and antique stores, the hotel offers traditional hospitality combined with the most up-to-date facilities. Decorated in Louis XVI and Empire styles, each guest room features personal butler service, fresh fruit basket and flowers and Hermes de Paris toiletries. The hotel comprises 212 rooms offering fine dining and a health club.The Alvear Palace is a member of the 'Leading Hotels of the World' group and has won many awards for its excellence. Conde Nast Traveler has recognised the Alvear Palace as 'Central & South America's Best Hotel'. The hotel's L' Orangerie Restaurant is known as a traditional place to meet in Buenos Aires. Breakfast and a magnificent buffet lunch are served daily. Right next to it, you can find the beautiful Jardin D' Hiver, decorated with gorgeous plants and flowers. It is the ideal place to enjoy the delicacies prepared by the hotel's innovative chefs.

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Estancia Los Potreros is a working cattle farm that has remained in the same Anglo-Argentine family for four generations. 900 metres up in the foothills of the Andes and under 1 hour by road from the city of Cordoba, horse riding is the principal pursuit here and whilst not essential, it is useful to have some riding experience. Other activities include walking and bird watching. Los Potreros is featured in the guidebook, Heaven on Earth: A calendar of divine hotels around the world. The estancia allows you to experience wildlife, scenery and culture at close quarters, whilst not abandoning creature comforts such as good accommodation and great food.

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Hosteria Los Notros is an all-inclusive hotel situated inside the Glaciers National Park, overlooking the Perito Moreno Glacier. Professional and personalised service, spacious and comfortable facilities. The hotel organises spectacular excursions and expeditions.

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The Las Hayas Resort is located very close to the southernmost city in the world, approached by mountainous roads, surrounded by natural beauty and with views over the Beagle Channel. The 102 finely decorated rooms have splendid views over the Bay. The hotel has a choice of restaurants and a swimming pool.

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Located within the Nahuel Huapi National Park, about 45 minutes from Bariloche, in the Argentinian Lake District, the Llao Llao Hotel is surrounded by majestic mountain peaks, lakes, rivers and forests of larch, cypress, coihue and arrayanes. Built in 1940, the hotel is set upon a hilltop with stunning views of the surrounding area. The hotel has 158 rooms and suites which all maintain their traditional style and architectural design. All are equipped with telephone,cable TV, in-room safe and minibar. There are valet and laundry services available. You can enjoy traditional local cuisine - such as Patagonian lamb - at the Cesares Restaurant. For informal dining there is the Cafe Restaurant Patagonia.. Leisure facilities include a spa, swimming pool and an 18-hole golf course. Additional recreation activities can be arranged locally. The hotel is the starting point for the Lakes Crossing to Chile.

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Located in El Chalten, gateway to the spiky peaks of Fitzroy and Torre in Argentinian Patagonia, Los Cerros offers 44 rooms of intimate and relaxed comfort, with large windows affording breathtaking views of the El Chalten landscape and the Rio de las Vueltas. A gourmet restaurant, bar and well stocked wine cellar add to the appeal of a truly special location. Activities available from the hotel include horse riding, trekking, walks on glaciers, sailing and expeditions to ice-fields and to Fitzroy and Torre.

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The Park Hyatt Mendoza, with its beautifully restored 19th-century Spanish colonial facade, is conveniently situated in the main business and banking district in the heart of Mendoza. With a prominent position on the Plaza de la Independencia, the hotel is only 15 minutes from Mendoza's airport and a similar distance from the main Mendoza vineyards. The elegant hotel accommodation features 186 guest rooms and suites decorated with rich ebony woodwork. Park Hyatt Mendoza's speciality restaurant, Bistro 'M', offers regional cuisine and showcases Argentina's finest wine. Leisure facilities include a fully equipped spa and gymnasium, an outdoor pool and a garden sun deck.

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The Sheraton Iguazu Resort & Spa is the only hotel in the Argentinean side of the Iguassu National Park. It is a three-storey building with views of the Iguassu Falls. The hotel features 176 guest rooms and 4 suites, all complete with private balcony, cable television, mini-bar and in-room movies. The rooms have either Jungle Views, or distant views of the Falls. The hotel has several restaurants and bars. It also has an outdoor swimming pool and a new spa overlooking the Falls with fully equipped gym, hi-tech treatments and hot tub

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The Claridge Hotel is located in the midst of the business, banking and entertainment districts of Buenos Aires also close to the main Florida Mall and many of the city’s places of interest. The hotel has 161 rooms all air-conditioned and with private facilities. The hotel has a restaurant and bar. Leisure facilities include a health club, with outdoor swimming pool.

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HIGHLIGHTS OF ARGENTINA

• All flights as shown in economy class
• First class accommodation throughout based on two people sharing a twin room
• Breakfast daily
• Private transfers throughout
• Private sightseeing as shown
• Airport taxes
• Weekly departures on a Thursday from September to April which is the best time to travel (travel is possible at other times but may be disrupted due to weather conditions)
  
  

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  Day 1: Thursday Evening departure by Aerolineas Airlines from London Gatwick to Buenos Aires.
  
  Day 2: Friday On arrival, you will be met and transferred privately to either the Marriott Plaza Hotel (superior) or the Park Central Kempinski Hotel (standard) for 3 nights. Built in 1909 hotel, the 325 room Marriott Plaza Hotel is ideally located near the beautiful Plaza San Martin, just 35 minutes from the airport and is within walking distance of the city's banking, business, shopping and entertainment areas. Amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, and health club. Amongst the bars and restaurants is the Plaza Grill, one of the city’s finest.
  
  Day 3: Saturday Morning tour with private English speaking guide of this elegant and cosmopolitan city where you will see the beautiful parks and gardens of Palermo, the old quarters of San Telmo, the government house, Congress and the Recoleta Cemetery. The afternoon is at leisure.
  
  Day 4: Sunday At leisure. Our local agents will be happy to arrange a number of excursions such as an afternoon visit and boat ride on the Tigre Delta or a boat ride across the River Plate to either Montevideo or Colonia in Uruguay. Alternatively you might wish to take an optional tour into the Pampas, or enjoy a breathtaking Tango show.
  
  Day 5: Monday Private transfer for the morning flight to El Calafate. You will be met and transferred to the Posada Los Alamos for 2 nights. The Posada Los Alamos in Calafate is centrally located. It offers 144 well equipped rooms, a restaurant and bar. Other facilities include a swimming pool and fitness centre.
  
  Day 6: Tuesday Full day visit to the Perito Moreno Glacier, a huge river of ice changing colours as in a kaleidoscope under the rays of the sun, with enormous slabs of ice falling from its 300ft façade into the waters of the lake. Also see the incomparable grandeur of Lago Argentino, an immense blue-grey sheet of serene water considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
  
  Day 7: Wednesday Late morning transfer for the flight from Calafate to Ushuaia. You will be met and transferred privately to Hotel Las Hayas for 2 nights. The Las Hayas Resort is located very close to the southern most city in the world, approached by mountainous roads, surrounded by natural beauty and with views over the Beagle Channel. 102 rooms finely decorated offering splendid views over the Bay. Offering a choice of restaurants and swimming pool.
  
  Day 8: Thursday Morning excursion on the Beagle Channel. You will be transferred to the pier where you board a Catamaran and head off along the Beagle Channel enjoying the breathtaking views of the channel and surrounding mountain ranges. While sailing in the Bay of Ushuaia, see the southernmost city in the world, as well as Mount Olivia, and Estancias Fique and Tunel, Mount Escarpado, then sail past the historical Les Eclaireurs lighthouse at the End of the World. On the way back, pass by the Sea Lions and the Birds' Islands (Imperial and Magellanics Cormorants, Giant Petrels, Skuas, etc.). The Bridges Islands and the Chico Pass will indicate your return to the Bay of Ushuaia.
  
  Day 9: Friday Morning flight to Buenos Aires and onwards to Iguazu, where you will stay at the Sheraton Internacional Hotel for 2 nights. The Sheraton Internacional is the only hotel inside the Argentinean National Park. Some of the rooms have distant views of the Falls and other overlook the jungle. From the hotel it is also possible to walk to view the falls on the Argentinean side to view them at close quarters. The hotel has 177 rooms with balconies and several restaurants and bars.
  
  Day 10: Saturday Morning visit to the Brazilian side of the Iguazu National Park, and continue on foot to visit the Iguazu River Canyon with views across the various falls. Continuing down the pathways you will visit a special viewing area with fantastic panoramic views of the Devils Gorge and surrounding falls. Afternoon free for further exploration.
  
  Day 11: Sunday Afternoon flight to Buenos Aires for an overnight stay at either the Marriott Plaza Hotel (superior) or the Park Central Kempinski Hotel (standard).
  
  Day 12: Monday Afternoon departure by Aerolineas Airlines from Buenos Aires to London Gatwick.
  
  Day 13: Tuesday Arrive in the morning at London Gatwick.
  
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