Chile is recognized internationally for its distinguished wines, and neighboring Argentina is quickly becoming a world-wide favorite for wine connoisseurs. This tour is all about wine and tasting the region's best. Your days are spent exploring the cellars and vineyards of wineries in the Maipo, Colchagua, Rosario and Mendoza Valleys. Sample the local flavors and aromas, and enjoy the spectacular beauty of the Central Andes and Pacific coastline. In the evenings, continue your experience of culture and history as you are invited to relax in comfort in boutique hotels, once historic homes and estates. An expert guide, specializing in the production and distribution of wine, will lead you through some of the most celebrated vineyards, as well as region's best kept secrets.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Wake up early to the beauty of Chile. This morning meet your driver at your Santiago hotel and transfer into the beautiful Maipo Valley -- on your way visit the Almaviva winery for your first taste of local wines. Next, explore Concha y Toro, Chile's largest winery. Concha y Toro is known for its colonial architecture and iconic wine, Don Melchor. It is also home to the legend of Casillero del Diablo (Cellar of the Devil). Enjoy a bit of local forklore as you listen to the legendary tale. After lunch at Villa Virginiaa, travel to Santa Cruz. Arrive in this lovely city with plenty of time to enjoy dinner and the welcoming atmosphere of the region. Overnight in Santa Cruz.
After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, begin the morning with a trip to the Emiliana Organic Winery for wine tasting and a lesson on the philosophy behind biodynamic and organic agriculture. Visit the cellars and sample the distinctive flavor of Emiliana Organic wines. The day continues with a visit to Viu Manent. This third-generation winery is celebrated for its malbec. A horse-drawn pull cart allows an intimate look at the vineyard and the beautiful surrounding valley. After lunch we travel to Casa Lapostolle vineyard. Enjoy a glass of Clos Apalta while wandering through the winery's impressive architecture. A late-afternoon drive takes you to the coastal city, Valparaiso. Recently named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, unique Valparaiso is one of Latin America's best kept secrets.
The morning begins with a visit to the Matetic winery. Matetic was built specifically to complement the beauty of surrounding Rosario Valley. A tasting follows a tour of the winery. Casa Marin is the next stop. The winery produces superior white wines, and is located near the lovely Pacific coastline. A satisfying lunch in Isla Negra is followed with a visit to the museum of Nobel Prize winning poet, Pablo Neruda. Once the poet's home, the museum echoes Neruda's eccentric and creative style. The evening is spent back in Valparaiso. Wander the colorful streets, and take in the panoramic views of the harbor from the hillside.
Today takes you across the border and into Mendoza, Argentina. The Mendoza region produces nearly 70% of the country's wine. Prolific and beautiful, the Central Andes command the horizon and provide this region with an unforgettable landscape. Mendoza is roughly 450 km away (280 miles), but we'll break up the drive with a stop at Sanchez de Loria winery in San Felipe where you'll lunch and take a tour of the vineyard. Arrive in Mendoza city in the evening. After hotel check-in, take a tour of the city including its bustling central plazas and charming outdoor cafes that are perfect for dinner or sipping wine as the sun sets over the city. Relax and toast your travels.
A morning visit to Alto Agrelo in Lujan de Cuyo valley is followed with a tour of Bodega Achaval Ferrer. This vineyard produces some of Argentina's finest quality wines, and has the hospitality to match. After a delightful morning, travel to Bodega Catena Zapata - owner, Nicolas Catena is often compared to California's Robert Mondavi as a pioneer in the industry. Enjoy samples from this revered winery. Surrounded by pristine vineyards on 60-arces of private property, lunch is served at Cavas Wine Lodge. Continue your wine tour with a visit to El Lagar de Carmelo Patti. This winery produces quality Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, exclusively. Tonight, return to Mendoza city for a restful evening.
Day 6: De Uco Valley -- Fly Santiago
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Your last day in Argentina wine country is spent in the De Uco valley, exploring three of its finest wineries. Begin with a tour of the historic buildings of Bodega Salentein, built by Jesuit priests centuries ago. Taste the vineyard's Pinot Noir. Next, spend time at the Andeluna winery, and finish at Bodega Altus where you'll lunch at the vineyard's restaurant and have a glass of the winery's Merlot or Malbec. In the early evening, transfer to the airport and catch a flight back to Santiago, Chile. With time, continue your travels with a visit to the Lakes District or the mysterious Easter Island.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is $400, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
We were referred by a satisfied client and the booking of the trip was everything we wanted to do, and they listened to the types of hotels, sightseeing, etc. we wanted to do.
Jan S
1 month ago
Rapa Nui was on my bucket list for a long time so I worried that it would not meet my expectations. Our tour could not have been better. Our guide was knowledgeable and professional with an understanding of the island that made it come alive. I would and have recommended this trip to everyone that will listen.
elisa wright
1 month ago
Mary Curry is the BEST! I have worked with her for multiple family trips for over 10 years, and she is responsive, works within your preferences and budget, has great suggestions and has personal travel experience at many of the locations. We prefer active family vacations and Adventure Life and Mary Curry make sure that is what we get!
Heather Spanbauer
2 months ago
My tour operator was helpful. Unfortunately she was unable to get my single-supplement canceled. Not too many tours charge for that anymore and I almost canceled my trip because of that.
Joel
3 months ago
Excellent communication and coordination for our proposed trip. It couldn't have been smoother, and any question we did have was rapidly addressed. It has made the whole process nearly seamless.
