Day 1: Buenos Aires & Mendoza
Arrive in Buenos Aires EZE Airport, connection flight to Mendoza Airport, private transfer to the Cavas Wine Lodge. Cavas Wine Lodge is one of the first lodges of its kind in South America, blessed by the natural beauty of Mendoza, an idyllic wine-growing region at the foot of the Andes. The wonderful atmosphere and the knowledge of all things in Mendoza will make it one of the most delightful and memorable experiences you’ll ever have. The lodge located in a 60-acre valley 20 miles south of Mendoza, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and home to some of the most prestigious wineries in Argentina. The Lodge prides itself on understated elegance with discreet service, privacy and refined comfort and features a private wine cellar stocked with Argentina’s finest labels (such as Felipe Rutini and Carlos Pulenta). Guests are encouraged to indulge in wine tasting, delicious home cooked fare, luxurious spa treatments, and the picturesque surroundings. The Lodge is excellent for honeymooners wanting seclusion and a romantic setting.
There are 14 spacious Bungalows, called vignettes because they are set within the vineyard, all of the rooms have natural comfortable exteriors and relaxed décor, a true indoor-outdoor living experience. Space is the real luxury, the suite an apartment, the bathroom a spa, the epitome of refinement in a distant corner of the world. All rooms have a large master bath and dual vanities; the bedroom connects to a private outdoor terrace and also leads to a separate indoor living room featuring warm furnishings and unique artwork. Each room has its own plunge pool and alfresco shower, as well as fireplaces, down duvets, customized bathroom amenities, mini bars, entertainment centers with TV and CD players, high speed internet access and two-line phones. Guests can enjoy a glass of wine on their terrace whilst taking in the stunning Andes Mountains and glorious sunsets. Each room has its own plunge pool for guests to retreat during the summer months.
Different times of the year offer diverse ways to experience the wine country of Mendoza. At Cavas Wine Lodge they will share their insights and recommendations on how to best enjoy the sights, sounds, tastes and, of course, the wines of this fabulous country. Indulge yourself with the luxury amenities and allow them to create a memorable visit by designing a program of activities that will entice you to stay forever. Over the next three days you will schedule with the hotel concierge what activities you would like to do and yes - these activities are already included in your all-inclusive package; Round trip Transfer from Mendoza Airport, Luxury accomodations including breakfast, Private Visits to the wineries in the area: Catena Zapata, Chandon, Achaval Ferrer, Altavista, Domino del Plata - Susana Balbo, Fabre Montimayou, Dolium, Ruca malen, Chakana, Norton, Terrazas, Septima, Eduardo Pulenta, Sottano, Carlos Pulenta Vistalba. Optional day sports: White water rafting, 18 holes of golf at nearby courses, biking, horse-back rides in the andes or sightseeing cultural tours. Lunch daily: In the vineyards, inside a winery or restaurant. Beverages not included. One hour massage per person per stay. Complimentary access to the fitness center, outdoor pool, jacuzzi and relaxation area. Dinner daily: Guests may choose from the "A La Carte Menu" in participating restaurants, with the liberty to dine at six different restaurants in Mendoza. Beverages not included:
Cavas Wine Lodge
La Bourgogne Vistalba, at Carlos Pulenta's new winery
Frances Mallmann's 1884 Inside Bodega Escorihuela
Club Tapiz from well known chef Max Casa.
Bistro M at Park Hyatt Mendoza.
Days 2-3: Mendoza
Activities and tours mentioned in the above list of included activities.
Day 4: Mendoza & Buenos Aires
Private Transfer out to Mendoza Airport, Flight to Buenos Aires, Private transfer to Faena Hotel & Universe is located in the fashionable port area of Puerto Madero in the heart of Buenos Aires.
Spearheading the Buenos Aires cultural renaissance is Alan Faena, a former fashion designer who enrolled Philippe Starck to create a hotel that is more than just a chic place to kip but the epicentre for the capital's A-listers, creatives and decision makers. And it's making big waves south of the Equator since there is really nothing like it on the Latin American continent. Sao Paulo's slick Unique and Fasano hotels are notable exceptions, but they are not as ambitious or as symbolic as Faena Hotel + Universe. It comprises 83 hotel rooms and 85 privately owned apartments - this is Starck's first residential project in South America - and a public area (the Universe bit), a playground for beautiful Portenos, which consists of an exhibition space, restaurant, tango club, spectacular outdoor pool and a gym/spa/hamam with Turkish baths. The hotel is monumental in its scope but still has the boutique ethos running through its veins.
The elegance of Europe and the spirit of South America live side by side in Buenos Aires. With its wide boulevards, leafy parks, grand buildings and varied culture and nightlife, the city is reminiscent of Paris or Barcelona. Today, take a walk through neighborhoods like Recoleta and Belgrano, try visiting a café terrace, and stroll around some of the parks and plazas. At night you’ll be met at your hotel for a night of tango complemented by an exquisite dinner at one of the many famous tango houses.
Day 5: Buenos Aires
After breakfast you’ll go on a private three and a half hour sightseeing tour in this bustling city. Departing from the Hotel to get to 9 de Julio Ave. the widest in the world, past the famous Colon Opera house, the Obelisk commemorating the first founding of the city in 1536 to get to Plaza de Mayo (May Square), and the buildings surrounding it: Government House, Metropolitan Cathedral with the Mausoleum of General San Martin, Argentina's greatest national hero and the Cabildo, the colonia town hall built in 1751. The tour continues to La Boca, and the brightly painted housesof 'Caminito' street. The tour continues to Buenos Aires port area, past San Mart’n Square towards Palermo Chico residential district and Palermo Park with its jacaranda and palo borracho trees which flower in the spring and late summer. The ride continues to the elegant district of Recoleta. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 6: Pampas
Today we visit the traditional “gaucho” town of San Antonio de Areco, 123 km from Buenos Aires in the Pampas, learning about the Gaucho´s history and traditions. We would visit a famous silversmith workshop, whose work is sought after by kings and collectors worldwide, to see the “behind the scenes” life of a precious gift and know-how still passed from father to sons. We meet the artist most of the times. We then continue to a private estancia, where we savor a typical Argentine barbecue of fine beef and wines, and relax in the soothing views of the endless plains… A wonderful way to see and enjoy the countryside immersed in an ambience of nature, history, and tradition, activities include horse back riding and riding a “sulky” or chariot.
Note: This is not a “Touristy Show” but simply a wonderful day away of the city, to experience Estancia Life at its best.
Day 7: Buenos Aires & Florianopolis
Morning Private transfer to EZE Airport for a flight to Florianopolis, Brazil. Private transfer up the coast one hour to one of the top resorts in the world. Ponta dos Ganchos Resort is located on a privately-owned peninsula that juts out from the southern Brazilian coast between picturesque fishing villages, making it one of the most exclusive beach resorts in Brazil. A single hop from São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro or Buenos Aires, this romantic hideaway makes dreams a reality: 20 sophisticated and charming bungalows in perfect harmony with the breathtaking scenery. Here the waters of the Emerald Coast meet the lush rainforest vegetation in a dazzling display of color and light. This privileged location guarantees our guests total privacy, while the luxurious bungalows provide them with the rest and comfort they deserve. The Relais & Chateaux seal is a testament to their impeccable facilities, the exquisite flavors of their cuisine and the quality of their services.
Days 8-9: Florianopolis
Two fabulous days at leisure and bening pampered. In a bay with calm, emerald green waters lies a very special peninsula, a place isolated from everything, surrounded by nature on all sides, with a small, beautiful beach, perfect for resting in the sun during the day. As the afternoon fades, a unique sunset over the bay of ganchos is an invitation to celebrate the perfect day. In the evening, a special private dinner on the island in front of the resort, where everything has been thought of with the comfort of two people in mind. Reduce the pace to be able to feel life. A sea breeze, the touch of the wind, the smell of the forest, sand underfoot, the freshness of rain and the sea, coming and going. At Ponta dos Ganchos we try to offer a range of activities that allow our guests greater contact with the local culture and with nature. Activities whose charm lies in their intrinsic simplicity, in touching, smelling and feeling.
The activities listed here do not involve any extra cost and can be arranged at any point during your stay:
fishing from the beach or island, tennis, walking, cinema, fitness center, kayaks, snorkeling, sailing, heated indoor swimming pool, game room.
Day 10: Florianopolis
Breakfast and a last leisurely morning. Afternoon transfer to the airport for your return flight home.