Previously offered with great success in fall 2005, we are delighted to be going back to the exciting city of Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina and home of the magnificent Teatro Colón, one of the world’s ‘must-visit’ opera houses. The theatre has reopened this spring after a multi-year renovation and we are fortunate to be able to include two performances during the week we are there. Opera at the city’s atmospheric second house, the Teatro Avenida, a spectacular tango evening, private art events and a full range of sightseeing will be certain to create unforgettable memories. On request, extensions to Iguazu Falls on the Brazilian border or to Argentina’s “Napa Valley” in the western Mendoza region can be arranged at both ends of the program.

From our own personal experience, both destinations and even further afield to Patagonia are rare chances to experience the full magic of this vast and varied country. The Alvear Palace Hotel, located in the prestigious Recoleta district and one of Buenos Aires’ finest, has been selected, promising an unparalleled level of comfort and service with Palace Rooms reserved for the group. Multilcultural Uruguayan native and Buenos Aires resident Diego Curutchet will host the party throughout.

Monday November 29
Independent overnight air departures from North America, arriving the morning of November 30 at Ezeiza airport. Flight time is 8-10 hours depending upon departure city. (Note that a Reciprocity Fee of $131 for US passport holders and $70 for Canadians is mandatory after arrival at Ezeiza).

Tuesday November 30
Diego will greet you in Arrivals and coordinate a group transfer to the Alvear Palace Hotel. (This transfer is included; however individual transfers can be arranged for those opting to arrive outside of the main time window). An optional guaranteed early check-in is offered. After arrival and some refreshment set out for a gentle guided walking tour in the Recoleta neighborhood, taking in the fine architecture and also visiting the famous Cementerio, resting place of many famous individuals, including Eva Perón, the iconic symbol of post-war Argentina. Lunch at La Biela (The Connecting Rod) and then return to the hotel for an afternoon of relaxation. In the evening the party walks around the corner to Sorrento restaurant at Posadas 1053 for a Welcome dinner.

Wednesday December 1
Enjoy the extensive buffet breakfast (daily) and leave for a guided introductory driving tour, with a stop at Café Tortoni for coffee and pastries. The morning will cover all the important historic sites as well as the colorful La Boca district (the original Italian immigrant location) and Puerto Madero, the ongoing conversion of the old port in to a chic residential and entertainment center. Lunch is al fresco in the peaceful inner courtyard of Santa Catalina Convent at El Claustro restaurant. Refresh back at the hotel before leaving for the Teatro Avenida and the evening performance of Le Nozze di Figaro (performance date still to be confirmed).

Thursday December 2
The morning is at leisure. In the early afternoon depart for a private guided backstage tour of the restored Teatro Colón followed by one of the week’s highlights, the Museo de Arte Latinoamericano (MALBA) with its impressive collection of 20th century art from masters such as Kahlo, Rivera, Berni, Matta and Figari . The evening is at the Teatro Colón, with a program that includes Mahler’s monumental Symphony No. 5 and Joaquín Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez for classical guitar and Orchestra. The Orquesta Filarmónica de Buenos Aires is led by Maestro Enrique Arturo Diemecke with virtuoso guitar master Pepe Romero.

Friday December 3
Exploration today takes us through the city’s vibrant art scene, with private visits to the Helft Collection and to the studios of three of the nation’s most notable contemporary artists and craftsmen, Nicolás Garcia Uriburu, Juan Carlos Pallarols and Aldo Sessa. Lunch is independent today, with Diego’s recommendations around the quaint Plaza Dorrego in the San Telmo district. In the evening transfer to the famous Esquina Carlos Gardel for Red & Black Tango Night with premium seating and dining, showcasing the most exciting dancers in this, the city where tango was born.

Saturday December 4
The day is fully independent with the option to take a full day trip across the Rio Plata to Uruguay and World Heritage site of Colonia or to stay in town and spend the afternoon at the Palermo Polo Field, enjoying world-class professional polo with VIP privileges in the company of Porteños (BA locals) absorbed by the national game.

Sunday December 5
Late morning depart with the coach for a tour around Palermo, an extensive residential district north of the city core, with time to browse the Sunday arts and crafts markets and then take a relaxed lunch in a Palermo Soho parilla, before returning to the hotel. The matinée performance of Falstaff at the Teatro Colón starts at 5.00pm and the later evening is open for independent dining choices.

Monday December 6
Personal arrangements for the full day and the final highlight of the trip is a Farewell celebration with dinner in the private home of Chef Katrine, famous in Argentina and offering a uniquely personal and intimate fine dining experience together with partners Silvana and Juan Pablo. An ensemble of three tenors and a soprano will entertain with opera arias during what will be a memorable final evening in “The Paris of the South”.

Tuesday December 7
Depart Buenos Aires for optional extensions to Iguazu Falls, Mendoza wine country or other destinations. Alternatively spend the final day in the city and depart with a group transfer for the evening flights back to North America. A departure tax of $18 per person is levied at the airport.