MONDAY, MARCH 13. Optional: Tour of Mendoza for early arrivals

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Martin Allen
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On this incredible mission to Mendoza and Buenos Aires, the sites, sounds and scenery of Argentina will create lasting, meaningful memories of an unimaginably captivating and bold country and its

1 On this incredible mission to Mendoza and Buenos Aires, the sites, sounds and scenery of Argentina will create lasting, meaningful memories of an unimaginably captivating and bold country and its thriving Jewish community. MONDAY, MARCH 13 Optional: Tour of Mendoza for early arrivals Nestled in the foothills of the Andes Mountain range, Mendoza boasts a vibrant mix of new hotels and bars in the historic center and Art Deco architecture as distinctive as the city s mid-century modern buildings. Highlights: General San Martin Park, with an immense manmade lake, sculpture-dotted paths and roads lined with hundreds of species of trees and plants Cerro de la Gloria (the Hill of Glory), an impressive memorial monument in San Martin Park Plaza Independencia, Mendoza s most popular square, where pines, palms and poplars serve as the backdrop for live music, street theater, skateboarding and people-watching Plaza España, a Spanish-influenced plaza with a central fountain featuring beautiful ceramic tile work and painted murals Barrio Cívico (Civic Neighborhood), a district known for its architecturally significant government buildings and beautiful gardens Welcome dinner at Francesco Ristorante. The renowned head chef, Teresa Barbera, started making pasta as a toddler to help her mother, who opened a popular restaurant for other Italian immigrants who missed their native cuisine. At the top-rated Francesco, Chef Barbera carries on the family tradition. OVERNIGHT: PARK HYATT HOTEL, MENDOZA

2 TUESDAY, MARCH 14 Sample the country s best wine at the prestigious Catena Zapata Winery, a fourthgeneration family-owned winery started in 1902 that uses both traditional and modern wine-producing methods, and Achaval Ferrer Winery, founded in 1998, where handharvested grapes picked in the early morning make some of Argentina s top-ranked varietals Lunch at Lagarde Winery, founded in 1897 and one of the oldest wineries in Mendoza, where the Malbec vines are over a century old. In its entire history, Lagarde has only been owned by two families. Return to Mendoza to visit Jewish Agency-sponsored educational programs and meet their young Jewish participants Dinner at celebrity chef Francis Mallmann s world-renowned 1884 Restaurant, located in a winery founded that very year. The menu s Argentine- and Patagonia-inspired dishes are cooked over a wood-fired grill and in a clay oven in Chef Mallmann s inventive Siete Fuegos (Seven Fires) style, featured on the Netflix series Chef s Table. Complement your meal with a drink from the 75-page and growing wine list. OVERNIGHT: PARK HYATT HOTEL, MENDOZA

3 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15 and hotel check out Fly to Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina known throughout the world for its European-influenced culture and architecture, larger-than-life personalities, trafficstopping style and buzzing energy that keeps locals out until dawn. Explore the 84-year-old Byzantine-style Templo Libertad and its small museum, which displays photographs and Jewish ritual items from rural Jewish agricultural colonies. Meet Sergio Bergman, rabbi emeritus of the synagogue as well as a pharmacist, social activist, CEO of the Judaica Foundation and a current member of Parliament. Lunch Visit the JDC-sponsored LeDor VaDor Home, which opened in early 2007 to address the health, social and emotional needs of older adults Check in to hotel Cocktail reception at the residence of U.S. Ambassador Noah Mamet, an American Jew originally from Manhattan Beach, California Take an evening at your leisure to explore Buenos Aires incomparable nightlife and restaurant scene

4 THURSDAY, MARCH 16 Visit AMIA (Asociación Mutual Israelita Argentina), the Argentine Jewish communal organization. On July 18, 1994, a terrorist attack here killed 85 people, injured 300 and completely destroyed the building. Pay homage to the victims at the Agam Memorial, then meet with a Jewish Agency shaliach; speak with local alumni from Birthright, Masa Israel Journey and Onward Israel; and get briefed by Alfredo Neuberger, executive director of DAIA, the political arm of the Argentine Jewish community Lunch and discussion with journalists. Gain insight into Argentine political, cultural and social issues and their impact on the local Jewish community. Take a private tour of MALBA, the city s premier Museum of Latin American Art, and its impressive array of pieces from the last 80 years ranging from early 20 th -century social and political works to contemporary pieces Visit the residence of well-known Argentine contemporary art dealer Cecilia Caballero Over wine and cheese, meet the residents of Moishe House Buenos Aires, a pluralistic international organization that provides meaningful Jewish experiences for young adults in residential locations Share dinner and hospitality in the homes of local Jewish community members

5 FRIDAY, MARCH 17 Participate in an emotional memorial service at the Israel Embassy Memorial on the 25 th anniversary of a suicide bombing there that killed 29 people and injured 242 Tour a World ORT school that provides Jewish, technical and academic instruction to 80 percent of the Buenos Aires high school students who receive a Jewish education. Incredibly successful and in demand, the school has to turn away hundreds of students each year. World ORT, ORT Argentina and the Argentina Jewish community are raising funds to build another school for 1,000 eager students. Lunch Stroll along the breathtaking Plaza de Mayo, a hub of political life and the site of some of the city s major landmarks, including the colonial City Council; Casa Rosada, home of the government s executive branch; and the Metropolitan Cathedral Welcome Shabbat in the embrace of Buenos Aires Jewish community with services at Templo Libertad followed by a kosher Shabbat dinner at the hotel with invited community guests

6 SATURDAY, MARCH 18 Optional: Spend the morning at Shabbat services Optional: Take a private behind-the-scenes tour of the historic Colon Theater, a worldfamous opera house opened in 1908 that has hosted such luminaries as Maria Callas, Arturo Toscanini, Igor Stravinsky, Enrico Caruso and Luciano Pavarotti Optional: Stroll around the Recoleta neighborhood, home to the city s aristocracy, avenues lined with soaring French architecture and shaded sidewalk cafes and Buenos Aires most chic shopping enclaves. At the Recoleta Cemetery, explore rows of ornate mausoleums, including the final resting place of former First Lady and icon Eva Peron. Wander through the city, browse the many shops and enjoy lunch at one of its many cafes at your leisure After the sun goes down, kick up your heels for a group tango lesson, and then enjoy a traditional Argentine dinner and tango show with Rojo Tango, a glittering performance featuring a live orchestra and some of the country s best tango dancers

7 SUNDAY, MARCH 19 at hotel Campaign program Farewell lunch and reflection on the mission Afternoon at leisure on the final day in Buenos Aires. Trace Jewish immigration history in Puerto Madero, a dock area now transformed into an upscale locale with museums, cafés and an expansive ecological reserve. Gaze at the distinctive European architecture in the portside neighborhood of La Boca. Wander the cobblestone streets and outdoor market at San Telmo, one of the city s oldest neighborhoods and an eclectic mix of cafes, tango parlors, antique shops and art galleries. Transfer to airport

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