Exploring Argentina: From Tango to Gaucho

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Converse College January Term, 2014 Exploring Argentina: From Tango to Gaucho Join Converse faculty and students on this remarkable cultural journey into the southern hemisphere.

1 Converse College January Term, 2014 Exploring Argentina: From Tango to Gaucho Join Converse faculty and students on this remarkable cultural journey into the southern hemisphere. Explore two distinct sides of Argentina: Buenos Aires once called the Paris of South America along with the fascinating history and culture of the Rio de la Plata region... and the centuries-old gaucho lifestyle of an estancia in the famous Pampas area.

We ll get our first taste of Buenos Aires Parisienne ambiance by walking along the Avenida de Mayo toward the old port.

2 itinerary: Day 1 Fly from the southeastern U.S. to Buenos Aires. Day 2 We arrive in Buenos Aires this morning. After clearing customs, we take a shuttle to our hotel in central Buenos Aires, where we can store our luggage until later in the day. We ll get our first taste of Buenos Aires Parisienne ambiance by walking along the Avenida de Mayo toward the old port. En route, stop in the famous café-haunt of the city s artists and writers the Café Tortoni for a café con leche. Continue to the intersection of Calle Florida Buenos Aires most famous pedestrian street where you can sample the shops and the human scene. After lunch in the area, we ll meet our guide for part of the afternoon, who will show us the grand architecture of the Diagonal Norte, and give us an orientation to the beautiful old subway lines, and the lovely Montserrat and San Telmo neighborhoods. We ll return to the hotel for check-in, and then receive our first instruction in tango. This evening we ll return to the San Telmo area for dinner and a visit to a tango salon (milonga). Overnight Buenos Aires. Day 3 This morning, after breakfast in the hotel, we ll travel by city bus to the fashionable Recoleta and Palermo districts, northwest of the center-city. We ll tour the wide residential streets by bicycle and with a local guide, who will describe the economic and social heyday of Buenos Aires, from the late 19 th to the mid-20 th century. We ll explore the beautiful and extensive parks of Palermo including Japanese and rose gardens adjacent to the Museo Eva Peron. Here we ll learn about Evita, wife of president Juan Peron, and most-loved figure of modern Argentina. Before we leave

Palermo, we ll also visit the beautiful MALBA (Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires), a premier cultural site. give it a try. Overnight Buenos Aires.

This evening, after dinner, we ll once again visit a milonga to see the pro s demonstrating their moves, and to Day 4 After breakfast this morning, we ll visit the Plaza de Mayo

Juxtaposed with this symbol of rightwing authority, we ll also encounter the peacefully protesting Madres de Los Desaparecidos the Mothers of the Disappeared.

3 Palermo, we ll also visit the beautiful MALBA (Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires), a premier cultural site. give it a try. Overnight Buenos Aires. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore in smaller groups. This evening, after dinner, we ll once again visit a milonga to see the pro s demonstrating their moves, and to Day 4 After breakfast this morning, we ll visit the Plaza de Mayo area as a group, where we ll see the Casa Rosada the presidential palace and its museum. Juxtaposed with this symbol of rightwing authority, we ll also encounter the peacefully protesting Madres de Los Desaparecidos the Mothers of the Disappeared. Their children, mostly college students, who were considered to be liberal threats to the military dictatorship in the 70 s and 80 s, were abducted and murdered. Their mothers still seek justice. We ll explore the nearby Puerto Madero the old working waterfront, now home to stylish restaurants and boutiques. This afternoon, spend time in smaller groups, exploring more of San Telmo, or strolling more of the Calle Florida.

Dinner and overnight in Buenos Aires. Day 5 This morning we depart Buenos Aires for the outlying Pampas, near the colonial city of San Antonio de Areco.

For the next two days, enjoy living the life of the gaucho horseback riding, exploring the ranch and its natural features, hearty ranch cooking, and the gleaning of gauchesco traditions from the

4 Dinner and overnight in Buenos Aires. Day 5 This morning we depart Buenos Aires for the outlying Pampas, near the colonial city of San Antonio de Areco. From San Antonio, we will transfer to a nearby estancia, or working ranch. For the next two days, enjoy living the life of the gaucho horseback riding, exploring the ranch and its natural features, hearty ranch cooking, and the gleaning of gauchesco traditions from the locals. Day 6 Enjoy life on the estancia; overnight. Day 7 By mid-day, return to Buenos Aires, simply to transfer to a train for the ride to the Atlantic Ocean, and the coastal city of Mar del Plata hometown of the Argentine composer, Astor Piazzolla. Overnight, Mar del Plata. Day 8 Today we ll enjoy this popular seaside resort summertime home of tango, and the playground for vacationing Portenos since the 1920 s and 30 s. Soak in the retro architecture, as we explore the pretty streets and neighborhoods, stopping at plazas and cafés to people-watch. This afternoon, enjoy a walk on the beach, where

families congregate. Dinner and overnight, Mar del Plata.

hiking excursion amid the striking rocky terrain of the area. Dinner and overnight in Mar del Plata.

Re-visit some of your favorite cafés and milongas, as you reacquaint yourself with the area. Overnight, Buenos Aires.

5 families congregate. Dinner and overnight, Mar del Plata. Day 9 Today, you have two options: Stay in Mar del Plata to shop and visit the fine arts museums; or ride the regional bus to the Sierras de Tandil, for a hiking excursion amid the striking rocky terrain of the area. Dinner and overnight in Mar del Plata. Day 10 Today, we ll return to Buenos Aires, and settle in once more. Re-visit some of your favorite cafés and milongas, as you reacquaint yourself with the area. Overnight, Buenos Aires. Day 11 Today, take the ferry to the beautiful colonial city of Colonia del Sacramento, on the Uruguayan side of the Rio de la Plata. Stroll the quaint streets, enjoy the café scene, and climb the old lighthouse for a great view of the city and the coast. Join a local guide to explore the expansive squares, old churches, and to sample the local food and drink. In the late afternoon, return to Buenos Aires. Overnight, B.A.

6 Day 12 This morning, enjoy an outing from the up-river town of Tigre into the Parana River delta. Explore by boat, stopping off on various islands to enjoy the cafés, and stroll the paths through lush vegetation and along the river. Look for beautiful exotic birds; enjoy the profusion of blooming flowers. In the afternoon, return to Buenos Aires. Enjoy your last night together in Argentina. Overnight, B.A. Day 13 Our international flight doesn t leave until evening, so you can enjoy a morning and earlyafternoon of shopping, strolling, or just relaxing. Depart Argentina in the evening. Day 14 Arrive back in the U.S. Price: approximately $3798 / person (triple, quadruple, family room occupancy); price includes international airfare, 11 nights accommodations, breakfasts, guide services, entrances / activities described in the itinerary, bus transportation to San Antonio de Areca and return, roundtrip train tickets to Mar del Plata; ferry or hydrofoil service from B.A. to Colonia del Sacramento and return, travelers insurance. Explore Up Close, LLC 2013

Buenos Aires. Suggested Itinerary. 10 Days / 7 Nights

Buenos Aires. Suggested Itinerary. 10 Days / 7 Nights Suggested Itinerary 10 Days / 7 Nights PLEASE NOTE: Actual sequence and timing of activities will revolve around your concert schedule. All times are approximate and may vary according to flight schedules