The PASSIONS of CHILE and ARGENTINA

February 27 - March 16, 2014 18 Days • 33 Meals

Escorted by Jack and Mary Roberts

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Chile is a ribbon of land that extends for over 1000 miles along the Pacific coast. The valleys near Santiago enjoy high amounts of sunshine, low rainfalls and soils that are ideally suited to many of the world’s most popular vines. Chile has become one of the world’s major producers of wine, gaining recognition for the excellent quality of the grapes and the superior experience of the vintners. Just across the Andes we find Mendoza, Argentina’s own region that is uniquely suited to the growth of high quality vines and the production of superb wines – plenty of sunshine, a dry climate, the unique combination of soils and the high altitudes. The popularity of Argentine wines has produced a wonderful plethora of excellent full bodied wines. We are in Mendoza during their annual Wine Festival, an event that will bring joy to the visitor.

This journey is not just about wines, it is about a region that offers magnificent scenery, great cities and so much more. Santiago is without a doubt one of best kept secrets in the world, matching its colonial charms with fine restaurants, great wines and an ultramodern urban centre. Buenos Aires is the grand dame of South America, an urban area that offers such wonderful diversity and charm. Iguassu Falls is sure to amaze even the most jaded traveller.

Group size will be kept small on this trip - we urge you to book early to ensure that you don’t miss this wonderful adventure.

INCLUSIVE FEATURES

Return economy class airfare with Air Canada to Chile and from Argentina

First class hotels and resorts as indicated or similar

All entrance fees and sightseeing as described

33 meals included (B - 15 breakfast, L - 8 lunch, D - 10 dinner)

Escorted from Canada plus professional guides in Chile and Argentina

All gratuities, taxes (including reciprocity fees) and fees for included services

Airport transfers in Canada or equivalent value

Comprehensive insurance coverage

TOUR ESCORT

The Rev. Canon Dr. Jack and Mary Roberts are enthusiastic travellers. Prior to retirement, Jack served as a parish priest in Toronto and Mary was an elementary school teacher. He currently serves on the Durham Community Care Board and Mary enjoys volunteering. They have a ‘wanderlust’ and curiosity to experience as much of the world and it’s peoples as possible. They have travelled extensively and over the last few years have escorted groups for us to a number of destinations. They look forward to sharing this journey with you! Marturius

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TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

7 exceptional winery visits in Chile and Argentina

Relaxing day at the Termas Jahuel Hotel and Spa

Drive across the Andes Mountains

Enjoy the Vendimia Wine Festival in Mendoza with the crowning of the festival’s pageant queen

Visit spectacular Iguassu Falls

Dinner and tango show in Buenos Aires

Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Buenos Aires

February 27, Thursday Depart CANADA

Tour members gather in Toronto for the overnight Air Canada flight to Santiago, Chile.

February 28, Friday SANTIAGO, Chile

We arrive in Santiago midday and transfer to our hotel to rest and freshen up. Tonight we will enjoy our welcome dinner at the Camino Real, known for its views and fine food.

Plaza San Francisco (3 nights) D

March 1, Saturday SANTIAGO, Chile

Our full day excursion will show us the delights and contrasts of Santiago, from the ultramodern to its colonial past. Heading south, we drive the famous Alameda, Santiago’s colourful main avenue, to the Plaza de Armas, San Francisco Church and the Presidential Palace. Visit the Central market (lunch at El Galeon) followed by a drive by Santa Lucia Hill, the Mapocho River and the bohemian Bellavista district on our way to San Cristobal Hill, for views of the city and the Andes Mountains. BL

March 2, Sunday VALPARAISO / VINA DEL MAR, Chile

This morning we drive through the Casablanca Valley, known for its Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay vines. Enjoy a break and a wine-tasting at the Casas del Bosque winery

en route to Valparaiso, Chile’s major port built on steep hills overlooking the sea. Enjoy the funicular ride to the upper city and drive along the Pacific coast passing beautiful beaches to the resort centre of Vina del Mar, with its fish markets, summer homes, fine restaurants, popular cafes. Stop at the main square (Plaza Vergara) and the shopping avenue before returning to Santiago for the evening. Dinner this

evening will be at the Como Agua Para Chocolate. BD

March 3, Monday SANTA CRUZ, Chile

Watered by the Tinguiririca River, the region of Santa Cruz is an important agricultural centre renowned for its production of fruits and vineyards. After checking into our beautiful hotel, we will visit the Santa Cruz Winery, with rich vineyards that

extend over 220 hectares of rolling hills, growing a variety of grapes such as Malbec, Merlot, Syrah and many more. This evening after dinner we take the cable car to the observatory and enjoy some spectacular star-gazing (weather providing)!

Hotel Santa Cruz Plaza (2 nights) BD

March 4, Tuesday COLCHAGUA VALLEY, Chile

At the Colchagua Museum, we shall see ceramics and metal work of the local pre-Colombian peoples, including an incredible gold mask inlaid with lapiz lazuli from the Moche culture. Drive to the Montes Winery for a visit, a wine tasting

and time for lunch, followed by some free time back in town. Later this afternoon we visit the world famous Viu Manent Winery, known for its premium and more recently its ultra-

premium wines. We shall explore the winery and the vines and enjoy samples of their best wines before enjoying a gourmet dinner. BD

March 5, Wednesday LOS ANDES, Chile

This morning we bypass Santiago into the foothills of the Andes where we will enjoy the afternoon and evening at the beautiful Termas Jahuel Hotel and Spa. The rest of the day

is ours to enjoy the resort and its luxurious amenities - take a leisurely walk revelling in the magnificent alpine scenery and

fine gardens, enjoy the fine service and cuisine or relax in the outdoor and thermal pools, Jacuzzi or sauna.

Termas Jahuel Hotel & Spa (1 night) BLD

March 6, Thursday MENDOZA, Argentina

Departing early this morning, we journey over the back bone of South America en route to Mendoza and Argentina. We’ll drive via Portillo, one of Chile’s best-known ski resorts and then continue through the canyon of the Aconcagua River and marvel at the legendary Laguna del Inca and alpine scenery. We pass into Argentina via a long tunnel and once on the other side are greeted by a spectacular view of Mount Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas. We will also see the natural wonder of Puente del Inca before winding our way back down the hills to the green desert city of Mendoza.

Amerian Executive Mendoza Hotel (3 nights) BLD

March 7, Friday MENDOZA, Argentina

Mendoza is an oasis city that has survived due to the Andes glacial waters that are distributed by man-made watering systems first developed by the Incan Empire. We will see all the main highlights, starting at the museum to absorb the local history, and then make our way around the myriad of squares that characterize this lovely town. A highlight this afternoon will be a visit to Bodegas Norton with the opportunity to blend our own wine, while learning about the art of wine making. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to take in the events centred around Vendimia, the annual Wine Harvest Festival. This evening we will dine at Siete Cocinas, enjoying dishes from the country’s seven gastronomic regions. After dinner the spectacle of Via Blanca (White Way) will be underway: every year on the evening of the Friday in first weekend in March, the prettiest women (Reinas) from each local district parade through the streets dressed in spectacular costumes designed to celebrate the winemaking tradition. BD

March 8, Saturday MENDOZA, Argentina

Today we explore the Lujan de Cuyo region, one of the best enological (wine) areas in Argentina. Guided by experts, we will enjoy a wine tasting sessions at Catena Zapata. Later we continue to the Ruca Malen winery where we will have a special lunch with wine pairings, sampling their vintages. This evening we have reserved seats for the grand finale of the festival. We will have a ‘picnic’ dinner so that we can enjoy the evening spectacular which is an impressive display a sound and light with over 100 performers and dancers featuring traditional folk music and dancing. The highlight of the evening is the crowning of the Pageant Queen ‘Reina Nacional de la Vendimia’ followed by a spectacular fireworks display. BLD

March 9, Sunday MENDOZA / IGUASSU FALLS, Argentina

The morning is ours to enjoy as we wish (depending on final flight schedules) before we fly to the spectacular Iguassu Falls, an un-equalled natural spectacle of might and wonder

CT Rating 3 - Moderately Challenging: This adventure provides a leisurely but in depth itinerary with two and three night stays at most centres. Members should be fit and good walkers to thoroughly enjoy this journey (there are a number of longer walks, some over rough surfaces).

Tour Cost in Canadian Dollars (per person)

Land Only (Join Santiago / Leave Buenos Aires) ...... $6,265

Toronto ..................................................................... $7,695

Montreal .................................................................... $7,795

Ottawa ....................................................................... $7,845

Halifax ....................................................................... $7,895

St. John’s ................................................................... $8,095

Winnipeg / Regina / Saskatoon ................................. $8,095

Edmonton / Calgary ................................................... $7,895

Vancouver .................................................................. $7,885

Victoria ....................................................................... $7,975

Single Supplement .................................................... $1,395

Airfares from other gateways are available on request. Airfares are subject to change and will be confirmed prior to final payment. Refer to inclusive features for details.

Above prices include the cost of all internal flights.

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that leaves every visitor speechless. Arrive late afternoon and transfer to our hotel, where we will dine together this

evening. Hotel Loi Suites (2 nights) BD

March 10, Monday IGUASSU FALLS, Argentina

Bordered by Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina, Iguassu National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The falls are surrounded by exotic subtropical vegetation including giant trees, ferns, lianas, orchids, and over 400 bird species. The falls themselves are one of nature’s wonders. We will take the train along the river bank and then visit the Devil’s Throat and other vantage points by means of the secure, modern catwalks. After ample time to explore, we will have lunch in the park. This afternoon and evening we are free to return to the park, relax at our resort or venture into town. BL

March 11, Tuesday

IGUASSU FALLS / BUENOS AIRES, Argentina

Following a leisurely breakfast we will have some free time before we fly to the sophisticated metropolis of Buenos Aires, the cultural and intellectual centre of Argentina. Buenos Aires is a city for walking and one of the most popular streets for both shopping and people watching is Florida, just 2 short blocks from our hotel. This evening we have a special treat, dinner and tango show at one of the city’s most elegant tango restaurants, Café de Los Angelitos.

Melia Buenos Aires (4 nights) BD

March 12, Wednesday BUENOS AIRES, Argentina

Today we soak in the atmosphere of the birth place of the

Tango! We will drive along the grand Avenida de Mayo to the Plaza de Mayo, where we find the Casa Rosada (Government House), the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Cabildo, the first city hall built during Spanish rule. Continue through to San Telmo, the oldest neighborhood in Buenos Aires and along Nueve de Julio (9th of July) Avenue, the world’s widest boulevard, making our way to the colourful La Bolca district, the haunt of artists. Finally we come to the Recoleta district, with the city’s most prestigious boutiques and restaurants, as well as the cemetery final resting place for many of Argentina’s elite, including Eva Peron. BL

March 13, Thursday BUENOS AIRES, Argentina

Today we experience the countryside - the dry ‘Pampas’ home of the Gauchos (Argentine cowboys!), by spending the day at Estancia Santa Susana, a renowned breeding establishment of pure-blood race horses in the 50’s. Take in the scenery of eucalyptus, magnolias, and camellias during a enjoyable guided horse ride. Enjoy a typical ‘criollas’ lunch featuring a variety of Argentina’s finest and, of course, more wines! We return to our hotel in the late afternoon. BL

March 14, Friday BUENOS AIRES

Enjoy a full day at leisure in this exciting capital city. Some optional excursion will be available for those interested. B

March 15, Saturday BUENOS AIRES / CANADA

Following a free morning, we will transfer to the airport with

a farewell lunch in La Recova district. This evening we board our return flights to Canada. BL

March 16, Sunday CANADA

We arrive back in Toronto early morning with connections to our homes across Canada.

Please note: Chile reciprocity fee (US$132) is included in the air inclusive rates (not the land only rate) above. Argentina Reciprocity fee (US$75) is included.

Tour price is based on sharing a twin-bedded room at hotels. Prices are based on a minimum 15 members and on rates, taxes and fees effective May 2013 and are subject to change due to factors beyond our control.

The price includes the cost of comprehensive insurance ($353 - $423pp) for passengers up to and including 74 years on departure date (rate varies by the cost of the trip). Cost supplements will apply for members aged 75 - 85 (from $210 - $412pp) and singles. Clients 86 years and older and/ or clients residing outside Ontario - please contact our staff for procedures. This insurance is effective from the date of confirmation and carries limitations on pre-existing medical conditions. Please discuss your insurance coverage prior to booking.

Please check our website for the most current information.

Final payment will be due December 13, 2013. Deposit is $500 per person plus the cost of the insurance.

To reserve your spot on this tour, complete the enclosed enrollment form, indicating the tour you wish to join and your home city, and forward it with your deposit to:

CRAIG CANADIAN GROUP TRAVEL LTD 1092 Mount Pleasant Road Toronto ON M4P 2M6

Tel: 416-484-0926 or 1-800-387-8890 / Fax: 416-484-8143

Email: tours@craigtravel.com / www.craigtravel.com