|
ZOOM VACATIONS ARGENTINA ITINERARY
Buenos Aires and Iguacu Falls
DAY 1: Friday, November 5, 2010 – Buenos Aires
Arrival: Today, we encourage you to relax, unwind, and take it easy after your overnight flight. You may wish to take a walk down Florida Street, or along the river in the area of Puerto Madero.
Afternooon: Walking tour of The Plaza Mayor and other sites of interest within walking distance of The Hotel Axel, with our expert guide, Marcelo. This newly added complimentary tour will be a relaxing, refreshing start to a wonderful week. In case of inclement weather, we will enjoy a casual meet and greet at The Hotel Axel Bar.
Welcome Dinner and Cocktails
This evening we welcome you to Buenos Aires with dinner at one of Buenos Aires’ coolest venues. This glorious Buenos Aires bar restaurant is housed in an incredibly attractive old mansion with French doors. It has balconies, an elegant staircase and at the back, a cascade of greenery framing a tranquil courtyard. Inside there’s a compact bar area and a superbly stylish restaurant. The building dates back to the dawn of the 20th century and has been thoughtfully restored so that something of that old world atmosphere remains, though in other ways this is a very modern place serving top notch tapas, excellent Argentine steaks and potent cocktails.
ACCOMMODATIONS: The Hotel Axel, Buenos Aires
MEALS INCLUDED: DINNER and COCKTAILS
DAY 2: Saturday, November 6, 2010 – Buenos Aires
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Breakfast is served at the Axel Kitchen.
A Taste of Buenos Aires City Tour
Today, we see Buenos Aires and its architectural jewels on a tour that will unveil this sophisticated grand dame of a city like none before. Some of the highlights include: 1) Recoleta Cemetery, Buenos Aires' oldest cemetery, which houses the tombs of many of the leading figures of Argentinean history: leaders of the independence movement, presidents, military leaders, scientists and artists, making it a historical site of great significance. Eva Perón is among the great people buried on this site, and accordingly, her mausoleum is of an impressive caliber. You will also see works of great architects and sculptors; 2) Buenos Aires' massive obelisk, built in 1936, is situated in the middle of one of the largest roads in the world, the Avenida de 9 Julio, and dominates the city's landscape. The monument is 67 meters high and marks the site where the Argentinean flag was first raised; 3) The Teatro Colón, dating back to the early 20th century, has played host to some of the world's greatest performers. The imposing opera house marries neo-Renaissance architecture with both French and Greek influences.
Those wishing to stay in Palermo Soho will get off the bus with your Zoom Concierge for shopping in this fashionable new area, as well as lunch (at own expense) at one of its many great restaurants. Those not wishing to stay in Palermo Soho will be transferred back to the hotel.
Buenos Aires Gay Pride Parade
We depart the hotel for Plaza de Mayo, which, over the years has been at the center or celebrations and political demonstrations.
Optional Dinner
Tonight, for your convenience, reservations have been made at one of the best restaurants in Buenos Aires. Dinner is on your own account. The restaurant is famous for its beauty, and for its eclectic and interesting menu. Suggested attire: something that makes you feel stylish, and that is also comfortable for exploring the gay nightlife scene later.
Gay Nightlife Tour
Our plan is to meet up at one of or favorite bars, which is always a favorite of our guests, and where we know a number of fun locals. Then, we will go to a small, festive, gay dance club. We may also stop by one of the other gay bars, depending on where the “crowd” seems to be heading tonight.
ACCOMMODATIONS: The Hotel Axel, Buenos Aires
MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST
DAY 3: Sunday, November 7, 2010 – Buenos Aires
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Breakfast is served at the Axel Kitchen.
San Telmo Market Walking Tour
Today we visit San Pedro Telmo Flea Market, or San Telmo Flea Market as it is more commonly known. It is the definitive Argentinean weekend market where you can browse and peruse to your heart's content. The hub of San Telmo Market is, without doubt, the colonial style Plaza Dorrego. The Plaza is largely given over to antique shops and cafes. On market days the square is crammed with stalls offering all manner of antiques and trinkets. Don't be surprised if you discover some art deco or art nouveau masterpieces amongst the reams of furniture and booty. Such pieces are likely to be remnants of Buenos Aires' golden age when the streets were reputed to be lined with gold and the aristocracy boasted tastes equally as lavish as those of London, Vienna and Paris. Featured amongst the markets' highlights are the mesmerizing tango displays performed in the mornings by some of the local tango talent.
Cabaña Las Lilas Lunch
If you are in the mood, or just hungry for some real Argentinean beef, today we will head over to one of the best restaurants in Buenos Aires, Cabana Las Lilas. This is one of the few restaurants featured in the book 1000 Places to See Before you Die, and it states that it is worth the flight to Buenos Aires just to enjoy a steak at this restaurant. Lunch is on your own account, but those interested will depart from San Telmo right after the end of our tour.
Sunday Pool Party and Dj session at the Axel Terrace around the swimming pool. Mix and mingle with friends old and new at the most convenient location possible, right at our hotel!
After the Hotel Axel Sunday Pool Party you may wish to go to one of the other gay clubs to continue getting your groove on.
ACCOMMODATIONS: The Hotel Axel, Buenos Aires
MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST
DAY 4: Monday, November 8, 2010 – Buenos Aires
7:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Breakfast is served at the Axel Kitchen.
Day at leisure to enjoy the best of Buenos Aires: museums, shopping, parks, and more. We especially suggest you go to the Malba Museum (this is the modern museum for Latin American art). Malba hours: Wed-Mon, noon-8pm. Address: Av. Figueroa Alcorta 3415
OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Private Tango Class
Today you will learn to dance the Tango in the city where it was born!
The Travel Channel calls “dancing the tango in Argentina” one of 99 things you must experience in your lifetime. The tango has the power to pull two strangers together into one, to dance out their desires...to be great lovers and heroes, if only for a moment," croons Guadalupe Jolicoeur on "This is the Tango," a Canadian Broadcast System radio program. Who could resist a recommendation like that? Born in the ghettos of Buenos Aires in the late 19th Century, it took decades for this sensual dance to gain respectability. Now, its reputation as one of the sexiest, most sophisticated dances has spread all over the world. Refreshments included.
Rojo Tango Show and Dinner, Faena Hotel
Tonight, we enjoy a celebratory dinner and tango show at the best venue in Buenos Aires for tango dancing, Rojo Tango at the stunning Faena Hotel, wine included. Those interested may wish to grab a drink at the Faena Hotel afterwards. This will truly be a night to remember.
ACCOMMODATIONS: The Hotel Axel, Buenos Aires
MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST and DINNER
DAY 5: Tuesday, November 9, 2010 – Buenos Aires and Iguacu Falls
7:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Breakfast is served at the Axel Kitchen.
Meet at the Hotel Axel Lobby for our private transfer to the airport for your flight. Electronic tickets have been booked for you through Zoom Vacations. Please note that the baggage restriction for the flight to Iguacu and Rio is maximum of two checked bags not to exceed 50lbs in total; one small personal carry on bag, not to exceed 17lbs; and one personal item such as a backpack or laptop.
Upon arrival at the hotel, this afternoon is at your leisure to take a dip in the pool, get a spa treatment, go to the gym, and more. If time allows, we will also take those interested on a short walk to San Martin Island. There will be some moderate hiking involved. Note: if you plan on using the spa, you may wish to make spa appointments as soon as you arrive. This evening, take a moonlight walk, enjoy a drink at the bar, or have dinner in the restaurant, Garganta del Diablo.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Starwood Sheraton International Hotel, Standard Room
MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST and LIGHT SNACK SERVED ON THE PLANE
DAY 6: Wednesday, November 10, 2010 – Iguacu Falls
7:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Buffet Breakfast is served in the restaurant, Garganta del Diablo
Iguacu Falls Tour
Meet at the hotel bar. Full day tour of Iguacu Falls and surrounding jungle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our tour takes you up close and personal to the Falls’ “Devil’s Throat”! Plus you will enjoy a high speed boat ride, which takes us right up to the bottom of the falls. (includes park entrance fees and boat ride). Please note: you will get wet on the boat ride, and there will be some moderate hiking at the very end. Please talk to Joel if you have any concerns.
Sunset Cocktails
This evening, we enjoy sunset at Iguacu Falls with cocktails on the Paraiso Terrace of the Starwood Sheraton International Hotel, with commanding views of the Falls in the distance. Make sure you come on time so that you do not miss a thing! The sun goes down very quickly, and when it’s down, you will only be able to hear the magnificent falls.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Starwood Sheraton International Hotel, Standard Room
MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST and COCKTAIL APPETIZERS
DAY 7: Thursday, November 11, 2010 – Iguacu Falls and departure home or to Rio de Janeiro
7:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Buffet Breakfast is served in the restaurant, Garganta del Diablo
Day at leisure to lounge by the pool, enjoy a spa treatment, work out, enjoy a cocktail, visit San Martin Island, or to take in a hike along the awe-inspiring Falls. Like most people who visit the area, you will find that you can’t get enough of exploring the Falls. Official checkout is 10:00 AM, and the hotel will store our bags while we enjoy our last day in paradise before our flight to Buenos Aires.
10:00 AM: Hotel check out
Afternoon: Those going to Buenos Aires-- Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Buenos Aires. Please note that the baggage restriction for the flight to Iguacu and Rio is maximum of two checked bags not to exceed 50lbs in total; one small personal carry on bag, not to exceed 17lbs; and one personal item such as a backpack or laptop. Upon arrival in Buenos Aires you will be met by Marcelo. Those guests with an onward connection to the international airport will be escorted by Marcelo and assited with check in.
Afternoon: Those going to Rio de Janeiro-- Transfer to the airport for your flight to Rio de Janeiro. Please note that the baggage restriction for the flight to Iguacu and Rio is maximum of two checked bags not to exceed 50lbs in total; one small personal carry on bag, not to exceed 17lbs; and one personal item such as a backpack or laptop. Those guests on our Rio extension trip please refer to the Rio Extension itinerary for further details.
MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST and LIGHT SNACK SERVED ON THE PLANE
|
