Argentina 2018
Global Praxis is pleased to offer this private educational tour that is more "compact" than the traditional 3 week college credit study abroad programs. By popular demand, adult learners, working professionals, community residents, and retired couples have asked us to create a shorter length program but one that retains the same level of high-quality and cultural/educational immersion.
The purpose of all Global Praxis educational tours and programs is as stated under our company name above: “Creating International Learning Environments.” The emphasis here is on “learning.” Our associates and contacts in the host countries are selected based on their expert knowledge and ability to impart to you the cultural, historical, political, and social dynamics of their respective countries. This is what distinguishes our programs from others and it affords our participants a value-added dimension that offers you much more than simple tourism.
Dates: June 6, 2018 - June 21, 2018
Itinerary at-a-glance (see below for detailed itinerary):
Day 1 - Departure from U.S.
Day 2 - Arrive in Buenos Aires, evening tour of Centro de Buenos Aires
Day 3 - Walking tour of Recoleta, Cementerio de la Recoleta
Day 4 - Free morning. Afternoon tour of Palermo and Belgrano neighborhoods
Day 5 - Visit San Telmo & La Boca
Day 6 - Morning: Guest lecturer; Afternoon: Museo Evita; Evening: Night of Tango
Day 7 - Tour of Teatro Colón, Galerías Pacífico, Plaza San Martín and Retiro
Day 8 - Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
Day 9 - Morning: Presentation "Dictatorship and Desaparecidos"; Afternoon: Catedral Metropolitana
Day 10 - Dia de Jorge Luis Borges
Day 11 - Gaucho Day: Full Day Tour at an Estancia in San Antonio de Areco
Day 12 - Free day
Day 13 - Day trip to Colonia del Sacramento in neighboring Uruguay
Day 14 - Visit MALBA (art museum); Afternoon/Evening: Cooking class
Day 15 - Free day
Day 16 - Transfer to airport, depart Buenos Aires.
Apply for Program:
Complete the application form to begin the registration process.
The purpose of all Global Praxis educational tours and programs is as stated under our company name above: “Creating International Learning Environments.” The emphasis here is on “learning.” Our associates and contacts in the host countries are selected based on their expert knowledge and ability to impart to you the cultural, historical, political, and social dynamics of their respective countries. This is what distinguishes our programs from others and it affords our participants a value-added dimension that offers you much more than simple tourism.
Dates: June 6, 2018 - June 21, 2018
Itinerary at-a-glance (see below for detailed itinerary):
Day 1 - Departure from U.S.
Day 2 - Arrive in Buenos Aires, evening tour of Centro de Buenos Aires
Day 3 - Walking tour of Recoleta, Cementerio de la Recoleta
Day 4 - Free morning. Afternoon tour of Palermo and Belgrano neighborhoods
Day 5 - Visit San Telmo & La Boca
Day 6 - Morning: Guest lecturer; Afternoon: Museo Evita; Evening: Night of Tango
Day 7 - Tour of Teatro Colón, Galerías Pacífico, Plaza San Martín and Retiro
Day 8 - Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
Day 9 - Morning: Presentation "Dictatorship and Desaparecidos"; Afternoon: Catedral Metropolitana
Day 10 - Dia de Jorge Luis Borges
Day 11 - Gaucho Day: Full Day Tour at an Estancia in San Antonio de Areco
Day 12 - Free day
Day 13 - Day trip to Colonia del Sacramento in neighboring Uruguay
Day 14 - Visit MALBA (art museum); Afternoon/Evening: Cooking class
Day 15 - Free day
Day 16 - Transfer to airport, depart Buenos Aires.
Apply for Program:
Complete the application form to begin the registration process.
Day 1 - Departure from US
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
Depart for Buenos Aires
Depart for Buenos Aires
Day 2 - Arrival in Buenos Aires
Casa Rosada
Thursday, June 7
Arrive at Ezeiza Airport, Buenos Aires
Late afternoon - Early evening: Tour of Centro de Buenos Aires
HIGHLIGHT: Plaza de Mayo
The Plaza de Mayo is the heart of Buenos Aires. First constructed in 1580, it has been the setting for Argentina’s most politically turbulent moments, including the uprising against Spanish colonial rule on May 25, 1810—hence its name. Today, the plaza remains the traditional site for ceremonies, rallies, and protests.
The Plaza is dominated by the famous “Casa Rosada” the Presidential Palace - the Argentine version of our White House. At its center is an obelisk called the Pirámide de Mayo, erected to commemorate independence from Spain. The white headscarves painted around the Pirámide de Mayo represent the Madres de la Plaza de Mayo – the wives and mothers-turned-militant activists who have been protesting the “disappearance” of their family members during the ruthless military dictatorship from 1976-1983. Las Madres continue demanding justice for the more than 30,000 abducted “desaparecidos” every Thursday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. in this plaza. We will invite their representatives to come and speak to our group.
Arrive at Ezeiza Airport, Buenos Aires
Late afternoon - Early evening: Tour of Centro de Buenos Aires
HIGHLIGHT: Plaza de Mayo
The Plaza de Mayo is the heart of Buenos Aires. First constructed in 1580, it has been the setting for Argentina’s most politically turbulent moments, including the uprising against Spanish colonial rule on May 25, 1810—hence its name. Today, the plaza remains the traditional site for ceremonies, rallies, and protests.
The Plaza is dominated by the famous “Casa Rosada” the Presidential Palace - the Argentine version of our White House. At its center is an obelisk called the Pirámide de Mayo, erected to commemorate independence from Spain. The white headscarves painted around the Pirámide de Mayo represent the Madres de la Plaza de Mayo – the wives and mothers-turned-militant activists who have been protesting the “disappearance” of their family members during the ruthless military dictatorship from 1976-1983. Las Madres continue demanding justice for the more than 30,000 abducted “desaparecidos” every Thursday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. in this plaza. We will invite their representatives to come and speak to our group.
Day 3 - Walking Tour of Recoleta
Friday June 8
Breakfast at Hotel
Walking Tour of Recoleta
It's impossible to understand Buenos Aires without spending some time in the Recoleta neighborhood. Its luxury apartments, lavish mansions and upscale boutiques, all housed within Parisian-style, 19th-century façades, are what many envision when thinking of the Argentine capital. Exceedingly beautiful, dotted with green spaces and close to the ocean, the neighborhood ranks among the most affluent in the city. It is also the intellectual and cultural center of Buenos Aires located on the northwest side of the city.
We will stroll through Recoleta and learn about the neighborhood's history as a respite and meeting place for artists, politicians and writers like Jorge Luis Borges, Argentine poet, essayist, and short-story writer whose works have become classics of 20th-century world literature. We will also visit the most famous and luxurious hotel of the city – Alvear Palace Hotel, and we will taste local delicacies like the deliciously famous Argentine “empanadas” and the local Malbec wines.
Recoleta has plenty of other worthwhile things to see and do. Our walking tour of the neighborhood will also take you to the Palais de Glace (once a famous tango hall), the Church of Nuestra Señora del Pilar and the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, home of the world's largest collection of Argentine art.
Cementerio de la Recoleta
Perhaps Recoleta's biggest claim to fame is its labyrinthine cemetery, a mini-city of marble mausoleums and ornate crypts where Evita Perón was laid to rest. This cemetery is Buenos Aires' most-visited attraction. Over 6,400 tombs are found in the cemetery, laid out in formal tree-lined avenues and punctuated with beautifully sculpted monuments, poignant marble statues and grand, bronze-cast mausoleums.
Breakfast at Hotel
Walking Tour of Recoleta
It's impossible to understand Buenos Aires without spending some time in the Recoleta neighborhood. Its luxury apartments, lavish mansions and upscale boutiques, all housed within Parisian-style, 19th-century façades, are what many envision when thinking of the Argentine capital. Exceedingly beautiful, dotted with green spaces and close to the ocean, the neighborhood ranks among the most affluent in the city. It is also the intellectual and cultural center of Buenos Aires located on the northwest side of the city.
We will stroll through Recoleta and learn about the neighborhood's history as a respite and meeting place for artists, politicians and writers like Jorge Luis Borges, Argentine poet, essayist, and short-story writer whose works have become classics of 20th-century world literature. We will also visit the most famous and luxurious hotel of the city – Alvear Palace Hotel, and we will taste local delicacies like the deliciously famous Argentine “empanadas” and the local Malbec wines.
Recoleta has plenty of other worthwhile things to see and do. Our walking tour of the neighborhood will also take you to the Palais de Glace (once a famous tango hall), the Church of Nuestra Señora del Pilar and the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, home of the world's largest collection of Argentine art.
Cementerio de la Recoleta
Perhaps Recoleta's biggest claim to fame is its labyrinthine cemetery, a mini-city of marble mausoleums and ornate crypts where Evita Perón was laid to rest. This cemetery is Buenos Aires' most-visited attraction. Over 6,400 tombs are found in the cemetery, laid out in formal tree-lined avenues and punctuated with beautifully sculpted monuments, poignant marble statues and grand, bronze-cast mausoleums.
Day 4 - Palermo and Belgrano
Saturday June 9
Breakfast at Hotel
Free Morning
Afternoon – Tour of Palermo and Belgrano Neighborhoods
The sprawling barrios of Palermo and Belgrano boast wide-open spaces filled by parks, a racecourse, and the city zoo. Palermo grew in the late 19th century during the presidency of Domingo Sarmiento, who was responsible for the building of the Botanical Garden and Parque 3 de febrero, the capital’s largest and most popular park, also known as the “Bosques de Palermo.” (The Palermo Woods) This sweeping green space abounds with small lakes with paddleboats, ornate gazebos, a monument to literary greats called “El Jardín de los Poetas” and the lovely Rose Garden. On weekends, it is filled with families picknicking, friends playing fútbol, lovers strolling, and outdoor enthusiasts jogging and cycling.
Belgrano was named after Manuel Belgrano, the military leader who designed the country’s national flag. These two barrios are considered superior by most Argentinians for their many urban conveniences and museums, which include the MALBA that we will visit on Wednesday. Their parks are loved by porteños, who come en masse on weekends to walk, jog, or to share a round of mate on the lawns to converse and socialize.
Breakfast at Hotel
Free Morning
Afternoon – Tour of Palermo and Belgrano Neighborhoods
The sprawling barrios of Palermo and Belgrano boast wide-open spaces filled by parks, a racecourse, and the city zoo. Palermo grew in the late 19th century during the presidency of Domingo Sarmiento, who was responsible for the building of the Botanical Garden and Parque 3 de febrero, the capital’s largest and most popular park, also known as the “Bosques de Palermo.” (The Palermo Woods) This sweeping green space abounds with small lakes with paddleboats, ornate gazebos, a monument to literary greats called “El Jardín de los Poetas” and the lovely Rose Garden. On weekends, it is filled with families picknicking, friends playing fútbol, lovers strolling, and outdoor enthusiasts jogging and cycling.
Belgrano was named after Manuel Belgrano, the military leader who designed the country’s national flag. These two barrios are considered superior by most Argentinians for their many urban conveniences and museums, which include the MALBA that we will visit on Wednesday. Their parks are loved by porteños, who come en masse on weekends to walk, jog, or to share a round of mate on the lawns to converse and socialize.
Day 5 - San Telmo and La Boca
Sunday June 10
Breakfast at Hotel
Plaza Dorrego – Sundays see this otherwise quiet San Telmo square transform itself into “La Feria de San Telmo,” Buenos Aires’ biggest antique market. Memorabilia, junk, and genuine antiques are all part of the cult of nostalgia celebrated here every Sunday in the shadow of century-old townhouses. A beer, a cup of wine, coffee, or mate at a traditional bar is an essential part of the experience.
Stroll through San Telmo neighborhood – a beguiling mix of faded grandeur and bohemian spirit. The elegant belle époque architecture and crumbling villas are a throwback to the area’s 19th century heyday before yellow fever and cholera sent the aristocratic class to the higher ground of Recoleta. Newly arrived Italian immigrants moved into these abandoned mansions which then became tenement houses.
While much of the old-world atmosphere remains, currently, the barrio of San Telmo is experiencing the same gentrification process occurring in many other large cities in the world. These former tenements and other properties are being fought over by foreign investors leading to an urban renewal movement that is transforming San Telmo into Buenos Aires’ “hippest” neighborhood. The hottest designers are establishing boutiques, new restaurants are booked way in advance, an art district is burgeoning, and property prices and values are soaring.
South of San Telmo is the barrio of La Boca which rose to prominence in the 19th century when Genoese settlers began building their homes along the dockside from the left-over corrugated metal. Today, you will see imitations of these vibrant, brightly-colored buildings forming one of Buenos Aires’ most emblematic sights – the Caminito—recognized as Argentina’s only open-air museum. While today, upper and middle class porteños live in the neighborhoods of Recoleta, Palermo, and Belgrano, they claim that their souls still lie in the southern barrios of La Boca and San Telmo—although they have tended to avoid these “lower class” barrios. These southern barrios near the docks was where the bordellos were established and where the tango was born.
Breakfast at Hotel
Plaza Dorrego – Sundays see this otherwise quiet San Telmo square transform itself into “La Feria de San Telmo,” Buenos Aires’ biggest antique market. Memorabilia, junk, and genuine antiques are all part of the cult of nostalgia celebrated here every Sunday in the shadow of century-old townhouses. A beer, a cup of wine, coffee, or mate at a traditional bar is an essential part of the experience.
Stroll through San Telmo neighborhood – a beguiling mix of faded grandeur and bohemian spirit. The elegant belle époque architecture and crumbling villas are a throwback to the area’s 19th century heyday before yellow fever and cholera sent the aristocratic class to the higher ground of Recoleta. Newly arrived Italian immigrants moved into these abandoned mansions which then became tenement houses.
While much of the old-world atmosphere remains, currently, the barrio of San Telmo is experiencing the same gentrification process occurring in many other large cities in the world. These former tenements and other properties are being fought over by foreign investors leading to an urban renewal movement that is transforming San Telmo into Buenos Aires’ “hippest” neighborhood. The hottest designers are establishing boutiques, new restaurants are booked way in advance, an art district is burgeoning, and property prices and values are soaring.
South of San Telmo is the barrio of La Boca which rose to prominence in the 19th century when Genoese settlers began building their homes along the dockside from the left-over corrugated metal. Today, you will see imitations of these vibrant, brightly-colored buildings forming one of Buenos Aires’ most emblematic sights – the Caminito—recognized as Argentina’s only open-air museum. While today, upper and middle class porteños live in the neighborhoods of Recoleta, Palermo, and Belgrano, they claim that their souls still lie in the southern barrios of La Boca and San Telmo—although they have tended to avoid these “lower class” barrios. These southern barrios near the docks was where the bordellos were established and where the tango was born.
Day 6 - Guest Lecture, Museo Evita and Tango
Image of Museo Evita by Roberto Fiadone, Wikimedia Commons
Monday June 11
Breakfast at Hotel
Morning: Guest Lecturer - Argentina at a Glance: Historical and Political Background
Afternoon:
Museo Evita
By becoming the champion of the lower classes or, as she called them, los descamisados (shirtless ones), and working to provide them with housing, food, and education through her social-welfare foundation, Evita transformed her celebrity status to an adulated saint-like savior.
Argentina's iconic first lady and wife of President Juan Domingo Perón has this museum devoted to her. Housed in a gorgeous 1923 mansion that from 1948 belonged to Eva Perón's social foundation, Museo Evita celebrates the Argentine heroine with videos, historical photos, books and posters. However, the prize memorabilia has to be her wardrobe: dresses, shoes, handbags, hats and blouses are all on display. Look for the picture of her kicking a soccer ball – in heels.
Breakfast at Hotel
Morning: Guest Lecturer - Argentina at a Glance: Historical and Political Background
Afternoon:
Museo Evita
By becoming the champion of the lower classes or, as she called them, los descamisados (shirtless ones), and working to provide them with housing, food, and education through her social-welfare foundation, Evita transformed her celebrity status to an adulated saint-like savior.
Argentina's iconic first lady and wife of President Juan Domingo Perón has this museum devoted to her. Housed in a gorgeous 1923 mansion that from 1948 belonged to Eva Perón's social foundation, Museo Evita celebrates the Argentine heroine with videos, historical photos, books and posters. However, the prize memorabilia has to be her wardrobe: dresses, shoes, handbags, hats and blouses are all on display. Look for the picture of her kicking a soccer ball – in heels.
Evening:
Night of TANGO!
Tango has its roots in the bars and bordellos that sprung up around Buenos Aires at the turn of the 20th century. From the cultural melting pot of European immigrants and Africans, a vibrant music and dance form evolved. While early tango was played on flute, violin, and guitar, musicians soon adopted the bandoneón (button accordion) for its rhythmic energy and melancholic strains.
Tonight, you will immerse yourself in the Buenos Aires tango scene as you visit a traditional milonga, take your first tango lesson and then watch a tango performance. This experience will allow you to discover this famous, home-grown dance like a local and practice your tango steps in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. After your dance class, you will enjoy dinner and drinks as the professionals take to the stage for a spectacular tango show.
Night of TANGO!
Tango has its roots in the bars and bordellos that sprung up around Buenos Aires at the turn of the 20th century. From the cultural melting pot of European immigrants and Africans, a vibrant music and dance form evolved. While early tango was played on flute, violin, and guitar, musicians soon adopted the bandoneón (button accordion) for its rhythmic energy and melancholic strains.
Tonight, you will immerse yourself in the Buenos Aires tango scene as you visit a traditional milonga, take your first tango lesson and then watch a tango performance. This experience will allow you to discover this famous, home-grown dance like a local and practice your tango steps in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. After your dance class, you will enjoy dinner and drinks as the professionals take to the stage for a spectacular tango show.
Day 7 - Teatro Colón, Galerías Pacífico, Plaza San Martín and Retiro
Tuesday June 12
Breakfast at Hotel
Tour of the Teatro Colón
The city’s main lyric theater and a world-class center for classical music, ballet, and opera. Construction began in 1880 and it opened its doors in 1908 with a performance of Verdi’s Aida. This impressive seven-story building is one of Buenos Aires’ landmarks and greatest source of pride. The acoustics in this theater are considered among the top five of the world’s concert venues.
Galerías Pacífico
Constructed in 1889, this beautiful shopping covers an entire city block and was inspired by Le Bon Marché in Paris. It boasts upscale stores along with a large food court. The completion of a central cupola in 1945 made space for a dozen magnificent mural paintings.
Tour of Plaza San Martín and Retiro
Located in the distinguished Retiro barrio, Plaza San Martín is known for its beautiful French and Italian architecture. Lining the plaza are the famous Círculo Militar, Palacio Haedo, and Palacio San Martín, remnants of the city’s prosperous belle époque era in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The area is a commercial hub and offers some of the capital’s best shopping. We will stroll through Calle Florida, famous street celebrated by poets, tango singers, and shoppers alike. It is also home to the Centro Cultural Borges, which houses a theater and a cinema.
Breakfast at Hotel
Tour of the Teatro Colón
The city’s main lyric theater and a world-class center for classical music, ballet, and opera. Construction began in 1880 and it opened its doors in 1908 with a performance of Verdi’s Aida. This impressive seven-story building is one of Buenos Aires’ landmarks and greatest source of pride. The acoustics in this theater are considered among the top five of the world’s concert venues.
Galerías Pacífico
Constructed in 1889, this beautiful shopping covers an entire city block and was inspired by Le Bon Marché in Paris. It boasts upscale stores along with a large food court. The completion of a central cupola in 1945 made space for a dozen magnificent mural paintings.
Tour of Plaza San Martín and Retiro
Located in the distinguished Retiro barrio, Plaza San Martín is known for its beautiful French and Italian architecture. Lining the plaza are the famous Círculo Militar, Palacio Haedo, and Palacio San Martín, remnants of the city’s prosperous belle époque era in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The area is a commercial hub and offers some of the capital’s best shopping. We will stroll through Calle Florida, famous street celebrated by poets, tango singers, and shoppers alike. It is also home to the Centro Cultural Borges, which houses a theater and a cinema.
Day 8 - Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
Wednesday June 13
Breakfast at Hotel
Afternoon: Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (National Museum of Fine Arts)
Housed in a neoclassical building in glitzy Recoleta, Museo Nacioanl de Bellas Artes is home to the world's largest public art collection in Latin America. Its 12,000-plus pieces here include the world's largest collection of Argentine art, as well as one of the region's most important collections of 19th-century European art. You'll find everything from Rodin and Rembrandt to Goya and Gauguin, plus Argentinean masters like Della Valle, de la Cárcova, and Cándido López.
Evening: Tango, anyone?
An opportunity to practice what you have learned and return to sharpen your tango skills at a different tango spot.
Breakfast at Hotel
Afternoon: Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (National Museum of Fine Arts)
Housed in a neoclassical building in glitzy Recoleta, Museo Nacioanl de Bellas Artes is home to the world's largest public art collection in Latin America. Its 12,000-plus pieces here include the world's largest collection of Argentine art, as well as one of the region's most important collections of 19th-century European art. You'll find everything from Rodin and Rembrandt to Goya and Gauguin, plus Argentinean masters like Della Valle, de la Cárcova, and Cándido López.
Evening: Tango, anyone?
An opportunity to practice what you have learned and return to sharpen your tango skills at a different tango spot.
Day 9 - Catedral Metropolitana
Thursday June 14
Breakfast at Hotel
Morning:
Presentation – Madres y Abuelas de la Plaza de Mayo “Dictatorship & “Desaparecidos”
Representatives from this organization will address the group about their decades-long appeal for justice on behalf of their family members who were abducted during the military government and became the “desaparecidos.”
Afternoon:
Visit the Catedral Metropolitana with its columned, neo-classical façade that makes it appear more like a temple than a church. This is the seat of the diocese that until recently was led by Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio who was elected Pope Francis in 2013. The sanctuary now includes a commemorative display of Pope Francis’ personal objects, watched over by a grinning life-size statue of the pontiff in full regalia. The celebrated remains of another local hero –General José de San Martín, known as the Liberator of Argentina for his role in the War of Independence from Spain rests here in a marble mausoleum lighted by an eternal flame. An elite military troop permanently guard the tomb.
3:30 p.m. - Witness the protests of the Madres y Abuelas de la Plaza de Mayo who return here every Thursday afternoon to continue to memorialize their family members who disappeared during the military dictatorship of 1976-1983.
(Optional) Malbec Wine Tasting and Tapas in Palermo
Breakfast at Hotel
Morning:
Presentation – Madres y Abuelas de la Plaza de Mayo “Dictatorship & “Desaparecidos”
Representatives from this organization will address the group about their decades-long appeal for justice on behalf of their family members who were abducted during the military government and became the “desaparecidos.”
Afternoon:
Visit the Catedral Metropolitana with its columned, neo-classical façade that makes it appear more like a temple than a church. This is the seat of the diocese that until recently was led by Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio who was elected Pope Francis in 2013. The sanctuary now includes a commemorative display of Pope Francis’ personal objects, watched over by a grinning life-size statue of the pontiff in full regalia. The celebrated remains of another local hero –General José de San Martín, known as the Liberator of Argentina for his role in the War of Independence from Spain rests here in a marble mausoleum lighted by an eternal flame. An elite military troop permanently guard the tomb.
3:30 p.m. - Witness the protests of the Madres y Abuelas de la Plaza de Mayo who return here every Thursday afternoon to continue to memorialize their family members who disappeared during the military dictatorship of 1976-1983.
(Optional) Malbec Wine Tasting and Tapas in Palermo
Day 10 - Dia de Jorge Luis Borges
Jorge Luis Borges
Friday June 15
Breakfast at Hotel
Dia de Jorge Luis Borges (Day devoted exclusively to Argentina’s most revered literary icon.)
One of the most important literary figures of the twentieth century, Jorge Luis Borges was born in Buenos Aires city in 1899. He spent most of his childhood in Palermo. Borges published his first collection of poetry, Fervor de Buenos Aires, in 1923. His rich literary works of short stories, essays and poetry (‘Ficciones’ and ‘El Aleph y Otros Cuentos’ being two of the best-known of his collections) won him the first ‘Prix International’ (1961), together with Samuel Beckett, as well as the Cervantes Prize (1980) and the French Legion of Honour (1983). We will visit the National Library (Biblioteca Nacional) where Borges was appointed Director in 1955 and served for 18 years and places where Jorge Luis Borges used to visit (Café Tortoni, Restaurant El Preferido).
We will invite Argentine scholars to share translated readings from his works, and visit other places of interest related to his life and works. We will give each participant a reading list of various Argentina-related books among which you will find the Borges works we recommend you read prior to our trip.
Evening:
Tango Dancing (optional)
Breakfast at Hotel
Dia de Jorge Luis Borges (Day devoted exclusively to Argentina’s most revered literary icon.)
One of the most important literary figures of the twentieth century, Jorge Luis Borges was born in Buenos Aires city in 1899. He spent most of his childhood in Palermo. Borges published his first collection of poetry, Fervor de Buenos Aires, in 1923. His rich literary works of short stories, essays and poetry (‘Ficciones’ and ‘El Aleph y Otros Cuentos’ being two of the best-known of his collections) won him the first ‘Prix International’ (1961), together with Samuel Beckett, as well as the Cervantes Prize (1980) and the French Legion of Honour (1983). We will visit the National Library (Biblioteca Nacional) where Borges was appointed Director in 1955 and served for 18 years and places where Jorge Luis Borges used to visit (Café Tortoni, Restaurant El Preferido).
We will invite Argentine scholars to share translated readings from his works, and visit other places of interest related to his life and works. We will give each participant a reading list of various Argentina-related books among which you will find the Borges works we recommend you read prior to our trip.
Evening:
Tango Dancing (optional)
Day 11 - Gaucho Day
Image by Psartori, Wikimedia Commons
Breakfast at Hotel
GAUCHO DAY!
Full Day Tour at an Estancia in San Antonio de Areco
This will be one of the highlights of your trip! We will venture into the wild Argentine pampas to experience the culture of the “gaucho” which will include the traditional “asado” or “parrilla” –a typical country barbecue with the highest quality cuts of meat and fixings, in a rustic provincial setting, 113 kilometers northwest of Buenos Aires. You will experience, first-hand, the life and culture of the gaucho who will demonstrate a variety of gaucho skills and folkloric traditions. You can enjoy horse back riding, ride in a carriage, tour the village, relax with a cup of mate, or engage in other stress-less activities, including gaucho music and dancing.
GAUCHO DAY!
Full Day Tour at an Estancia in San Antonio de Areco
This will be one of the highlights of your trip! We will venture into the wild Argentine pampas to experience the culture of the “gaucho” which will include the traditional “asado” or “parrilla” –a typical country barbecue with the highest quality cuts of meat and fixings, in a rustic provincial setting, 113 kilometers northwest of Buenos Aires. You will experience, first-hand, the life and culture of the gaucho who will demonstrate a variety of gaucho skills and folkloric traditions. You can enjoy horse back riding, ride in a carriage, tour the village, relax with a cup of mate, or engage in other stress-less activities, including gaucho music and dancing.
Day 12 - Free Day
Saturday June 17
Breakfast at Hotel
Afternoon:
Casa Rosada (Optional)
The Argentine “White House” and seat of government, The Pink House (or 'La Casa Rosada') sits on Plaza de Mayo, directly across from the former Spanish seat of government, the Cabildo. It was from the balcony here that Eva Perón famously addressed the throngs of impassioned supporters. (It is only open on Saturdays and Sundays on a first-come, first-served basis.)
Breakfast at Hotel
Afternoon:
Casa Rosada (Optional)
The Argentine “White House” and seat of government, The Pink House (or 'La Casa Rosada') sits on Plaza de Mayo, directly across from the former Spanish seat of government, the Cabildo. It was from the balcony here that Eva Perón famously addressed the throngs of impassioned supporters. (It is only open on Saturdays and Sundays on a first-come, first-served basis.)
Day 13 - Day trip to Uruguay
Monday June 18
Breakfast at Hotel
Day trip to Colonia del Sacramento in neighboring Uruguay
From Puerto Madero, we will take a ferry across the Río de la Plata, to the Colonia, founded by the Portuguese in 1680. The peaceful, cobbled streets of the Colonia seem a world away from the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires just across the river with its old-world architecture, serenity, and water lapping unto its sandy shores.
The bloody border dispute between Portugal and Spain gave this remarkable site an identity that enabled an appreciation of the survival of its essential characteristics.
The historic quarter of Colonia del Sacramento, founded in 1680, evokes old Lisbon with its Portuguese-influenced architecture and winding streets. The area, located in southwestern Uruguay on the Rio de la Plata, was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995. Major sights include the Iglesia Matriz - the country's oldest church, the Municipal Museum and a 17th-century port jutting into the river.
Breakfast at Hotel
Day trip to Colonia del Sacramento in neighboring Uruguay
From Puerto Madero, we will take a ferry across the Río de la Plata, to the Colonia, founded by the Portuguese in 1680. The peaceful, cobbled streets of the Colonia seem a world away from the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires just across the river with its old-world architecture, serenity, and water lapping unto its sandy shores.
The bloody border dispute between Portugal and Spain gave this remarkable site an identity that enabled an appreciation of the survival of its essential characteristics.
The historic quarter of Colonia del Sacramento, founded in 1680, evokes old Lisbon with its Portuguese-influenced architecture and winding streets. The area, located in southwestern Uruguay on the Rio de la Plata, was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995. Major sights include the Iglesia Matriz - the country's oldest church, the Municipal Museum and a 17th-century port jutting into the river.
Day 14 - Visit MALBA
Image by HalloweenHJB, Wikimedia Commons
Thursday June 19
Breakfast at Hotel
Morning:
Visit MALBA – Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires
Opened in 2001, MALBA is recognized as the best privately administered art museum in Argentina. It houses over 500 works of 20th-century Latin American art, including pieces by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera (Mexico), Fernando Botero (Colombia), Tarsila do Amaral (one of Brazil’s most famous painters, and Argentinian masters Antonio Berni, Jorge de la Vega, Xul Solar, and Leon Ferrari.
Afternoon/Evening:
Cooking Class
Get a taste of Argentina’s authentic local cuisine with this interactive cooking and dining experience. Our group will go to a private kitchen to delve into and pick-up Argentine culinary skills. Whether it’s “empanadas” we are making, preparing a meal with chimichurri sauce, or “alfajores” for dessert, we will try to include a little cocktail and wine mixology as an added benefit. This is one event you will take back home with you to share with family and friends
Breakfast at Hotel
Morning:
Visit MALBA – Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires
Opened in 2001, MALBA is recognized as the best privately administered art museum in Argentina. It houses over 500 works of 20th-century Latin American art, including pieces by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera (Mexico), Fernando Botero (Colombia), Tarsila do Amaral (one of Brazil’s most famous painters, and Argentinian masters Antonio Berni, Jorge de la Vega, Xul Solar, and Leon Ferrari.
Afternoon/Evening:
Cooking Class
Get a taste of Argentina’s authentic local cuisine with this interactive cooking and dining experience. Our group will go to a private kitchen to delve into and pick-up Argentine culinary skills. Whether it’s “empanadas” we are making, preparing a meal with chimichurri sauce, or “alfajores” for dessert, we will try to include a little cocktail and wine mixology as an added benefit. This is one event you will take back home with you to share with family and friends
Day 15 - Free Day
Wednesday June 20
Breakfast at Hotel
Free Day for additional shopping or returning to sites you wish to re-visit.
Evening:
Last Tango in Buenos Aires!!! (Optional)
Breakfast at Hotel
Free Day for additional shopping or returning to sites you wish to re-visit.
Evening:
Last Tango in Buenos Aires!!! (Optional)
Day 16 - Depart Buenos Aires
Thursday June 21
Breakfast at Hotel
DEPART Buenos Aires
Breakfast at Hotel
DEPART Buenos Aires
Cost Breakdown
Total Cost for Educational Tour to Argentina: $2,577 (based on double occupancy)
(This price is contingent on having 20 participants.)
Includes all lodging, local transportation, guides, admissions, excursions, tango lesson & dancing, cooking class, 13 breakfasts, 5 dinners, and all events included in this itinerary. It also includes supplemental medical and travel insurance for all participants. (Does not include international airfare)
(This price is contingent on having 20 participants.)
Includes all lodging, local transportation, guides, admissions, excursions, tango lesson & dancing, cooking class, 13 breakfasts, 5 dinners, and all events included in this itinerary. It also includes supplemental medical and travel insurance for all participants. (Does not include international airfare)