Highlights Of Chile & Argentina

After an early morning arrival, transfer to your hotel. Discover the city's many contrasts in architecture and meet its people on this afternoon's sightseeing excursion. Explore the administrative and governmental heart of the city, beginning with the Palacio de La Moneda Presidential Palace, originally a colonial mint. Continue to the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral and central post office that surround this square. Just off the bustling Alameda - the city's main thoroughfare - is the delightful Concha y Toro neighborhood, with its charming plaza and colonial architecture. Stop at San Cristobal Hill for a panoramic view of the city and the omnipresent Andes. Head uptown to see the dazzling glass high rise buildings, embassies, mansions and deluxe hotels that present a striking contrast to the traditional buildings seen earlier. Tonight, gather for a welcome dinner. Grand Hyatt B D

Today visit the Pre-Columbian Art Museum on a tour led by one of its curators. With one of the world's finest collections of pre- Hispanic relics, the museum goes beyond a simple chronological presentation to present exhibits based around a common aesthetic and anthropological theme (i.e., masks, music, medicine). Then travel to the Maipo Valley, birthplace of Chile's now legendary red wines, and visit two of the most exclusive vineyards and sample fine local wines. This evening, dine ? la carte from your choice of restaurants along Borderio Boulevard. B L D

Fly to Puerto Montt for views of majestic volcanoes in the heart of Chile's southlands and visit its colorful market. Continue to a traditional Chilean ranch where lunch is accompanied by a folklore presentation. Learn about the traditions and horse-related activities in the southern Chilean countryside. Visit the stables and learn the correct method of saddling a horse and how to use the reigns, stirrups and spurs. Then observe horse and rider in action during a typical Chilean rodeo. Meli? Patagonia B L

Journey by land and water across the Andes through a wilderness of natural beauty. Begin with a drive along the shores of Lake Llanquihue, visiting several villages along the way. After lunch, cross into Argentina at Puyehue National Park. Drive to Villa La Angostura, a beautiful city by the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, where you board a private boat and cruise to Puerto Tunquelen, arriving in Bariloche this evening. Transfer to the elegant Llao Llao Hotel, with its spectacular lake and mountain views, its own golf course, tennis courts and opportunities for horseback riding. Llao Llao Hotel & Resort B L D

Explore Bariloche, known as "Little Switzerland" for its stunning Alpine-like scenery. Photographers and hikers of all skill levels find this landscape of conifers, crystalline lakes and wooded, mist-shrouded peaks particularly beguiling. Visit the Llao Llao Peninsula and Lopez Bay, and take the Cerro Campanario chairlift for a bird's-eye perspective of the picturesque valley. Llao Llao Hotel & Resort B L

The morning is at leisure to use the many facilities at your hotel or explore Bariloche's European ambience. Stroll through the town that resembles a Swiss or German village, with stone and wood houses and buildings lining the streets. Shop the boutiques and sample some of the famous chocolate before your flight to Buenos Aires. Sofitel Buenos Aires B

Explore elegant Buenos Aires with visits to the Metropolitan Cathedral; the colorful La Boca district, the tough port barrio and working class heart of the city; and Recoleta Cemetery, where Eva Per?n is buried. Visit San Telmo, birthplace of the tango, a once depressed neighborhood that now houses a bustling collection of artists' studios, ethnic restaurants, antique shops and boutiques. In the afternoon, join renowned dancers at the oldest caf? in Argentina, Caf? Tortoni. Tonight, dine at one of the best tango venues in Buenos Aires and watch an invigorating performance of the dance that made the city famous. Sofitel Buenos Aires B L D

The day is at leisure to relax and enjoy the sights of Buenos Aires, perhaps doing some last-minute shopping. Walk the cobbled streets, dip into a sidewalk caf? and admire the mix of architecture in this city of European flair and old world South American charm before transferring to the airport for your international departure flight. B

Arrive in the USA or Canada and connect to your homebound flight.