BUENOS AIRES

Day 1

TRANSFER EZEIZA AIRPORT/HOTEL LAFAYETTE

CITY TOUR (3 HRS): Sightseeing of Buenos Aires, a cosmopolitan city that shows the influence of the numerous groups of immigrants that formed it. The tour starts at the historic Plaza de Mayo Square, scene of recent politic demonstrations. It is surrounded by the Government House, best known as the Pink House, which is the seat of the Executive Branch; the Cabildo (the old City Hall) and the Cathedral. The Avenida De Mayo, which starts in this square, is an interesting set of buildings of varied styles that reflect the diversity of its inhabitants. Through this avenue, you reach the Congress Palace. Wide avenues and green areas appear constantly trying to slow down the rhythm of this fast moving city. A sample of this is the 9 de Julio Avenue, with its eight lanes divided by small green squares with old leafy trees and enriched by sculptures and fountains. In the middle of this avenue, in the Plaza de la Republica, the Obelisk rises as a symbol of the city. Southwards, we reach the picturesque and colorful port neighborhood of La Boca with its famous street, Caminito, whose characteristics and customs reflect the influence of the European citizens that came to these shores in the last years of the 19th century, specially Genoese sailors. The visit continues towards San Telmo, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, which was also a center of immigrants and most of its architecture untouched: its colonial houses, its cobbled streets. Every Sunday an antique fair is held in the Plaza Dorrego. The area has also a lively night-life with many tango houses, restaurants and pubs. The tour then goes on towards the modern and well-off district of Puerto Madero; Palermo neighborhood with its elegant residences framed by wide green areas; reaching finally the district of Recoleta, the most sophisticated neighborhood in Buenos Aires.

 

DINNER & TANGO SHOW AT SENOR TANGO: Depart the hotel towards the traditional district of Barracas, where this giant restaurant is located, in an antique remodeled warehouse. Its total capacity is 2500 people and 1600 in banquet. This fantastic place offers a spectacular show with 40 performers: 5 dancer couples, 3 singers, and an orchestra. The show will let you enjoy a fascinating trip through tango history, and also enjoy some Argentine folklore. It is a show that offers the typical aspects of Argentine tango but with an updated look. It also offers a selection of dishes, among which obviously stands out the Bife de Chorizo (prime beef). After the show, return to the hotel.

Day 2
FIESTA GAUCHA AT SANTA SUSANA W/BBQ LUNCH

SAN TELMO MARKET and GAUCHO PARTY AT SANTA SUSANA SUSANA RANCH: This visit will start at San Telmo, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, inhabited until the end of the 19th century by aristocratic families that then moved to the neighborhoods located in the northern areas due to a devastating yellow fever epidemic. Most of these houses turned into conventillos, each one shared by many poor families. San Telmo keeps most of its architecture untouched: its colonial houses, its cobbled streets. The area has also a lively night-life as there are many tango houses, restaurants and pubs. You will visit the San Telmo Fair, a relevant attraction that the city of Buenos Aires offers to its visitors. Every Sunday, Plaza Dorrego changes its look when it hosts over 270 stands that offer for sale their unique goods and antiques. Gramophones, gramophone records, antique clothes, jewels, trinkets, postcards, calendars, books, iron-fittings, lamps and an endless number of ornaments and curious things may be found in this traditional Fair, organized by the Museum of the City since 1971. The bars nearby take their tables out onto the sidewalk and the whole adjoining area is busy with musicians, singers, tango dancers and mimes. San Telmo Fair is a must for every tourist who wanders in our city, as it has become another tradition in this historical district of Buenos Aires.

You will then continue towards Cardales to visit Estancia Santa Susana, 90 km away from Buenos Aires. Estancia Santa Susana, has belonged to the Rossiter family since 1860. Its 1200 hectares are devoted mainly to agriculture also to cattle and horse breeding. A couple of years ago the estancia began to adapt as it started welcoming visitors. It offers its Main House and some straw-roofed buildings where the dining-room, the traditional general store which was a social gathering point for the gauchos at sunset, and the grid iron are set. Upon arrival, a welcome drink with empanadas (meat pastries) will be served. Later, you will taste a typical Argentine barbecue (grilled beef, chicken, pork sausages, salads, dessert and coffee) at the dining-room. As lunch is finished, you will enjoy a folklore show with live music and dancing and a tango demonstration, followed by cuadreras and ring races where gauchos show their skills as riders. For those willing to participate in the traditional activities there are horses and sulkies to go around in the estancia. Later on, some home-made pastries and mate (green tea) will be served. Return to the hotel.

Day 3
First Game or Community service in the morning.

This afternoon you will transfer to the buss station and then off to Mar del Plata.

MAR DEL PLATA

HOTEL VERSAILLES STANDARD ROOM BB BASIS

Day 3 continued ¦

Check into Hotel Versailles and enjoy the afternoon getting acclimated to this beautiful beach city.

Day 4

Begin the day with an exciting sightseeing city tour of Mar del Plata.

CITY TOUR: Tour length: 2 and a half hours. Mar del Plata is, undoubtedly, the most important seaside resort of Argentina, situated 400 km away from Buenos Aires. The city has a population of approximately 700,000 people, which rises to 3 million during January and February (summer season) as it has turned into the most popular summer resort in the country. It was founded in 1874 by Patricio Peralta Ramos, member of a high class family, and the city, which developed rapidly, turned to be the favorite place for holidays to the high class families. Nowadays it has turned into a much more popular destination, being chosen each summer by all social classes. The city offers facilities for all budgets. This is a complete tour of the city, visiting the most traditional residential neighborhoods with their beautiful houses, most of them built in French style with the typical native stone, abundance of wood and red tiles, with prize winning gardens renowned for their design and beauty. We will pass by the Water Tower, Alem Shopping Center, the Virgin of Lourdes Cave and the fishing port, with its picturesque fishing fleet and colony of sea-lions. From there we will continue southwards seeing the famous beaches of Punta Mogotes up to the lighthouse of the same name, the Peralta Ramos Forest, and some golf courses. Returning to the city center along the coast you will see San Martin Park, Cape Corrientes, which is the most advanced point of the Tandil Hill Range into the Atlantic Ocean; the different downtown beaches, a bit too overcrowded nowadays, and the Casino, that along with the Gran Hotel Casino and the Hotel Provincial, makes up the most characteristic image of Mar del Plata. In downtown we will also see the Cathedral, San Martin Square, the Town Hall and San Martin Street, the famous pedestrian walkway. Return to the hotel to ready for the afternoon game and clinic with young local players.

Day 5
THIRD GAME FOLLOWED BY A FREE AFTERNOON TO ENJOY THE CITY

Day 6
DAY AT LEISURE TO ENJOY THE BEACH

Day 7
TRANSFER BY BUS TO BUENOS AIRES

Day 8
FOURTH GAME in the a.m. and BBQ lunch with your Buenos Aires Teammates

Day 10
Use today to get in any last minute shopping or sightseeing before your afternoon transfer to the Ezeiza Airport.

Day 11
ARRIVE AT HOME DESTINATION

PRICE: Travel costs vary based on numerous variables. Please contact STATS Tours for accurate pricing.

INCLUDES:

Local English speaking guide.
Tips for porterage and airports and hotels
Bus ticket BUE / MDQ / BUE (deluxe coach with air conditioning/heating, toilet, music/video system, snack service on board)
Transports Representative
All sightseeing and meals noted in itinerary
Breakfast daily
Flights
Accommodations
Ground transportation

NOT INCLUDED:
Trip Insurance (optional)
Passport fees
Items of a personal nature
Activities not noted in itinerary

Websites of Interest
http://www.lafayettehotel.com.ar
http://www.versailles.com.ar

As need dictates, STATS Tours may vary itineraries and event times.