Gourmet Salta in Argentina

Fly overnight to Buenos Aires.

We’ll meet you from your flight and drive you to your hotel in the heart of Buenos Aires. In the afternoon your private guide will introduce you to some of the city’s most attractive sights. You’ll have the chance to see the Palermo Chico and Soho districts, the Teatro Colon Opera House and Recoleta cemetery, burial place of some of the most influential Argentinians.

You have a full day to explore more of the city at your own pace. You could enjoy a private wine tasting at an exclusive wine cellar, or we can arrange a day trip to a nearby estancia (ranch) for a lunchtime asado – the traditional (and very generous) Argentine version of a barbecue. This evening, there is something equally special on the menu: dining at The Argentine Experience. In addition to a multi-course feast, it’s a crash-course in local culture, with your hosts revealing the culinary customs unique to this country.

Today you fly to Mendoza city, gateway to one of Argentina's main wine-growing areas. Its location in the foothills of the high Andes mountains is picturesque. Your introduction to this centre of viticulture is a cookery class and winery visit. Sample wine, olive oil and perfectly paired dishes, before continuing to your accommodation – a wine lodge set scenically amid the vines.

Visit MAAL winery, which is all built of recyclable materials and offers organic malbecs. Followed by a visit & Lunch at Mil Suelos, a small batch, hand crafted winery with a wide selection of wines to sample.

Admire the vineyards of Mendoza from a different perspective – in the saddle of a horse. Today’s leisurely two-hour ride takes you through sun-kissed vines and by charming old wineries. No previous horse-riding skill is necessary. Your experience is rounded off with gourmet lunch at a local winery. The remainder of your day is at leisure.

Fly to Salta and drive through the dramatic, colourful landscape of Las Conchas Gorge to El Esteco Vineyard and the Grace Cafayate.

Today is yours to enjoy the breathtaking surrounding area or relax by the pool or in the hotel's spa.

Journey by road to the town of Cachi via the spectacular Quebrada de Las Flechas – ‘Ravine of The Arrows’, so named for the otherworldly sandstone peaks that jut out of the landscape. En route, you stop by the villages of Molinos and Seclantás, whose traditions reflect an interesting blend of colonial-era and pre-Hispanic cultures. You also visit Estancia Colomé, a wine-producing estate whose 19th-century vines grow at remarkably high altitude. Enjoy lunch and wine tasting, then continue to your hotel just outside Cachi.

Spend the day at your leisure, or venture into Cachi to shop for local crafts and visit the small museum. Your hotel has an excellent wine cellar offering wine-tasting of some of the premium vintages from the Calchaqui Valley and its high-altitude wineries.

A three-hour flight returns you to Buenos Aires, Argentina’s charismatic capital. On your last full day in this cosmopolitan city, witness one of the world’s most celebrated dance forms when you attend a special show and dinner at Rojo Tango. Emerging from the impoverished neighbourhoods of 19th-century Buenos Aires, the tango is now revered – even earning a UNESCO listing for its cultural significance. Watch professional dancers show how it’s done as you dine on delectable Argentinian fare – the perfect denouement to your gourmet holiday.

Say a fond chau to Argentina. After private transfer from your hotel to Ezeiza International Airport, catch your overnight return flight home.

Fly back to London.