Compare Coast to Coast, a culinary tour of Chile and Argentina by Audley Travel vs Premium Chile & Argentina by Intrepid Travel

Day 1 : International outbound flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Santiago.

Day 2 : Valparaiso

Arrive in Santiago where you will be met and driven west towards the coast. On the way we get you into the spirit of this trip straight away with a lunch stop at a local winery, with tastings of course, before you reach the coastal town of Valparaiso.

Day 3 : Valparaiso

This morning you will meet with a chef before setting off on public transport to a local market in Valparaiso to buy ingredients. This being a port town you can expect there to be lots of fresh fish and seafood to choose from. You will then return to the cook school to learn the Chilean way of preparing your chosen produce.

Day 4 : Santiago

Leaving the coast behind you will travel into the centre of Santiago city and once checked into your hotel you will go on a walking tour with your guide.The Chilean capital is home to some truly world class restaurants and your guide will be able help you choose one for dinner tonight.

Day 5 : Mendoza

Travelling by bus you will cross the mighty Andes today. This is a spectacular journey that takes you past the Aconcagua mountain, the highest peak in the range. It can be quite a long journey due to boarder crossing times and there is an option to fly if you prefer. This journey ends in the Argentine city of Mendoza, famous for its wine, where a driver will be ready to take you to your hotel.

Day 6 : Mendoza

Explore the local vineyards around Mendoza with your guide and driver. Tastings will be included as you explore each winery and there will be a stop for lunch along the way. In the evening you could head into Mendoza city to eat at 1884, the celebrated Francis Mallmann establishment where they serve a massive range of local wines alongside some stunning food.

Day 7 : Mendoza

Spend today exploring on your own, perhaps walking or cycling a lot to build up an appetite for the evening. You'll need that hunger as you are going to a Parilla, an Argentine BBQ, where you can expect a lot of meat!

Day 8 : Buenos Aires

The journey east continues as you fly across the vast Pampas to the vibrant Argentine capital, Buenos Aires.On arrival you will be met and driven to your hotel. Your guide will then take you on a walking tour of the city to stretch your legs after the journey.

Day 9 : Buenos Aires

Continuing the food theme you will have an introduction to Argentine cuisine today. This group experience is designed to be a social affair where you can try a lot of different foods, wines and meet people from around the world.

Day 10 : Buenos Aires

Free time to further explore the Barrios of Buenos Aires. Then in the evening you will round the trip off with a food master class at Pura Tierra. This restaurant, owned by chef Martin Molteni, is designed to showcase the regional produce of Argentina. The session will take you through a fascinating range of flavours from casas starch from the north to berries from the south. There is then an option to stay for an eight-course tasting menu which we highly recommend.

Day 11 : International return flight

Today your driver will take you to the airport for your onward journey.

Day 12 : International return flight

Arrive home today to complete your journey.

Day 1 Santiago

Welcome to Santiago, Chile. Set within a circle of snow-capped mountains, Santiago is vibrant, artistic and gourmet. On arrival, take an included transfer to the hotel where your adventure will begin with a welcome meeting at 6pm. Your Feature Stay accommodation for the next two evenings is the fabulous Altiplanico Bellas Artes. Converted from a historical house built in 1909, the hotel focuses on stylish architecture and creative interior design while retaining the welcoming spirit of the home it once was. The hotel’s enviable location serves as a perfect base for your first explorations of Santiago. If you arrive early, perhaps head out and explore the delightful Parque Forestal that’s just steps from your front door. After your meeting, it’s time to get acquainted with Santiago’s fantastic food scene during a welcome dinner with your leader and group. From baked casserole to razor clams cooked in parmesan cheese, Chilean food is hearty, fresh and most of all, delicious.

Day 2 Santiago

Get to know the city on a tour with a local guide who’s an expert on all things Santiago. Your guide will peel back the many layers of the city’s history, beginning at the main square of Plaza de Armas where you’ll hear the tales of the foundation of Santiago and its turbulent past. Continue to La Moneda Palace, the home of Chile’s presidential office, where your guide will fill you in on the country’s complicated political history. From here take the short drive to Parque Bicentenario, created in 2011 to commemorate 200 years of independence. Walk through the gorgeous grounds and discuss the cultural identity of Chileans today. Today’s lunch will be a celebration of Santiago’s finest produce. Stop by a local eatery and sample some excellent cheese, ham and wine – a taste of which will take you straight to the heart of Chilean culture. The rest of the day is free for your own explorations.

Day 3 Valparaiso

Enjoy a free morning in Santiago. Perhaps make a visit to the Mercado Central, Santiago’s celebrated fish market. Begin the journey to Valparaiso, stopping off for a wine tasting on the way in the Casablanca Valley. Sitting on a coastal plain between the capital and Valparaiso, Casablanca Valley is Chile’s fastest growing wine region, with rich soil and a perfect climate for chardonnay and sauvignon blanc. Visit a vineyard that is focused on sustainable and organic viticulture, as well as producing outstanding wines. Continue to the colourful Valparaiso, notable for its brightly hued houses spread across a series of hills overlooking the ocean. Your hotel for the next two nights has been delighting guests since 1885 and sits in the historic heart of the city. Enjoy an introduction to pisco atop its marvellous rooftop and take in unbeatable views of Valparaiso. Afterwards, perhaps head out and find yourself a place to sip some ancho reyes alongside locals for the evening.

Day 4 Valparaiso

Listed as a World Heritage centre in 2003, Valparaiso used to be South America’s busiest port before the opening of the Panama Canal. It has since transformed itself into Chile’s most creative city which you'll learn more about on the walking tour today with a local guide. The ramshackle streets have long been home to artists, writers and musicians so there is no shortage on visual inspiration to prompt some questions about its background. The hills of Cerro Concepcion and Cerro Alegre are dotted with kaleidoscopically coloured houses, with cobbled streets weaving sharply uphill and concealing all manner of galleries, restaurants and shops. Later on, visit the Museum of Fine Arts, housed in a beautiful art nouveau chalet. Dinner this evening will be on your own. Perhaps visit an iconic local restaurant credited with the invention of chorrillana. This legendary Chilean dish is made up of french fries topped with beef, eggs and fried onions, and there’s no better spot to try it than at its birthplace.

Day 5 Mendoza

Depart Valparaiso and head back to Santiago to catch a flight to Mendoza. As your plane crosses the Andes, you might catch a glimpse of Mount Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Americas at 6962 metres above sea level. In Mendoza, get to know the lively city with a gentle stroll around its wide, lively streets with your local leader. Technically a desert city, the extensive irrigation system here means Mendoza is remarkably green. Check out the city’s lush tree-lined spaces – from the sprawling Parque San Martin to petite Plaza Espana – and get a taste of local life along the bustling pedestrianised street, Peatonal Sarmiento. Head South towards wine country, and your countryside boutique hotel.

Day 6 Mendoza

Mendoza is Argentina's most prolific and significant grape-growing region, producing nearly three-quarters of the country's wine. The climate produces an excellent variety of grapes, with the region's signature being Malbec. Today you will get to experience this internationally renowned wine at its source during tours and tastings at three world-class and innovative wineries, each with its own distinct style and flavour. Meet with a local wine expert and gain inside knowledge on the varieties of grapes and different production methods used at each winery, and sample award winning bottles just as spectacular as the surrounding Andes mountain landscape. After the tastings, settle in for a special closed-door gourmet lunch at one of the wineries. Enjoy several courses paired with wines carefully selected to bring out the flavours in the wonderful food. In the evening, perhaps test your palate by attempting to pair the perfect wine with an authentic Argentine asado (barbecue-style food).

Day 7 Buenos Aires

This morning fly from Mendoza to Buenos Aires, then transfer to your impressive boutique accommodation. Built in 1913, the historic hotel is located in the centre of the city with spectacular Art Nouveau charm. In the afternoon, soak up the Argentinean capital’s irrepressible mix of European and Latin culture on an orientation walk with your leader. Visit Florida Street, National Congress and the presidential palace of the Casa Rosada (Pink House) in the Plaza de Mayo. If there is time, your group may get to visit the Obelisk as well. The evening is free to explore. Be seduced by the world's most passionate dance at a tango bar, attend a raucous football match, or gorge yourself on the city's sophisticated culture and food.

Day 8 Buenos Aires

Today you will head north of Buenos Aires to explore the city of Tigre and its surrounding delta region. First, do as the locals do and catch the subway to San Martin square, then set off on a bicycle tour around Puerto Maldero and the Buenos Aires Ecological Reserve – where inhabitants of the city come for a peaceful escape and fresh air. Hop on a train to Tigre and get to know the city during a walking tour. Visit the local fruit market, follow the river along the stunning Paseo Victorica street and stop by the Tigre Art Museum to admire the European inspired building. Next, take a private boat through the third-largest river delta in the world, watching local life play out on the water as you go, then stop off on an island to enjoy a delightful homemade lunch. Take some time to swim, kayak or just sit back and soak in the beautiful island surroundings. Transfer back to Buenos Aires and spend an evening at leisure.

Day 9 Buenos Aires

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you're planning to stay on in Buenos Aires we can assist you in booking extra accommodation ahead of time (subject to availability).