Top 10 reason to travel with your alumni association:

Travel with fellow alums
Exciting itinerary especially designed for young alumni
Superior or first class hotels at great rates
Reward for your hard work
Reliable quality programs with many great experiences included
Network and bond with former classmates and young alums - make friends for a lifetime!
Save 40% on cost over 'do-it-yourself packages'
Perfect balance between arranged itinerary and free time
Experiences that will broaden your world view and provide and advantage in today's global job market
Once-in-a lifetime experience!

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Day 1: Depart USA for South America

Our fascinating journey to South America begins as we depart on an overnight flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina, “Paris of the Americas.” Fabulous food, wine, shopping and, of course, the Tango awaits.
Meals: In-flight

Day 2: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Arrive in the vibrant European-style capital of Argentina, built in the 19th century by wealthy gaucho land barons on the Rio de la Plata. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the city prior to our welcome cocktail and orientation. The custom is to dine late in Buenos Aires, so take advantage of the early evening hours to stroll the colorful streets and shops, relax at an elegant sidewalk café or scout out the amazing bargains that will make shopping for souvenirs and that gorgeous leather bag a pleasure.
Meals: Breakfast, Welcome cocktail

Day 3: Buenos Aires

Our exploration of Buenos Aires begins with a visit to the Plaza del Mayo, historic and political center of the city, where Casa Rosada, the presidential palace, is located. Continue to the Obelisk landmark on Avenue 9 de Julio, the widest avenue in the world. Pass through the port neighborhood of La Boca and the charming San Telmo area. Buenos Aires is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own distinctive flavor, but everywhere you go, the “porteños – people of the port” are warm and welcoming. Admire the French architecture in the exquisite Recoleta neighborhood and the beautiful Cemetery of La Recoleta, where Evita Perón is buried. Tonight, join fellow travelers for dinner and an exciting performance of The Tango, Argentina’s passionate national dance.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Buenos Aires - Flight to Mendoza, Argentina

There is more leisure time in Buenos Aires before our afternoon transfer to the airport and flight to idyllic Mendoza, gateway to the high Andes and the Chilean border. The dramatic snow-capped Andes loom in the distance with fertile vineyards of this agricultural oasis running into the foothills. We’ll have leisure time in this old colonial city, founded in 1561, surrounded by famous vineyards of the Malbec region in the heart of wine country. Tonight we enjoy a special Argentine Steak Dinner. This region will simply take your breath away.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Mendoza Wine Country

After breakfast we travel to the Lujan de Cuyo region, one of the most traditional and developed wine regions just south of Mendoza. It is home to many of Argentina’s most famous wineries and where the best Malbecs are being produced. We will begin at Bodega Weinert known for its terroir. This zone’s southern latitude, more than 300 sunny days a year, altitudes over 3,000 ft. above sea level, and sandy soil made it most favorable for the adaptation of grapevines originally brought from France: Cabernet Sauvignon from the south east, Malbec and Semillon from Bordeaux, Chardonnay from Bourgogne and Pinot from the Loire D´Anjou. A tour of the winery and cellars concludes with a special tasting. Next, we visit Bodega Norton to taste some of their fabulous wines. The very first vines were planted here in 1895.

For lunch the Bodega invites us to an estancia (ranch) style lunch of traditional Argentine “asado” barbeque in the custom of the gauchos including wonderful local wines. Then return to Mendoza for a walking tour of the city’s most beautiful parks.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Mendoza - Culinary cooking class

Today we will visit the family-run Bodega Zuccardi producing wines such as Viognier, Chardonnay, Malbec, Merlot, Bonarda, and Tempranillo with native yeasts. Here we enjoy a culinary cooking session preparing some Mendoza-style favorites and learning the secrets of creating local Argentine dishes. Also enjoy olive oil tasting from the bodega’s own label followed by lunch, wine tasting and a tour of the vineyards. Some optional activities offered today will be either bike riding through the Zuccardi vineyards or Hot Air Ballooning above them. Back in Mendoza there’s free time to explore the ruins of the Church of San Francisco, wander amid the dramatic vineyard scenery or just relax and rest up for the evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Option: Hot Air Balloon Ride or Bike Ride at Bodega Zuccardi

Day 7: Mendoza - Andes Crossing - Santiago, Chile

Be thrilled by our spectacular crossing from Argentina to Chile today traveling over the Andes, the highest mountain range in the Western Hemisphere. See rugged peaks and clear glacial lakes and stop to view the imposing summit of the tallest mountain outside the Himalayas, “Mount Aconcagua,” at 22,974 ft. (weather permitting). Also visit Inca Lagoon’s hot springs and the famous Puente del Inca, the old natural stone bridge over the Rio Mendoza--one of Argentina’s natural wonders. After crossing the border into Chile, lunch will be at the Grand Ski Lodge in the internationally famous ski resort of Portillo. This resort has been South America’s premier ski resort for more than 50 years, renowned for its majestic, Andean setting and powder snow. Most European Ski Teams train here during the winter season. If there is a temple for ski sports in Chile, Portillo is it. We will stay in the cosmopolitan capital of Chile, Santiago. Your leisure evening may find you sampling wines from the famous Carmenére region while dining on fabulous local seafood.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: Santiago - Maipo Valley - River Rafting Optional Excursion

Our morning city tour will show the historical and cultural highlights of South America’s most modern city. See La Moneda Presidential Palace, the Plaza de Armas, the imposing Cathedral and Santa Lucia Hill. For lunch we’ll enjoy sampling fresh seafood and other local goods at the colorful central market “Mercado Central.” As an alternative to the above, we’ll be offering a full-day optional excursion to The Maipo Valley, “Cradle of Chilean wine-making.” This is the oldest and most famous of Chile’s wine regions and home to many of Chile’s most traditional wineries. In addition, many new boutique wineries have sprung up over the past ten years producing some exciting new wines in the region. Be prepared to get a little wet on our fun white-water rafting excursion through the canyons on the Maipo River. We’ll have a tasty BBQ lunch afterward and enjoy some of the great local “fruit of the vine.” Return to Santiago de Chile with more free time to immerse yourself in the Bohemian district of Bellavista’s colorful craft fairs and great nightlife.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Option: Maipo River Rafting

Day 9: Casablanca Valley and Valparaiso

We depart for the Pacific coast today. Along the way we’ll visit Viñedos Organicos Emiliana in the Casablanca Valley. The cool coastal breezes make the Casablanca Valley an ideal spot for white wine production. Learn about the ways in which this vineyard is paving the way towards organic and biodynamic winemaking. After the tasting we will continue to the coast to explore Valparaiso, one of the first South American cities founded by the Spanish and now a protected UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is widely known for its bohemian culture, brightly colored houses, and beautiful seaside views. A unique method of transportation in Valparaiso is the “ascensores,” cable cars that go up and down the steep hills leading away from the ocean.
We’ll have free time for exploring and lunch or an optional boat ride to view the city from the sea before returning to Santiago. Tonight is our special farewell dinner complete with sumptuous Chilean specialties.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10: Santiago - Travel Home

Enjoy breakfast and the rest of the morning at leisure for last minute photos and souvenir shopping, including hand-woven alpaca goods. Transfer to the airport and say “Adios” to Chile before catching our return flight back home.
Meals: Breakfast, In-flight meals