South American Highlights January 19-31, 2011
Argentina and Brazil – two of South America’s most remarkable countries will be discovered and explored on this Deluxe Kosher Tours program.
Read Stuart Katz’s blog post “Why I’m Going to Argentina and Brazil This Winter”
We begin in Brazil, which occupies approximately half of the South American continent and is bigger than the continental United States. Here we will marvel at the world’s widest waterfalls, enjoy Rio’s world famous beaches, and learn about one of the most colorful cultures and dynamic Jewish communities in the world.
We will then journey to Argentina, where we immediately feel the fusion of South American energy and European sophistication in Buenos Aires. Before returning home we journey south to Patagonia, where we’ll visit sites of legend, unprecedented scenery, exotic wildlife and adventure.
Read Stuart Katz’s post “Ushuaia, Argentina Is at the End of the World”
Read Stuart Katz’s blog post “Kosher Latin Cuisine and Kosher Cuban Recipes”
Read Stuart Katz’s blog post “The Jewish Community of Sao Paulo, Brazil”
Read Stuart Katz’s blog post “Ibirapuera Park in Sao Paulo, Brazil”
Read Stuart Katz’s blog post “An Important Piece of Jewish History in Recife, Brazil”
Wednesday, January 19, En route
Depart on our overnight flight to Brazil.
Read Stuart Katz’s blog post “10 Little Known Facts About the Jewish Community of Brazil”
Read Stuart Katz’s blog post “Brazil Gets Ready for the 2016 Summer Olympics”
Thursday, January 20, Arrive in Rio de Janeiro
Upon arrival we are transferred to our hotel. Following lunch, this afternoon we visit some of Rio’s Jewish sites including the Hebraica, Rio’s largest Jewish club, and Associacao Religiosa Israelita (ARI), Rio’s largest active synagogue. Dinner at a kosher restaurant.
Friday, January 21, Rio de Janeiro
According to Brazilian legend, G-d created the world in six days and spent the seventh day perfecting Rio. The very sound of Rio evokes images of sun, fun and rhythm of the sensuous samba. Your day begins with a tour of Rio’s most famous beaches, Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon.
We will visit the world famous Sugar Loaf, a 1300 foot granite cone, rising from Guanabara Bay. A spectacular cable car ride takes we to its summit where we will enjoy magnificent views of the city, beaches and bay.
A “must” in Rio is an ascent of the Corcovado (Hunchback) Mountain. A 20-minute cogwheel train ride through lush vegetation takes us to the base of this mountain where we can appreciate a 360-degree panoramic view of the “fun capital of South America”. We then enjoy Shabbat with the local community.
Saturday, January 22, Shabbat in Rio de Janeiro
Shabbat (tefilla and meals) are spent with the local community. Tonight enjoy an optional folklore and carnival show featuring skilled dancers, entertainers, “samba” bands and spectacular costumes in a wonderful display of Brazilian folklore and carnival.
Read Stuart’s post “Iguazú Falls, Argentina — Cherished Treasure to the Whole World”
Sunday, January 23, Iguazu Falls
This morning fly to Iguazu Falls. Magic and enchantment are transmitted to those who visit this region of unique natural attractions and beauties. The Iguazu Falls, “big waters” in Guarani (aborigines) language, are considered one of the natural wonders of the world, submerged in the green mist of its exuberant surrounding rich in autochthonous flora and fauna.
Its 275 falls that reach nearly 250 feet in height are a spectacle for all the five senses and are outstanding in a virgin forest, paradise of birds, butterflies, orchids, and exotic wildlife. This will be the scenery to walk along the park paths, sail the river getting close to the water falls and visit the Devil’s Throat.
Today we will visit the outstanding Iguazu Falls located inside the Iguazu National Park. Walk through the Inferior and Superior paths admiring the breathtaking 275 cascades spreading across a gulf of nearly two miles. After the walk take a train ride for an impressive view of the very heart of the falls.
Overnight: BOURBON RESORT, SHERATON HOTEL or similar (2 nights)
Monday, January 24, Iguazu Falls (possible entrance to Uruguay)
Enjoy the morning on the Brazilian side of the Falls and then we have the opportunity to visit Paraguay for some shopping (time permitting and as long as you have a visa).
Read Stuart’s post “Calafate, Argentina and the White Giant”
Tuesday, January 25, Patagonia (Calafate)
This morning depart for your flight to Calafate (via Buenos Aires), the gateway to Patagonia’s Glacier Park. From lush beech forests and impressive glaciers to mountains of unparalleled beauty, one of the most majestic and magnificent wilderness areas in the world lies at the southern tip of South America: Patagonia.
With its dramatic landscapes of sculptured stone, snow, and ice, Patagonia is a masterwork of nature’s artistry. There are few places on earth where so much amazing scenery can be seen in such a relatively small area.
Arrive at El Calafate Airport on the shores of Lago Argentino, one of the most scenic areas in Argentina. The great Andes range creeps gradually closer as it approaches the Magellan Straits, and Patagonia becomes a spectacle of towering mountains, foaming rivers, growing glaciers and gentle creeks.
Overnight: POSADA LOS ALAMOS or similar (2 nights)
Wednesday, January 26, Patagonia (Calafate)
Today the Upsala and Onelli Glaciers are visited by boat navigating among hundreds of icebergs that have fallen off from the glaciers onto Lake Argentino. We will cruise majestically among enormous icebergs and beautiful scenery towards Upsala Glacier.
Disembark at Bahia Onelli for a short trek through ‘lenga’ woods up to Onelli Lagoon, where the Onelli, Bolado, and Agazzis glaciers converge. Eat lunch and spend a few hours in this enchanting place.
Thursday, January 27, Patagonia (Calafate)
Today we will visit Glacier National Park to experience a relic left by the Ice Age. Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the world’s largest active continental glaciers and declared by UNESCO to be a Universal Patrimony of Humanity. Towering 240 feet above sea level, the Moreno Glacier is constantly growing and at any time of the year offers the breathtaking spectacle of the calving of huge chunks of ice that plunge into the waters of the lake with a thunderous noise. We will be taken to the very face of the glacier.
Later in the afternoon we will fly to Buenos Aires where we are transferred for dinner and our hotel (SOFITEL, KEMPINSKI OR HILTON PUERO MADEIRO).
Read Stuart Katz’s blog post “Not to Be Missed in Buenos Aires, Argentina”
Read Stuart Katz’s blog post “Shopping in Buenos Aires, Argentina”
Read Stuart Katz’s blog post “The Jewish Community in Buenos Aires, Argentina Today”
Read Stuart Katz’s blog post “Tango Jewish Style”
Friday, January 28, Buenos Aires
This morning we will explore and experience Jewish Buenos Aires, including the Hebraica Jewish Country Club, several synagogues and Jewish schools and the site of the bombing of AMIA in 1994 with its memorial to the 89 victims. Continue to the antiques market at San Telmo. One of the most vibrant and colorful neighborhoods in South America, San Telmo is filled with street vendors, singers, and some of the best tango dancers.
Shabbat is enjoyed in one of the local shuls with dinner being provided by Chabad or at one of the local restaurants.
Saturday, January 29, Buenos Aires
Spend Shabbat with the local community (both tefilla and meals). Tonight, enjoy an optional tango show at a local nightclub.
Sunday, January 30, Buenos Aires
Built in the 19th century, era of plenty for the wealthy gaucho (cowboy) land barons of Argentina, this city’s architecture and sophistication rivals that of Paris. Begin with a sightseeing tour through the Plaza de Mayo. Visit Casa Rosada, the President’s residence, the Teatro Colon Opera House and Avenida 9 de Julio, the world’s widest boulevard. Then pass the colonial Italian Boca District and the Tomb of General Jose de San Martin. Enjoy some time for shopping this afternoon.
We gather for a traditional Argentinian dinner this evening before our transfer to the airport for our overnight flight home, arriving the following day (January 31).
Please note that any individuals listed in the itinerary that we will meet with or will lead parts of the tour are subject to change without notice.
COST PER PERSON
$6,995 based on double occupancy (two to a room)
Single Supplement — $1,495
Includes air fare from: Miami
Additional $100 from New York, Boston, Chicago or Dallas
Additional $200 from Los Angeles, San Francisco or London
Additional $500 from Tel Aviv.
LAND ONLY (no air fare included – even domestics – should be purchased as part of your international tickets – Rio de Janeiro – Iguazu Falls – Buenos Aires – Calafate – Buenos Aires)– $5,495
ADDITIONAL COSTS
• Visa fees as required
• Snacks or items of a personal nature
HOTELS
• Rio de Janeiro Sheraton, Renaissance or Intercontinental Jan 20-23 3 nights
• Iguazu Falls Sheraton or Bourbon Hotel Jan 23-25 2 nights
• Calafate (Patagonia) Posada Los Alamos Jan 25-27 2 nights
• Buenos Aires Sofitel, Kempinski/Hilton Jan 27-30 3 nights
ITINERARY & HOTELS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
RATES MAY BE ADJUSTED IF THERE’S A FLUCTUATION IN CURRENCY OF MORE THAN 4% FROM JULY 1, 2010
RATES MAY BE ADJUSTED IN THE EVENT OF AN INCREASE IN AIRLINE FUEL CHARGES
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