From Point A to C
Argentina and Chile
High season for Argentina is December to-March, so persuade clients to think about April and later.
Avanti Destinations
Formed in 1981 as an independent tour operator andhas been an FIT tour operator for over 21 years. The folks at Avanti Destinations think their Mendoza Wine Route tour is a great introduction to the fine wines of Argentina. The three-night wine 
route with two days of winery tours, costs about $1,766 per person double land only. Known as “The land of sun and the good wine,” Mendoza is located in the largest wine-producing region of Argentina, with almost 70 % of the country’s production. The dry climate and pure water from the Andes combine to provide an ecosystem that produces exceptional wine. Argentina is known for its fine red wines, especially those made from the Cabernet Sauvignon grape, but Malbec has become one of the country’s signature wines. Package includes: airport greeting, round-trip transfers from airport to hotel, two nights’ accommodations, a half-day city tour of Mendoza, two days of winery tours and wine-tastings including visits to Cavas de Weinert, Fabre Mont, Mayou, Lopez, La Rural, Familia Zuccardi, La Agricola, Falentein, Norton, Luigi Bosca, Vina del Cuerdo). Call 888-274-7245; E-mail info@avantidestinations.com; www.avantidestinations.com
Isram’s Latour
Sells a 13-night Chile and Argentina Patagonian Odyssey with possible extensions to Ushuaia. The program visits Santiago, Torres del Paine, Lago Argentino & Buenos Aires and includes wine tastings, hikes, a full-day Chilena Fjord and Glacier cruise as well as domestic flights within Latin America, all meals and the services of an English speaking guide. Prices start at $3,746 per person double for land arrangements only.
Additionally, Latour sells a seven-night program dubbed Amazing Argentina that focuses on Buenos Aires, Iguassu Falls and Bariloche starting at $1,471 per person double with departures through March, 2008. Call 800- 223-7460; www.isram.com
Smithsonian Journeys
Discover why the New World wines of Chile are held in high esteem on Smithsonian’s new journey to Chile’s Wine Country (March 6-15, 2008), which travels through Casablanca, Cachapoal, Maipo, Colchagua, and San Antonio valleys, at the time of the “crush.” Leading this 10-day expedition is Alejandro Frango, who teaches “gastrosophy,” a term he coined for the analysis of Western culture based on its cuisine, at the Belgrano Cuisine School in Buenos Aires. Rates start at $5,450 per person double , land only, and includes: accommodations in Santiago and Santa Cruz; excursions; meals; study leader; and emergency trip evacuation insurance. American Express agents only. Call 877-338-8687; www.smithsonianjourneys.org
Intrepid Travel’s
Patagonia Unplugged takes travelers through the incredible scenery of Patagonia on a two-week journey from Chile's north to its southern tip. Explore Patagonia's towering fjords, hike and camp in some of the most amazing scenery on earth and share a few laughs with the locals on board the Navimag as clients cruise past cobalt-blue icebergs. The trip includes hiking, camping, and even three nights on a ferry. Cost for the 14-day trip is $1,620 per person double land only and includes all transport during the trip, accommodations and all meals while onboard the ferry and camping. The trip code changes to GRN in 2008.
Alternatively, the Spirit of the South travels Eastbound through Chile, Argentina and Brazil from Santiago to Rio. Intrepid Travel’s 15-day journey allows travelers explore the beautiful Chilean lake district, learn the tango in Buenos Aires, experience the might of Iguazu Falls and live it up in beachside Rio. The trip cost is $2,130 per person double, land only including all transportation during the trip, accommodation, and breakfast daily. Call 866-847 8192; www.intrepidtravel.com