"If I have to apply five turns to the screw each day for the happiness of Argentina, I will do it."—Evita Peron

Join longtime Capital Public Radio jazz host Gary Vercelli on a culturally-rich, sumptuous jazz and wine expedition to Argentina, Chile and Uruguay. En route from Santiago to Buenos Aires, you’ll sip velvety smooth Malbecs in Mendoza, cross the Andes into Argentina and enjoy the full flavored wines of the Colchagua Valley. Additionally, you’ll be treated to a hands-on cooking class, tango dance lessons and multiple concerts featuring some of South America’s top jazz musicians. Private tours of world-class museums and outings to colorful markets are also included. You won’t want to miss out on this perfectly blended adventure to South America with Capital Public Radio.

TRIP AT A GLANCE

1 Night Overnight flight to Chile
3 Nights Santiago, Chile
3 Nights Mendoza, Argentina
4 Nights Buenos Aires, Argentina
2 Night Post-tour option to Iguazú Falls
1 Night Overnight return flight
$1,549 per person for international group flight (departing from and returning to Sacramento)

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS

Exclusive jazz concerts with some of the regions top jazz artists
Numerous private wine tastings with local producers in Chile and Argentina
A private tour of the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art
A walk highlighting the life of Eva Peron
The handicraft market of San Telmo
A seafood lunch in the central fish market of Santiago
A hands-on cooking class and pairing of Argentine foods with Malbec and Torrontés wines
Tango dance lessons
Visit to a colonial hacienda
A wine pairing lunch in Mendoza
Andes crossing into Argentina
Ferry ride across the Rio de la Plata to Colonia, Uruguay

IT’S INCLUDED

• Hosted by Gary Vercelli of Capital Public Radio
• Guided by an expert Earthbound Expeditions guide
• Four-star hotel accommodations throughout your journey
• Four jazz events featuring some of South America’s top jazz musicians
• Breakfast daily plus twelve additional multi-course meals served in traditional settings
• Flights from Santiago to Mendoza and Mendoza to Buenos Aires
• Private transfers by air-conditioned mini bus
• Entrances and special wine tasting events
• Fascinating city tours with local guides in Buenos Aires, Mendoza, and Santiago
• Tango dance lessons
• Private museum tours highlighting the history of both countries
• A special cooking class in Mendoza
• Maps and a pre-tour reading
• A pre-tour gathering at Capital Public Radio
• A small group of like-minded travelers who share your passion for food, wine and jazz!
• Alumni discounts for Capital Public Radio travelers

TRIP FACTS

13 Days/12 Nights
$4,995* Land including + two domestic flights in Argentina
$950 Single Supplement
Group flight departs Sacramento on Saturday, October 27, 2018
Trip begins in Santiago on Sunday, October 28
Trip ends in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, November 7
Trip returns to USA on Thursday, Thursday, November 8
Post tour from Iguazu Falls returns on Saturday, November 10
*price based on 23-31 guests

INTERNATIONAL GROUP FLIGHT

$1,549 per person for international group flight (departing from and returning to Sacramento)

NOT INCLUDED IN LAND PRICE: International airfare, at times alcoholic beverages with meals, any meals not mentioned, room/mini-bar service, gratuities for hotel staff, travel insurance, items of a personal nature and anything not listed in the “It’s Included” section above.

Save $300
Capital Public Radio Travels alumni, Earthbound Expeditions alumni, or CapRadio Leadership Circle members save $100
Reserve your space by May 1, 2018 and save $100
Pay your final balance by check and save $100

"I have one thing that counts, and that is my heart; it burns in my soul, it aches in my flesh, and it ignites my nerves: that is my love for the people and Peron."—Evita

YOUR CAPITAL PUBLIC RADIO ADVENTURE BEGINS...

DAY 1: Saturday, October 27 - Depart North America for Chile

DAY 2: Arrive in Santiago in the morning
Upon arrival in Santiago this morning, you’ll be greeted at the airport by your local Earthbound Expeditions guide and escorted to your beautiful, centrally-located hotel. Spend some time freshening up before meeting your guide and host for a fascinating exploration of the heart of Santiago. Visit Santa Lucia hill, where Pedro de Valdivia founded the city in 1542 and walk to the oldest church in Santiago. See the charming neighborhood known as Paris-Londres and visit the main square, Plaza de Armas. A welcome dinner is included this evening. Sleep in Santiago.

DAY 3: Santiago to Santa Cruz and Pablo Neruda
This morning we set out to discover one of South America’s most amazing museums, the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art. Housed in the elegant building of the former Royal Customs House, this is one of Chile’s best museums and offers visitors a rare glimpse into Chile’s pre-Columbian past.

We’ll have lunch in the colorful and chaotic Mercado Central, a fun way to see Chile’s agricultural exports displayed. Shoppers always enjoy watching the lively fishmongers gutting and filleting fish and the market displays every kind of fish and shellfish available along the Chilean coast. After lunch, enjoy some leisure time to explore the sites that most interest you. Options this afternoon include a visit to Pablo Neruda’s home. Dinner is included tonight and for those who are interested (and have the energy) your guide will escort you to a local jazz club. Sleep in Santiago.

DAY 4: An Outing to the Maipo Wine Valley
After breakfast depart Santiago for the beautiful Maipo Wine Valley. Pronounced, “mah-EEpoa,” this is Chile’s oldest and most famous growing area. It’s a sub-region within the larger central valley region and lies just south of Santiago. Although Maipo isn’t the largest area, it contains a considerable concentration of vineyards and a large representation of important producers. Ocean breezes and elevation provide a number of cool growing areas within the region. For the most part, this is red-wine country, with cabernet sauvignon the most celebrated and widely planted variety. There are also very good examples of Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Sémillon being produced. Our tasting will be at the highly acclaimed wine estate of Viña Undurraga. In the afternoon we will return to Santiago. Sleep in Santiago.

Chile and the Carmenere Grape: A Love Story No variety says "Chile" like Carmenere. Its re-emergence is the story of a happy accident. Carmenere was little more than an archival curiosity until the early 1990s, when winemakers discovered that many of the Chilean vines they had called Merlot were actually Carmenere. The grape once played a large part in Bordeaux winemaking, but its low yields forced it out of favor when French viticulturists replanted after the phylloxera outbreak of the 1880s. Meanwhile, Carmenere from France had quietly migrated to Chile, along with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. By the 1990s, Chileans were profiting from the worldwide fascination with Merlot. However, some winemakers noticed traits that set some of their Merlot apart. Analysis soon showed that Carmenere had been planted willy-nilly among the Merlot, and that much of Chilean Merlot was in reality Carmenere. Rather than panic, Chilean winemakers deftly turned scandal into opportunity. They recognized what Carmenere lovers have come to appreciate: the low tannins and big, bright blackberry fruit of Carmenere make it a delight to drink and an ideal match for a range of foods. Since Chile began actively marketing Carmenere in the mid-1990s, it has come to symbolize the nation much like Shiraz calls to mind Australia, Malbec, Argentina and Zinfandel, California. "The mix-up was understandable," said Randy Ullom, Winemaster for Kendall-Jackson and supervisor of winemaking for Calina. "Carmenere and Merlot are similar. But the trained eye can notice Carmenere sports pinkish leaves that set it apart."

"It is well to remember that there are five reasons for drinking: the arrival of a friend; one's present or future thirst; the excellence of the wine; or any other reason." —Latin saying

DAY 5: Cross the Andes to Mendoza, Argentina!
Our morning flight will take us over the Andes to Mendoza, Argentina. Weather-permitting, we will see the tallest mountain in the Americas this morning – Aconcagua soars to 23,000 feet. Mendoza is perfectly situated in the heart of Argentina’s premier wine country. Full of charming boutiques, cafés and superb restaurants, Mendoza is Chile’s version of Napa Valley. Tonight you’ll sample Argentina’s world-famous grass-fed beef with a fine, locally produced Malbec wine (vegetarian and poultry dishes also available). Sleep in Mendoza.

DAY 6: Argentine Culinary Secrets and Malbec Country
After breakfast we begin our day with a bit of history of Mendoza. We’ll visit Pedro de Castillo Square, the very place where the city was founded, learning more about the history of Mendoza and South America. In the afternoon, we continue on to visit the Bodega Zuccardi, where our hosts have prepared a very special cooking class followed by a delicious wine pairing lunch. An optional horseback riding trip into the outback with a local gaucho may be arranged for those not wishing to spend a morning in the kitchen. Ask your guide for details. We’ll make our way back to Mendoza for a siesta before dinner (if anyone plans to eat again!) Sleep in Mendoza.

"Latins are tenderly enthusiastic. In Brazil they throw flowers at you. In Argentina they throw themselves." —Marlene Dietrich

DAY 7: An Outing to the Lujan de Cuyo Valley: Malbec Wine Country
Spend a leisurely free morning in a café or strolling the charming streets of Mendoza. Then, enjoy a special late afternoon lunch and wine tasting at the Bodega Norton. This winery was founded in 1895 by the English engineer Mr. Edmund James Norton and is located south of the Mendoza River in the district of Perdriel. In 1989 the winery was bought by the Austrian entrepreneur Gernot Langes Swarovski and today is one of the leading wine producers in Argentina. Sample fine Cabernet Sauvignons, Malbecs, and Merlots. Afterward we’ll visit two wineries: Achaval-Ferrer and Trapiche. Return to Mendoza in the late afternoon. Sleep in Mendoza.

DAY 8: Flight to Buenos Aires and Afternoon Tour
This morning we transfer to the Mendoza airport for our morning flight to Buenos Aires. En-route from the airport in Buenos Aires to our hotel we’ll stop to discover the history of the city. We’ll see the 16th century Plaza de Mayo with the Casa Rosada (government house), the Metropolitan Cathedral and the old Cabildo (chapter house) which was once the Spanish headquarters for this region of South America.

Rest up and relax before meeting your guide and host for an evening of jazz. Sleep in Buenos Aires.

DAY 9: To Market! San Telmo Sunday Market
After breakfast we head out to visit to the Sunday market of San Telmo. This is where you’ll capture a true slice of Buenos Aires life as you stroll past artisan stalls, entertaining street musicians and talented dancers demonstrating the tango.

The afternoon is yours to discover a neighborhood or museum or café on your own. Book lovers won’t want to miss El Ateneo bookstore. This splendid shop is one of the best known bookshops in Buenos Aires and in Latin America. In fact, book lovers from all over the world travel here just to soak up the ambiance of the building that was designed by the architects Peró and Torres Armengol for the empresario Max Glucksman.

Rest and relax at the hotel before heading out for dinner and an evening of jazz. Sleep in Buenos Aires.

DAY 10: An Excursion to Colonia—Uruguay!
This morning we make our way to the port where we’ll catch a ferry from Buenos Aires to Colonia, Uruguay. We’ll cross the world’s biggest river the “Rio de la Plata” and in just over an hour arrive in what is commonly called the “Switzerland of South America:” Uruguay. Enjoy a private walk through the cobblestone streets of this colonial Portuguese town, followed by a wine tasting and lunch. After lunch, you’ll have free time to explore this little gem on your own. Return to Buenos Aires. Sleep in Buenos Aires.

DAY 11: Museum of Latin American Art and Tango Lessons
The mission of the Museum of Latin American Art (MALBA) is to collect, preserve, research and promote Latin American art from the onset of the 20th century to the present. This also involves educating the public to foster their knowledge in Latin American artists. The building project was executed by AFT Architects, a renowned Argentine architectural firm.

This morning we’ll learn about artists that are well known in the Latin world, but have so far been less successful breaking into the North American market. Our private tour will focus on the highlights of the museum. After our tour we’ll have lunch.

In the afternoon we’ll make our way to a tango dance studio in order to learn the art of dance with an Argentine instructor. Catch your breath after tangoing before heading out to dinner. Sleep in Buenos Aires.

DAY 12: Buenos Aires
Our time in Buenos Aires comes to a close with an outing to the Avenida de Mayo to the historic Congreso Square which leads to both National Congress and Corrientes Avenue (also called “the street that never sleeps”). Near the National Congress is the newly restored opera house known as the Theater Colon. Then we are off to discover the most colorful neighborhood in the city, known affectionately today as La Boca. This is the district of bohemian Italian neighborhoods overflowing with colorful shops and lively cafes. Our morning culminates with a tour of the Recoleta and Palermo districts, where we’ll learn about the remarkable life story of Eva Peron. We’ll also stop by the city cemetery to pay our respects to Argentina’s beloved artists and intellectuals.

Your return flight home this evening departs later this evening so you’ll have the afternoon to enjoy Buenos Aires museums, parks and bistros. Overnight flight home.

Note: Those joining the post-tour extension will fly out in the late afternoon for Iguazú Falls.

DAY 13: Arrive Home with a Lifetime of Happy Memories!

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POST-TOUR EXTENSION IGUAZÚ FALLS

2 Days / 2 Nights (including round-trip air from Buenos Aires to Iguazú Falls)
$1,195 Per person, double occupancy
$500 Single Supplement
Journey begins on the afternoon of November 7 in Buenos Aires
Journey concludes on November 9 Buenos Aires
Flight returns to the United States on November 10

INCLUDED: Roundtrip air to Iguazú Falls, airport transfers both in Buenos Aires and Iguazú, dinner upon arrival, breakfast daily, four-star hotel accommodations, park entrance tickets and a three-hour guided walking tour of the falls.

NOT INCLUDED: Airline surcharges for extending (if applicable), meals not mentioned and any items not listed above.

ABOUT THE FALLS: Straddling the border of Argentina and Brazil, the Iguazú Falls stretch close to two miles and this adventure provides opportunities to see both the panoramic views and the adrenaline-rushing up-close-and-wet version. Iguazú is a Tupi Indian name meaning 'great waters', and upon seeing this mighty testament of nature you are sure to understand why.

DAY 12: Post-Tour to Iguazú Falls Begins
Transfer to the airport this afternoon for your flight north to Iguazú Falls. Upon arrival, spend the day relaxing or exploring the surrounding area. Sleep near Iguazú Falls.

DAY 13: Iguazú Falls
Join a half-day tour of the Iguazú National Park for amazing panoramic views of the falls, stretching almost three kilometers long and containing over 270 separate cascades. The green jungle, thousands of butterflies, muggy heat and the roar of the falling water makes this an unforgettable vista. It's possible to take an easy walk into the canyon of the Devil's Throat. A train ride, a bridge walk, and a hike to the bottom all offer spectacular up-close views of the falls. Sleep near Iguazú Falls.

DAY 14: Return Flight Home
Transfer to airport and fly to Buenos Aires. Return flight to United States departs from Buenos Aires later this evening. Overnight flight home.

DAY 15: Arrive Home with a Lifetime of Memories!

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CONCERTS

If for any reason the organizers of a scheduled concert, festival or event cancel or postpone a planned activity, Earthbound Expeditions will do its utmost to secure a similar event or secure another concert(s). Cancellation of an event, festival or concert is not cause for refund.

WEATHER IN BUENOS AIRES

Santiago and Buenos Aires enjoy gorgeous weather this time of year. You can expect temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s.

HEALTH QUESTIONS FOR CHILE AND ARGENTINA

The Zika virus is considered an extremely low health risk for Chile and Argentina. The mosquito that transmits the virus, the Aedes Aegypti species, is not native to Chile or Argentina. Though there have been confirmed cases in both countries, the people were infected while traveling abroad and did not present a risk to the general population. For up to date information please see: wwwnc.cdc.gov
*The CDC also suggests that you have routine inoculations before traveling to Argentina and Chile

MEET YOUR HOST

Gary Vercelli, Jazz Music Director
Gary Vercelli knew at an early age that jazz was his passion. "In high school, there was a 24-hour jazz station in Los Angeles, when commercial radio and jazz were not the oxymoron they are today," says Vercelli, Jazz Music Director for Capital Public Radio. "I used to listen to that station and think, one day, I'd like to work there." Eventually, he did. While attending college at the University of California at Santa Barbara, Vercelli launched his radio career. "After graduating, I worked at KCRW, an NPR affiliate in Santa Monica," he recalls. "While I was there, I coordinated 70 hours of weekly jazz programming and produced a pilot for NPR's Jazz Alive! series."

Vercelli then accepted a job at KBCA, the commercial jazz station of his high school days. During this time, he also served as the L.A. correspondent for Down Beat Magazine and wrote liner notes for leading jazz labels.

In 1980, Vercelli made his way to Sacramento as Jazz Music Director for Capital Public Radio. For the next 11 years, in addition to supervising the station's jazz programming and concert activity, he produced and hosted Jazz International, a popular nightly jazz program. When Capital Public Radio added its second station with a jazz and news format in 1991, Vercelli easily assumed the role of music director. Before KXJZ celebrated its fourth anniversary, Vercelli had earned the distinction of "Jazz Broadcaster of the Year" by Gavin, a respected industry weekly. In 1993, the same publication acclaimed the station as "National Jazz Station of the Year."

When Cap Radio shifted its jazz programming back to the classical station, Vercelli worked hard at crafting transitional sets of music at 7 p.m. that would appeal to the established audience, but still interest jazz aficionados. Gary continues to host four shifts a week and also programs www.JazzStream.org, Capital Public Radio’s 24 hour jazz internet service. In 2016, Vercelli was recognized by Jazz Week with the prestigious Duke Dubois Humanitarian Award, recognizing lifetime achievement and service to community.

When he's not on air or previewing music for the station, Vercelli enjoys visiting the Bay Area, cooking, and teaching Iyengar yoga, which he has studied for more than 30 years. "I also have an interest in fine Italian wines, which is diametrically opposed to my Yoga interest," he laments with a grin. "I guess I'm a classic example of east meets west."