argentina 23

ARGENTINA
AND A CRUISE TO THE PATAGONIAN GLACIERS
& FJORDS OF CHILE

February 15 – 25, 2024

A unique tour visiting new and different places.

Argentina Patagonia tour

The first part of our itinerary will take us to Patagonia and the southern most points of South America. Here we will board our cruise ship and sail through awesome archipelagos, channels and gulfs to tour this incredible territory.

Magical encounters await us with the age-old ice formations of Glaciers and multi-colored icebergs. We will visit towns like the fishing village of Puerto Aguirre. To Fiordo Quitralco, where we will have an opportunity to enjoy its hot springs. Disembark on small boats to explore picturesque villages and visit handicraft markets and local museums. And we will marvel at beautiful and unique natural landscape wonders plus abundance of land and sea wildlife. While onboard we will enjoy gourmet meals including regional dishes, an open bar, and of course, all meals come with a variety of wines, beers and soft drinks that are included free on the cruise.

Then to Argentina that occupies the long slender “cone” of southern South America, and our stay in Buenos Aires that features a very different feel from the rest of the continent. It’s an elegant and cosmopolitan city whose wide boulevards are as attractive as her plazas, museums and cathedrals … not to mention the outstanding cuisine.

And don’t forget we are traveling south of the Equator, so February is the summer season with great weather … on a “Once in a Lifetime Journey.”

ITINERARY

1st day: Thursday, February 15 – To South America
Depart for JFK Airport where we board our overnight connecting flights to the southern most part of South America.

 2nd day: Friday, February 16  – Arrival in Puerto Mott (D)
Arrive in late evening local time in Chile. After Immigration and Customs, we board our coach for the transfer to our cruise ship, the Skorpio II for our overnight. We settle into our cabins for a well deserved rest before we start our cruise the next morning.

 3rd day: Saturday, February 17 – Cruising the Archipelago of Llanquihue (B/L/D)
We have breakfast onboard at our leisure before we depart from Puerto Montt and start to sail through the archipelago of Llanquihue, and passing the city of Calbuco. In the late afternoon we arrive in Quemchi on the island of Chiloé. Here we will disembark to small boats to travel to the picturesque village. Quemchi is a Huilliche word that means ‘rusty land’ and is a Chilean commune. This small island town which has a population of 3,000 inhabitants and continues to maintain Chiloés local culture. Its colorful streets and wooden houses covered with shingles are a faithful reflection of a past and enchants tourists who walk along its streets.A highlight of the island is the museum dedicated to Francisco Coloane, a Chilean writer born in Quemchi He is considered one of the best exponents of Chilean narrative. Coloane describes man’s constant battle for survival in an unfriendly environment. Also take time to visit the Quemchi church, known as the Colo Church. It is built of “Coigüe” and cyprus wood on top of a stone base and was declared a National Monument in 1999 as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Building. Return to our ship and continuing sailing south along the archipelago of Chiloé, as we cross the Gulf of Corcovado at midnight.

4th day: Sunday, February 18 – Cruising through Moraleda & Ferronave channels (B/L/D)
We navigate through the channels of Moraleda and Ferronaveas and soon we arrive at the fishing village of Puerto Aguirre . This is a picturesque village that was settled by Fishermen who began to build their houses on narrow streets in 1940. What makes this port stop unique is when the village children come to the dock as the ship approaches. After disembarkation, they start talking with the tourists. They sometimes even act as village guides. This tradition continues today, and every Sunday morning the dock fills with children waiting for the arrival of Skorpios.  If time permits, we can trek along an Austral forest path to view the beauty of the surrounding trees and their colors. Return to our boat and cruise until our arrival at Islote Barrientos.  Again we disembark to smaller boats and approach the rock formations to visit one of the largest bird colonies in South America,  and where these birds live along side South American fur seals. Return to our boat and head further south, arriving later in the evening to Caleta Quesahuen or Punta Leopardos which is 20 nautical miles from the San Rafael Glacier, our goal for viewing the next day.

5th day: Monday, February 19 – Cross Tempanos Channel – San Rafael Glacier (B/L/D)
In the morning, we depart Punta Leopardos and cross the channel of Tempanos to the entrance of the San Rafael lagoon and anchor about a mile from the Glacier. Weather permitting, we board excursion boats to cruise among the multicolored icebergs. Discovered four centuries ago by the Spanish navigator Juan García Teo, today San Rafael Glacier is one of Patagonia’s most internationally-known natural beauties. The ice of the San Rafael Glacier is more than 30,000 years old. Its frontal area is almost two miles wide and the overall Glacier is 10 miles long. Its peaks soar to over 200 feet, while the lower underwater part is close to 700 feet deep. The ice originates from the Andes Mountains and its flows of different colored ice are absolutely unique. Afterwards we return to our ship as we approach the Glacier from a different view point before setting sail for the Quitralco-Fjord.

6th day: Tuesday, February 20 – Berthing at Quitralco (B/L/D)
Arrival on Quitralco where we berth. Quitralco which means “Waters of Fire”, was a resting place for the canoeing Indian tribes that hunted and gathered in the area, and is a declared a Natural Sanctuary by the Chilean National Monuments Council. The region is part of an ancient glacier bed surrounded by mountains and features hot spring installations with pure and warm thermal waters. We will have time to get into our bathing suits to enjoy an inside or outside hot spring pools with temperatures of 90 to 100 degrees. For those who do not want to bathe in the waters, the site also offers walks and fishing. If weather permits there will be boat excursions to the inside of the Fjord. Afternoon departure for Chiloé, through the channels of Moraleda and Pérez Norte.

7th day: Wednesday, February 21 – Cruising the Gulf of Corcovado (B/L/D)
As we cruise the Gulf of Corcovado and want to get up real early, we may be lucky enough to observe humpbacks or blue whales.  Continue sailing along the east coast of Chiloé, with a morning arrival at Islote Conejos. Located in the commune of Queilen, on Chiloé’s large island, Islote Conejos attracts tourists with its extraordinary biodiversity. In addition to the penguins that travel to the inlet every season (which are the main tourist attraction), other regular visitors are the Austral and Chilean dolphins, that playfully greet every craft that sails through the area. After we board our small boats to reach the island, we silently approach this islet which really is a bird sanctuary. We do not go ashore so as to protect this bird habitat. The excursion lasts about an hour before we return to our ship and continue sailing. Back to our ship as we sail through the islands of Lemuy and Chelín, arriving in Dalcahue, where we will have some free time to we visit the handicraft market, the church and stroll along the promenade before returning to our ship for the Captain’s Farewell Dinner.

8th day: Thursday, February 22 – Morning arrival Puerto Montt & depart for Buenos Aires (B/D)
Morning arrival in Puerto Montt. After breakfast, we disembark our ship and transfer to the airport for our flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival we transfer to our reserved hotel accommodations. In the early evening we will depart for a special evening featuring a wonderful Tango show and dinner.

9th day: Friday, February 23 – In Buenos Aires (B/D)
This morning we start our day with a tour of the city known as “The Paris of South America.” Highlights will be the Plaza St Martin, the Cabildo (City Hall), the Avenue de Mayo the fascinating Recoleta Cemetery to visit Evita Peron’s grave. The balance of the day is free to explore the city. Maybe discover the colorful Bohemian sights of Boca. Argentinian gauchoOr hunt for antiques on the cobbled streets of San Telmo. Dine at one of the many wonderful steak houses. In the afternoon, it’s Gauchos and Estancias. Images of black Spanish hats, woven Indian shawls, baggy bombacha pants and sharp swords come to mind when you think of Gauchos. This will all come to life as we visit a private estancias (ranch) to see them demonstrate their riding skills. There will be a carriage ride on the property and optional horseback riding. Then we feast on a parillo, featuring local grilled specialties and get to experience the pampas traditional way of life on the Plains. Return to Buenos Aires in the early evening.

10th day: Saturday, February 24 – Morning in Buenos Aires. Afternoon depart for JFK (B)
Our morning is free to relax and do some last-minute shopping. Everything about Buenos Aires is exciting and in some ways different. And no better way to experience this taste of Argentine culture is to visit the Barrios. It’s a distractive city neighborhood with its own character and history. In the afternoon, we transfer to the airport for our overnight flight back to JFK.

11th day: Sunday, February 25 – Arrival in JFK
Arrival at JFK in the early morning. After Immigration and Customs, it’s back east to Montauk.

 

TOUR INCLUDES

  • Roundtrip transportation from Montauk to JFK
  • Roundtrip air to  Chile and return from Argentina
  • Inter-Chile/Argentina flights
  • Airport transfers
  • 7-day/6 night Patagonia Fjord cruise
  • 2 nights deluxe accommodations in Buenos Aires
  • All hotel service charges and taxes
  • Breakfast every day
  • Additional lunches and dinners as per itinerary
  • Transportation by coach and air in Argentina
  • Sightseeing as per itinerary
  • Sightseeing entrance fees
  • National Park fees

CRUISE INCLUSIONS

  • 6 Nights accommodation onboard Skorpios II
  • Choice of Inside or Outside cabins with option to upgrade
  • Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner
  • Welcome drink
  • OPEN BAR WHILE ON CRUISE
  • Wine, beer, spirits & soft drinks at meals
  • Daily excursions as detailed in the itinerary
  • Thermal Bath at Quitralco
  • All onboard activities and presentations
  • National Park Entrance Fees

SPECIAL FEATURES IN ARGENTINA

  • Welcome dinner and Tango evening
  • Afternoon Gaucho Ranch tour & BBQ dinner

Cabin Descriptions & Locations (note that we have a blocked allotment so cabins are assigned on a “first come-first served basis)

Boat Skorpios II

All the cabins we have reserved are on the Acropolis, Olympus or Athens decks,
and each comes with a spacious en-suite private bathroom, TV and telephone

1st picture is a typical Acropolis Deck outside cabin with a window and twin beds

2nd picture is a typical Olympus Deck outside cabin with a window and queen-size bed

3rd picture is a typical Athens Deck inside cabin with twin beds

PRICING

PRICE PER PERSON Based on accommodations in cabins as below

Athens Deck (inside cabin)
Per Person in Double Occupancy room:
$5,299 payments via check
$5,579 credit card

Per Person in Single Occupancy
$6,599 payments via check
$6,969 credit card

Acropolis Deck (outside cabin with window)
Per Person in Double Occupancy room:
$5,399 payments via check
$5,679 credit card

Per Person in Single Occupancy
$8,169 payments via check
$8,599 credit card

Olympus Deck (outside cabin with window & Queen size bed)
Per Person in Double Occupancy room:
$5,499 payments via check
$5,789 credit card

Add to above costs:
U.S. airline facility security and tax charges and Port Charges: $499 ($525 credit card)
Prepaid Gratuities for the land arrangements and cruise staff: $80 ($85 credit card)

INITIAL DEPOSIT
$850 ($900 credit card)

Non-Refundable deposit due on or before September 20, 2023 to guarantee space

FINAL PAYMENTS: Due on or before December 10, 2023

 

Please Read the Terms and Conditions for this Tour

** Bonus! SAVE! You will receive a 5% discount if ALL payments are made by check or money order. This discounted price is noted below in red.

*Special No Interest + No Payments for 6 Months Plan Now Available!
RMC Travel now offers the “PayPal Credit” Plan (Click here for details)

Travel Insurance
RMC Travel highly recommends the purchase of Trip Cancellation/Interruption Travel Insurance, and we therefore provide you with an easy way to contact RMC’s preferred insurance provider, Allianz Global Assistance. If you need additional information or have questions, please call Allianz directly at 800-284-8300, and refer to code F025323.

 

Argentina 2020

RMC Presents

ARGENTINA AND A CRUISE TO THE
PATAGONIAN GLACIERS & FJORDS OF CHILE

Postponed – New Dates to be Announced Soon

argentina patagonia tour

Argentina occupies the long slender “cone” of southern South America and features a geological and cultural unit very different from the rest of the continent. It’s European in outlook, but filled with a variety of landscapes that offer an intriguing mix of natural and man-made attractions. And what better way to see it than a visit to Buenos Aires, an elegant and cosmopolitan city whose wide boulevards are as attractive as her plazas, museums and Cathedrals … not to mention the city’s outstanding cuisine. Plus a visit to an Argentinean Estancias (Ranch) for an afternoon of fun, great BBQ and of course Gauchos.

The second part of our itinerary will take us to Patagonia and the southern most points of South America. Here we will board our cruise ship and sail through awesome archipelagos, channels and gulfs to tour this incredible territory. Magical encounters await us with the age-old ice formations of Glaciers and multi-colored icebergs. We will visit towns like the fishing village of Puerto Aguirre. To Fiordo Quitralco, where we will have an opportunity to enjoy its hot springs. Disembark on small boats to explore picturesque villages and visit handicraft markets and local museums. And we will marvel at beautiful and unique natural landscape wonders plus abundance of land and sea wildlife. While onboard we will enjoy gourmet meals including regional dishes, an open bar (top shelf) , and of course, all meals come with a variety of wines, beers and soft drinks.

This is truly an All-Inclusive trip that includes everything – Flights, transportation, cruise, sightseeing, all breakfasts, all lunches (except 1 on Buenos Aires), all dinners, all wine and much more. There are very little, if any, extra expenses!!

TOUR INCLUDES
• Roundtrip transportation to JFK
• Roundtrip air to Argentina and return from Chile
• Airport transfers
• 2 nights deluxe accommodations in Buenos Aires
• 7-day/6 night Patagonia Fjord cruise
• All hotel service charges and taxes
• Breakfast every day
• Additional lunches and dinners as per itinerary
• Transportation by coach Argentina
• Sightseeing as per itinerary
• Sightseeing entrance fees

CRUISE INCLUSIONS
• 6 Nights accommodation onboard Skorpios II
• Outside cabins with option to upgrade
• Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner every day
• Welcome drink
• Open bar
• Wine, beer, spirits & soft drinks at every meal
• Daily excursions as detailed in the itinerary
• Thermal Bath at Quitralco
• All onboard activities and presentations
• National Park Entrance Fees

SPECIAL FEATURES IN ARGENTINA
• Welcome dinner and Tango evening
• Afternoon Gaucho Ranch tour & BBQ dinner

 

ITINERARY

1st day: Tuesday, October 20 – To Buenos Aires
Depart for JFK Airport where we board our overnight flights to Buenos Aires.

2nd day: Wednesday, October 21 – Arrival in Buenos Aires (D)
Morning arrival in Santiago and a quick connection to Buenos Aires. After Immigration and Customs, we board our coach for the transfer to our accommodations. Time to relax (only 1 hour time difference from New York) before our special Welcome Dinner and Tango show.

3rd day: Thursday, October 22 – In Buenos Aires (B/D)
This morning we start our day with a tour of the city known as “The Paris of South America.” Highlights will be the Plaza St Martin, the Cabildo (City Hall), the Avenue de Mayo the fascinating Recoleta Cemetery to visit Evita Peron’s grave. And no better way to experience this taste of Argentine culture is to visit the Barrios. It’s a distractive city neighborhood with its own character and history. Back to our hotel for lunch on our own. Later in the afternoon, it’s Gauchos and Estancias. Images of black Spanish hats, woven Indian shawls, baggy bombacha pants and sharp swords come to mind when you think of Gauchos. This will all come to life as we visit a private estancias (ranch) to see them demonstrate their riding skills. There will be a carriage ride on the property and optional horseback riding. Then we feast on a parillo, featuring local grilled specialties and get to experience the pampas traditional way of life on the plains. Return to Buenos Aires in the early evening.

4th day: Friday, October 23 – To Puerto Montt, Chile (B/D)
After a leisurely morning breakfast we transfer to the airport for our connecting flight to Puerto Montt at the Southern part of South America. Upon arrival in the late afternoon, we will be met and transferred to our ship, the Skorpio II which is docked in port. We settle into our cabins before a Welcome Drink and dinner onboard.

5th day: Saturday, October 24 – Cruising the Archipelago of Llanquihue (B/L/D)
We have breakfast onboard at our leisure before we depart from Puerto Montt and start to sail through the archipelago of Llanquihue, and passing the city of Calbuco. In the late afternoon we arrive in Quemchi on the island of Chiloé. Here we will disembark to small boats to travel to the picturesque village. Quemchi is a Huilliche word that means ‘rusty land’ and is a Chilean commune. This small island town which has a population of 3,000 inhabitants and continues to maintain Chiloés local culture. Its colorful streets and wooden houses covered with shingles are a faithful reflection of a past and enchants tourists who walk along its streets.

6th day: Sunday, October 25- Cruising through Moraleda & Ferronave channels (B/L/D)
We navigate through the channels of Moraleda and Ferronaveas and soon we arrive at the fishing village of Puerto Aguirre. This is a picturesque village that was settled by Fishermen who began to build their houses on narrow streets in 1940. What makes this port stop unique is when the village children come to the dock as the ship approaches. After disembarkation, they start talking with the tourists. They sometimes even act as village guides. This tradition continues today, and every Sunday morning the dock fills with children waiting for the arrival of Skorpios. If time permits, we can trek along an Austral forest path to view the beauty of the surrounding trees and their colors. Return to our boat and cruise until our arrival at Islote Barrientos. Again we disembark to smaller boats and approach the rock formations to visiting one of the largest bird colonies in South America and where these birds live alongside South American fur seals. Return to our boat and head further south, arriving later in the evening to Caleta Quesahuen or Punta Leopardos which is 20 nautical miles from the San Rafael Glacier, our goal for viewing the next day. A highlight of the island is the museum dedicated to Francisco Coloane, a Chilean writer born in Quemchi He is considered one of the best exponents of Chilean narrative. Coloane describes man’s constant battle for survival in an unfriendly environment. Also take time to visit the Quemchi church, known as the Colo Church. It is built of “Coigüe” and cyprus wood on top of a stone base and was declared a National Monument in 1999 as well as a World Heritage Building by UNESCO. Return to our ship and continuing sailing south along the archipelago of Chiloé, as we cross the Gulf of Corcovado at midnight.

7th day: Monday, October 26 – Cross Tempanos Channel – San Rafael Glacier (B/L/D)
In the morning, we depart Punta Leopardos and cross the channel of Tempanos to the entrance of the San Rafael lagoon and anchor about a mile from the Glacier. Weather permitting, we board excursion boats to cruise among the multicolored icebergs. Discovered four centuries ago by the Spanish navigator Juan García Teo. San Rafael Glacier is one of Patagonia’s most internationally-known natural beauties. The ice of the San Rafael Glacier is more than 30,000 years old. Its frontal area is almost 2 miles wide and the overall Glacier is 10 miles long. Its peaks soar to over 200 feet, while the lower underwater part is close to 700 feet deep. The ice originates from the Andes Mountains and its flows of different colored ice are absolutely unique. Afterwards we return to our ship as we approach the Glacier from a different view point before setting sail for the Quitralco-Fjord.

8th day: Tuesday, October 27 – Berthing at Quitralco (B/L/D)
Arrival on Quitralco where we berth. Quitralco which means “Waters of Fire”, was a resting place for the canoeing Indian tribes that hunted and gathered in the area, and is a declared a Natural Sanctuary by the Chilean National Monuments Council. The region is part of an ancient glacier bed surrounded by mountains and features hot spring installations with pure and warm thermal waters. We will have time to get into our bathing suits to enjoy an inside or outside hot spring pools with temperatures of 90 to 100 degrees. For those who do not want to bathe in the waters, the site also offers walks and fishing. If weather permits there will be boat excursions to the inside of the Fjord. Afternoon departure for Chiloé, through the channels of Moraleda and Pérez Norte.

9th day: Wednesday, October 28 – Cruising the Gulf of Corcovado (B/L)
As we cruise the Gulf of Corcovado and want to get up real early, we may be lucky enough to observe humpbacks or blue whales. Continue sailing along the east coast of Chiloé, with a morning arrival at Islote Conejos. Located in the commune of Queilen, on Chiloé’s large island, Islote Conejos attracts tourists with its extraordinary biodiversity. In addition to the penguins that travel to the inlet every season (which are the main tourist attraction), other regular visitors are the Austral and Chilean dolphins, that playfully greet every craft that sails through the area. After we board our small boats to reach the island, we silently approach this islet which really is a bird sanctuary. We do not go ashore so as to protect this bird habitat. The excursion lasts about an hour before we return to our ship and continue sailing. Back to our ship as we sail through the islands of Lemuy and Chelín, arriving in Dalcahue, where we will have some free time to visit the handicraft market, the church and stroll along the promenade before returning to our ship for the Captain’s Farewell Dinner.

10th day: Thursday, October 29 – Morning arrival Puerto Montt. Later depart for JFK
Disembark our ship and are met with our guide. We will leave our luggage at the foot of the pier to be loaded onto our coach and continue with a walking tour of a Craft Fair that is called Angelmo for some last minute local shopping. Then we are off by coach to Petrohue Falls. Along the way, we make a stop to stretch our legs at a Llama and Alpaca farm to enjoy the view of the lake Llanquihue and Volcano Osorno . On arrival at the Fall’s base, we take a leisurely 30 minute walk to see the falls. The walking is easy, there are ramps for those with mobility issues if you want to skip the stairs. Continue to Ensenada for a local buffet lunch. After lunch, we head to Puerto Varas to visit the Sagrado Corazon de Jesús church, which is “a postcard view church.” Back to the center of the city for some “free time” before heading to the airport to check in for our flight to Santiago, where we connect to our nonstop overnight flight back to New York.

11th day: Friday, November 15 – Arrival in JFK
Arrival at JFK in the early morning. After Immigration and Customs, it’s back east.

 

OUR HOTEL IN BUENOS AIRES
The Buenos Aires Inter-Continental

Please Read the Terms and Conditions for this Tour

** Bonus! SAVE! You will receive a 5% discount if ALL payments are made by check or money order. This discounted price is noted below in red.

*Special No Interest + No Payments for 6 Months Plan Now Available!
RMC Travel now offers the “PayPal Credit” Plan (Click here for details)

PRICE PER PERSON

Based on accommodations in cabins on Pantheon Deck (twin beds)
Per Person in Double Occupancy room:
$4,499 payments via check
$4,689 credit card

Based on accommodations in cabins on Olympus Deck (queen beds)
Per Person in Double Occupancy room:
$4,599 payments via check
$4,839 credit card

Per Person in Single Occupancy in cabin on Athens Deck (inside cabin) and single room at hotel
$5,789 payments via check
$6,089 credit card

Add to above costs:
U.S. airline facility security and tax charges and Port Charges: $540 ($569 credit card)
Prepaid Gratuities for the land arrangements and cruise staff $85 ($89 credit card)

Cabin Upgrade (On Request, as limited availability)
Jr Suite in Olympus Deck $199 pp ($209 pp credit card)
Master Suite on Olympus Deck $439 pp ($469 pp credit card)
Outside cabin on Parthenon Deck for double cabin for single use $1,200 ($1,229 credit card) to single rate

INITIAL DEPOSIT

$750 ($800 by credit card)
Non-Refundable deposit due on or before March 15, 2020 to guarantee space

FINAL PAYMENTS: Due on or before August 15, 2020

Tour Postponed – New Dates to be Announced Soon

If you have already registered online and require access to the PayPal payment page, click here.

Travel Insurance
RMC Travel highly recommends the purchase of Trip Cancellation/Interruption Travel Insurance, and we therefore provide you with an easy way to contact RMC’s preferred insurance provider, Allianz Global Assistance. If you need additional information or have questions, please call Allianz directly at 800-284-8300, and refer to code F025323.

 

 

 

 

 

Adelphi Guatemala 2020

ADELPHI UNIVERSITY
Service Learning in Guatemala
January 11-18, 2020

Reservations via Adelphi ‘s Center for International Education

Reservations Closed

ITINERARY

Saturday, January 11 – Travel to Guatemala
5:30am – Suggested arrival time at JFK. Students go through check-in and security. Meet the group at the gate. Adelphi has reserved a ticket block for all students. A copy of your ticket is in your orientation folder. Students are responsible for their own transportation to JFK Airport.
8:00am – Group flight American #1610 departs JFK for Miami
11:12am – Group flight arrives in Miami
12:45pm – Group flight American #1603 departs Miami to Guatemala City
2:28pm – Group flight arrives in Guatemala City.
Transfer to Antigua – A representative from FundaMaya will meet the group at the baggage claim and lead the group to the bus. It will take about an hour to drive to Antigua.
TBD – Check into Hotel Las Camelias Inn 3a Calle Oriente no19 Antigua, Guatemala
Tel: (011) 502 7832-0384
6:30pm – Group Dinner Faculty will make arrangements for a group dinner upon arrival.
****If students are interested in volcano or Choco Museo, make arrangements upon arrival in Antiqua. The front desk can assist with these arrangements.

Sunday, January 12 – Free Day in Antigua
Breakfast – Students eat the complimentary hotel breakfast on their own.
Free Day – Students are on their own to explore Antigua.
Optional volcano hike ($45/person) Optional Choco Museo (Full day tour $25 or workshop $23)
Lunch & Dinner – Students eat on their own and at their own expense

Monday, January 13 – Visit to Chichicastengo & Arrival in Pana
Breakfast – Students eat the complimentary hotel breakfast on their own and check out of hotel
9:00am – Meet bus for transport to Pana Be ready to go with your luggage. The ride to Pana will take approximately 2 hours. A representative from FundaMaya will meet the group in the hotel lobby and be the guide for Chichicastengo.
12:00pm – Visit to Chichicastengo
Traditional group lunch (St. Thomas Hotel), church and cemetery.
4:00pm – Travel to Pana and Hotel Check-in The Grand Hotel Calle Principal 1-79, Zono 2 Panajachel
Tel: (011) 502 7762-2940
5:30pm – Focus Group Adelphi professors lead a discussion session to discuss the day’s activities.
6:30pm – Welcome Dinner provided by FundaMaya
Students will be picked up at the hotel

Tuesday, January 14 – Work day in a local village
Breakfast – Students eat the complimentary hotel breakfast on their own.
8:45am – Meet FundaMaya Representative in Hotel Lobby
Students will take vans to the FundaMaya office.
9:00am – Tutorial for Installation of Eco Filters and Stoves
FundaMaya will train students to install the eco filters and stoves.
9:45am – Stove Installation
Students travel by van to a local village to install a stove and water filter in a home.
11:45am – Lunch at Elderly Care Center
Group will each lunch with elderly members of the community to hear their stories and learn about FundaMaya’ nutrition program. Students will serve the elderly and facilitate an activity focused on a healthy diet.
2:00pm – Visit to the Community Center Students facilitate an activity with the children in a local village.
4:30pm – Group travels back to the hotel
6:30pm – Group Dinner
Students will walk to restaurant and be met by FundaMaya representatives.

Wednesday, January 15 – Work Day in a local village
Breakfast – Students eat the complimentary hotel breakfast on their own.
8:45am – Meet FundaMaya Representative in Hotel Lobby
9:00am – Travel to San Antonio
Students will travel by van to San Antonio, which will take approximately 30 minutes.
9:00am – Visit to the Community Garden & Program Introduction
Students learn about the community garden project, which educates mothers about nutrition and how to cultivate food for their families. Students will tend the garden alongside the mothers and learn about the program.
1:00pm – Group Lunch
Afternoon – Recycling Center
Located on the Atitlan Lake protected area, the recycling project educates the community on recycling techniques and methods to diminish pollution.
2:00pm – Installation of Eco Filters and Stoves
Students will install stoves and water filters, donated by Adelphi University, in local homes.
4:30pm – Group travels back to the hotel
5:45pm – Focus Group
Adelphi professors lead a discussion session to discuss the day’s activities.
6:30pm – Group Dinner
Students will walk to restaurant and be met by FundaMaya representatives.

Thursday, January 16 – Work Day in a local village
Breakfast – Students eat the complimentary hotel breakfast on their own.
8:45am – Meet FundaMaya Representative in Hotel Lobby
9:00am – Transport to a local village
Students will travel by van to a local village, which will take approximately 40 minutes
Morning Visit to the Village Pre-School – Students will facilitate an activity with pre-school students at a local school.
1:00pm – Group Lunch
2:00pm – Introduction to Healthcare & Traditional Medicine in Guatemala
TBD – Speakers Visit and Tour of Medical Clinic
The clinic provides preventive and primary health care, education, and follow up to community families.
4:30pm – Group travels back to the hotel
5:45pm – Focus Group
Adelphi professors lead a discussion session to discuss the day’s activities.
6:30pm – Group Dinner
Students will walk to restaurant and be met by FundaMaya representatives.

Friday, January 17 – Visiting Communities around Lake Atitlán Breakfast Students eat the complimentary hotel breakfast on their own.
8:45am – Meet FundaMaya Representative in Hotel Lobby
9:00am -Transport to Boat to tour Lake Atitlán
Students will visit communities around the lake, including Santiago to visit Maximon San Antonio, a church that illustrates the blend of Mayan and western religious beliefs, the Ceramic co-op in San Juan, the textile co-op in San Marcos, and the San Marcos Reserve. Lunch will be provided.
4:30pm – Group travels back to the hotel
5:45pm – Final Wrap Up Meeting Adelphi professors lead a final discussion session
6:30pm – Farewell Group Dinner provided by FundaMaya Students will be picked up at the hotel and transported to the restaurant.

Saturday, January 18 – Return to USA
Breakfast – Students eat the complimentary hotel breakfast on their own and check out of hotel.
TBD – Meet in hotel lobby for transport to Guatemala City airport.

Note:  Itinerary subject to changes according conditions beyond our control

 


Medicinal plants photo by Tasnim News Agency [CC BY 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Lake Atitlan photo by Pedro Szekely from USA [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

 

ARGENTINA

AND A CRUISE TO THE PATAGONIAN GLACIERS
& FJORDS OF CHILE

October 31 to November 15, 2019

Argentina occupies the long slender “cone” of southern South America and features a geological and cultural unit very different from the rest of the continent. It’s European in outlook, but filled with a variety of landscapes that offer an intriguing mix of natural and man-made attractions. We will start our Argentinean journey in Buenos Aires, an elegant and cosmopolitan city whose wide boulevards are as attractive as her plazas, museums and Cathedrals … not to mention the city’s outstanding cuisine. After Buenos Aires, it’s a short flight to breathtaking Iguazu Falls for an overnight visit to the most spectacular waterfall in the western hemisphere. We end our visit in Argentina in magical Mendoza, capital city of the country’s wine district and a town of exceptional beauty.

The second part of our itinerary will take us to Patagonia and the southern most points of South America. Here we will board our cruise ship and sail through awesome archipelagos, channels and gulfs to tour this incredible territory. Magical encounters await us with the age-old ice formations of Glaciers and multi-colored icebergs. We will visit towns like the fishing village of Puerto Aguirre. To Fiordo Quitralco, where we will have an opportunity to enjoy its hot springs. Disembark on small boats to explore picturesque villages and visit handicraft markets and local museums. And we will marvel at beautiful and unique natural landscape wonders plus abundance of land and sea wildlife. While onboard we will enjoy gourmet meals including regional dishes, an open bar, and of course, all meals come with a variety of wines, beers and soft drinks.

This will be a unique “Friends of Montauk” tour visiting new and different places.

TOUR INCLUDES

  • Roundtrip transportation from Montauk to JFK
  • Roundtrip air to Argentina and return from Chile
  • Inter-Argentina flights
  • Airport transfers
  • 4 nights deluxe accommodations in Buenos Aires
  • 1 night deluxe accommodations at Iguazu Falls
  • 2 nights deluxe accommodations in Mendoza
  • 7-day/6 night Patagonia Fjord cruise
  • All service charges and taxes
  • Breakfast every day
  • Additional lunches and dinners as per itinerary
  • Transportation by coach and air in Argentina
  • Sightseeing as per itinerary
  • Sightseeing entrance fees
  • National Park fees
  • Plus protection by RMC’s $1,000,000 per traveler Errors & Omissions coverage

SPECIAL FEATURES IN ARGENTINA

  • Welcome dinner and Tango evening
  • Afternoon tour at a Gaucho  Range along with a BBQ dinner
  • Viewing the Iguazu Falls from both the Argentina & Brazil side
  • Wine tasting tour in Mendoza

CRUISE INCLUSIONS

  • 6 Nights accommodation on board the Skorpios II
  • Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner every day
  • Welcome drink
  • Open Bar
  • Wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks included at meals
  • Daily excursions as detailed in the itinerary
  • Thermal Bath at Quitralco
  • All onboard activities and presentations
  • National Park Entrance Fees

ITINERARY

1st day: Thursday, October 31 – To Buenos Aires
Depart for JFK Airport where we board our overnight flights to Buenos Aires

2nd day: Friday, November 1 – Arrival in Buenos Aires (D)
Morning arrival in Buenos Aires. After Immigration and Customs, we board our coach for the transfer to our accommodations. Time to relax, have a bite to eat before our special Welcome Dinner and Tango show.

3rd day: Saturday, November 2 – In Buenos Aires (B)
This morning we start our day with a tour of the city known as “The Paris of South America’. Highlights will be the Plaza St Martin, the Cabildo (City Hall), the Avenue de Mayo the fascinating Recoleta Cemetery to visit Evita Peron’s grave. The balance of the day is free to explore the city. Maybe discover the colorful Bohemian sights of Boca. Or hunt for antiques on the cobbled streets of San Telmo. Dine at one of the many wonderful steak houses.

4th day: Sunday, November. 3 – To Iguazu Falls (B/D)
We keep our room at our hotel and only pack an overnight bag as we transfer to the airport for the short flight to the breathtaking Iguazu Falls. On arrival, we will be escorted to our accommodations on the Argentine side of the Falls. After checking into our hotel, and a bite to eat on our own, we will cross over to the Brazilian side of the Falls (be sure to bring your passport) with its 275 separate cataracts across a span of two and a half miles and that is wider than Victoria Falls. Return to our hotel on the Argentine side for dinner at our hotel.

5th day: Monday, November 4 – Morning in Iguazu Falls. Late afternoon back to Buenos Aires (B)
After breakfast, we visit the Argentine side of the Falls that are higher than Niagara Falls and some say more beautiful. We will also have a chance to view the thundering Devil’s Throat. We then transfer back to the airport for our flight back to Buenos Aires. On arrival, back to our hotel where you have the balance of the afternoon and evening free.

6th day: Tuesday, November 5 –In Buenos Aires (B/D)
Gaucho Cows Argentina CattleOur morning is free to relax and do some last-minute shopping. Everything about Buenos Aires is exciting and in some ways different. And no better way to experience this taste of Argentine culture is to visit the Barrios. It’s a distractive city neighborhood with its own character and history. In the afternoon, it’s Gauchos and Estancias. Images of black Spanish hats, woven Indian shawls, baggy bombacha pants and sharp swords come to mind when you think of Gauchos. This will all come to life as we visit a private estancias (ranch) to see them demonstrate their riding skills. There will be a carriage ride on the property and optional horseback riding. Then we feast on a parillo, featuring local grilled specialties and get to experience the pampas traditional way of life on the Plains. Return to Buenos Aires in the early evening.

7th day: Wednesday, November 6 – To Mendoza (B/D)
We leave Buenos and transfer to the airport for a short flight to Mendoza. Founded in 1565, it has grown to a uniquely charming city with beautifully lined trees and artistically-design plazas. After checking into our hotel, we have a bit of time on our own to have a glass of wine before we depart for dinner and wine at a local restaurant.

8th day: Thursday, November 7 – In Mendoza (B/L)
After breakfast, we get a tastes of Mendoza’s magical land of Sun & Wine as we will visit some wineries and of course with sample tastings, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. The afternoon  and evening are free to explore on our own, shop, relax or watch the world go by at an outdoor café. In the evening enjoy dinner at one of the town’s wonderful restaurants.

9th day: Friday, November 8 – To Puerto Montt, Chile (B/D)
After a leisurely morning breakfast we transfer to the airport for our connecting flight to Puerto Montt at the Southern part of South America.

Upon arrival in the late afternoon, we will be met and transferred to our ship, the Skorpio II which is docked in port. We settle into our cabins before a Welcome Drink and dinner onboard.

10th day: Saturday, November 9 – Cruising the Archipelago of Llanquihue (B/L/D)
We have breakfast onboard at our leisure before we depart from Puerto Montt and start to sail through the archipelago of Llanquihue and passing the city of Calbuco.  In the late afternoon we arrive in Quemchi on the island of Chiloé.  Here we will disembark to small boats to travel to the picturesque village.Quemchi is a Huilliche word that means ‘rusty land’ and is a Chilean commune. This small island town which has a population of 3,000 inhabitants, and continues to maintain Chiloés local culture. Its colorful streets and wooden houses covered with shingles are a faithful reflection of a past and enchants tourists who walk along its streets. Highlight of the island is the Museum dedicated to Francisco Coloane, a Chilean writer born in Quemchi He is considered one of the best exponents of Chilean narrative. Coloane describes man’s constant battle for survival in an unfriendly environment. Also take time to visit the Quemchi church, known as the Colo Church. It is built of “Coigüe” and cyprus wood on top of a stone base and was declared a National Monument in 1999 as well as a World Heritage Buildings by Unesco . Return to our ship and continuing sailing south along the archipelago of Chiloé, as we cross the Gulf of Corcovado at midnight.

11th day: Sunday, November 10: Cruising through the channels of Moraleda & Ferronave (B/L/D)
We navigate through the channels of Moraleda and Ferronaveas and soon we arrive at the fishing village of Puerto Aguirre . This is a picturesque village that was settled by Fishermen who began to build their houses on narrow streets in 1940. What makes this port stop unique is when the village children come to the dock as the ship approaches. After disembarkation, they start talking with the tourists. They sometimes even act as village guides. This tradition continues today, and every Sunday morning the dock fills with children waiting for the arrival of Skorpios.  If time permits, we can trek along an Austral forest path to view the beauty of the surrounding trees and their colors. Return to our boat and cruise until our arrival at Islote Barrientos.  Again we disembark to smaller boats and approach the rock formations to visit one of the largest bird colonies in South America,  and where these birds live along side South American fur seals. Return to our boat and head further south, arriving later in the evening to Caleta Quesahuen or Punta Leopardos which is 20 nautical miles from the San Rafael Glacier, our goal for viewing the next day.

12th day: Monday, November 11 – Cross the channel of Tempanos – San Rafael Glacier (B/L/D)
In the morning, we depart Punta Leopardos and cross the channel of Tempanos to the entrance of the San Rafael lagoon and anchor about a mile from the Glacier. Weather permitting, we board excursion boats to cruise among the multicolored icebergs. Discovered four centuries ago by the Spanish navigator Juan García Teo, today San Rafael Glacier is one of Patagonia’s most internationally-known natural beauties. The ice of the San Rafael Glacier is more than 30,000 years old. Its frontal area is almost 2 miles wide and the overall Glacier is 10 miles long. Its peaks soar to over 200 feet, while the lower underwater part is close to 700 feet deep. The ice originates from the Andes Mountains and its flows of different colored ice are absolutely unique. Afterwards we return to our ship as we approach the Glacier from a different view point before setting sail for the Quitralco-Fjord.

13th day: Tuesday, November 12 – Berthing at Quitralco (B/L/D)
Arrival on Quitralco where we berth. Quitralco which means “Waters of Fire”, was a resting place for the canoeing Indian tribes that hunted and gathered in the area,  and is a declared a Natural Sanctuary by the Chilean National Monuments Council. The region is part of an ancient glacier bed surrounded by mountains, and features hot spring installations with pure and warm thermal waters.  We will have time to get into our bathing suits to enjoy an inside or outside hot spring pools with temperatures of 90 to 100 degrees. For those who do not want to bathe in the waters, the site also offers walks, and fishing  If weather permits there will be boat excursions to the inside of the Fjord.  Afternoon departure for Chiloé, through the channels of Moraleda and Pérez Norte.

14th day: Wednesday, November 13 – Cruising the Gulf of Corcovado (B/L)
As we cruise the Gulf of Corcovado and want to get up real early, we may be lucky enough to observe humpbacks or blue whales.  Continue sailing along the east coast of Chiloé, with a morning arrival at Islote Conejos. Located in the commune of Queilen, on Chiloé’s large island, Islote Conejos attracts tourists with its extraordinary biodiversity. In addition to the penguins that travel to the inlet every season (which are the main tourist attraction), other regular visitors are the Austral and Chilean dolphins, that playfully greet every craft that sails through the area. After we board our small boats to reach the island, we silently approach this islet which really is a bird sanctuary. We do not go ashore so as to protect this bird habitat. The excursion lasts about an hour before we return to our ship and continue sailing. Back to our ship as we sail through the islands of Lemuy and Chelín, arriving in Dalcahue, where we will have some free time to we visit the handicraft market, the church and stroll along the promenade before returning to our ship for the Captain’s Farewell Dinner.

15th day: Thursday, November 14 – Morning arrival in Puerto Montt. Later depart for JFK
Morning arrival in Puerto Montt. After breakfast, we disembark our ship, have lunch at a local restaurant and transfer to the Airport for our flight to Santiago, where we connect to our non-stop overnight flight back to New York.

16th day: Friday, November 15 – Arrival in JFK
Arrival at JFK in the early morning. After Immigration and Customs, it’s back east to Montauk.

HOTELS

  • Buenos Aires – The Buenos Aires Inter-Continental
  • Mendoza – The Mendoza Intercontinental
  • Iguazu – The Malia Iguaza

Please Read the Terms and Conditions for this Tour

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PRICE PER PERSON based accommodations in cabins on Athos Deck [double beds] or Pantheon Deck [twin beds]
Per Person in Double Occupancy room:
$5,988 payments via check or money order
$6,299 payments via credit card

Per Person in Single Occupancy in cabin on Pantheon Deck
$8,799 payments via check or money order
$9,269 payments via credit card

Add to above costs:
U.S. airline facility security and tax charges and Port Charges: $769 ($809 via credit card)
Prepaid Gratuities for the land arrangements and cruise staff  $120 ($125 via credit card)

UPGRADES
Cabin Upgrade Costs
Olympus Deck Cabin with Matrimonial Bed [only 6 available] @ $50pp
Olympus Deck Jr Suite Cabin with Queen bed [only 2 available] @ $199pp
Olympus Deck  Master Suite Cabin with King bed [only 1 available] @ $325pp

Business Class Air @ On request

Land Only Prices
For those providing their own air to Buenos Aires and return from Puerto Montt
[includes air Buenos Aires/Iguazu Falls/Buenos Aires/Mendoza/Puerto Montt]
Per Person in Double Occupancy Room $5,199 ($5473 via credit card)

INITIAL DEPOSIT
$750 ($800 by credit card)

FINAL PAYMENTS
Due on or before August 15, 2019

Travel Insurance
RMC Travel highly recommends the purchase of Trip Cancellation/Interruption Travel Insurance, and we therefore provide you with an easy way to contact RMC’s preferred insurance provider, Allianz Global Assistance. If you need additional information or have questions, please call Allianz directly at 800-284-8300, and refer to code F025323.