McLean Community Center 2007 Tours

Argentina is a wonderful up and coming tourist destination…and we’re out in front of the trend as we invite you to travel off the beaten path with us to enjoy a taste of the best that this colorful South American country has to offer. Feel the pulse and excitement of big city life in Buenos Aires; relax in the beautiful lake country surrounding Bariloche in the Patagonia, and marvel at the natural wonders of the spectacular Iguazu Falls sharing the border with Brazil to the north. Enjoy it all while basking in nice warm sunshine, as Argentina’s seasons are the reverse of ours, with February being their summer!

We plan to tantalize your senses as we introduce you to the sights, sounds, food, culture and people of Argentina. We begin our tour in the capitol city of Buenos Aires, known as the “Paris of South America” with it’s wide boulevards and sophisticated residents often referred to as “Porteno’s”. We’ll be staying for three nights at the deluxe Sofitel Buenos Aires located amongst the embassies, art galleries and antique shops on the beautiful Arroyo Street in the upscale Retiro district. A city made up of many neighborhoods, we’ll visit the downtown to see the Casa Rosado, Colon Theater and the Congresso. We’ll learn some of the sad history of a once wealthy country as we walk through the Recoleta Cemetery where Eva Peron is buried, and turn to a happier note as we watch the tango dancers in the colorful La Boca. With a strong dollar to the peso exchange rate, we’ll leave you plenty of time to find great shopping deals on leather purses, jackets and other items along Florida Avenue.

Our Welcome Dinner will be at the Las Lilas Restaurant in the new and trendy Porto Madero neighborhood. In a country where beef reigns supreme, Las Lilas is the top rated steakhouse in Buenos Aires. Indulge in the delicious Argentine beef as it comes off the grill sizzling with flavor. Compliment that with a delightful Malbec wine from Mendoza, then top it off with a fabulous dulce de leche dessert. A tour with many tastes and contrasts, we’ll attend a sultry Tango Show one night, and the next day find ourselves out at an estancia (ranch) on the edge of the Pampas enjoying an asado (barbecue) as we mingle with the gauchos, and perhaps take a horseback ride! We’ll learn to drink “mate”, sample the Freddo ice cream, and best of all, we’ll introduce you to our Argentine friends who lived in the Washington area several years ago and played on our tennis team! It is their friendship that has drawn us to visit Argentina over the past several years, and they are the inspiration for this tour!

From Buenos Aires we fly to Bariloche at the foot of the Andes, and stay at the fabulous Llao Llao resort with its stunning location on a rise between the lakes in the Nahuel Huapi National Park. A motor launch will take us on an excursion to Victoria Island, and on to Arrayanes Woods with magnificent trees over eighty feet tall. From Bariloche we fly to Iguazu Falls, one of the world’s most impressive natural wonders. As a special treat, we have booked the group in falls view rooms at the Sheraton International Resort. While there, we’ll partake in a great adventure ride through the rain forest, as well as a raft ride right up to the falls. On our final day, we cross over to the Brazilian side for an incredible panoramic view. (Visa required to enter Brazil.) From start to finish, this tour is a true epicurean experience that will only whet your appetite for a return trip to Argentina one day!

Domestic Airfare within Argentina from Buenos Aires to Bariloche, Bariloche to Buenos Aires to Iguazu, and Iguazu back to Buenos Aires

2 nights accommodations in falls view rooms at the Sheraton International Resort at Iguazu

Cruise on Nahuel Huapi Lake to Victoria Island and Arrayanes Woods, with lunch included

Visit to Devil’s Throat at Iguazu Falls, followed by Great Adventure trip through the rain forest, and raft ride

Note #1: Should you wish to decline this insurance, you must do so in writing when you send in your deposit

Note #2: Fee for Visa for entrance into Brazil not included. Departure tax of $18 not included.

Trip #1001.370 Cost: $4690 resident, $4790 non-resident; based on double occupancy. Single Supplement: $1259. A $764 deposit is required to reserve your space. Balance due on December 1, 2006. Please make checks payable to Custom Group Tours Inc.

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Spring Fling to New York City!

Ticket to “The Drowsy Chaperone”

Gala Lunch at The Modern in the new MOMA!

Ticket to “Andrea Chenier” at the Met

March 25-27, 2007

It’s our last hurrah! A final Spring Fling to New York City with a focus on art, culture, theater and fun! We’ll enjoy everything from a Broadway show to an evening at the Met! As a special treat, we’ll have lunch in the private dining room at The Modern, the stunning restaurant overlooking the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller sculpture garden at the new Museum of Modern Art (MOMA!) The Modern has already garnered a Michelin Star and has been named the top newcomer in the Zagat Survey, as well as the best new restaurant in the USA by Esquire Magazine.

After a tour of the MOMA and one fantastic lunch, your time is free until we head off to the Lincoln Center for a rousing performance of "Andrea Chenier" at the Met! A tale of romance, espionage and betrayal, Andrea Chenier is based upon the life of the legendary French poet and patriot who participated in the French Revolution, only to become a victim of it himself. The sumptuously costumed production features legendary tenor Ben Heppner, the commanding Violeta Urmana, and two of opera's most famous arias, "La mamma morta" and "un di, all'azzuro spazio." Marco Armiliato conducts.

We’ll be staying once again at the New York Marriott Marquis with its excellent location at Times Square. We’ve included tickets to the popular Broadway show “The Drowsy Chaperone”, a hilarious and completely original new musical starring Sutton Foster! Now the recipient of five Tony awards, including Best Score and Best Book, it is full of life, laughter, singing, dancing and more! Come join the fun....and celebrate with us the last fifteen years of touring together as McLean Travelers!

Trip #1002.370 Cost: $1236 resident, $1286 non-resident; based on double occupancy. Single Supplement: $320. A $386 deposit is required to reserve your space. Balance due on January 10, 2007. Please make checks payable to Custom Group Tours Inc.