The Real Deal: Three nights at the Hotel El Presidente in Santiago, three nights in Mendoza at a to-be-determined hotel, three nights at the Waldorf Hotel in Buenos Aires, ground transportation and an arrival transfer by bus, a local flight (between Mendoza and Buenos Aires on Aerolineas Argentinas), a full-day winery tour in Santiago, a half-day winery tour and cooking class in the Mendoza region, a full-day trip to a working ranch plus a cooking class, 11 meals (breakfast daily and two lunches), and the services of an English-speaking tour guide, from $1,530 per person—plus a $100 entry fee into Chile.
When: April 4, 2010; add $269 for Feb. 21, March 7, 21, July 25, Oct. 17, Nov. 7, 28, Dec. 19, 2010.
The fine print: Does not include a $100 entry fee per person into Chile. International airfare not included. Based on single or double occupancy (solo travelers will be paired with someone of the same gender). Solo travelers can have their own room for an extra $359. Maximum group size is 15 people; the average is 10 people. Use trip code CAG. Read these guidelines before you book any Real Deal.
Book by: No deadline; based on availability (although these trips tend to sell out fast!).
Contact: Gap Adventures, 800/708-7761, gapadventures.com.
Why it's a deal: The April 4 trip date is 15 percent off regular prices for this package. The trip price breaks down to $170 per person per night for accommodations, bus transportation, a one-way flight between Mendoza and Buenos Aires, some meals, and the coordination of activities like wine tastings and cooking classes. You also have the benefit of an experienced, English-speaking guide. For the regularly priced trip dates, the price is about $200 per person per night.
More: Add nights at the Hotel El Presidente in Santiago from $75 per person, based on single or double occupancy.