Tauck Launching Patagonia Journey with 2014 Exotics Collection

The new “Patagonia” itinerary will feature departures from January through March and from October through December of next year, and it is among 31 different trips comprising Tauck's portfolio of 2014 Exotics journeys. Tauck is now taking bookings on all of its 2014 Exotics trips, and full information on the entire Exotics collection, including itinerary descriptions, pricing and departure dates, is now posted on the company's website.

According to Tauck CEO Dan Mahar, the new exploration of Patagonia is a logical addition to the company's existing South American journeys. “Our new Patagonia itinerary is a focused, immersive exploration of an incredibly scenic region, making it a great choice for past travelers returning to South America or for first-timers who really enjoy nature,” said Mahar. “It's the perfect complement to our broader, 14-day ‘Essence of South America' itinerary, which highlights cities like Santiago, Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro as well as natural wonders like northern Patagonia and Iguazu Falls.”

The new Tauck itinerary begins with a welcome reception, dinner, and overnight in Santiago, Chile. The following morning, guests fly to Puerto Natales on the shores of Ultima Esperanza (“Last Hope”) Sound, where they'll enjoy a four-night stay at the Singular Patagonia Hotel. A former waterfront factory and now a luxury resort, the hotel will serve as Tauck's base as guests explore Torres del Paines National Park, visit a ranch for lunch and a look at local life, and take a day-cruise among the fjords, inlets, waterfalls and ice floes of Ultima Esperanza Sound.

Tauck's Patagonia journey then crosses into Argentina for a three-night stay at Los Sauces Casa Patagonia, a five-star hotel owned and operated by Argentinean President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner. Located in El Calafate, a small, picturesque village on the shores of Lake Argentino, the hotel is convenient to Glacier National Park where Tauck guests will enjoy a cruise on Lake Argentino highlighting Upsala Glacier, which towers 100 feet higher than the vertical drop of Niagara Falls. Guests will disembark the boat for a visit to Estancia Cristina, a sheep and cattle ranch named for the daughter of the English immigrant who founded the ranch in the early 1900s. While at the ranch, guests will enjoy lunch, visit the ranch's museum to learn about its history, and hike to a vantage point offering spectacular, panoramic views of Upsala Glacier.

Following a flight to Buenos Aires, Tauck guests conclude their journey with a two-night hotel stay at the Sofitel Buenos Aires Arroyo. While in Buenos Aires, guests attend a tango show, and venture outside the city to the artists' community of San Antonio del Areco. Here they'll enjoy an equestrian demonstration by Argentinean cowboys, or gauchos, and meet members of the Draghi family. World-famous silversmiths, the Draghis have crafted works of art for local gauchos, heads of state, and Hollywood celebrities alike.

Tauck's new exploration of Patagonia is priced from $6,490 per person, double occupancy, plus international airfare. Included in the price are all sightseeing and admission to all attractions, two intra-tour flights, all ground transportation including airport transfers, luggage handling and much more.

Those interested in more information can visit their local travel professional, call Tauck at 1 800 468 2825, or go to the company's website at www.tauck.com.