GoldenBeeTours

"Tango is the brain sending a message to your feet through your heart"
Juan Bruno, Argentine tango master

Born in Buenos Aires, tango inspires passion in even the most tepid traveler. This art form is a way of life in the capital of Argentina, where the stunningly beautiful Porteños - as the locals are called - are keeping its fire burning brightly in countless milongas, the ballrooms where tango's melodic wails fill the air every night.

Our Tango in Buenos Aires is a weeklong escorted tour designed to teach you how to dance it in the true Porteño way. With daily classes in the studio of an internationally acclaimed dancer, selected shows and nights out in popular milongas, by the end of this week you will know tango life as only locals do.

You will also discover a sprawling metropolis of three million people with a thriving cultural scene, great restaurants, and the finest antique markets. Known as 'the Paris of South America' for its elegance and European polish, Buenos Aires offers low prices, sophisticated shopping, and the liveliest night scene anywhere.

We are sure this sultry city and its tango rhythm will seduce you.

We offer Tango in Buenos Aires once a year. This tour starts and ends on a Sunday.

2008 dates:

November 9 - 16

Day 1

Sunday
Early morning arrival at Buenos Aires Ezeiza airport. Welcome by a Golden Bee Tours director and a local guide - both will accompany the group throughout the week; transfer in private mini-van to a 5 star hotel. Check-in at the hotel, in the elegant La Recoleta district; light breakfast and time to freshen up.

On to the world-famous San Telmo Fair, a traditional Sunday antique market offering some of the most beautiful - and inexpensive - antiques anywhere. This is an area of charming bars and cafes; we may choose one for lunch, after browsing in the elegant shops. We later regroup at its main plaza, to return to our hotel.

Early dinner in a world-class steak house (I)*, a Buenos Aires institution; Argentine beef is considered the best in the world, you will soon realize why.

Early bedtime, as you may be tired from your flight, and this is a no-hassle tour. Tomorrow our week's full schedule begins…

Day 2

Monday
After breakfast in the hotel - selected for its excellent location and top service - we will have a guided tour of Buenos Aires and its main attractions.

Back to La Recoleta for lunch. This is one of Buenos Aires' most elegant and lively districts, an area of grand mansions, extensive parks and stately embassies. You cannot miss the famous Recoleta Cemetery, the resting place of Evita Peron, an impressive site by itself.

At 4:30 PM you will have your first tango lesson (Argentines don't dance tango in the morning, we will explain why) in the San Telmo studio of our teacher, an internationally acclaimed artist known for her true Porteno tango style. San Telmo is a neighborhood associated with tango history, and once there you will feel like part of it.

After this class, you will start feeling the excitement of tango, a world you are just being introduced to.

Back to the hotel to rest and change for dinner - people dress for dinner in Buenos Aires! This time we will dine at La Boca, the neighborhood called the birthplace of tango, where the famous Caminito is located. The restaurant we selected for tonight is an insiders' best kept secret - tons of character, plus high marks for food and ambience (I).

Day 3

Tuesday
Breakfast, followed by a stroll at Calle Florida, the nervous center of Buenos Aires. You will feel the business pulse of the city, and marvel at the world-class sophistication of its main shopping center, Galeria Pacifico.

Lunch at a café favored by locals. Cafés play an important role in this city's life; it's where people meet to have lunch and discuss politics. Argentines love politics!

On to your tango class.

After class, back to the hotel to get ready for dinner in Puerto Madero, the remodeled 'in' part of modern Buenos Aires, and a favorite restaurant destination. Bordering the river, this is a long stretch of upscale restaurants and bars with a lively and international night scene.

Day 4

Wednesday
After breakfast, free time. We can help you with suggestions, depending on your interests.

We re-assemble in the afternoon for your tango class - you will be feeling more confident in your tango steps by now. And because Golden Bee Tours groups are small, never more than ten people, there is one tango assistant for every two people, which gives you more individual time.

After class, back to the hotel to change for a special night: it starts with happy hour in Buenos Aires' most elegant scene. Dress up. On to dinner in the Recoleta area.

After dinner we will have a surprise for you; Wednesday nights are traditional tango nights in Buenos Aires, and we will go dancing, too. Perhaps it is dance that keeps this city so vibrant. Or their Italian roots - or both.

Day 5

Thursday
After breakfast, we will visit the Malba or the Evita Museum. Lunch is in the charming small restaurant in a French-style mansion once belonging to an aristocratic Buenos Aires family.

On to San Telmo for your tango class; by now you will be feeling like a true tango dancer.

Dinner and wine tasting in the Las Canitas area (I). We selected this restaurant for its European charm and great wine cellar. They prepare a menu matching the excellent Argentine food with wines from the Mendoza region; until recently known only to wine experts, Mendoza wines are rapidly becoming best-sellers.

After dinner we stroll the lively Las Canitas area, a young and hip bar scene.

Day 6

Friday
After breakfast, free time. If you decide to shop, you may choose the upscale boutiques of La Recoleta to discover Argentina's leather goods, known for craftsmanship and style, or their gorgeous wools, which last forever. At the current exchange rate of over 3 Pesos for 1 Dollar, your money will stretch a long way; there are bargains everywhere. Another shopping area worth discovering is the Santa Fe, one of the liveliest in the city. It embodies the spirit of Buenos Aires - cosmopolitan and European in architecture and style.

Back to the hotel by 3:30 PM for your last tango class.

After class, free time; we may help you with suggestions of restaurants we like. After dinner we regroup at the hotel and will join our tango teacher at a selected milonga house, the dance halls where tango enthusiasts gather every week to dance. This is our 'graduation' night, and tonight you will be able to practice your steps with great dancers. Don't be intimidated, they are very charming and love to help.

Day 7

Saturday
Today we explore one of Buenos Aires' most charming neighborhoods, trendy Palermo Viejo, the city's 'hottest' neighborhood. This artists' enclave is filled with boutiques, small hotels, tea houses, restaurants and art galleries; we love it for its old world charm. Its cobblestone streets filled with history and good looking people are some of the most enjoyable in the city.

In season, we may go to a horse race, or a polo match. Both are Buenos Aires' traditions, as the Argentines are great equestrians, and the most skilled polo players in the world.

Back to the hotel, and into your best outfit, for our last dinner in Buenos Aires, followed by a professional tango show (I) selected by our teacher. This is Buenos Aires most authentic tango show - and we have seen them all...

Day 8

Sunday
Breakfast and check-out at the hotel before 12 noon. You may leave your luggage there until departure time. Free time in the afternoon; transfer to the airport for departure to the US at 6 PM. We will help you collect your VAT refund and stay with you until boarding time.

Farewell and end of tour

*(I) marks meals included in the tour price; breakfasts are included everyday.

Description of tour
Weeklong escorted tour of Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina and birthplace of tango, designed for a group of five to ten people, men and women. This tour is centered on tango dance, music and shows, and it features:

• Five two-hour tango lessons in the studio of an Argentine dancer and teacher of international acclaim
• One professional tango show, selected by our tango teacher
• One dancing night in a milonga (tango dance hall)
• Introduction to Argentine cuisine and its world-renowned beef
• One Buenos Aires sightseeing in a tour bus
• Private mini van/driver during week's scheduled activities
• Shopping with a tour director
• Wine tasting
• Polo game or horse race (in season)
• During the week there is free time; information will be provided for special interests.

Prices
Please contact us
Prices are based upon exchange rates as of March, 2008 and are subject to change. Increases due to cost of land arrangements or international currency fluctuations will be passed on to travelers provided notice is given prior to commencement of the tour.

Payment Schedule
A deposit of 30% of total tour cost is required at the time of booking. Final payment is due 30 days prior to departure date. If your reservation is made within 30 days of departure, the entire cost of the trip must be paid at the time of booking.
Payment may be made by check to:

Golden Bee Tours, LLC
523 Fifth Avenue Pelham, NY 10803
We also accept American Express cards.

Cancellation policy
All cancellations made prior to 30 days of departure will be subject to a fee of $500 per person; all cancellations requests have to be made in writing. No refunds will be given for cancellations made within 30 days of departure.

Price includes
• Transportation from Ezeiza in Buenos Aires to hotel on arrival (Sunday)
• Accommodations/breakfasts for 7 nights in a 5 star hotel
• One sightseeing tour of Buenos Aires main attractions
• Five two-hour tango classes (Monday-Friday) with teacher and instructors
• All transportation in private mini-van/driver during scheduled activities
• Tickets to a milonga house (see Schedule page)
• Tango show/dinner on Saturday, last night of tour
• Meals and gratuities marked by (I) in the Schedule page
• Company of tour director and one local guide during entire week's activities
• Transportation from hotel to Buenos Aires Ezeiza airport for flights back to US, on last day of tour

Price does not include
• Airfare. See General Information page.
• Discretionary purchases
• Lunches
• Meals not marked by ( I ) on Schedule page
• Transportation or meals during free time or on any deviation from Schedule
• No features or benefits beyond those specifically mentioned in the Price Include section above

Travel insurance
We strongly recommend that you purchase individual trip, air, health, accident, baggage and cancellation insurance from your insurance company, to prevent hardship and to recover charges in the event of unexpected cancellation. This coverage is also available through your airline or travel agent and is based on the total cost of your trip and on your age.

Age
We ask our guests to be at least 21 years of age.

Dietary restrictions
Due to the nature of our tour, and to the fact that it includes regional food and meals at local restaurants, we are not able to accommodate restricted diets such as salt-free or kosher nor are we able to accommodate people with food allergies. Vegetarian meals are available most of the time. For obvious reasons we cannot provide American food during this tour.

Smoking policy
To ensure the safety and comfort of all our tour members, smoking is not allowed during group activities and within the interior of hotels, homes and stores we visit.

Disclaimer
Golden Bee Tours, LLC cannot be held responsible for any disruption of travel and /or related services due to monetary crisis, political or social unrest, labor problems, mechanical or construction difficulties, climatic changes, local laws, diseases or other conditions. Our tours are sold as complete packages and must be purchased in their entirety. No deviation is permissible. Refunds or credits for any unused part of our tours will not be issued.

We act as intermediary of agents in selling services which are not directly supplied by us and shall not be responsible for breach of contract or any intentional or careless actions or omissions on the part of such suppliers which may result in any loss, damage, delay or injury to travelers or group members.

Golden Bee Tours, LLC reserves the right to cancel any trip or portion of it at any time and/or to change our program if the services included in the tour cannot be supplied for any reason, or if there are changes in the program which are beyond our control. In such cases we will arrange for the substitution of alternate comparable services. In case of cancellation by Golden Bee Tours a refund for the appropriate amount will be paid without any liability to any of our guests.

Golden Bee Tours, LLC is not responsible for travelers deviating from our scheduled activities; we will provide information on subjects you may want to explore during your free time, but are not responsible for scheduling or organizing visits to any location outside the ones listed on our Schedule page.

Release
Each participant on this tour declares that she is of good general health and hereby releases and agrees to hold Golden Bee Tours, LLC and its agents harmless against any and all disabilities, costs and expenses (including attorney's fees and costs of litigation) which she may incur as a result of her participation on this tour.

Location
Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Joining the tour
Buenos Aires is 5,726 miles away from New York City, a 10:50 h non-stop flight.
Airlines with non-stop flights to Buenos Aires:

American Airlines has daily non-stop flights New York's JFK Airport, Miami International and Dallas-Forth Worth.
Delta Airlines has non-stop flights from Atlanta, GA.
Continental Airlines has non-stop flights from Houston, TX.
Aerolineas Argentinas offers non-stop flights from New York's JFK and Miami International 3 to 4 times a week.
United Airlines has daily non-stop flights from Washington DC's Dulles Airport.

American citizens need a valid passport to enter Argentina; no visa required. All airlines flying to Argentina arrive mainly at Ezeiza (Ministro Pistarini) International Airport, which is 37 Km away from the City of Buenos Aires.

The tour
Tango in Buenos Aires starts on a Sunday with airport pick up in Buenos Aires' Ezeiza Airport and transfer to a 5 star hotel for check-in. The tour ends on the following Sunday, with transfer to airport for departure to the US.
More specific instructions will be provided at the time of booking.

Climate/Clothing
We will provide information on average temperatures and ideal wardrobe in Buenos Aires when you register for the tour. For updated weather information you may check:
"http://www.weather.com"
In the Southern Hemisphere, seasons are the opposite of those in the Northern Hemisphere; as a rule, make sure you bring comfortable clothes and shoes for daytime activities. It is advisable to bring one or two dressy outfits for special dinners and evening shows.

Currency
The currency in Argentina is the Peso. For current exchange rates, check www.xe.com/ucc.
All banks charge a fee every time you use an ATM machine abroad, so check with the bank before you travel. Visa and MasterCard are accepted in most establishments, Amex and Diner's Club less often. Most credit cards charge you an additional 3 to 4% fee as 'currency conversion'; check with your credit card company in advance, to see how much you will be charged.

Cash/Cards
We suggest that you bring some Pesos in small change, for personal expenses on your first day in Buenos Aires, before you find the location of your bank's ATM machines. We do not recommend travel checks, as they are not widely used anymore. Although US Dollars are accepted in some places, Pesos are easily bought in banks and authorized bureaus.

VAT
You can get a VAT (Valued Added Tax) reimbursement at the airport when you leave Argentina, on any purchases made within the country for an amount over $70 per invoice, in shops operating with the Global Refund system (they have the sign at the door). This refund is generally around 20%.

Gratuities
Tips are included in meals marked by ( I ); otherwise, 10% of the check amount in restaurants is considered fair tipping in Argentina. Doormen, porters and ushers in cinemas and theatres are also generally tipped.

Luggage/clothing
People in Buenos Aires dress up, so make sure you pack for both informal and formal occasions. The Argentine leather goods, woven and knitted garments, silverware and wine are famous for quality and low prices, and if you plan on going shopping bring as little as possible from home, to avoid paying baggage excess fines.

Electricity
The electrical current in Buenos Aires is 220 volts, 50-cycle alternation current. The electric outlets have 3 prong entries; if you plan to bring American appliances you will need adaptors.

Cell phones
Most American cell phones do not work in Argentina. If yours doesn not, you have the option of buying an international cell phone before leaving home, renting one for the duration of the trip or buying one there that will work during your stay. We will provide more information on cell phones upon registration for the tour.

Language and People
The language in Argentina is Spanish, and although English is widely understood, an effort to speak Spanish is always appreciated. It's a good idea to carry a pocket-sized phrasebook, just in case.