Exploring the Rhythms of Argentina in Buenos Aires, Patagonia & the Pampas

On arrival, transfer to Buenos Aires and stay at the Legado Mitico in Palermo Soho for two nights, a hotel that is a reflection of the neighbourhood: chic and trendy. Take the time to savour city life, sitting down with a cortado (espresso with added milk) and a medialuna pastry at Cafe Tortoni, with its green marble-print curtains and red leather seats. Stroll around the Plaza de Mayo and visit Palacio Barolo – built between 1919 and 1923 as a tribute to Dante's Divine Comedy – before bargain hunting in the antique shops of Plaza Dorrego in San Telmo. Delve into the past at the Museo Historico Nacional or visit the Cathedral Nuestra Senora del Buen Aire, Pope Francis's church when he was Archbishop of Buenos Aires. Walk around the docks of Puerto Madero, the meeting place of the city's gilded youth and wonder at the tango dancers in the milonga dance clubs.

Transfer to the airport to catch a flight to El Calafate, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. Experience the feeling of being at the end of the world, with a four-night stay at Eolo Relais & Chateaux. Watch a natural show at Lago Argentino and its Andean glaciers: Upsala, Spegazzini, Onelli, and Mayo. You may also spot black swans and flamingos on the horizon.

The itinerary includes a private tour of the Perito Moreno Glacier with a guide. The immense 200ft tall glacier stretches for three miles along the Lago Argentino. As you traverse the forest, you'll walk across various footbridges offering astounding views of the glacier. You'll also spend a day cruising aboard a catamaran on Lago Argentino, which is home large Andean glaciers. You'll cruise among the icebergs to the largest one of all, Upsala. You'll then head back to shore for a walk to Los Perros Waterfall, from where there is a magnificent view of the Rio Caterina Valley.

Transfer to the airport and flight to Buenos Aires. It's then off to San Antonio de Areco to settle in at the La Bamba de Areco ranch. You'll quickly find your feet in the property, where the pace of life has so much appeal. Men come and go with their horses, which adds to the warm and free atmosphere - the true spirit of the Pampas.

San Antonio de Areco has really preserved the gaucho spirit. This can be seen in a visit to the Ricardo Guiraldes museum, the author of 'Dom Segundo Sombra', the pinnacle of gaucho literature. Whether it's riding or sitting in horse-drawn carriage rides, horses are essential to the way of life of local people and their guests. You simply have to listen to stories about the traditions of the land, mate (a caffeine heavy hot drink) calabash bowl in hand; to get a lesson on how to use bolas (a type of throwing weapon made of weights on the ends of interconnected cords), a lasso or a facon, a large knife which is also used for cooking. You may even see a singing contest between payadores (itinerant singers).