Polina & Reuven Go To South America

Welcome, Jewish Explorers! Bienvenidos to Buenos Aires! We’re so excited to begin this unforgettable journey with you in one of the most vibrant and culturally layered cities in the world. Throughout our time together, we’ll explore the rich tapestry of Jewish life in Argentina, from the historic neighborhoods where the community took root to the stories of resilience, culture, and connection that continue today. At the same time, we’ll dive into the broader history of Buenos Aires — a city shaped by waves of immigration, political upheavals, artistic revolutions, and unforgettable tango rhythms. From colonial plazas to modern boulevards, Jewish quarters to opera houses, prepare to experience the spirit of a city that embraces complexity, diversity, and warmth. We’re thrilled to have you here. Let the journey begin! On your first day, upon arrival, get picked up at the airport, transfer, and check into our hotel in Recoleta. Unwind and rest. Depending on your arrival time, you’ll be welcomed with either a hearty lunch or a light dinner.

We'll be using La Biela in Recoleta as our informal meeting spot for the evening, as many in the group will be arriving throughout the day. Feel free to stop by anytime—someone from our team will be there to welcome you. This iconic café has long been a favorite of Argentine literary giants like Jorge Luis Borges, Adolfo Bioy Casares, and Ernesto Sabato, making it the perfect place to begin our journey into Buenos Aires’ cultural heart.

Kicking off our adventure in Buenos Aires with a warm and lively welcome night at Blest, a beloved artisanal brewery tucked into the heart of Recoleta. Known for its Patagonian roots and cozy atmosphere, Blest offers a rotating selection of handcrafted beers—ranging from rich stouts to crisp lagers—served alongside hearty pub fare with an Argentine twist. It’s the perfect setting to relax, mingle with fellow travelers, and soak up the local flavor in one of the city’s most elegant neighborhoods. Whether you're a beer enthusiast or just along for the good vibes, the night promises a laid-back, delicious start to your time in Argentina.

Breakfast will be served at the hotel.

With Olga Kook, our magnificent guide from Saint Petersburg, welcomes us to her beloved city! (Russian translation below.) From Casa Rosada to the Congress — the story of a magnificent empire that never existed… Avenida de Mayo — the Argentine Champs-Élysées. Presidents traveled down this avenue to take their oath, to say goodbye to Evita, and protesters often blocked it during demonstrations. The entire history of Argentina is here, as if on a theatrical stage. 📍 In just 3 hours on foot, we’ll travel from the colonial past to the ambitions of the Belle Époque. We'll talk about grand architectural dreams, dictatorship, literature, love, and the first subway on the continent. 🧭 This is not just a tour, but an immersion into the city as a living play: 🔹 Juan de Garay and the site of the city’s second founding 🔹 Casa Rosada — the presidential palace 🔹 Cabildo — the colonial heart of the May Revolution 🔹 Metropolitan Cathedral — where Pope Francis once served 🔹 Mothers of Plaza de Mayo and the fight against dictatorship 🔹 Pasaje Roverano — Buenos Aires’ first “shopping center” 🔹 La Prensa — architecture and the power of the press 🔹 Café "London" — Julio Cortázar’s favorite spot 🔹 Café Tortoni — the legendary café since 1858 🔹 9 de Julio Avenue — the widest in the world 🔹 Palacio Barolo — a tribute to Dante 🔹 Plaza del Congreso — Rodin and Argentina’s first female sculptor ...and much more. 🎭 You will learn: — Why this country was once called the richest in the world — How its dreams were built and what led to its tragedy — Where the fine line lies between luxury, utopia, and reality ✨ In just 3 hours, you’ll not only see the highlights — you’ll fall in love with this city. Обзорная прогулка по Буэнос-Айресу От Casa Rosada до Конгресса — история прекрасной империи, которой никогда не существовало… Авенида-де-Майо — аргентинские Елисейские поля. По ней президенты ехали приносить присягу, прощались с Эвитой, а бастующие перекрывали движение. Здесь — вся история Аргентины, словно на театральной сцене. 📍 Пешком за 3 часа мы пройдём путь от колониального прошлого до амбиций Belle Époque, поговорим о великих архитектурных мечтах, диктатуре, литературе, любви и первом метро на континенте. 🧭 Это не просто обзор, а погружение в город как в живую пьесу: 🔹 Хуан де Гарай и место второго основания города. 🔹 Casa Rosada — президентский дворец 🔹 Кабильдо — колониальное сердце Майской революции 🔹 Кафедральный собор — место, где служил папа Франциск 🔹Матери площади Мая и борьба с диктатурой 🔹 Pasaje Roverano — первый «шопинг-центр» Буэнос-Айреса 🔹 La Prensa — архитектура и сила прессы 🔹 Кафе "Лондон" — любимое место Хулио Кортасара 🔹 Café Tortoni — легендарное кафе с 1858 года 🔹 Проспект 9 июля — самый широкий в мире 🔹 Паласио Бароло — посвящение Данте 🔹 Площадь Конгресса — Роден и первая скульпторка Аргентины ...и многое другое. 🎭 Вы узнаете: — почему эту страну называли самой богатой в мире — как строились её мечты и в чём заключалась трагедия — где пролегает тонкая грань между роскошью, утопией и реальностью ✨ За 3 часа вы не только увидите главное, но и влюбитесь в этот город.

A dairy lunch at a local kosher restaurant in Recoleta.

Join our La Boca Walking Tour to discover the most picturesque place in Buenos Aires! La Boca is the place where tango was born as a result of the bohemian and artistic culture of the immigrants. The houses where they lived now form a unique mix of colors that make La Boca one of the most attractive places in South America. We will begin our tour by learning about the history of the old industrial port of Buenos Aires, visiting the cove of the Riachuelo, the small river that is now the southern limit of the city. Next, we will see the monument to Benito Quinquela Martín, the famous Argentine popular artist who dedicated his life to seeing his birthplace thrive, thanks to whom La Boca is worldwide known for its vibrant colors. We will walk the famous little street Caminito, full of the colorful collective houses of the working-class immigrants in the Buenos Aires of the 1900s, who created a unique sense of identity that is a fundamental part of the city's culture. This is where Tango was born, so we will show you why and how it started, and what is represents today to Argentina and to the world. Our tour continues with a visit to the square of the volunteer firefighters, with beautiful artwork and murals that honor these heroes to the people of La Boca. Fileteado Art, a classic local way to decorate signs, is also one of the things we will pay attention to, especially on our walk. Passion is strong, and football is undoubtedly the biggest passion of the neighborhood; we will finish our tour seeing the Boca Juniors Football Stadium, home to the most celebrated and famous Argentine football team around the world.

Grab a quick bite at Luba's before we head over to the world's most stunning bookstore!

El Ateneo Grand Splendid is a bookshop in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In 2008, The Guardian placed it as the second most beautiful bookshop in the world. In 2019, it was named the "world's most beautiful bookstore" by National Geographic. Nestled in Recoleta on Avenida Santa Fe, El Ateneo Grand Splendid is not just a bookstore—it’s a breathtaking journey through time. Housed in a beautifully preserved 1919 theatre—including frescoed ceilings by Nazareno Orlandi, ornate balconies, and crimson stage curtains—the bookstore maintains all its architectural grandeur. As you wander through rounded bookshelves and settle into former theater boxes, you’ll feel the echoes of tango legends and early cinema. Over a million visitors annually come to soak in its cultural magic. The highlight? A charming café perched on the old stage, offering the perfect spot for your group to enjoy coffee, pastries, and relaxed conversation on comfy chairs—an ideal pause after exploring the shelves of Spanish literature and beautifully illustrated volumes.

Optional Evening: Milonga Night If you have any life left in you after two spectacular city tours, step into the heart of Buenos Aires' "street life" as a born and bred local, with a visit to a traditional milonga place, Muy Martes, where city-dwellers gather to dance tango in its most authentic form. Whether you're dancing or just watching, it's an unforgettable way to experience the passion, rhythm, and soul of Argentine culture up close.

Breakfast will be served at the hotel.

Day Trip to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay (with a kosher lunch box in tow!) Step back in time with a scenic day trip to Colonia del Sacramento, a charming UNESCO World Heritage Site just across the Río de la Plata from Buenos Aires. We'll take a high-speed ferry in the morning for a comfortable and picturesque ride to Uruguay, arriving in under 90 minutes. Once in Colonia, you’ll have the day to explore this beautifully preserved colonial town, known for its cobblestone streets, pastel-colored houses, and a unique blend of Spanish and Portuguese architecture. Highlights include: A guided walking tour of the historic quarter The iconic Lighthouse and Plaza Mayor Visits to local galleries, artisan shops, and museums Leisure time to enjoy lunch by the river and soak in the relaxed pace of Uruguayan life This peaceful and photogenic town offers a refreshing change of scenery — perfect for history lovers, architecture buffs, and anyone looking to experience the charm of Uruguay in just one day. We'll return to Buenos Aires by ferry in the early evening, with hearts full and cameras packed with memories.

Gourmet Dinner at Glitter – Puerto Madero As an optional evening delight, join us at Glitter, the only deluxe glatt‑kosher restaurant in Argentina, perched on the 32nd floor of the Alvear Icon Hotel. Enjoy a sophisticated and visually stunning setting with premium kosher dishes—from succulent rib‑eye and veal to fresh fish and decadent desserts—all crafted by skilled chefs under the supervision of Rabbi Chehebar. With top‑notch service, dazzling city and river views, and an elegant atmosphere, Glitter offers a refined kosher dining experience in the heart of Puerto Madero. Puerto Madero is Buenos Aires’ most modern and upscale waterfront neighborhood, known for its sleek architecture, scenic boardwalks, and vibrant dining scene. Once a historic port, it has been transformed into a chic district where glass towers meet restored red-brick docks — the perfect blend of old and new, with stunning views of the river and city skyline.

Tango is the heartbeat of Buenos Aires — a soulful blend of music, dance, and passion born in the city’s working-class neighborhoods in the late 19th century. More than just a dance, tango is a way of life that captures the emotional depth of Argentine identity. Today, you can feel its rhythm everywhere: in elegant milongas (social dance halls), on the cobbled streets of San Telmo, and in spectacular stage performances across the city. Whether you're watching professionals glide across the floor or taking your first steps in a beginner class, experiencing tango in Buenos Aires is a journey into the city's most iconic and moving tradition.

Breakfast will be served at our hotel in Recoleta. After breakfast, feel free to head out to explore the local café scene — a perfect way to soak in the city’s vibe and enjoy a leisurely start to the day.

Jewish Heritage Tour of Buenos Aires Explore the rich history, culture, and present-day life of the Jewish community in one of Latin America's most vibrant cities. This guided tour will take you through key sites that reflect over a century of Jewish presence in Buenos Aires, with a special focus on the historic “Once” neighborhood and the city center. Tour Highlights: The Once Neighborhood – Traditionally known as the Jewish Quarter, Once remains a hub of Jewish life. We’ll walk its streets, learn about its origins, cultural development, and meet the neighborhoods where the community lives today. Libertad Synagogue – One of the oldest synagogues in Buenos Aires, this architectural gem offers a glimpse into the religious and communal history of Argentine Jewry. Jewish Museum of Buenos Aires – Discover the story of Jewish immigration to Argentina, community milestones, and cultural contributions. Plaza Embajada de Israel (Israeli Embassy Memorial) – A powerful site commemorating the victims of the 1992 bombing of the Israeli Embassy. Synagogues of Many Traditions – View several synagogues in the Once area, including Ashkenazi, Sephardic, and Chabad institutions. (Interior visits available by request.) Memory Mural at the Subway Station – If time allows, descend into the station featuring murals in tribute to the 1994 AMIA bombing, an artistic and poignant memorial to Argentina’s Jewish history. AMIA Building – See the headquarters of Argentina’s central Jewish organization, tragically targeted in the 1994 terrorist attack and since rebuilt as a symbol of resilience and renewal.

During the break, we'll head to the vibrant food court of Abasto Mall, where history meets modern shopping in a beautifully restored Art Deco market. You’ll find a unique selection of kosher options, including the world’s only kosher McDonald’s outside Israel, plus a kosher empanada stand for something more traditional. Take your time, enjoy your lunch at your own pace, and soak in the lively atmosphere of one of Buenos Aires’s most iconic destinations.

Jewish Heritage Tour – Part II: Afternoon Highlights After lunch, our journey continues as we hop on Subway Line B to Uruguay Station, where we’ll explore key cultural and historical landmarks in the heart of Buenos Aires. Afternoon Stops Include: Jewish Museum & Libertad Synagogue – Discover the legacy of Jewish life in Argentina through powerful exhibits and a visit to one of the city’s oldest and most iconic synagogues. Teatro Colón – View the stunning exterior of Buenos Aires’ world-renowned opera house and learn about its role in the city’s cultural identity. Obelisk & Avenida 9 de Julio – Take a stroll along one of the widest avenues in the world and stop at the iconic Obelisk, a symbol of Argentina’s capital. Embassy Square Memorial (Plaza Embajada de Israel) – Reflect at this solemn and moving tribute to the victims of the 1992 bombing of the Israeli Embassy, a significant site in Argentina’s Jewish history. The second half of the tour offers a thoughtful blend of memory, culture, and architectural beauty — deepening our understanding of the Jewish experience within the broader story of Buenos Aires.

Evening (optional): Attend a performance of Billy Budd (opera) at the legendary Teatro Colón, one of the world’s most renowned opera houses, celebrated for its exceptional acoustics and breathtaking architecture.

Breakfast will be served at the hotel. Grab a quick bite or head out and get some fresh coffee before a busy day ahead.

On the San Telmo tour, we will walk the oldest streets of Buenos Aires, learning about colonial BA and the crucial moments of Argentine history. Cobblestone streets and beautiful 19th-century buildings will frame our tour talking about immigration into the city and the creation of the modern local culture, including Mafalda (the most famous little girl from Buenos Aires), the traditional San Telmo Food Market, and the unique Sunday street Fair. We will see the market and the fair, explaining all their history and characteristics. Sunday is the day San Telmo becomes alive: the streets get full of music, color, art, and culture! Join us for one of the most special things to do in the city.

Optional Evening: Milonga Night Step into the heart of Buenos Aires "street life" with a visit to a traditional milonga, where locals gather to dance tango in its most authentic form. Whether you're dancing or just watching, it's an unforgettable way to experience the passion, rhythm, and soul of Argentine culture up close.

Friday Afternoon: Enjoy some free time to rest, refresh, and prepare for Shabbat. Whether you choose to relax at the hotel or take a quiet stroll nearby, this is a chance to slow down and transition into the spirit of the day. Later in the evening, we’ll head out together for Shabbat dinner and optional services, welcoming the day of rest with community and tradition.

Candle lighting: 5:40 PM Friday evening: Join us for uplifting Shabbat services followed by a festive dinner filled with warmth, song, and community. A delicious kosher menu will be provided, featuring traditional favorites and local Argentine flavors — see below for details. ENTREE • Phyllo pastry with salmón SALADS • Babaganoush • Hummus • Fresh green salad • Portobello mushroom salad • Grilled eggplant with tahini • Quinoa salad • Olive dip • Potato salad CHICKEN SOUP MAIN • Stir fry ( meat ) with veggies • Aromatic rice • Stuffed onions DESSERT • Pears in wine with vanilla ice cream Soft drinks, mineral wáter Tea

Shabbat Morning: Attend services at a local synagogue and experience the spirit of Shabbat in the Buenos Aires Jewish community. Afterward, enjoy a relaxed and communal Shabbat lunch, featuring traditional dishes and time to connect with fellow travelers.

Experience the richness of culture on Shabbat, with a museum visit thoughtfully planned in full harmony with Jewish religious observance! Saturday Afternoon: After lunch, we'll spend a leisurely Shabbat afternoon at the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, one of Latin America’s premier art museums. Its impressive collection spans European masters such as Rembrandt, El Greco, Goya, Manet, Degas, Monet, Van Gogh, and Rodin, alongside celebrated Russian artists like Ilya Repin, Vasily Surikov, and Marc Chagall. The museum also highlights Latin American and Argentine talents, including Xul Solar, Antonio Berni, and Benito Quinquela Martín. This inspiring blend of global and regional art offers a contemplative cultural experience — the perfect way to embrace the peaceful spirit of Shabbat in Buenos Aires in a kosher way (If you have any questions or concerns about how our museum visit aligns with Shabbat observance, please don’t hesitate to speak with us — we’ve planned it with care and full respect for halachic guidelines!)

Saturday Evening: As Shabbat comes to a close, gather for evening prayers and the Havdalah ceremony at a local synagogue. This beautiful, sensory ritual — with its braided candle, sweet spices, and blessings — marks the transition from the sacredness of Shabbat back into the rhythm of the week, leaving us uplifted and renewed. Havdalah: 6:45 PM

Join us for a memorable farewell dinner as we gather to reflect on an incredible week of discovery, connection, and community. Set in the heart of Buenos Aires, this final evening together will be filled with good food and heartfelt toasts — a chance to celebrate new friendships. Fill up on great food before our final day in the city (also happens to fall on a fast day for those who observe). After dinner, you’ll have the option to keep the night going with a visit to Microteatro — a one-of-a-kind theater experience featuring a series of short, immersive plays in intimate settings. It’s the perfect way to end the night with a dose of local creativity and culture!

Microteatro Buenos Aires is a unique and innovative theater experience featuring short plays (around 15 minutes each) performed in small rooms (usually about 15 square meters) for intimate audiences of 15–20 people. The format is designed to be fast-paced, accessible, and immersive — a great way to experience a variety of performances in one evening. Located in the Villa Crespo neighborhood, Microteatro offers a rotating selection of mini-plays across genres like drama, comedy, romance, and experimental theater. Shows typically run in the evenings, with multiple plays happening simultaneously in different rooms. What makes it special: Bite-sized theater: See several shows in one night — perfect for people with short attention spans or limited time. Creative freedom: Emerging and established artists often experiment with bold and unusual ideas. Social atmosphere: The venue includes a bar and casual dining area, making it a lively spot to hang out between shows. Local vibe: It's a favorite among porteños (locals), so you’ll experience an authentic slice of Buenos Aires nightlife. It’s an ideal plan for anyone looking to combine art, entertainment, and a relaxed night out in one go. https://entradas.microteatro.com.ar/

Fast begins at 6:39 AM The Fast of Tamuz The 17th of Tamuz is a minor fast day in the Jewish calendar that marks the beginning of the Three Weeks, a period of mourning leading up to Tisha B’Av. It commemorates several tragic events in Jewish history, most notably the breach of the walls of Jerusalem before the destruction of the Second Temple. The fast lasts from dawn until nightfall and is a time for reflection, prayer, and remembrance of the hardships faced by the Jewish people throughout history. On our final day in Buenos Aires, which falls on a fast day, we’ll still make time to visit a few last meaningful sites before departure, thanks to a special arrangement with our hotel to securely store our luggage. So, grab a quick bite (if you're not fasting; fast begins at dawn) before we head out for an iconic visit to the San Telmo market on a Sunday! Check out of the hotel first and leave your luggage in a special storage room set aside for our group.

On our final day, we’ll make every minute count—maximizing our time to see key sights before departure, thanks to a special luggage arrangement with our hotel that lets us stay light and move freely. (Optional) La Recoleta Cemetery (Spanish: Cementerio de la Recoleta) is a cemetery located in the Recoleta neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina. It contains the graves of notable people, including Eva Perón, presidents of Argentina, Nobel Prize winners, the founder of the Argentine Navy, and a granddaughter of Napoleon. In 2011, the BBC hailed it as one of the world's best cemeteries, and in 2013, CNN listed it among the 10 most beautiful cemeteries in the world. Set in 5.5 hectares (14 acres), the site contains 4691 vaults, all above ground, of which 94 have been declared National Historical Monuments by the Argentine government and are protected by the state. The entrance to the cemetery is through neo-classical gates with tall Doric columns. The cemetery contains many elaborate marble mausoleums, decorated with statues, in a wide variety of architectural styles such as Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Baroque, and Neo-Gothic, and most materials used between 1880 and 1930 in the construction of tombs were imported from Paris and Milan. The entire cemetery is laid out in sections like city blocks, with wide tree-lined main walkways branching into sidewalks filled with mausoleums. These mausoleums are still being used by rich families in Argentina that have their own vault and keep their deceased there. Among many memorials are works by notable Argentine sculptors, Lola Mora and Luis Perlotti for instance. The tomb of Liliana Crociati de Szaszak, due to its unusual design, is of special interest.

On our final day, we’ll make every minute count—maximizing our time to see key sights before departure, thanks to a special luggage arrangement with our hotel that lets us stay light and move freely. Discover the most iconic graffiti in Buenos Aires! Palermo is the most modern neighborhood in Buenos Aires. Full of shops and cafes that line the cobblestone streets, Palermo is where artists and designers express themselves, creating a display of colors and shapes that attract hipsters and art lovers from all around the world. Join the Grafite Tour Buenos Aires to discover the best street art in the city, with the help of our fun and knowledgeable guides.

Return to our hotel to collect your luggage and prepare for the next leg of your journey. Then we’ll head to the airport for our flight to Iguazú Falls, where a new adventure awaits amidst one of the most breathtaking natural wonders of the world.

Fast ends: 6:33 PM Arrivals and transfer to our hotel. Break fast with a pre-packaged lunch box. Iguazú Falls or Iguaçu Falls (Guarani: Chororõ Yguasu [ɕoɾo'ɾõ ɨɣʷa'su], Spanish: Cataratas del Iguazú [kataˈɾatas ðel iɣwaˈsu]; Portuguese: Cataratas do Iguaçu [kɐtɐˈɾatɐz du iɡwɐˈsu]; Tupi: Y Ûasu "big water") are waterfalls of the Iguazu River on the border of the Argentine province of Misiones and the Brazilian state of Paraná. Together, they make up the largest waterfall system in the world. The falls divide the river into the upper and lower Iguazu. The Iguazu River rises near the heart of the city of Curitiba. For most of its course, the river flows through Brazil; however, most of the falls are on the Argentine side. Below its confluence with the San Antonio River, the Iguazu River forms the border between Argentina and Brazil. The name Iguazú comes from the Guarani or Tupi words "y" [ɨ], meaning "water", and "ûasú" [waˈsu], meaning "big". Legend has it that a deity planned to marry a beautiful woman named Naipí, who fled with her mortal lover Tarobá in a canoe. In a rage, the deity sliced the river, creating the waterfalls and condemning the lovers to an eternal fall. The first European to record the existence of the falls was the Spanish Conquistador Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca in 1541. It was inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2013.