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Los Cinco Grandes
Buenos Aires
10 Nights
Fri 10th - Mon 20th September 2027
Price from £2,895
Experience the ultimate football pilgrimage to one of the world's greatest sporting cities. Our Los Cinco Grandes tour is an unforgettable 10-night journey through Buenos Aires, where you'll discover the history, passion and traditions of Argentina's five most influential football clubs – Boca Juniors, River Plate, Racing Club, Independiente and San Lorenzo.
Known collectively as Los Cinco Grandes, these historic institutions have stood at the heart of Argentine football for more than a century. Formally recognised by the Argentine Football Association in the 1930s for their success, support and influence, they became the country's traditional "Big Five" and have helped shape the identity of the Argentine game ever since. Between them they have won the majority of domestic championships, lifted countless continental trophies and produced many of football's greatest players.
Few cities can rival Buenos Aires for football culture. Introduced by British immigrants in the late nineteenth century, the game quickly became an obsession, woven into the fabric of neighbourhoods, families and everyday life. Every club has its own distinct identity, traditions and loyal following, making matchdays among the most passionate sporting occasions anywhere in the world.
From the thunderous atmosphere of La Bombonera to the monumental scale of River Plate's Estadio Monumental, every stadium tells a different story. Expect relentless chanting, giant flags, colourful displays and an intensity that transforms ninety minutes of football into an unforgettable cultural experience.
This fully escorted 10-night tour is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the heritage of Los Cinco Grandes and discover why Buenos Aires is regarded as one of the world's true football capitals.
Highlights
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10 nights in 4* accommodation with breakfast in a centrally located hotel
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Watch 6 matches including the Cinco Grandes*
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Tour the world famous La Bombonera and El Monumental
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Visit La Casa de D10S, the first home of Diego Armando Maradona
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Insight provided by Argentinian football historian Esteban Bekerman
*this is subject to the big 5 matches not clashing. They are usually scheduled at different times for TV rights but a clash is not impossible. In such an event we would select a suitable alternative, possibly Huracán widely regarded the 'sixth grande'.
Itinerary*
Day 1
Welcome to Buenos Aires, where your Los Cinco Grandes football pilgrimage begins. After checking into our centrally located hotel, you'll meet your fellow Aficionados and Tour Leader before heading to a traditional Argentine parrilla for a welcome lunch. It's the perfect opportunity to get to know the group while enjoying world-famous steak, a glass of Malbec and your first taste of Argentine hospitality. Later, the anticipation gives way to reality as we head to our first match of the tour, experiencing the unforgettable atmosphere of Argentine football for the very first time.
Day 2
Today we delve into the story behind Argentina's football obsession. Our first stop is Entre Tiempos, Buenos Aires' unique football culture hub, where respected football historian Esteban Bekerman will introduce the origins and evolution of the game in Argentina. We then explore the historic Boedo neighbourhood, discovering the rich heritage of San Lorenzo through its striking street murals and deep community roots. This evening, we experience our second match, witnessing another chapter in Buenos Aires' extraordinary football story.
Day 3
This morning we explore the cobbled streets of San Telmo, one of Buenos Aires' most characterful neighbourhoods. As the famous Sunday Market comes to life, the streets fill with antiques, artisan stalls, tango performers and local musicians, creating one of the city's most vibrant cultural experiences. We'll also visit the historic Mercado de San Telmo, where you'll have free time to sample some of the city's finest street food and local delicacies. This evening, we continue our football pilgrimage with the third match of the tour.
Day 4
Today explores the powerful relationship between football and Argentina's recent history. We begin at the Malvinas Memorial, paying our respects to those who lost their lives during the 1982 Falklands/Malvinas War, before visiting the ESMA Museum of Memory, the former naval academy where political prisoners were detained and tortured during the military dictatorship that coincided with Argentina's hosting of the 1978 FIFA World Cup. This afternoon we enjoy a guided tour of River Plate's Estadio Monumental, the largest stadium in South America, before discovering the club's remarkable history through its outstanding museum.
Day 5
Today we explore the extraordinary legacy of Eva Perón, beginning at the Eva Perón Museum, housed in a former shelter established by her foundation. After paying our respects at her final resting place in Recoleta Cemetery, we'll enjoy lunch on the stage of the magnificent El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookshop. The afternoon takes us to Buenos Aires' historic heart, visiting the iconic Plaza de Mayo and the famous Pink House (Casa Rosada).
Day 6
Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace, whether that's relaxing, exploring Buenos Aires independently, or revisiting your favourite neighbourhoods. Alternatively, join our optional excursion into the vast Pampas, where you'll visit a traditional estancia and discover the authentic gaucho way of life. Escape the bustle of the city and experience Argentina's rich rural heritage, warm hospitality, and time-honoured traditions.
Day 7
Today we celebrate the remarkable legacy of El Pibe de Oro (The Golden Boy), Diego Maradona. In the La Paternal neighbourhood, we'll visit Argentinos Juniors, the club where his legendary career began, for a guided tour. We'll explore the vibrant street murals dedicated to Maradona before visiting the home gifted to him by the club, where he lived during his time as their rising young star.
Day 8
Today we discover the vibrant neighbourhood of La Boca, famous for its colourful streets, lively atmosphere and the iconic Caminito. With plenty of excellent lunch options to choose from, you'll have time to soak up the local character before a guided tour of the legendary La Bombonera and Boca Juniors' fascinating museum, celebrating one of world football's most iconic clubs. In the evening, we'll come together once again to experience the excitement of our fourth live match of the tour, immersing ourselves in another unforgettable Argentine football atmosphere.
Day 9
Today we visit Club Ferro Carril Oeste for a guided tour of Argentina's oldest football stadium, a venue brimming with character, charm and a rich footballing heritage. Away from the city's famous giants, this is a chance to experience one of Buenos Aires' true hidden gems. In the evening, we'll attend our fifth and penultimate match of the tour, enjoying yet another unforgettable night of Argentine football.
Day 10
Today we explore the stylish barrio of Palermo, renowned for its leafy boulevards, beautiful parks, boutique shops, artisan cafés and vibrant street art. Before heading into the heart of the neighbourhood, we'll visit the site where the first-ever football match in Argentina was played—a true pilgrimage for football lovers. Palermo is also home to an impressive collection of murals celebrating the nation's greatest football icons and unforgettable moments. In the evening, we'll come together for the sixth and final match of the tour, bringing an unforgettable footballing adventure to a fitting conclusion.
Day 11
All good things must come to an end and sadly today we must say goodbye to Buenos Aires and make out way back home.
*As we are in Buenos Aires for two weekends of football fixtures and they are usually staggered for TV viewing we should be able to watch all of the CInco Grandes at home however should this not be possible we will attend a suitable alternative - possibly Huracán who are widely regarded as the 6th Grande.
Your football expert - Esteban Bekerman
Esteban Bekerman is a professor at the Superior School of Sports Journalism in Buenos Aires (the oldest of its kind in South America), where he teaches a 'Football History' course designed by him since 1997. In 2015 he created Entre Tiempos, a unique cultural space dedicated entirely to football history.
Useful information
Price per person based on two people sharing a twin room £2,895
Single supplement of £495
Deposit required at time of booking £500
Meals included in the price: 10 x breakfasts and 2 x dinners.
Flights
Flights are not included in the price. Flights for the date of this tour are not yet on sale yet but based on the options available in the months leading up to our tour we recommend the following flights;
London to Buenos Aires
Two flights will be required;
London Heathrow (LHR) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG). Leave at 21:45 on Thu 9th September and lands at 05:25 on Fri 10th September. This is flight number BA249 with British Airways.
Rio de Janeiro (GIG) to Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini (EZE). Leave at 07:15 and land at 10:45.
This is flight number BA249 with British Airways.
Buenos Aires to London
Two flights will be required;
Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini (EZE) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG). Leave at 12:25 on Mon 20th September and lands at 15:15. This is flight number BA248 with British Airways.
Rio de Janeiro (GIG) to London Heathrow (LHR). Leave at 16:45 and land at 08:10 on Tue 21st September. This is flight number BA248 with British Airways.
Deposit
A non-refundable deposit of £500 is required at the time of booking to secure your place on the tour.
Balance
The balance will need to be paid 3 months before the date of the tour.
Optional excursion - Gaucho Experience
Experience the traditional way of like of a gaucho in the Pampas. You will leave the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires and visit the colonial town of San Antonio de Areco. In the morning you will enjoy a walking tour and visit a 100 year old gaucho bar and a Creole Silversmith Workshop. This will be followed by a visit to an authentic Estancia (old working ranch). After enjoying a warm welcome reception you will be treated to an asado with experience live folkloric music with dancers just like a gaucho! You will also learn about 'mate', how the gauchos cook their meat and the origins of creole horses.
This unique experience is available for £195.