Argentina is famously European in comparison to many other Latin American countries. The country is more subtle, and maybe more insular than many of its neighbours where self-confidence and melancholy mix providing intriguing experiences.

Buenos Aires is a huge, working city, without any spectacular sights or landmarks, but has a world class array of eating and drinking options. Figuring out what time of day to eat, drink or see some tango can be a challenge, but the steaks, wine and high quality dance are all well worth it. Neighbourhoods like Palermo and Recoleta are safe places to wander round the beautiful architecture and leafy streets, Boca is worth a look for the Camanito and the Bombonero football stadium, where it becomes clear that Maradona is the spiritual leader of the country.

Mendoza is thoroughly pleasant, with large squares, sycamore lined streets, and close proximity to Maipu and all the surrounding vineyards which you can hire bikes to ride around and sample the Malbecs.

Unfortunately, our trip did not take us down to Patagonia, or up to Cordoba and the recently hyped Rosario, but the coastal towns of Mar Del Plata and Villa Gessel helped provide a sense of normal, real-life Argentina.