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Chile

Classic Chile / Santiago area / Patagonia / Lake District
Easter Island / Biking / Atacama Desert / Expedition Cruises
Fiord Cruises / Treks / Multisport / Sea Kayaking / Hacienda Life

Santiago Area

Basic Santiago

Day 1 Reception at Santiago airport. Transfer to your selected hotel. In the afternoon enjoy a city tour including the important sights both historic and modern in Santiago including a trip up neighboring San Cristobal for a good look at the surrounding area. See the Presidential Palace, once the National Mint and thus called La Moneda , the historic main square or Plaza de Armas , the Cathedral, the Palacio de la Real Audiencia , today housing the National History Museum, and Casa Colorado historic residence of the Governor in colonial times. Afterwards we shall head on to Santa Lucia, the hill upon which the Spanish founded Santiago in 1541. It is a lone steep rock, which rises steeply from the city below. History states that brave colonists held out against the fierce Araucana natives through a hard winter and when only a few bushels of corn remained, they were rescued from Spanish troops finally arriving from Peru. Perhaps the best view of Santiago is from the summit of the Cerro San Cristobal, where a statue of the Virgin stands. San Cristobal part of a tremendous park called Parque Metropolitano. From here we continue uptown to see some of Providencia - one of the noble parts of Santiago with elegant shops, first class restaurants and some futuristic high-rise buildings - before taking you back to your selected hotel.

Day 2 Transfer to Santiago airport or additional night.

Price per person double occupancy: from US$119 per person double for the Eurotel 3*, US$126 per person double for the Fundador 4*, US$131 for the Plaza San Francisco 5*, US$166 for the Sheraton 5* till Feb. 28, 2008

Vineyard Concha y Toro (1/2 day Excursion from Santiago)

Concha y Toro is the biggest and perhaps the most important wine exporter in Chile. We shall visit the main winery located south of Santiago in the Maipo Valley. Founded in 1883 it sits amidst a beautiful park next to the old family mansion La Chascona , which dates back to before the turn of the century. Our visit to the vineyard includes a tour of the facilities and the historical museum. The best-known brands made by Concha y Toro are Don Melchor, Marquéz de Casa Concha and Casillero del Diablo.

Price per person: US$100 each for 2 people, $76 each for 3-4, $52 each for 5-6 (wine tastings included)

Wine road of Casablanca (half day)

We head on the route 68 in direction of Valparaíso. After about 1 hour we reach the vineyard Veramonte, one of the biggest in Chile. On over 350 ha of vineyards, the grapes have similar microclimatological conditions like in California, in the Napa Valley and in the Carneros wine areas. Modern technology and progressive methods are used, to produce outstanding wines like Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and the premium wine Primus. We continue to Viña del Mar. Superbly located, Viña Mar vineyards benefit from their permanent exposure to the sun and light ocean winds on spring and summer evenings. The location makes it an excellent region for growing fruits and producing elaborate, fine wines. Of course, the best way to appreciate good wine is paired with excellent food. We will enjoy lunch at the prestigious restaurant San Marco Viñamar.

Price per person: US$155 each for 2 people, $125 each for 3-4(wine tastings included)

Vineyard Santa Rita and Santa Carolina (full day)

Santa Carolina was founded in 1875 and is situated close to downtown Santiago. First we visit the park and the main building, a relict of colonial Chile. After visiting the wine cellars, we will observe wine production and then move on to sampling the wines at a tasting. Approximately an hour from Viña Santa Carolina, south of Santiago in the Maipo Valley, we will find Viña Santa Rita. Founded in 1880 it is one of the oldest wineries in Chile, just like Santa Carolina. On our tour we will visit the cellars, and of course take part in a wine tasting.

Price per person in US$: $179 each for 2 people, $136 each for 3-4, $97 each for 5-6 (wine tastings included, but not lunch

Wine Road of Colchagua (full day)

Colchagua is 130 kilometers from Santiago and is one of Chile’s most productive winemaking valleys.
The wineries on this circuit have incorporated the highest quality infrastructure to attend their visitors. Each has a wine and souvenir shop, tasting rooms, dining rooms and well equipped bathrooms, along with great architectural and natural beauty. Each winery to be visited has its own history and individual charm. Many of them have a long family tradition, even though they have incorporated the latest production technology for making their fine wines The tour includes a visit to two wineries and to the Colchagua museum, the biggest and most diverse museum in Latin America. Here, visitors can see exhibits on paleontology, archaeology, pre- Columbian art of Chile and America, and the history of the conquest, colonization and independence of Chile and America up to the Republican period. There are also thematic pavilions on modernity, the history and development of arms, Huaso riding gear, coaches and carriages, agricultural machinery, and a railway
pavilion.
Price per person in US$: $205 each for 2 people, $168 each for 3-4, $126 each for 5-6

Valparaiso and Viña del Mar (full day )

Full day excursion to Valparaíso, the oldest port in Chile. Today, while it is not the largest port it retains tremendous historical significance as well as being home to the Chilean House of Assembly and Senate. In 1989 when democracy, and thus the National Assembly, was re-established it was transferred here from Santiago. During our city tour we shall visit the new government houses, the Plaza Sotomayor, the Plaza Victoria, the cathedral and the harbor area. High above the city there is a fantastic agglomeration of brightly painted homes. The upper and lower parts of the city are connected with 16 funicular railways constructed around the turn of the century when the city experienced tremendous growth.

From Valparaíso we shall continue along the coast to the beautiful beaches of Viña del Mar, the Garden city, named for its many parks and green spaces. We shall take some time in one of the most attractive the Parque Quinta Vergara with an amphitheater and the Museo de Bellas Artes. An International Music Festival is held here every year. Viña del Mar is a lively city with attractive beaches, modern hotels, high-end restaurants and fashionable bars. The casino, built in 1932 and set amidst beautiful gardens, is a well kept Chilean tradition of elegance. Return to Santiago. (museum is closed on Mondays)

Price per person: US$66 for group tour. Private tour = $161 each for 2 people, $107 each for 3-4, $70 each for 5-6.

Pablo Neruda´s House in Isla Negra (full day trip from Santiago)

On this full day excursion to the coast we shall begin by visiting the town of Pomaire, an artists village specializing in ceramic work. The surrounding area is rich in clay and today?s villagers continue a tradition that goes back centuries with the indigenous peoples who lived here. Pottery can be purchased in the stands and little shops of the artists themselves where one observes them working. Pomaire is also famous for its cider during the apple harvest.

From Pomaire we venture on to the coastal hamlet of Isla Negra, where the beautifully kept coastal home of Pablo Neruda is found. Neruda is the most famous of Chilean poets, a Nobel Prize winner, and one of the most widely translated poets of this century. From this he enjoyed a great fortune spending it on the very human pursuits of traveling, collecting and entertaining. He also held various diplomatic posts in his life including being Chilean Ambassador to France.

Overlooking the sea, Isla Negra was an escape from the bustle of town and a writing retreat for Neruda. It was also a place to entertain friends and have parties for which Don Pablo was famous. The house today contains many of his original things ? most notably his eclectic collections of nautical figureheads, antique bottles, indigenous masks? Neruda and his wife are buried here in Isla Negra in front of the house looking out over the Pacific. Many, from Queens and first ladies to Bono and the members of U2 consider the trip to be a pilgrimage, a trip to the home of Pablo Neruda one of the great men of letters of this century.

Price per person: US$92 each for group tour. Private tour = $161 each for 2 people, $120 each for 3-4, $78 each for 5-6

Portillo (full day trip from Santiago)

Our excursion to Portillo is a trip high into the Andes. Portillo is located 145 km (90 miles) north of Santiago, close to the Argentine border. It is nestled in a high Andean valley between the peaks of Ojos de Agua (4.239 mts) and La Parva (4.852 mts). The highest mountain in the Americas: Aconcagua (6.957 mts) is also very close by. Portillo offers terrific winter (northern summer) skiing between June and October. Throughout the year the views of the surrounding mountains and of the emerald colored Laguna del Inca are magnificent. On the way back to Santiago through the Aconcagua valley we pass through huge fruit-packing and wine-producing areas

Price: US$157 each for 2 people, $116 each for 3-4, $72 each for 5-6

HIGHLIGHTS OF CHILEAN VINEYARDS

Most of the famous vineyards are situated within a 50 km radius around Santiago. Thus one can stay comfortably in Santiago and enjoy the many excellent restaurants and nightlife the capital has to offer while visiting and tasting during the day

Day 1Casa Silva and Viu Manent (L)
Today we drive about 150 km south on the Panamerican Highway towards the Colchagua Valley, known for its internationally awarded premium wines. You will have a guided tour with wine tasting through these
two wineries and will enjoy a special lunch with wine in the traditional main house of Viu Manent. In the evening continue to the town of Santa Cruz. Overnight at hotel Santa Cruz Plaza.

Day 2 Santa Cruz – Santa Rita (B)
Today we visit another winery at the Colchagua valley and afterward start our drive back to Santiago. Before arriving in Santiago, we stop at Santa Rita winery. We follow a guided tour through the winery and have the opportunity to taste some of their most exquisite wines. Afteward continue to Santiago. Overnight at 3* hotel Eurotel or 5* hotel Plaza San Francisco.

Day 3 Veramonte – Viña Mar (B/L)
We head on the route 68 in direction of Valparaíso. After about one hour we reach the vineyard Veramonte, one of the biggest in Chile. On over 350 ha of vineyards, the grapes have similar microclimatological conditions as in California’s Napa Valley and in the Carneros wine areas. Modern technology and progressive methods are used to produce outstanding wines like Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and the premium wine Primus. Next, continue to Viña Mar. Located in one of the best sites,
Viña Mar vineyards benefit from their permanent exposure to the sun and light winds coming from the sea during spring and summer evenings, producing great fruits and elaborate fine wines. The best way to appreciate a good wine is pairing it with the right food. We enjoy lunch at the prestigious restaurant
San Marco Viñamar. In the afternoon, return to Santiago. Overnight at 5-star hotel Plaza San Francisco or 3-star hotel Eurotel.

Day 4 Santiago (B)
Transfer to the airport.

Prices per person, double occupancy in US$ :

CHILEAN WINE -Deluxe

Day 1 Santiago – La Enoteca (D)
Reception at Santiago airport. Transfer to hotel. In the afternoon you will be met by your English-speaking
guide at your hotel in Santiago to get to know the important historic and modern sights in Santiago.
See the Presidential Palace, once the National Mint and thus called "La Moneda", visit the historic main square or "Plaza de Armas", surrounded by the Cathedral and, the "Palacio de la Real Audiencia", today housing the National History Museum. Next drive up to San Cristobal hill, where you have a marvelous view of the Andes, which surround Santiago. While up here we shall visit a small wine museum called The
Enoteca where you will get your first impression of the Chilean wine producers and their wines. Next, transfer to a local restaurant for dinner. Overnight at hotel Ritz Carlton.

The Ritz Carlton is a Classic and elegant 5-star hotel located in the heart of the urban and business area Vitacura with a majestic view of the Andes. Located about 15 minutes by taxi from the historic center of Santiago and only 5 minutes from the traditional golf club “Los Leones”. Luxurious furnished rooms, various
fine restaurants and lounges, large health & fitness area with spa treatments, massages, steam baths, whirlpool, sauna and swimming pool at roof terrace.

Day 2 Santiago – Viña Santa Rita B/L
In the morning departure to Viña Santa Rita, founded in 1880 in the Maipo Valley, where vineyards have been
established for a century. The wine cellar of these early times is one of the oldest still used. Today the historic family residence is a tastefully decorated restaurant and hotel where we have lunch and spend the night. Once in the winery, we follow a guided tour and enjoy a lunch that includes wine tasting. Afternoon is at leisure so we have the opportunity to walk through the winery’s enormous park. Overnight at Hotel Casa Real.

In 1996, the old master house belonging to Mr. Domingo Fernández Concha was converted into the beautiful Viña Santa Rita's Casa Real Hotel. The large house, decorated in a Pompeian style, has 16 cozy rooms.
The hotel is a mixture of contemporary and classic styles, decorated with tear lamps, heaters, pictures, tapestries and armoires.

Day 3 Viña Santa Rita – Viña Indomita – Valparaíso – Viña del Mar (B/L)
Departs from Viña Santa Rita to the seaside for a full-day excursion to Valparaíso pier, the oldest port in Chile and the summer resort city of Viña del Mar. En route to Valparaiso we will stop at viña Indómita for lunch. After lunch, continue to Valparaiso. Valparaiso is truly a picturesque city that was declared a Unesco “World Heritage” site in 2000, a distinguished honor for Chilean cities. It retains tremendous historical significance as well as being home to the Chilean House of Assembly. During our city tour we shall visit the new government houses, the Plaza Sotomayor, the Plaza Victoria, the cathedral, the harbor area and “La Sebastiana,” the former house of the Chilean writer and Nobel Prize Winner Pablo Neruda. High above the city there is a fantastic agglomeration of brightly painted homes. The upper and lower parts of the city are connected with 16 funicular railways constructed around the turn of the century, when the city experienced tremendous growth.

Next, we continue along the coast to the beautiful beaches of Viña del Mar, the Garden city, named for its many parks and green spaces. Viña del Mar is a lively city with attractive beaches, modern hotels, high-end restaurants and fashionable bars. The casino, built in 1932 and set amidst beautiful gardens, is a
well-kept Chilean tradition of elegance. Overnight at the hotel Del Mar.

Fascinating 5-star hotel directly facing the seaside of the Casino of Viña del Mar. 60 comfortable rooms located on eight floors, all with sea view. The luxurious hotel offers a heated swimming-pool with sea view, fitness-centre and elegant restaurants. Direct access to all Casinos.

Day 4 Viña del Mar – Los Andes – Santiago (B/L)
In the morning we drive along the coast till we reach Concón. From there we cross the coastal mountain range by following the Aconcagua river until we reach the small town of Los Andes, at the bottom of the Andes. Lunch at a french gourmet restaurant. In the afternoon we continue towards Santiago – Overnight at hotel Ritz

Day 5 Santiago B
Transfer to Santiago airport.
Prices per person, double occupancy in US$ :

WINE ROADS OF CHILE

This trip is designed for wine connoisseurs, who have a deep interest in getting to know the famous well-known vineyards of Chile, as well as the still secret ones.

Day 1 Santiago City tour and wine museum Enoteca
You will be met by your English-speaking guide at your hotel in Santiago to get to know the important historic and modern sights in Santiago. See the Presidential Palace, once the National Mint and thus called "La Moneda", visit the historic main square or "Plaza de Armas", surrounded by the Cathedral and, the "Palacio de la Real Audiencia", today housing the National History Museum. Next drive up to San Cristobal hill, where you have a marvelous view of the Andes, which surround Santiago. While up here we shall visit a small wine museum called The Enoteca and you will get your first impression of the Chilean wine producers and their wines. Next, transfer back to your hotel. Overnight at 5* Hotel Plaza San Francisco or 3* Hotel Eurotel

Day 2 Santa Carolina – Santa Rita (B)
In the morning visit of Viña Santa Carolina. With more than 125 years of history, Santa Carolina is a perfect balance between tradition and modernity. Next continue towards Viña Santa Rita, which won a clutch of gold medals in international competitions in England, Spain and the U.S. In 1880 Santa Rita was founded in the
Maipo Valley, where already a century before vineyards had been established. The wine cellar of these early times is one of the oldest still used. Today the historic family residence is a tastefully decorated hotel and restaurant. We follow a guided tour through the winery and the enormous park. Overnight at Hotel Casa Real.

Day 3 Casa Silva and Viu Manent (B/L)
Today we drive about 150 km south on the Panamerican Highway towards the Colchagua Valley, known for its internationally awarded premium wines. You will have a guided tour with wine tasting through all
the wineries and will enjoy a special lunch with wine in the traditional main house of Viu Manent. In the evening continue to the charming town of Santa Cruz located in the heart of Colchagua Valley. Overnight at Hotel Santa Cruz Plaza.

Day 4 Bisquertt and Montgras (B)
Day trip with visit of vineyards south of Rancagua: Montgras (traditional) and Bisquertt (new, modern production) . You will have a guided tour with wine tasting through all the wineries In the afternoon return to Santiago. Overnight at 5* hotel Plaza San Francisco or 3* hotel Eurotel

Day 5 Veramonte and Viña Mar (B/L)
We head on the route 68 in direction of Valparaíso. After about 1 hour we reach the vineyard Veramonte, one of the biggest in Chile. On over 350 ha of vineyards, the grapes have similar microclimatological conditions like in California, in the Napa Valley and in the Carneros wine areas. Modern technology and progressive methods are used, to produce outstanding wines like Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and the premium wine Primus. Next, continue to Viña Mar. Located in one of the best sites, Viña Mar vineyards are benefitted by their permanent exposure to the sun and light winds coming from the seashore during spring and summer evenings, granting a great wealth to its fruits and a huge potential to elaborate fine wines. As with no doubt, the best way to appreciate a good wine is pairing it with the adequate food, we will enjoy lunch at the prestigious restaurant San Marco Viñamar In the afternoon, return to Santiago Overnight at 5* hotel Plaza San Francisco or 3* hotel Eurotel

Day 6 San Esteban – Sanchez Loria ( B)
Crossing the hilly main valleys to Los Andes we reach the Aconcagua Valley. Here you will visit two wineries; Viña San Esteban, a family vineyard guided to the production of wines of quality and Viña Sanchez Loria, located in the aristocratic area of Panquehue, founded in 1890, it maintains all the machineries of last century. In the afternoon, return to Santiago. Overnight at 5* hotel Plaza San Francisco or 3* hotel Eurotel

Day 7 Santiago (B)
Transfer to the airport.

Prices per person, double occupancy in US$ :