Chilean Highlights in Luxury

Day 1 Arrive Santiago

Santiago is an architectural collage of old Spanish colonial charm, European elegance, and North American suburbia. Founded in 1541, it is today one of the continent’s most modern cities, serving as gateway to Chile’s Central Valley and connecting point for trips around the country. Upon arrival, your guide will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. We suggest a few hours rest and lunch at the restaurant or poolside. In the afternoon, you’ll set out to discover Santiago’s secrets. The historic quarter is first stop: Cobblestone walkways, historic buildings, La Moneda Palace and, of course, the very heart of the city the Plaza de Armas. Then, for modernity and glamour, on to residential districts -Providencia, Las Condes, and Vitacura. We finish atop San Cristobal Hill for a magnificent panoramic view of the city. Evening free.

Day 2: Santiago - Colchagua Valley

Chile’s Central Valley plains and meadows surely deserve a visit. Today we drive south into the Colchagua Valley, a prestigious wine region where many of Chile’s best wines are produced. This is an opportunity to learn local cultivation and production, and to enjoy sampling wine produced by the valley’s vineyards. Visits will be made at Selentia Vineyard and Casa Silva Vineyards. After lunch, we continue to the attractive town of Santa Cruz, hub of the Colchagua Valley, where we visit the Casa Lapostolle winery which together with Clos Apalta winery was founded by Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle, the great granddaughter of Grand Marnier founder Alexandre Marnier Lapo stolle. Highly regarded as one of the best wines produced in Chile, Clos Apalta is the winery’s signature blend and is the inspiration for this stunning, secluded wine lodge. This is an all-inclusive stay featuring all meals, private tours and wine tasting at Clos Apalta Winery; also includes visit to private family's cellar; and visits other Winery's in Apalta Valley; Mountain biking rides through the vineyards and or forest hiking.
Overnight at the Casa Lapostolle Residence. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Colchagua Valley (Activities)

This morning we head to the Viu Manent Winery. Very much entrenched in the history and traditions of Chilean wines, the company has been family owned and managed since its inception in 1935. From their Malbec to Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, Viu Manent has consistently produced internationally award winning wine. Our visit includes a horse carriage tour around the vineyards and wine tasting. In the afternoon we continue to the Bisquertt Winery, major exporters since ‘91 of wines aged to perfection. Return to hotel for overnight
Overnight at the Casa Lapostolle Residence. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Colchagua Valley – Maipo Valley – Santiago

Following breakfast we take a leisurely drive to Maipo Valley to visit the famous Santa Rita Winery, founded in 1880. This imposing estate, with 800 hectares of vineyard, produces high quality wines renowned worldwide. Our tour includes the old family mansion, surrounded by a centenary park and ornamental gardens, wine production area and vineyards, followed by a tasting of Santa Rita’s award winning wines. Afternoon return to Santiago.
Overnight Santiago (B)

Day 5: Santiago / Punta Arenas – Torres del Paine National Park

We continue our journey with a flight south, to Punta Arenas, gateway city to southern Patagonia. Our guide and vehicle are waiting to drive us to magnificent Torres del Paine National Park. En route we will enjoy spectacular views and landscapes as we traverse wilderness Patagonia, crossing trout rivers, beech tree forests, and passing large sheep ranches. Once in the park, have your camera ready for waterfalls, pristine lakes, imposing glaciers, and finally the impressive Paine Horns, two towering peaks that star in many popular postcards. You will stay at famous Explora Patagonia, a fabulous property in the heart of the park, facing a beautiful waterfall and the imposing Paine peaks. Facilities include a gourmet restaurant, cozy lounge, game room, boutique, and health club featuring sauna, massage room, swimming pool and Jacuzzi. (B, D)

Day 6 Exploring Torres del Paine National Park

We may go on a trekking expedition along park trails ending up at Laguna Azul, a mirrored lagoon embedded in a valley of flowers. Or sail along Lake Grey to the massive walls of Grey Glacier. Or drive up to the Great Waterfall and then follow our guide on a leisure hike in full view of the mighty Paine Horns. Or mountain bike and horseback ride to lookout points to gain unforgettable vistas of wild guanacos and rheas, and soaring condors overhead. Explora has carefully designed a comprehensive menu of daily activities and excursions to choose from. Tours are programmed according to daily weather conditions, guests' preferences, duration and degree of difficulty. They include all necessary equipment and are reduced to small groups. (B, L, D)

Day 7 Exploring Torres del Paine National Park

Exploring Torres del Paine.

Day 8 Exploring Torres del Paine National Park

Exploring Torres del Paine.

Day 9 Torres del Paine - Punta Arenas / Santiago

This morning we drive one last time around the spectacular national park on our return to Punta Arenas. We will arrive at the airport in time for our flight to Santiago, where we will be met and transferred to our hotel. (B)

Day 10 Depart Santiago

Free day in Santiago for last minute shopping. At the appointed time, transfer to the airport for overnight/connecting flights home, arriving the following morning in the USA. (B)

Remarks

Not included:
Gratuities of any kind; airport departure taxes; meals unless included in the itinerary.

Inquire about our special airfares on American Airlines and LAN for this package.