The Best of Chile

Day 1: Welcome to Santiago de Chile

Arrival to Santiago and airport meet and greet and transfer to the hotel

Day 2: City tour in Santiago de Chile

Pick up at the hotel this morning and we set off on a cultural half day City Tour. We will visit the most important historical sites of Santiago including the downtown area surrounding the Plaza de Armas and the Presidential Palace.

We will also pass by the Mercado Central, one of Chile’s largest fresh seafood markets and take a stroll by the many bustling stalls to see the tremendous variety available from Chile’s bountiful sea. We will visit some of the lesser know barrios of Santiago including, Republica and Concha y Toro. Initially constituting the outskirts of the city, the capital's constant growth transformed the area into a privileged neighborhood and home to Santiago's high society. There will be time to walk around and take photos of the many styles of architecture dating back to the 19th and early 20th century.

Continuing through the cobble stoned Lastarria neighborhood, we will walk through the Parque Forestal passing by the Bellas Artes Museum. For a scenic vista of the city, we will visit the top of Cerro San Cristobal Hill, 600 feet above the city. Return to the Hotel.

Day 3: Maipo Valley, the classic Chilean terroir

Departing Santiago at 09.00 am, we will drive south along the foothills of the Andes to the wine appellation closest to Santiago, the Maipo Valley. Named after the Maipo River, this is Chile´s most traditional wine region, home to many of Chile's famous wineries such as Concha y Toro, Cousino Macul and Santa Rita. Moreover, the excellent soil and climate condition is a perfect match for growing Cabernet Sauvignon.

An informative and fun experience is in store at our first stop in the small winery of Roberto Muñoz. Aptly named Paseos del Vino (Wine Steps), he passionately describes his artisan winemaking process where everything is done by hand. Perez Cruz is our next stop. With its ultra-modern architecture, state-of-the art technology and their diverse soil conditions from clay texture to smooth pebbles & sand, they are producing highly acclaimed Malbec, Carmenere & Cabernet Sauvignon. We will stop for lunch in the town of Pirque in the eclectic Septimo Cielo.

Finally, we will visit the small boutique winery Aquitania where two well-known agronomists and wine makers from Bordeaux, France, Paul Pontallier (of Chateau Margaux) and Bruno Prats (former owner of Cos d'Estournel) are producing delicious wines and still labeling bottles by hand.

Day 4: Viña del Mar & Valparaiso

Viña del Mar is the most eccentric port in the history of the city of Valparaíso, recently named by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, which offers its visitors one of the most beautiful tours since Santiago. Traveling through the Maipo Valley, we will arrive at Isla Negra, home to one of the most famous writers in Chile and Nobel Prize winner: Pablo Neruda.

After Ilha Negra, we will visit the Algarrobo resort and then we will go to Valparaíso and Viña del Mar. Our tour will start on the coast of Valparaiso, one of the first cities in Chile, founded by the Spanish. We will start in the port area, knowing the history of Valparaíso and its importance in South American commerce. We will go through wonderful steep hills and old building.

Lunch in Valparaiso will be at Colombina, a restaurant that we always recommend for its fish, seafood and excellent service. The restaurant has three rooms decorated with antique furniture and a beautiful view of the bay of Valparaiso. After lunch, the next stop will be in the seaside town of Viña del Mar, also known as the "garden city" thanks to its lush gardens and avenues surrounded by palm trees.

Day 5: To Home

Check out from the hotel and transfer to Santiago airport

How about hiring a van with a driver for you and making the famous crossing from Santiago to Mendoza? On the way that cuts the heart of the Andes Mountains there are several famous and interesting sights to get to know and take beautiful photos. This famous road that constantly appears in the subjects of travel magazines as a tour that one must do at least once! Contact us for more information.

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