Chile including MV Mare Australis & Atacama Desert with Luxury &
Style (13 Days):
Sample Itinerary Outline
ID #: DT-C-13-2-26-10-BESI
DAYS
1-2: Depart for Santiago, CHILE Fly to Santiago and transfer to your hotel. An introductory
city tour includes the 18th-century Cathedral and a visit to the
Pre-Columbian Art Museum, led by one of its curators. Stop in the
Barrio Brasil, today an enclave of Santiago's artistic community. ► Some suggested Santiago hotels (in alphabetical order): Grand Hyatt Santiago (V) Ritz Carlton, Santiago (V) San Cristobal Tower, a Luxury Collection Hotel (V) ►Together, we will find the best choice for you!
DAY 3: Santiago / Ushuaia, ARGENTINA
Fly to the remote former prison city of Ushuaia, now bustling with
100,000 inhabitants. Briefly tour the city and view the Beagle
Channel before embarking on the 'Mare Australis' for cocktails and
dinner. MV
'Mare Australis'
DAYS 4-5: Patagonia, CHILE
Daily programs in Patagonia vary, but stops are planned for
Magdalena Island to view penguins, Wulaia Bay, and Cape Horn
National Park. Set out by Zodiac for an adventurous trek through
Patagonia's lush forests. During your cruise, the lecturers provide
an informal series of presentations on the history of Patagonia
exploration. Your last evening aboard 'Mare Australis' is marked
with a festive farewell dinner. MV
'Mare Australis'
DAY 6: Punta Arenas / Santiago, CHILE
Disembark in Punta Arenas before flying back to Santiago. ► For Santiago hotel suggestions, see above.
DAY 7: Valparaíso and Wine Country, CHILE
Visit picturesque Valparaíso, a colorful and historic port city.
Stop at Pablo Neruda's Valparaíso residence, La Sebastiana, filled
with the great poet's keepsakes from his extensive travels. This
afternoon, visit renowned Casas del Bosque vineyard in the
Casablanca Valley, and sample its award-winning Sauvignon Blanc
Reserve along with fruits and cheeses. ► For Santiago hotel suggestions, see above.
DAY 8: Santiago / Atacama Desert, CHILE
Fly to Calama, the gateway to Atacama's geographical and
archaeological wonders, where not a drop of rain has fallen in
nearly four centuries. Arrive at your desert lodge and enjoy a
welcome cocktail. ►Some suggested San Pedro de Atacama hotels (in alphabetical order): Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa, San Pedro de Atacama Awasi (V) Explora Atacama (V) ►Together, we will find the best choice for you!
DAYS 9-11: Atacama Desert, CHILE
Spend three full days discovering Atacama's natural environment.
Between the Pacific Ocean and the Cordillera de los Andes, Atacama
is vast and mysterious. Its oases and pre-Columbian remains stand as
landmarks in the desert. Your explorations in Atacama introduce you
to the geography, history, fauna, geological features and ancient
villages of this remarkable area. Consider visiting the village of
Toconao; Quebrada de Jerés; and the Atacama Salt Lake, declared Los
Flamencos National Park in 1990 as a refuge to three native flamingo
species. ►For Atacama hotel suggestions, see above.
DAYS 12-13: Atacama Desert / Santiago, CHILE / Arrive Home