Private Journeys - Santiago, Vineyards and Central Patagonia ULCH02

10 Days : $4,825 per person inclusive of superior rooms in superior hotels, all meals, personal guides, extensive wine tastings, all beer, wine and spirits while in Patagonia and private car and driver. Airfare is additional and we can assist you. Business Class airfare at special rates is available and highly recommended This program provides an introduction to the sophistication of Santiago, a glimpse of the Chilean wine country and a chance to explore one of the most scenic parts of Patagonia in an all-inclusive luxury resort.

Day 1 Depart USA

Your adventure begins with an overnight flight to Santiago. Dinner and breakfast on board.

Day 2 Arrival in Santiago

Upon arrival, and after passing though arrival formalities, your driver will meet you and escort you to your deluxe hotel located in magnificent gardens in one of Santiago's best residential areas. You have a chance to relax, stroll the gardens and surrounding community before enjoying dinner and turning in early to rest up for the full days ahead.

Day 3 Exploring Santiago

After breakfast your guide will pick you up for a personalized tour of the city including Moneda Palace, Plaza de Armas. You will drive down Parque Forestal which is modeled on the Champs d'elysees and continue to the bohemian area of Bellavista where you climb San Cristobal Hill for a panoramic view of the city with the Andes providing the backdrop. After a chance to relax, your driver will pick you up in the late afternoon to view Santiago in its nightly illumination. You will finish the tour in Barrio Bellavista where you will enjoy one of Santiago's best restaurants Mesun Nerudiano named for Pablo Neruda, Santiago's most well known poet.

Day 4 Discovering the Maipo Valley

The Maipo Valley is the oldest wine-producing valley in Chile, and it lies just South of Santiago extending from the foot of the Andes to the middle of the Central Valley. This valley produces bold Cabernet Sauvignons that have garnered international recognition. Chile's largest and more traditional wineries can be found here, including Concha y Toro, your destination for today. Although Concha y Toro is a publicly listed company with vineyards throughout Chile, it is the Maipo Valley where Don Melchor de Concha y Toro founded his vineyard in 1875. Today the best Cabernet Sauvignon, appropriately named Don Melchor is produced from grapes from the valley. You will enjoy a tour of the vineyards, taste some of the wines and enjoy lunch at La Vacita Echa before returning to the city. This evening you enjoy one of Santiago's typical local restaurants.

Day 5 Santiago/Punta Arenas/Torres del Paine

An early morning departure as your driver takes you to the airport for your flight to Punta Arenas one of the southernmost cities on Chile's 2,700 mile of coastline. Upon arrival you will be met by a representative of Explora Patagonia who will transfer you to your luxury base for the next four days. Explora is 250 miles north of Punta Arenas and you will have lunch on the way to the resort. Once you arrive you will be escorted to your rooms with dramatic views of the Cordillera Paine mountain range. At the resort, all meals, alcohol and wine are included as are all the excursions from the lodge.

Day 6 Exploring Torres del Paine

Located in the heart of Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park comprises 598,000 acres. The park is surrounded by the Cordillera del Paine mountain range. The weather is mild due to proximity to the sea with many sunny days a year. Even in "winter", daytime temperatures are in the 50's and rarely drop below 36 degrees at night. Today you might want to try one of the hikes accompanied by a qualified guide.

Day 7 Exploring Torres del Plaine

With unusually-shaped mountains, glaciers and waterfalls, plus unique flora and fauna, Torres del Paine is considered one of the most beautiful places in the world and was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978. If your feeling a little more adventurous today you may decide to explores on horseback, again accompanied by an experienced guide.

Day 8 Exploring Torres del Plaine

If you want to explore further out, there are groups departing every day by vehicle that takyouus to areas further from the lodge. This will give you the chance to see many of the 105 species of birds that inhabit the area. You will still eat well when you are exploring since the guides can set up a barbeque or other treat even in the wilds. If you feel like taking it easy, the hotel has a separate lodge with indoor pool, outdoor hot tubs and a spa.

Day 9 Punta Arenas/USA

After breakfast you will be transferred to Punta Arenas airport with lunch served along the way. You will board your  flight to Santiago connecting to your final US destination.

Day 10 Arrive in USA

You arrive back in the United States at breakfast time.

Services Included

•       Transfers and sightseeing by private helicopter or aircraft as indicated on the itinerary

•       Superior Rooms at the properties indicated in the accommodations area (We reserve the right to substitute a property of equal quality in advance of departure should the designated hotel be unavailable)

•       Private Transfers to and from the airport at destination

•       All meals as indicated on the itinerary by B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner

•Entrance fees to all museums, attractions and other venues as indicated on the daily itinerary

•       Private guides for city explorations and private driver/guide while traveling.

•       Baggage handling at all hotels and camps

•       All applicable taxes and service fees

Services Not Included

•       International airfare (round-trip from hometown departure gateway to destination)

•       Beverages with included meals (unless otherwise indicated on itinerary page)

•       Any meals not indicated on the Itinerary page

•       Items of a personal nature e.g. minibar, film, postcards etc.

•       Gratuities to Guides and Driver/Guides (we provide suggested guidelines for your selected destination in your pre-departure material)

•       Any passport or visa fees or government departure taxes (It is the traveler’s responsibility to secure the latest information regarding passports and visa requirements)

Available Year Round