Santiago (Valparaiso)
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
-
Valparaiso: Encounter with the Art - 4 hours
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EXCURSION
- La Sebastiana – Pablo Neruda Museum
- A local artist’s studio
DESCRIPTION
Picturesque Valparaiso was one of the first Chilean cities founded by the Spanish in 1536.
A thriving port for centuries, modern Valparaiso remains Chile’s primary outlet to the sea. In 1906, a vicious earthquake struck the city, toppling hundreds of the city's priceless monuments. This earthquake, however, would be a portent of things to come: The truly fatal blow to Valparaiso would come 8 years later. In 1914, the first international ship crossed the Panama Canal. The golden age of Valparaiso had come to an end. After years of gloom and decay, the historic port and university town is now living something of a revival. The Chilean government has pledged both economic and structural support to the city, and private entities are implementing projects that seek to trigger an urban renaissance in Valparaiso as a world heritage city and Chile's cultural capital. Among the priorities are culture, heritage preservation, and economic development via tourism. This effort culminated in UNESCO naming Valparaiso’s Historic Quarter a World Heritage Site in 2003.
Immigrants from all over the world have chosen to stay and leave their mark on this peculiar city.
Since over 450 years, this strategic port in the western coast of the South American continent has been the subject of interest for many renamed visitor. First visited by Drake and later on by Dutch pirates, left in ruins by Spanish cannons’ fire and reconstructed many times after numerous earthquakes, Valparaíso is a handmade city, a result of human intervention and an example of urban resilience.
During your 4-hour tour you will have the chance to see Valparaíso distinctively spontaneous hill neighbourhoods and their vernacular architecture, including more than a dozen ascensores (funicular cable cars) that connect the port with its surrounding heights. This is a great city to explore on foot so that you can grasp its beauty.
One of the highlights of the tour will surely be Chilean Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda’s Valparaiso residence, “La Sebastiana”. The house is full to the brim with the eccentric genius’ keepsakes from his many trips abroad, as well as an extensive library.
Also during your visit you will get the opportunity to visit the studio/gallery of a local artist who will be pleased to meet you and sharing with you his passion for art and his life experience in this bohemian city in front of the Pacific Ocean, a constant source of inspiration for many other artists
OBSERVATIONS
- Includes the services of an English-speaking guide.
- Bottled mineral water included.
- Entrance fee to the museums are included.
- Museums are closed on Mondays.
*Travellers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car
-
Valparaiso - Wines of the Casablanca Valley
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EXCURSION
- Tour and Tasting at two emblematic vineyards of the Casablanca valley
DESCRIPTION
This morning you will be welcomed at the Valparaíso pier by your guide who will escort you on your private tour to the Casablanca valley.
The Casablanca Valley is a sub-region of the Aconcagua Valley, but its vineyards – first planted in the early 1980s – have earned worldwide recognition in a relatively short space of time. The warm, temperate climate of the area is greatly influenced by the coastal sea breezes, which in combination with a perfect terroir in a valley situated on the coastal plane, with distant hills and slopes rising no more than 400 meters above sea level provide ideal conditions for certain varieties of grape. It is not unlike Santa Barbara and portions of Sonoma, and fittingly, the grapes that have done best over the past half-decade or so have been Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. While the area is best known for its crisp white wines, in particular Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, varieties such as Gewürtztraminer and certain lighter reds such as Pinot Noir are fast becoming the varieties du jour.
The first visit will be made at the Casas del Bosque vineyard where the visit will commence with a tour of the winery and cellars. Continue with a tasting focussing on their superb, award-winning red and white wines including their award-winning Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2004. A selection of dried fruits and cheeses will be served to accompany the wines during the tastings.
Then continue to the Matetic winery.
The new Matetic vineyard, designed by the Viña Matetic team in cooperation with architect Lawrence Odfjell, is a state-of-the-art winemaking facility, constructed so as to complement its glorious setting. In other words, harmony has been reached between the winery´s organic agricultural practices and the natural landscape of the valley.
Upon arrival to the vineyard you will be greeted and invited to listen to a brief introductory speech about the vineyard history and the different phases of wine production while appreciating stunning views of the vineyards and the beautiful Rosario Valley. Then you will proceed to the tasting room where you will sample the high quality Matetic wines.
Lunch today will be served at excellent Matetic Winery’s restaurant.
Notes:
- Includes the services of an English-speaking guide.
- Bottled mineral water available in the vehicle
*Travelers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car
|
11/18/2024 |
11/18/2024 |
Puerto Montt
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
-
Puerto Montt: The Llanquihue Lake Experience - 6 hours
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EXCURSION
- The town of Puerto Varas
- The Settlers Museum in Frutillar
- Angelmó Handicrafts Market in Puerto Montt
DESCRIPTION
This excursion takes in the main attractions of Puerto Montt and the nearby towns of Puerto Varas and Frutillar, both located on the shores of Lake Llanquihue, with spectacular views of the snow-capped Osorno Volcano.
Puerto Montt was founded in 1853 by German immigrants and their stalwart promoter Vicente Pérez Rosales, who named the town after another promoter of immigration, President Manuel Montt. The waterfront here was rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1960, which had destroyed the city's port, church, and neighbourhood of Angelmó. Today it is the capital of Chile's Southern Lake District, a thriving city that invests heavily in salmon farming, shipping, and tourism. Puerto Montt is commercially and strategically very important to this region. Settled by German colonists in the mid-19th century, it features middle-European architecture, with high-pitched, redwood-shingled roofs and ornate balconies.
On leaving the port there will be a short visit of the Angelmó Handicrafts market located just a few minutes walk from the dock gates, before continue through the centre of the city for a glimpse of highlights such as the redwood cathedral on the city's plaza, which is the city's oldest building, dating back to 1856. Continue to the town of Puerto Varas for an orientation tour and enjoy the opportunity to take a photograph across the waters of the Llanquihue to one of the regions icons; the mighty Osorno Volcano. Puerto Varas is one of Chile's most charming towns, not only because of its privileged lakeside location, but also because of its quaint, German-influenced architecture, and its friendly, laid-back atmosphere. The city was built by the sweat and tenacity of German immigrants, and later it became a port for goods being shipped from the Lago Llanquihue area to Puerto Montt (mostly timber). Today most of the area's middle- and upper-middle-class residents call Puerto Varas home and commute to Puerto Montt and other surrounding places for work.
Along the trip we will do a short stop to enjoy the delicious local beer, Drakkar and Colonos; we will also visit the brewery to learn how they produce it. Our host will be the owner who will explain us the process.
Continue to the historic town of Frutillar. Founded in 1856 by German settlers, this is one the most charming towns in Chile. A visit will be made to the Settlers Museum, which features a collection of 19th-century antiques, clothing, and artefacts gathered from various immigrant German families around the area. There will also be a visit to the Teatro del Lago Concert Hall, an open-air venue that is gaining prestige on both a national and international level, and which is home to Frutillar’s famous Music Festival. Once an event for local and regional artists, this annual festival now draws international performers.
Light lunch will be served at “Lavanda Casa de Té”, an old barn where Opa Pancho spended many hours dedicated to one of his hobbies, mechanic; today, it has been turned into an exclusive tearoom immersed in lavender plantation. Among aromas, flavors and memories of an unforgettable time, we will taste the finest flavors of tea accompanied by the best local pastry
After light lunch return to Puerto Montt, stopping briefly at an observation point for a view across Tenglo Bay with the ship in port.
Operational notes :
Duration : 6.15 hours
Level of activity : Easy.
Meal plan : Light lunch & mineral water
Travelers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion site.
-
Puerto Montt: A Journey into Chile's Oldest National Park - 4 hours
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EXCURSION
- The Petrohué Rapids
- The town of Puerto Varas
- Puerto Montt and the Angelmó Market
DESCRIPTION
This excursion takes in the main attractions of Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas, and the Petrohué Rapids, one of southern Chile’s most beautiful attractions.
Departing from the pier, the drive heads directly to one of the most famous beauty spots in Chile’s Lake District; Petrohué Rapids. The scenic journey follows the road to the village of Alerce, with views of charming wooden houses and churches, pristine farmland, and lush green forest, before taking the road that skirts Lake Llanquihue.
The arrival to the village of Ensenada, at the foot of the Osorno Volcano, marks the entrance to the oldest National Park in Chile; the Vicente Perez Rosales National Park. Founded in 1926 it covers an area of 251,000 hectares (619,970 acres), incorporating the park's centrepieces Lake Todos los Santos, the Petrohué Rapids, and three commanding volcanoes; Osorno, Calbuco, and Puntiagudo.
The mighty Petrohué is one of Chile’s most beautiful and exciting glacial rivers, and your guests will marvel at the spectacular scenery of ancient forests, waterfalls and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and volcanoes. Upon arrival to the rapids, one can enjoy the spectacle of the inky-green waters as they crash through lava channels formed after the eruption of the Osorno in 1850.
Head back west in the direction of Puerto Varas, where a short stop will be made. This tidy little town, with its lovely architecture and bustling centre, is mainly residential and thrives on tourism thanks to its grand setting on Lake Llanquihue and proximity to the nearby National Parks. Here there will be an opportunity to take a photograph or two across the waters of Lake Llanquihue to the mighty Osorno Volcano. The city was built by the sweat and tenacity of German immigrants, and later it became a port for goods being shipped from the Lago Llanquihue area to Puerto Montt (mostly timber). Today most of the area's middle- and upper-middle-class residents call Puerto Varas home and commute to Puerto Montt and other surrounding places for work.
Return to Puerto Montt, stopping briefly at an observation point for a view across Tenglo Bay with the ship in port, followed by a short orientation tour through the centre of the city for a glimpse of highlights such as the redwood cathedral on the city's plaza, which is the city's oldest building, dating back to 1856.
The transfer will end either on the pier or for those who choose to browse for bargains, at the Angelmó Handicraft Market, just a few minutes’ walk from the dock gates.
Operational notes :
Duration : 4 hours
Level of activity : Easy.
Meal plan : Mineral water
**Travelers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car
-
Puerto Montt: The Route of the Pioneers - 7 hours
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EXCURSION
- A walk on the Osorno Volcano
- Breathtaking mountain and cold rainforest scenery
DESCRIPTION
This excursion follows route taken by the German, Swiss and Austrian pioneers in 1850, looking for a way to reach Argentina from Chile.
This programme commences with a drive north out of Puerto Montt towards the village of Alerce, with views of charming wooden houses and churches, pristine farmland, and lush green forest. Then take the road to Colonia Tres Puentes. This small, sleepy town is located at the foot of the Calbuco Volcano. A stop will be made at a nearby forest of the ancient alerce trees.
Continue the journey to the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, climbing the Osorno Volcano to the Ski and Mountain Centre, at an altitude of 4,200 feet above sea level. When you reach the La Burbuja sector, you will take a short trek to enjoy the panoramic views and will be able to take pictures of the summit of Osorno and Calbuco with their snow-covered peaks, and of Lake Llanquihue. You will also enjoy the views from the chairlift.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, before continuing to one of the most famous beauty spots in Chile’s Lake District; Petrohué Rapids. The mighty Petrohué is one of Chile’s most beautiful and exciting glacial rivers, and your guests will marvel at the spectacular scenery of ancient forests, waterfalls and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and volcanoes. Upon arrival to the rapids, one can enjoy the spectacle of the inky-green waters as they crash through lava channels formed after the eruption of the Osorno in 1850.
Return to Puerto Montt to rejoin the ship.
Notes:
Duration : 7 hours
Level of activity : Easy.
Meal plan : Mineral water
*Travelers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car
|
11/21/2024 |
11/21/2024 |
Ushuaia
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
-
Ushuaia: National Park,Trekking y Canoas - Full Day
Meet your local guide at local pier and start with your visit
After breakfast, take a short drive to Tierra del Fuego National Park to discover the secrets of this unique park, were the Andes are accessible from the sea and the fresh water of rivers and lakes mix with ocean water from the Beagle channel in pristine forests.
Arrive at Ensenada Bay and start a moderate seven kilometers trek along the coast-line. Steamer ducks, upland gooses, and Magellanic woodpecker are some of the birds that you may spot during this three hour walk, that also enhance the opportunity of discovering old native middens left by the ancient dwellers of the area, the yamanas.
After a warm lunch in a dome in the park your guide will provide paddling technique and safety briefing, rubber boots, over-pants and life-jackets before rowing downstream Lapataia River in comfortable inflatable canoes.
Floating at leisure down the Lapataia river will allow you explore an area seldom visited by men and concentrate on every attraction the place has to offer involving ornithology, geology, ecology and photography . After some ninety minutes of gentle paddling arrive at Lapataia Bay.
Please keep in mind that due to weather conditions the order of the itinerary may have to be altered. Please keep in mind that due to weather conditions the order of the itinerary may have to be altered.
After the tour you will be transferred back to the pier.
Tour highlights:
- Beagle Channel
- Lapataia Bay
- Roca Lake
Inclusions
- Transfers to/from the pier
- English speaking guide
- Private vehicle
- Lunch
Exclusions
- Gratuities for guide and driver
-
Ushuaia – Tierra del Fuego National Park and End of the World Train - Half Day
Meet your local guide at local pier and start with your visit.
Begin the tour by driving along National Route N3, crossing the valley of the Pipo River and the foothills of Mount Susana, to the train station located in the area where the inmates of the old prison collected firewood.
The little steam train will wind along the trail that the prison train used to follow over bridges, swampy areas, and green valleys, making a short stop at La Macarena waterfall. On completion of the train ride and already in the Tierra del Fuego National Park, drive through the most attractive landscapes of the park, such as Lake Roca and Bahía Lapataia (where the National Route N3, part of the Pan-American Highway ends).
In different locations take short walks to appreciate the different species of the native forest and the protected fauna in the southernmost National Park of Argentina.
After the tour you will be transferred back to the pier.
Tour highlights:
- Beagle Channel
- Lapataia Bay
- End of the World train
Inclusions
- Transfers to/from the pier
- English speaking guide
- Private vehicle
Exclusions
- Gratuities for guide and driver
- Box-Lunch
- Entrance fee
|
11/28/2024 |
11/28/2024 |
The Signature Collection – A Hosted Sailing
