Santiago (Valparaiso)
Santiago (Valparaiso) 10/20/2024
Discover Valparaíso, the 'Jewel of the Pacific'. Your Antarctica and Patagonia expedition cruise begins in colorful Valparaíso. Known as the 'Jewel of the Pacific', this friendly UNESCO World Heritage-listed city is built on steep hillsides overlooking the ocean. Filled with enticing scents and sounds, it's an exhilarating maze of alleyways and barrios, colorful houses, and 'mercados' packed with local produce. Take it all in on a funicular ride up to Cerros Alegre and Concepción. If you'd like to do some more exploring before we set sail, join one of the optional pre-programs.,
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!
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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
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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
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10/20/2024 |
10/20/2024 |
At Sea
At Sea 10/21/2024
Enter expedition mode. Over the next two days at sea, you'll learn more about the wonders we'll encounter on our trip. Expedition Team members are experts in everything from oceanography and geology to ornithology and history. Drop in on their fascinating lectures and hands-on presentations in the Science Center. Grab a pair of binoculars and look for rare wandering albatrosses and petrels. Make the most of your onboard facilities and enjoy the hot tubs, panoramic sauna, and gym.,
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10/21/2024 |
10/22/2024 |
Castro
Castro 10/23/2024
See stilt houses and historic churches. Set among the lush vegetation of Chiloé Island, Castro is Chile's third-oldest city. It's home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, namely Iglesia San Francisco and Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Gracia de Nercón. From various vantage points, enjoy great views of the city's colorful 'palafitos', which are stilt houses situated along the waterfront. For a bit of culture, head to the Regional Museum and the Museum of Modern Art. Bring your binoculars, as Chiloé is an important habitat for bird species such as green-backed firecrowns and Chilean flamingos, along with penguins, black-necked swans, ringed kingfishers, and silvery grebes.,
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10/23/2024 |
10/23/2024 |
At Sea
At Sea 10/24/2024
Unforgettable Andean seascapes. We cruise south toward Puerto Natales, the capital of Última Esperanza. The iceberg-studded waters of Patagonia are captivating, with mesmerizing shades of blue, from the brightest aquamarine to the deepest midnight hues. As we sail, there's a good chance you'll see whales, seabirds, penguins, and more. Take in the scenery from the panoramic sauna or the hot tubs on deck, enjoy locally sourced cuisine, and relax in the Explorer Lounge & Bar. The Expedition Team will be on hand with fascinating lectures about local history and wildlife. An onboard photographer can also help with tips on landscape photography.,
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10/24/2024 |
10/24/2024 |
Puerto Eden
Puerto Eden 10/25/2024
Discover Kawésqar culture in a Patagonian village. Set at the end of a deep fjord, our next stop is the enchanting village of Puerto Edén, set in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park. The tiny settlement is only accessible by sea, and the ferry that connects it to the mainland only visits once a month. There are no roads here — just wooden boardwalks connecting houses and shops. Its 250 inhabitants include some of the last remaining members of the Indigenous Kawésqar people. You will have the chance to talk to them and gain insight into their unique culture.,
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10/25/2024 |
10/25/2024 |
Puerto Natales
Puerto Natales 10/26/2024
Gateway to Torres del Paine. Our expedition cruise continues to Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. You can choose to see this beautiful national park on either a bus or hiking tour — both experiences are worth doing. The rugged landscape features steppe, forest, and desert, punctuated by glaciers and lakes. Guanacos and rheas roam freely. Look out for Chilean flamingos and you may even spot the mighty Andean condor. Puerto Natales is a popular hub for hikers and travelers, with many eateries, bars, and outdoor shops. Set out on your own to visit the artisan village at Etherh Aike, enjoy a gin tour at the Last Hope Distillery, or stroll along the photogenic waterfront.,
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10/26/2024 |
10/27/2024 |
Chilean Fjords
Chilean Fjords 10/28/2024
Witness scenic landscapes filled with wildlife. Your journey south along the Chilean coast takes you through the ruggedly beautiful island chains that make up the fjords of Magallanes Province. Isolated islands and hidden bays create a rich haven for wildlife. Whether cruising aboard our small boats (RIBs) or on deck, look out for colonies of Magellanic penguins, elephant seals, and various whale species. You may also see majestic waterfalls along this dramatic and beautiful section of coastline.,
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10/28/2024 |
10/28/2024 |
Cape Horn
Cape Horn 10/29/2024
Attempted landing at Cape Horn. After sailing through the Beagle Channel, we'll pass the southernmost tip of South America, Cape Horn. This formidable icon often presents challenging conditions, but weather permitting, we'll attempt to land there. From here, we'll navigate the legendary Drake Passage toward Antarctica. En route, we will prepare for what lies ahead and see how to make our visit as safe and sustainable as possible. In the Science Center, the Expedition Team will give lectures about Antarctica's fauna, history, and geology, as well as the impact of climate change and plastic pollution. You can also get involved in the Citizen Science projects.,
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10/29/2024 |
10/29/2024 |
Drake Passage
Drake Passage 10/29/2024
Attempted landing at Cape Horn. After sailing through the Beagle Channel, we'll pass the southernmost tip of South America, Cape Horn. This formidable icon often presents challenging conditions, but weather permitting, we'll attempt to land there. From here, we'll navigate the legendary Drake Passage toward Antarctica. En route, we will prepare for what lies ahead and see how to make our visit as safe and sustainable as possible. In the Science Center, the Expedition Team will give lectures about Antarctica's fauna, history, and geology, as well as the impact of climate change and plastic pollution. You can also get involved in the Citizen Science projects.,
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10/29/2024 |
10/30/2024 |
Antarctica
Antarctica 10/31/2024
Experience Antarctica in all its natural majesty. Nothing prepares you for your first sight of Antarctica's immense, frozen beauty. Icebergs, sculpted by nature, float in the straits. Gentoo and chinstrap penguins court while Adélie penguins nest. Countless seabirds wheel overhead. Nature is in charge. During the next seven days, you'll be busy exploring several landing sites. There are more than 20 possible sites on and around the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. It doesn't matter where we go or what we do, every day will be thrilling and unlike anything you've experienced before. We might sail into a flooded volcanic caldera or land in icy bays where remnants of whaling paraphernalia lie abandoned. You may also have the chance to kayak among icebergs and seals or snowshoe to a stunning viewpoint. Bird enthusiasts should look skyward for Antarctic seabirds such as skuas, petrels, and terns. Through onboard lectures and onshore talks, you'll learn more about this precious habitat and how we can all protect it for the future.,
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10/31/2024 |
11/06/2024 |
At Sea
At Sea 11/07/2024
The most remote and starkly beautiful place on Earth. After seven days on your expedition cruise in Antarctica, it's time to head back. Your mind will be full of unforgettable sights and sounds and your camera's memory cards will be bursting with impressive images. During your last few days at sea, you can recap your experiences with your Expedition Team and fellow guests, satisfy your curiosity in the Science Center, relax in the Explorer Lounge & Bar, and enjoy delicious onboard cuisine as the waves roll by. You can also unwind from all the excitement by making the most of the panoramic sauna and hot tubs before we arrive in Punta Arenas.,
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11/07/2024 |
11/09/2024 |
Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas 11/10/2024
Onward from Punta Arenas. Your Antarctica and Patagonia expedition cruise comes to an end in Punta Arenas. From here, you'll catch a flight back to Santiago de Chile, taking with you a wealth of fantastic memories that will last a lifetime. If you're not ready to end your adventure just yet, we recommend extending your trip and joining one of our optional post-cruise programs.,
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!
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Punta Arenas: Exploring the End of the World - 3.5 hours
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EXCURSION
- A visit to the Braun-Menendez Regional Museum.
- Cocktail and canapés at the De La Cruz hill
- The municipal cemetery and the tomb dedicated to the Ona Indians.
DESCRIPTION
This city tour begins with a visit to the southern sector of Punta Arenas where we’ll visit the eerie wreckage of the Lord Longsdale ship and the local market.
Afterwards we’ll head back to Old Town Punta Arenas. Here its European architecture, public buildings, main square and gardens with their varied styles denote wealth and luxury that existed in the city during the "golden era" between 1880 and 1914, when Punta Arenas was one of the most active ports of the Southern Cone.
The visit will continue to the Braun-Menendez Regional Museum, the former residence of Maurice Braun and Josefina Menendez, a marriage that united the two largest fortunes in the region of Magallanes. With the falling price of wool and the nationalization of the farms during the 1970's, the family lost most of their wealth and their descendants have since moved from Patagonia to the rest of world.
Moving from downtown towards the North, we’ll arrive at the Mount La Cruz panoramic point. It offers a beautiful view of the city, with its colorful roofs spreading up to the strait and showing the landscape of Tierra del Fuego, Mount Sarmiento and the southern area of the Brunswick Peninsula. Before continuing will take a few minutes to make a toast enjoying this unique view and brilliant photo stop.
To end this excursion we’ll take you to the beautifully landscaped Municipal Cemetery. Here, one can admire the splendid mausoleums of pioneer families as well as a tomb dedicated to the Unknown Ona, the now extinct Fireland Indians. They say you can't really understand a culture until you see where they bury their dead, and in the case of the cemetery of Punta Arenas, this edict certainly rings true. The Municipal Cemetery was opened by the Governor Señoret in 1894 and features a giant stone portico donated by Sara Braun in 1919. Inside this necropolis lies a veritable miniature city, with avenues that connect the magnificent tombs of the region's founding families, settlers, and civic workers and a rather solemn tomb where lie the remains of the last Selk'nam Indians of Tierra del Fuego.
*Travelers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car
Operational notes :
Duration : 3.5 hours
Level of activity : Easy.
Meal plan : Snacks and refreshments at Mount La Cruz
Travellers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car
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Punta Arenas: Flavors of Patagonia - 4 hours
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EXCURSION
- An orientation tour of Punta Arenas
- A private culinary experience with a renowned local chef
DESCRIPTION
The Walking City Tour begins at Main Square Plaza Muñoz Gamero and Old Town with its European arquitecture, public buildings and gardens with their varied styles denote wealth and luxury that existed in the city during the "golden era" between 1880 and 1914, when Punta Arenas became one of the most active ports of the Southern Cone.
To continue towards the area near the port and regional market where will meet up with Luis Gonzalez, Chef and owner of the unique Remezon Restaurant which offers wild flavours that come from this part of the world. Thus his proposal has been awarded and praised by many visitors.
Luis Gonzalez enjoys sharing his Patagonian recipes and culinary secrets with those who come to the Remezon. Today we’ll be doing some grocery shopping together at the market and his favourite spots and afterwards enter his kitchen where cooking is not only fun but we’ll also learn more about Punta Arenas culture, its people and way of living at the ends of the world.
After participating in preparing some delicious dishes it will be time to sit back and enjoy lunch.
Before leaving Luis will surprise you with a very special memento of this Patagonian culinary experience.
*Travelers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car
Operational notes :
Duration : 4 hours
Level of activity : Easy.
Meal plan : Lunch with wine at the Remezón restaurant
Travelers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car
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Punta Arenas - A day on a Patagonian Ranch - 5 hours
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EXCURSION
- The local fauna
- Typical Patagonian lunch
DESCRIPTION
This journey begins as we take off from the city towards the north. Once leaving Punta Arenas enjoy the scenery of the pampas and Patagonian steppe; rheas may be seen alongside hundreds of sheep.
In 1852 Bernard E. Philippi brought some sheep from Chiloé (island across Puerto Montt) and in 1877 the governor Double Diego Almeyda traveled to the Falkland Islands and brought 300 sheep that were sold in Punta Arenas. The following year other traders brought more sheep, and thus began the business of farming and today represent one of the main economic activities in the region. The principal landowners were English and Scots, who knew the handling of sheep and the necessary infrastructure.
Rio Penitente farm was founded by Alexander Morrison, a Scottish pioneer in 1891. Today his descendants are in charge, and will be here to welcome visitors to their charming ranch to explore their facilities, discover the traditional work around the farm, and watch the sheep working dogs and a sheep shearing exhibition.
The comfortable old-world setting provides sharp contrast with the raw beauty of the beech forest and open pampas of the surrounding Patagonian Landscapes. The clear water of Rio Penitente, flowing through the farm, offers excellent trout fishing.
For lunch an exquisite Patagonian barbecue will be served at the main dinning room.
*Travelers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car
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11/10/2024 |
11/10/2024 |
Cruise Ends (Debarkation)
Cruise Ends (Debarkation) 11/10/2024
Onward from Punta Arenas. Your Antarctica and Patagonia expedition cruise comes to an end in Punta Arenas. From here, you'll catch a flight back to Santiago de Chile, taking with you a wealth of fantastic memories that will last a lifetime. If you're not ready to end your adventure just yet, we recommend extending your trip and joining one of our optional post-cruise programs.,
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11/10/2024 |
11/10/2024 |
Air Travel
Air Travel 11/10/2024
Onward from Punta Arenas. Your Antarctica and Patagonia expedition cruise comes to an end in Punta Arenas. From here, you'll catch a flight back to Santiago de Chile, taking with you a wealth of fantastic memories that will last a lifetime. If you're not ready to end your adventure just yet, we recommend extending your trip and joining one of our optional post-cruise programs.,
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11/10/2024 |
11/10/2024 |
Santiago
Santiago 11/10/2024
Onward from Punta Arenas. Your Antarctica and Patagonia expedition cruise comes to an end in Punta Arenas. From here, you'll catch a flight back to Santiago de Chile, taking with you a wealth of fantastic memories that will last a lifetime. If you're not ready to end your adventure just yet, we recommend extending your trip and joining one of our optional post-cruise programs.,
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11/10/2024 |
11/10/2024 |
The Signature Collection – Exclusive Amenities
