Day 1 – Departure from the UK.

Day 2 - Morning arrival in Santiago and transfer to your hotel for a two-night stay. Remainder of day at leisure. Chile’s capital is only one hour from both the Pacific Ocean and the mountains of the Andes. The beautiful colonial centre contrasts with all the trappings of a modern metropolis, and the city has a distinctly European feel. A visit to the charming restaurants and intimate wine bars in the artists’ quarter of Bellavista is recommended.

Day 3 - Morning sightseeing tour of Santiago including the Presidential Palace of La Moneda, the Plaza de la Constitucion, the traditional Plaza de Armas, with the imposing Cathedral and the central market where you will see an extensive display of flowers, fruit, seafood etc. Enjoy the spectacular views of the city from the beautiful gardens of the Santa Lucia hill. Afternoon visit to the Maipo Valley, Chile’s best wine producing area, and to the famous Concho y Toro vineyards for a tour and wine tasting. (B)

Day 4 – Morning departure to Santiago Airport for the flight to Puerto Montt. Short tour of the nearby resort and the port with its picturesque fishermen’s wharf in Angelmo and the Chinquihue Beach, with its oyster hatcheries. Continue on to Puerto Varas with its rose lined streets and beauty spots on the shores of Lake Llanquihue. Four-night stay at this delightful spot. (B)

Day 5 – Full day excursion to Chiloe Island that is noted for its spectacular range of marine birds and lovely scenery. Oyster lunch at a local restaurant followed by a visit to the historic city of Ancud before returning to Puerto Varas in the afternoon. (B, L)

Day 6 – Full-day excursion by catamaran to Todos los Santos Lake, passing through an outstanding landscape that includes the Osorno, Puntiagudo and Tronador volcanoes. Stop at the emerald green waterfalls of Petrohue before proceeding to the lake for lunch. Climb the Osorno Volcano and there will still be time to stroll through an ancient forest at the Rosales National Park, visiting the Green Lagoon and walking on to enjoy memorable panoramic views. (B, L)

Day 7 – Day at leisure to relax or take an optional excursion. (B, L)

Day 8 - Transfer to the airport for the flight to Punta Arenas where you will be met and taken to the bus terminal for the scheduled bus service to Puerto Natales. Transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay. (B)

Day 9 - Full-day excursion to the Torres del Paine National Park, part of the United Nations’ World Biosphere Reserve system. Visit the Milodón Cave, a huge cavern near Puerto Natales where the remains of a giant prehistoric sloth was found. Hike among the lakes, rivers and waterfalls in the shadow of the park’s most breathtaking image, the giant granite pillars known as the ‘Towers’. Packed lunch. Check in at Hostería Las Torres (simple accommodation) for an overnight stay inside the park. (B, L)

Day 10 - At leisure to explore the park. (B)

Day 11 - Morning at leisure to enjoy the park further. Afternoon transfer to the bus terminal in Puerto Natales for the journey back to Punta Arenas for an overnight stay. (B)

Day 12 - Departure for the airport for the flight to Santiago. Remainder of day at leisure. (B)

Day 13 - Early departure for a full-day excursion to the Pacific coast, passing through the fertile Curacavi and Casablanca valleys. Arrival in the picturesque and important port of Valparaiso, known as ‘Valpo’, with its winding streets and houses built perilously on the steep hills. Further along the coast is the international resort of Vina del Mar, renowned for its fine climate, casino and immaculately kept public gardens. The tour continues along the attractive coastal road via Renaca, Cochoa and Con Con before heading back to Santiago in the late afternoon. (B)

Day 14 - Transfer to the airport for the return flight to the UK, or extend your stay in Chile. (B)

Day 15 - Morning arrival in the UK.

Includes: All international and domestic flights in economy class with pre-payable departure taxes, 12 nights accommodation with breakfast, meals as stated, transfers and guided tours on a private basis (except days 5,6,8, 9 & 11 in Patagonia on a shared basis). English-speaking guide.

B = Breakfast
L = Lunch
D = Dinner