Santiago Sojourn
Chile’s charming capital is nestled on an inland plain, with the snow-capped Andes towering in the background. It is one of the most modern cities on the continent, yet still retains a colonial influence with many beautiful historical buildings and plazas. It is also a city surrounded by fertile wine-producing valleys and world-class ski resorts, and is within an hour’s drive of the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy the fabulous museums, shops and restaurants.
Day 1
Santiago
Arrive into Santiago, Chile’s elegant capital, with its panorama of the majestic Andes Mountains which can be seen from most parts of the city. You will be transferred to your hotel.
Day 2
Santiago
This morning enjoy a private tour of Santiago, commencing downtown with Palacio de La Moneda Presidential Palace which was originally a colonial mint. Continue to the Plaza de Armas, Cathedral and Central Post Office. A short walk away is the Museum of pre-Hispanic Art with over 700 exhibits. Continue to San Cristobal Hill for a panoramic view of the city and the omnipresent Andes, before heading uptown to the modern areas of the city, providing a contrast to the more traditional constructions seen earlier in the day. Afternoon at leisure. B
Day 3
Santiago – Valparaíso – Santiago
Today take a shared tour to Chile’s central coast, to picturesque Valparaíso, one of the first Chilean cities founded by the Spanish. The city is a historic port and university town, famous for its labyrinth hills, which are covered in quaint, colorful old houses and accessible only by a steep climb or by the city’s unique system of funicular railways. A thriving port for centuries, modern Valparaíso remains Chile’s primary outlet to the sea. After years of earthquakes, gloom and decay, the historic port and university town is now living something of a revival, culminating in UNESCO naming Valparaíso’s Historic Quarter a World Heritage Site in 2003. One of the highlights of the tour will surely be Chilean Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda’s 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. Travel to Viña del Mar, Chile’s fashionable beach resort and take time to wander, perhaps enjoy a nice seafood lunch and maybe take a horse and carriage ride (entrance fees and lunch not included). Return to Santiago late afternoon. B
Day 4
Santiago
Transfer to the airport and depart Santiago and your sojourn is over. B.
Photo at top of page by Pablo García Saldaña on Unsplash.
Tour Cost
