AMAZING VALUE on this itinerary which offers an astonishing diversity of landscapes and destinations along the length of Chile, always with the shadow of the mighty Andes never far away.

This tour is a wonderful opportunity to see some of the most celebrated highlights of Chile in a tour that offers great value and a fascinating and varied itinerary. Starting in Santiago and visiting the Pacific coastal towns of Valparaiso and Vina del Mar, fly north to the spectacular and dramatic red landscapes, clear starry skies and jaw-dropping sunsets of the Atacama Desert. After spending a day or two in the high Andes crossing vast white salt flats and waking early for steaming geysers, return to Santiago for a brief stopover before travelling in the other direction - the far south of Chile. Staying in the small town of Puerto Natales, you will discover some of Patagonia's glaciers as well as the iconic granite pillars of Torres del Paine National Park.

Accommodation throughout is in good quality mid-range hotels and all transfers and services are on a shared group basis with our highly experienced English-speaking guides. Commentaries throughout will be in English and other languages (sometimes English only depending on group). 

If you would like to spend a little longer in South America, we would be delighted to suggest additional extensions before or after this tour. Perhaps fly to the remote Easter Island in the Pacific for a distinct polynesian flavour and to explore the mysterious Moai statues. Or at the end of the tour instead of departing directly from Santiago, some time to unwind and relax at some beautiful boutique wineries for a day or two.You could even add a cruise around Cape Horn for a truly spectacular trip of a lifetime aboard an Australis expedition ship. Do ask us for advice on extending your trip.

IMPORTANT NOTES:
This tour is a group escorted tour with all services and transfers on a shared basis. Tours are guaranteed to depart with a minimum of two persons.
Tours depart in 2011 on 12 and 20 April.
You will be accompanied throughout the itinerary by highly experienced English speaking guides. All tours are conducted in English and and other languages.

Day 1
Fly to Santiago, Chile
Late afternoon departure from London Heathrow to Madrid, continuing overnight to Santiago by LAN Airlines or Iberia flight.

Day 2
Arrive and sightseeing in Santiago
Morning arrival in Santiago where you will be met and transferred to the Hotel Regal Pacific (or similar), for 2 nights. Afternoon tour of Santiago, where you will take a walk around the downtown area before heading north to San Cristobal Hill for a panoramic view of the city and Andes Mountains beyond.

Day 3
Sightseeing to Valparaiso and Vina del Mar
After, breakfast, leave Santiago on a full day excursion which takes you via the fertile Casablanca Valley to the Pacific Coast. Visit the attractive garden city of Vina del Mar and the contrasting historic port of Valparaiso, which is built on 44 hills.

Day 4
Fly to the Atacama
After an early breakfast, you will transfer to the airport for the flight north to Calama. On arrival, transfer to the pretty village of San Pedro de Atacama (distance 100kms). Stay at the Kimal Hotel (or similar), for 2 nights. In the afternoon, visit the Salt Mountain and the incredible landscapes of the Valley of the Moon. (San Pedro de Atacama is situated at around 8,000ft above sea-level).

Day 5
Sightseeing in the Atacama
Today's sightseeing will show you the magnificence of the Atacama. Start the day visiting the Atacama Salt Flat - Chile's largest. At the Chaxa Lagoon, you will see Andean Flamingoes and other birdlife. Stop at the town of Toconao, and visit the church and pretty whitewashed Bell Tower Later you will head into the high altiplano, (up to 14,850 feet), where you will see the altiplanic lagoons of Menique and Miscanti. The landscape is generally barren, but beautiful and tranquil.

Day 6
Sightseeing in the Atacama and fly to Santiago
You will have an early start this morning in order to travel to the Tatio Geysers. This geothermal field is best viewed at dawn when you can watch the natural phenomenon of the steam columns rising as the sun rises over the volcanoes. Return to San Pedro in the late morning. Later in the afternoon, you will fly to Santiago for an overnight stay before continuing to the south the next day.

Day 7
Fly to Patagonia
Return to the airport and a flight to Punta Arenas. From here, continue by comfortable scheduled coach service to Puerto Natales (approximate journey time, 3 hours). Stay in Puerto Natales at the Costaustralis Hotel (or similar), for 3 nights. The town of Puerto Natales overlooks Last Hope Sound.

Day 8
Cruise to the Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers
Full day tour with lunch today sailing from Puerto Natales through Last Hope Sound towards Balmaceda Glacier, habitat of cormorants and sea lions. Disembark at the end of the fjord for a short walk through native forest to the foot of Serrano Glacier. Stop enroute back to Puerto Natales at Estancia Perales for a typical lunch.

Day 9
The Torres del Paine National Park
Discover the dramatic Torres del Paine National Park today on a full day excursion including lunch. Driving through the park you may observe native flora and fauna such as guanacos. Visit the Salto Grande (waterfall) of the Pehoe River with the iconic granite massif of Torres del Paine in the background. Then continue to Lake Pehoe and Lake Grey from where you will see Grey Glacier in the distance.

Day 10
Return to Santiago
Leave Puerto Natales by scheduled coach service to Punta Arenas in time for your flight to Santiago. Overnight at the Regal Pacific Hotel (or similar)

Day 11
Homeward journey
Depart Santiago for the airport for your overnight flight on LAN or Iberia to Madrid.

Day 12
Land back in the UK
From Madrid, continue by air London Heathrow

Accommodation
Regal Pacific Hotel - Santiago and Wineries, Chile
Just a few blocks away from fashionable Parque Arauco and Alto Las Condes and the renowned Providencia area, with its wonderful sea food restaurants the Regal Pacific Hotel is the perfect location in this lovely city.
The hotel offers a first class ambience providing fine classic furnishings in all its recently renovated 104 bedrooms.

Hotel Poblado de Kimal - Atacama Desert, Chile
The Hotel Poblado de Kimal is situated in the heart of the historic centre of the ancient oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama, on the corner of the main Street, Caracoles.
Each of the 21 charming wood and adobe cabana style rooms have individual terraces and are set among a garden of fruit trees with shady paths, reminiscent of an ancient settlement or village.

Costaustralis Hotel, Puerto Natales - Torres del Paine, Chile
Located close to the  famous Torres del Paine National Park, glaciers and channels the Hotel Costaustralis, is located in Puerto Natales city, 250 kilometres from Punta Arenas, the capitol of the Magellan’s region.
Centrally located each of the 50 bedrooms are arranged over four floors and feature large windows overlooking the main avenue opposite the Pacific Ocean.

Price Includes
All accommodation, breakfasts, 2 lunches and excursions as mentioned above and transfers are included. International and internal flights are included in economy class - please ask us for upgrade prices to business class.

Notes
The price shown is a guideline only per person, based on twin occupancy in low season, unless otherwise stated. Prices may change due to variations in dollar / pound exchange rate, airline availability and season.