Classic Chile  

Chile, 12 Nights

Highlights
• Salt flats and red desert landscapes in the Atacama
• Boutique wine producers in the Colchagua Valley
• Towering granite peaks of the Torres del Paine National Park

Chile is known as the thin country and stretches down the South American continent where, centuries ago, Native Americans settled in the fertile valleys between the Pacific coastline to the west and the Andes mountains to the east. On this 13 day journey through Chile see landscapes as diverse as snow-capped mountains reflected in clear lakes, the geological sites of the desert of Atacama, the lush vineyards of the Wine Country and the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Torres del Paine National Park.

Day 1 - London/Santiago
Depart London today on an overnight flight via Madrid to Santiago de Chile, set within the fertile plains of the Central Valley between the snow-capped Andes mountains in the east and the sun-soaked Pacific Coastline to the west.

Day 2 - Santiago
After checking in at your boutique hotel, Le Reve, in the heart of the chic district of Providencia, you may like to begin your exploration of this cosmopolitan city, founded by the Spanish conquistadors in 1541, with the historic buildings clustered around the central Plaza de Armas.

Day 3 - Santiago / Atacama
A flight this morning takes you to Calama, the gateway to the geological and archaeological wonders of the central Atacama Desert. Rain has not fallen in parts of this region in the world's driest landscape since the days of Spanish rule. The oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama is home to the chic Awasi Lodge, located a short stroll from the town centre, where you will spend the next three nights. The design of this luxurious oasis hideaway has used traditional materials typical of the region to create spacious stone cottages with terraces, al fresco dining and welcoming lounge area with open fire pits.

Day 4-5 - Atacama
Discover this dramatic region on days of adventure with your experienced private Awasi guide. Explore archaeological sites, volcanoes, vivid mineral lakes and dramatic lunar landscapes by four wheel drive or on foot. You may like to spend a day relaxing in the hot springs or by the salt lagoons - however you choose to spend your time here, your dedicated guide will ensure you get the most out of this truly spectacular destination.

Day 6 - Atacama / Wine Country
Fly back from Calama to Santiago today to head out of the city towards the sensational Altair Vineyard for lunch and wine-tasting enroute to the celebrated wine growing valley of Colchagua. Continue to the Viu Manent vineyard in the afternoon. The Colchagua Valley is still relatively unknown outside Chile but each year gains more recognition for its excellent red wines. Enjoy two nights
in one of the secluded 'casitas' located on the Clos Apalta wine estate which forms a part of the revolutionary Casa Lapostolle winery.

Day 7 - Wine Country
Discover the winery at Casa Lapostolle, owned by the Marnier Lapostolle family, also creators of the worldfamous liqueur, Grand Marnier and enjoy a sumptous lunch on the estate. In the afternoon, enjoy a visit to Viña Neyen. The grounds blend tradition
and modernity in a small valley of the Tinguiririca River and the Rojas family has been producing fine wines here in the Apalta terroir since 1890.

Day 8 - Wine Country / Santiago
After a leisurely breakfast, depart from your hotel to visit the fascinating private Museum of Colchagua. Owned by the Cardoen Foundation, the collection is organised into different sections including local folklore, huaso culture and wine making. After lunch return to Santiago to overnight at the Hotel Le Reve in Providencia.

Day 9 - Santiago / Torres del Paine
Take a flight to Punta Arenas in the far south of Chile, on the southern Strait of Magellan from where a few hours drive north will bring you to the edge of the spectacular Torres del Paine National Park. Set amid dramatic patagonian wilderness, the Remota lodge offers a chic contemporary retreat at the end of a day's explorations of Torres del Paine and surroundings. Soothe tired limbs in the Finnish sauna after a day's hike and then unwind in front of an open log fire or over a sumptuous dinner enjoying the spectacular panoramic views.

Day 10-11 - Torres del Paine
Experience the dramatic sights and sounds of Torres del Paine National Park: the ice-washed light of valleys and vibrant lakes changing hue through the long days of the Austral summer, with sheer granite mountains carved by glaciers and sculpted by wind as
a backdrop. Group activities in and around the park are included either on foot or by boat, horseback, mountain bike or kayak.

Day 12 - Torres del Paine / Santiago
Return to Punta Arenas for an afternoon flight to Santiago, where you will return to Hotel Le Reve to overnight. You may like to spend the last few hours of your time in Chile with a classic jazz concert in the hip Bellavista quarter or a sumptuous dinner at one of Santiago's fine seafood restaurants.

Day 13 - Santiago / London
Depart Chile today as you return to London on an overnight flight via Madrid. Alternatively you may like to extend your Chilean adventure with a tour of the Lakes District or head out to remote and mysterious Easter Island, 2000 miles off the Chilean coast and famous for its figures sculpted from volcanic rock.

With A&K all journeys are individually tailored to suit your needs and timescale. As a guide, this 13 day suggested journey in Chile will cost from £5,850 per person based on two adults sharing with flights from the UK and subject to availability.

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