Day 1 - Arrive Santiago

Upon arrival you will be met inside the Arrivals Hall at Santiago Airport. The Reciprocity Fee will be pre-paid in order to save time, and you will be assisted with passport, luggage and Customs formalities. Private transfer to the Ritz-Carlton Santiago where a private check-in will be given.

Following a welcome lunch at the hotel, it will be time for an entertaining sightseeing tour of the Chilean capital, commencing with a visit to the colonial centre, during which a surprise snack will be served in one of its most picturesque corners by a renowned local chef. It will then be time to explore the highlights of the city, including the Palacio de La Moneda, the Plaza de Armas, and a visit to the superb Chilean Museum of pre-Colombian Art in the company of the museum’s curator. With over 700 exhibits, this is one of the world’s most important collections of pre-Colombian artwork. Other highlights will include San Cristobal Hill, from which there is an excellent view across the city and the Andes.

Dinner will be served at the excellent Emilio Restaurant, and the Peruvian owner/chef will be on-hand to greet the group, offering a demonstration of the preparation of Chile’s national drink the Pisco Sour. A superb special menu dinner will follow, highlighting the very best of Chilean and Peruvian cuisine. As a special treat, you will receive a signed copy of Emilio’s recipe book.

Overnight: Ritz-Carlton Santiago

Meal Plan: D

Day 2 - Aconcagua Valley

This morning you will be met in lobby of your hotel by your guide and escorted to your waiting vehicle for today’s exploration of the Aconcagua Valley.

The stunning peak of Mount Aconcagua – at 22,800 feet, it is the highest peak in the Americas – actually lies across the border in Argentina, but is visible from the valley that shares its name. The valley is one of Chile’s emerging wine-producing areas. Your first visit today will be to the Viña Von Siebenthal, a boutique winery in the picturesque village of Panquehue that produces only four wines. Von Siebenthal is a no-fuss winery. There is no fancy visitor’s centre or souvenir shop, just superb service and great wines.

A mere 200 metres separates Von Siebenthal from the famous Viña Errázuriz Winery. This was once the largest wine producer in the world, which now vies for the title of Chile’s most beautiful winery. The tour begins among the gardens and climbs through the vineyards for an expansive view of the property. The finale: a wine tasting of Errázuriz's selection of Sangioveses, Pinots, and Shirazes. Afterwards, a delicious picnic lunch on the grounds of the winery.

May is harvest time in the Aconcagua Valley, so we will arrange for the group to participate at one of the vineyards. You will receive gloves and cutters and spend a few minutes working in the field. As an additional option. we can send a bottle of ‘your wine’ to you when that vintage goes on sale some 18-24 months later.

This evening’s dinner will be served at the Akarana Restaurant, a two-minute walk from the hotel. This restaurant offers a fusion of Asian and New Zealand specialties (owner and host Dell Taylor is herself a Kiwi) with Chilean ingredients to create a wonderful feast for the palate. The dishes are creative and fun, and the ambience reflects that very style.

Overnight: Ritz-Carlton Santiago

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 3 - Central Coast

Today enjoy a unique excursion that combines the life and times of Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda, with the flavours and culture of Chile’s Central Coast. The experience commences with a drive to the charming coastal village of Isla Negra, where a visit will be made to the La Candela Inn. Here you will be treated to a hot snack based on the odes of Neruda, while Charo Cofré – one of Neruda’s closest friends and a famous exponent of Chilean folklore music – entertains with a selection of songs. The visit also features a reading of his works by North American poet (and Neruda expert) Todd Temkin, who also happens to be President of the Valparaiso Foundation, a key figure in the city gaining UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Next up is a visit to the Neruda Foundation at Isla Negra, Neruda’s former home, and the site where he is buried. After this fascinating visit, continue along the coast to the Matetic Vineyard. A tour of the winery will be followed by a superb winetasting on the terrace of the winery focusing on their premium wines. Continue to the Casona, where the sounds of Chilean folklore music will greet you upon arrival. A superb country lunch will be served in the tented area in and around the Pergola. After lunch, return to Santiago.

In the evening, you will be transferred to downtown Santiago for dinner at the legendary Confitería Torres. Opened in 1886, this is Santiago's oldest restaurant and was recently renovated whilst maintaining its authentic charm. This is a genuine slice of traditional Chile.

Overnight: Ritz-Carlton Santiago

Meal Plan: B,L

Day 4 - Temuco

This morning you will be transferred to Santiago Airport for your one hour flight to Temuco.

From Temuco you will be taken directly to the wonderful Termas Geometricas Thermal Springs. In an area famous for its mineral-rich volcanic waters, this particular spring stands out from the crowd. There are l7 slate covered pools in the midst of splendid native forest. The visit will be exclusive for the group, and there will be an area prepared with light bites, wines and other drinks. You will be free to pass from pool to pool via a series of wooden footbridges. The hot spring water is distributed to the pools through wooden conduits that run under the walkways and heat it, keeping it always dry and safe. Close to each pool there is always a pavilion built with local wood, with private bathrooms, locker rooms, and a deck to rest. Towels and robes will be provided.

Continue to the Villarrica Park Lake Hotel where a splendid Welcome Dinner will be served this evening, with an emphasis on local ingredients and indigenous touches.

Overnight: Villarrica Park Lake Hotel

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 5 - Villarrica

Today you will be able to choose from a menu of active options including:

A five hour trek in the Huerquehue National Park.

A day of horseback riding in Malalco with expert guide Rodrigo Sugg.

Rafting, an action-packed option that takes you through the pulse-pounding whitewater of the glacier-fed lower Trancura River, through Class III rapids. Rafters are accompanied by experienced guides and all equipment is provided.

For the more active, try an ascent of the Villarrica Volcano. This is a full-day option, suitable only for those in good physical condition, but if the summit is reached this truly is one of the most amazing experiences one can enjoy in this area.

For those participating in half-day tours, there will be some time free this afternoon to explore the charming town of Pucon.

This evening a special event will be held at the Huifquenco Ranch, nestled in woodland above the town of Villarrica. Huifquenco is a working ranch, and you will be greeted by the owners. A display of Chilean rodeo will be given, as you enjoy a welcome cocktail. A menu will be designed especially for you and, of course, will be served with premium Chilean wine.

Overnight: Villarrica Park Lake Hotel

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 6 - Villarrica - Santiago

This morning, discover the exciting sensation of entering one of only two volcanic caves open to visitors in the world. They were made naturally after numerous eruptions of the Villarrica volcano. Set on the hillsides of the volcano at 8,450 feet, you will enjoy a spectacular view of the valley and lakes. Refreshments will be served at the site.

Return to the hotel for a light lunch before continuing to Temuco Airport for your flight to Santiago. Upon arrival, transfer to the Ritz-Carlton Santiago.

In the evening you will be transferred to a truly unique venue for a farewell gala dinner, held at the prestigious Palacio Cousiño. This historic mansion was built for Isidora Goyenechea, widow of Luis Cousiño, a member of one of Chile's most prestigious families. The palace was built between 1870–1878 by the French architect Paul Lathoud. Upon arrival there will be a short tour of the Palace that will end with a cocktail served in one of the salons.

Tonight’s menu will be prepared by Guillermo Rodriguez - considered by many as Chile’s best chef – and his team, who prepare the vast majority of official dinners organised by the government.

Dinner will be served in a tented area, and will be accompanied by chamber music performed by a local ensemble. This is a wonderful, sophisticated way to round-off youe Chile experience.

Overnight: Ritz-Carlton Santiago

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 7 - Depart Santiago

This morning there will be a range of half-day excursions in and around Santiago on offer. In the evening an A&K guide you will be transferred to Santiago Airport for your flight back home. 

Overnight:

Meal Plan: B