This itinerary combines culture and nature in a most pleasurable way. The journey takes us to some of the former homes of Chile's Nobel Prize author Pable Neruda, which have now been turned into museums. We will visit the UNESCO World Heritage city of Valparaiso and stay at the Somerscale Hotel, the former home of the English painter T.J. Somerscales, famous for his seascape pictures. From here will venture into one of the best wine growing areas of Chile, of course not without sampling some of its excellent wines. We will also visit the La Campana National Park, one of only two sites where Chile's native coconut palm can be found in its natural habitat. Even Darwin visited this area in 1825 and climbed cerro El Campana, the 1828m peak after which the park was named. Finish the day by relaxing at the Hot Springs of Termas de Jahuel. On the last day enjoy another vineyard visit in the foothilss along the Aconcagua Valley.

Day 1: Santiago - Casablanca Valley - Isla Negra - Valparaíso

We will begin our excursion in the morning by visiting "La Chascona", the Santiago residence of the celebrated Nobel Prize winning poet Pablo Neruda. La Chascona, named for his third wife's mane of hair, is one of 3 houses owned by Neruda that have been converted to museums and that will be visited during this trip. We continue our journey to the Pacific, towards the Casablanca Valley - one of Chile's supreme wine regions, situated in the coastal valleys of the V Region. Here we will visit one of the prominent vineyards for lunch and wine tasting. Leaving the valley our jourmey continues to the dreamy seaside town of Isla Negra where we visit another inspiring home that belonged to the poet Pablo Neruda. Wander through a fantastic collection of model ships, instruments, toys, colored bottles, and sea shells, which were an important part of the poet's life. Later that evening we will arrive at the historic port city of Valparaiso. Overnight at historic Hotel Sommerscale, former residence of the renowed English painter by the same name who is famous for his coastal landscapes paintings. (L)

Day 2: Valparaíso - Viña del Mar - Olmué

After breakfast we will explore the colorful city of Valparaíso, which UNESCO recently declared a Cultural Humanity Patrimony Site. Following the 19th century independence wars, the port became ripe for the winds of free trade which then swept the globe. This heralded the "golden age" for Valparaíso, evidence of which can still be seen today. We will take a ride in one of the historic cable cars to the top of the hills, where we will visit "La Sebastiana" - another exciting residence of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. Lunch in a lovely restaurant in Valparaiso. We will continue our trip to nearby Viña del Mar. The jumble of colorful homes cascading down the hills of Valparaíso is an astonishing contrast to Viña del Mar, with its robust economy, high rise apartments, manicured lawns and well kept gardens. Our tour continues to the tiny, characteristic agricultural town of Olmué, famous for its warm, healthy climate and the surrounding La Campana National Park. Overnight at Hosteria El Copihue. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Olmué - La Campana Nacional Park - Termas de Jahuel

Charles Darwin said he never enjoyed a day more thoroughly than his day at Cerro La Campana. The National Park is home to a diverse flora and fauna, including some of the last remaining Chilean Palms. After a short drive we will spend the day hiking one of the trails of the park. This trip involves approximately three to six hours of easy to moderate hiking, depending on your personal preferences and abilities. Picnic-Lunch in the Park, before continuing our journey towards the Andes Mountain Range. Overnight at the Resort and Health Spa 'Termas de Jahuel' at an altitude of 1.185 mt/3988 ft. Apart from a breathtaking view of the valley the Resort features hotsprings and excellent food. (B,BL,D)

Day 4: Termas del Jahuel - Valle del Aconcagua - Santiago

Enjoy the morning at the hot springs of the Resort. On our way back to Santiago we will visit the San Esteban Vineyard located on the mountainous, eastern edge of the Aconcagua Valley. Its vineyards are beautifully situated along the Aconcagua River and spread across the foothills of the Andes. Transfer to Santiago airport or city hotel of your choice. (B,L)

Rates for 2008/2009 - per person

Rates may vary due to currency exchange rate fluctuations.

Includes:

3 overnights with breakfast, 3 lunches and 1 lunch box, 2 dinners, transfers and excursions with bilingual driver-guide, entrance fees, and wine tasting on the visited vineyards.

Not Included:

international or national airfares, airport taxes, travel insurance of any kind, meals not mentioned in the itinerary, expenses of a personal nature, tips or gratuities

Note:Travel commences every day except Mondays. Please request New Years Rates from 29 Dec 2007 - 3 Jan 2008

For further information and booking inquiries please send us and e-mail.

Hotels used for this Itinerary

Hotel Thomas Somerscales*** Once the home of the artist Thomas Somerscales this exquisite hotel in the heart of Valparaíso, a World Heritage Site that preserves the early 19th century style of urban development in South America. Thomas Somerscales hotel has been restored in full compliance with the heritage conservation guidelines. Its 8 traditionally decorated rooms exude a 19th century ambience, yet also feature modern amenities such as telephone, internet access, cable TV, minibar and safe deposit box. The hotel also offers a cafeteria and a saloon with capacity for up to 30 people.

Hostería El Copihue*** Located 90 km / 56 miles northeast of Santiago near La Campana National Park, Hostería El Copihue is surrounded by thick forests. Built in 1956 it features 40 comfortable, spacious rooms, some with a capacity for up to 5 people. Rooms are equipped with TV and telephone. Hotel facilities include: restaurant offering typical Chilean and German cuisine, outdoor pool, Spa-centre with Sauna and Jacuzzi, gym, games-room, and table-tennis.

Termas de Jahuel**** The pleasantly situated Termas de Jahuel, offers comfortable rooms and spa facilities that utilize the Hotel's own thermal waters. The thermal waters have an average temperature of 22°C / 71,6 F and are recommended for respiratory, rheumatic, digestive and cardiac conditions. Located 18 km / 11,2 miles from San Felipe at 1.180 m / 3.870 ft above sea level the hotel offers 94 exquisite rooms, fully equipped with color TV, telephone, Internet access, central heating, air conditioning and safe deposit box. Hotel facilities also include a restaurant, bar, open air swimming-pool, tennis court, gym, library and conference facilities (2 saloons each with a capacity for up to 180 people).