Chile: Best of Santiago & Valparaiso
Travel Destinations: Chile
7 Day Itinerary | Santiago, San Antonio Valley, Valparaiso
Unwind in seaside resorts and uncover some of South America’s best wines on this unforgettable journey.
• Explore the dynamic cities of Santiago and Valparaiso with private guides.
• Drink your fill of flavorful local wines on a winery tour of the San Antonio and Casablanca valleys.
• Relax amid the seaside splendor of Zapallar’s idyllic Pacific beaches.
Independent Travel
Independent trips are either entire trips you take privately or solo extensions to a group tour.
Classic
Embark on a timeless journey where iconic destinations, historical landmarks, and cultural treasures create a well-rounded and enduring trip.
Premium
Elevate your journey with style and sophistication, offering top-notch experiences without breaking the bank.
Flexible
With no pre-set departure dates, choose when you want to go and for how long.
At A Glance
Day 1 – Santiago
• Airport Transfer with Meet & Greet
• Chile Welcome Package
Day 2 – Santiago
• Historical city tour with pre-Colombian museum
• Dinner Reservations & Car Service
Day 3 – San Antonio Valley
• Private transfer to San Antonio Valley
Day 4 – San Antonio Valley
• Casablanca & San Antonio wineries tour
Day 5 – Valparaiso
• Valparaiso city tour
Day 6 – Valparaiso
• Maitencillo, Cachagua & Zapallar tour
Day 7 – Valpariso
• Morning at Leisure
• Private transfer to Santiago airport
Itinerary
Day 1 – Santiago
To ensure your comfort, an English-speaking guide will be waiting for you outside of Customs holding a sign with your name on it. This representative will direct you to your awaiting vehicle and driver, and accompany you to your hotel to assist with check-in.
To accommodate early flight arrivals into Santiago, an early check-in will be arranged at your hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 2 – Santiago
One of the best ways to understand Santiago is to study the city’s historical development. Your tour begins by driving to Santa Lucia Hill, which is called Huelen in the native aboriginal dialect. Santa Lucia Hill was popularized by Spanish conqueror Pedro Valdivia who founded the city and gave it the name Santiago de Nueva Extremadura, in honor of the apostle Santiago, who was the patron Saint of Spain. Next up, you will visit the Plaza de Armas (Main Square), which is the central point of the city’s earliest urbanization. Today, the Cathedral, main post office, National Historic Museum and Municipalidad de Santiago (city council) are located around the square. Carrying onward, you will tour through the Pre-Colombino Art Museum where more than three decades have passed since Sergio Larraín García-Moreno and the Municipality of Santiago founded the museum. Wander around in Plaza de la Constitución Square, see La Moneda Government Palace as you discover the fascinating historical milestones of the city from independence to the present day. Before returning to your hotel, you will visit one of the oldest barrios of Santiago: Republica and Concha y Toro.
Lacking the international recognition that the mouth-watering Novoandina cuisine of Lima or the extravagant asado barbecues of Buenos Aires command, tonight you will discover that the Chilean capital of Santiago deserves a seat at the table of gastronomic excellence. Reservations will be made in advance at the restaurant of your choice, and round-trip transportation in a private vehicle will also be provided. Please note: Your meal is not included and will be paid for on location. Reservations are confirmed at the time of booking and are subject to availability.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3 – San Antonio Valley
Enjoy a private transfer with an English-speaking guide from Santiago to the San Antonio Valley.
Accommodation: Vineyard
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4 – San Antonio Valley
This morning you will be picked up from your hotel to embark on a private tour through two of the most highly regarded vineyards in Casablanca: Bodegas Re, one of the most innovative wine making vineyards in the country, and Casas del Bosque, a vineyard specializing in time-honored, traditional practices.
Your guided outing of Bodegas RE will include a tour through the balsamic and artisanal fruit-liquor rooms, the clay vessel cellar and six wine tastings featuring RE Pinotel, RE Chardonnoir, RE Syranoir, RE Syragnan, RE Cabergnan, and Lomajes de Viña Roja (Carignan) which will be accompanied with lights snacks of bread, cheese, and olive oil. While visiting Casas del Bosque, you will enjoy a private tour of the grounds and cellar, including a tasting of one Reserve and two Grand Reserve wines.
Accommodation: Vineyard
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5 – Valparaiso
After meeting your private guide in your hotel lobby, head to Sotomayor Square to observe the Iquique Heroes Monument as well as the most historically important buildings of the region, which surround the square. You’ll then board the El Peral Funicular, one of the five funiculars still working in the city, which leads to the Yugoslavian Promenade. From here, wind your way through labyrinthine, narrow streets of the hill to La Concepción where you’ll arrive at Gervasoni and Atkinson Promenade. In La Concepción Hill you’ll notice the strong influence of Anglosaxon immigrants while appreciating what is likely the best preserved district in the city. After returning to downtown Valparaiso, head to the old Custom-House Square and Artilleria Funicular, where 21 de Mayo Promenade is located and where you can take in a panoramic view of Valparaiso Bay and Viña del Mar City. Returning to the downtown core of the city, you’ll pass by important squares and monuments en route to your hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6 – Valparaiso
The day begins with a hotel lobby rendezvous in the Viña del Mar & Valparaiso region and, after settling into your private vehicle, tracks north along the coast, passing the Mantagua Dune Field and stretches of gorgeous beaches and charming seaside resort towns, en route to Cachagua, your first stop. Here you’ll visit Las Cujas Beach, an enclosed bay of crystalline waters where after a walk to the mirador of Cachagua Island you’ll be greeted by a range of wildlife including – with luck – Humboldt penguins and sea otters. You’ll then carry on to Zapallar, an exclusive seaside resort with a small bay that is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful on the northern coast. Stop for a break here and take in the sights at the Zapallar viewpoint and walk along the Senderos de Piedra (or Stone Pathways), enjoy lunch when the time is right, then settle in for the return transfer back to your accommodations.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7 – Valparaiso
This morning, enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.
To accommodate your schedule, a late check-out has been arranged at your hotel.
Meet your driver for a private transfer from your hotel in Valparaiso to Santiago.
Meals included: Breakfast
Captivating Moments
Get captivated by a stunning collection of sample images from this trip.
Additional Information
This sample itinerary is meant to inspire your next trip. It is ready to be customized to suit your interests, tastes and budget so you can connect with local cultures and experience authentic travel on your own terms and departing whenever you choose. Itinerary details and availability are subject to change, please inquire for up-to-date information and pricing.
What’s Included
• A fully customized itinerary based on your interests and schedule
• 24/7 in-destination support from our local office
• All accommodation stays, tours and transfers for scheduled activities are covered, unless otherwise listed in the itinerary
• A private driver for tours and transfers (in some countries our local private guides also act as your driver – your Destination Expert will discuss with you if applicable)
• Local private guides or shared tours that take you through your itinerary highlights and experiences, your final itinerary will confirm the type of tour
• A greeting at the airport or at your accommodation from one of our representatives – your expert will confirm your meet and greet location with you
• One suitcase and one carry-on per person for trip transfers
What’s Not Included
• Your international airfare – please do let your expert know if you’d like to receive pricing from our Air Team
• Travel insurance, which we offer and can be purchased after you’ve booked your tour
• Visas (unless noted)
• Excess baggage charges, and where applicable, baggage not included in your fare
• Early check-in or late check-out from hotels (unless otherwise specified)
• Optional enhancements like room or flight upgrades, optional tours, or local camera or video fees
• Passport fees, immunization costs, and local departure taxes (when applicable)
Book This Trip
Love this sample itinerary? Reach out to us and make it your own! Gilded Travels can quickly offer you information about availability, customization, and pricing.