3 Days / 2 Nights
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After a brief flight in a full size jet over the stunning Andes Mountains you will arrive to the ultra modern airport of Santiago. Your driver will be waiting for you to take you to Hotel Plaza San Francisco. The hotel is located in the center of Santiago's historical downtown, next to Santiago's oldest church and many pedestrian streets. This 4+ star hotel feels like old England, with discreet service, lots of leather lounges and marbled, well appointed rooms. The hotel restaurant, the Bristol, is one of the best in Chile.
Tour Santiago with your multilingual guide. Stepping from the doorway of your hotel immerse yourself in the 500+ years of European history. Visit the Moneda Palace, the seat of the government, the Plaza de Armas, and the historic district around the Cathedral. Stroll the wide, bustling pedestrian 'paseos' and wander the colorful Mercado Central, brought piece by piece from France more than 150 years ago. You tour will ascend San Cristobal hill, to pay respects to the statue of the Virgin--a gift from France-as she spreads her arms over the 5.5 million inhabitants stretching across the plains below you. From here the snow-capped Andes you just flew over, guard the cities eastern flanks.
Relax on your own. Dinner on your own. Overnight at Hotel Plaza San Francisco.
Day 2
After breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up by your host
for a full day exploration of the Colchagua Valley.
Today you will visit wineries dedicated to producing quality vintages mostly for export, wineries that can include Viu Manet and Bisquert. Each winery has its own unique style and history, while employing the best of modern technology for the winemaking process. Plan to visit two wineries today, each complete with a tasting and tour.
The sleepy country town of San Fernando has experienced a renaissance based on the many new boutique wineries. This is a delightful place to stroll and explore on your own, with a true feeling of the relaxed pace of Chilean country life. Now its charming central plaza includes high quality handicrafts, locally made ice creams, and wonderful local cafes. Try dining outside under the leafy arbor of plaza-side "Club Social". Exploring here provides time for an optional visit to a most unique attraction, the Cardoen Museum. A brainchild of one of Chile's wealthiest citizens, the museum features an impressive, world-class collection of everything from Wisconsin fossils, to pre-Columbian art, to Chile's original constitution, to a fully restored train station with train.
The Hotel Santa Cruz Plaza is your comfortable home for the evening. It is cleverly crafted in old Hacienda-style, blending into the local environment, yet incorporating every modern convenience, including pools, internet, good restaurant, and of course an excellent wine list.
Relax on your own. Dinner on your own. Overnight at Hotel Santa Cruz Plaza.
Day 3
Breakfast at the hotel, then your host will pick you up to begin your trip back to Santiago.
On the way you will visit the boutique winery of Casa Silva. Be sure to try their Carmenere, a European grape variety, thought lost since the 1860s, and recently rediscovered growing here in Chile.
(Please Note: There is much more to see and do in Colchagua Valley....more wineries, plus horseback riding, and other adventures. We are happy to add another day or
two here, with continued overnights at Hotel Santa Cruz Plaza.)
As you reach Santiago, you will avoid the downtown traffic. Your driver will transfer you to the airport on Santiago's new ring road, in time for your flight on to your next adventure.
(Or extend your stay in Chile with a trip to the Casa Blanca Valley, to the beaches of Vina del Mar, or in season, to the ski slopes of Valle Nevada or Portillo.)
Expenses
The approximate cost for this Chilean wine excursion, or your customized version of it, is $550 per person total, based on double occupancy. This itinerary can be customized with less expensive options, or with more deluxe options. Actual prices will be quoted based on the options you choose. These are SAMPLE ITINERARIES and SAMPLE PRICES only.
Of course you can choose to continue your wine and adventure tour. Travel with us throughout the Chilean Wine Country, visit the local ski areas, travel south to the Lake District of Puerto Monte, or further south into Patagonia. Or if you haven't visited us yet in Mendoza, Argentina....we invite you to enjoy the Mendoza Wine Country with us.
Please Note : Postales del Plata will make every effort to take you to visit the wineries shown in your itinerary, however, these are all working wineries that change or close visiting hours based on actual seasonal conditions. Often we are not notified of these closures until a day or two before they happen. If we are unable to take you to a winery or other location on your itinerary, we will rebook you to another winery or location that is appropriate.
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