Towering icebergs, glorious Andean peaks and wildlife encounters at the end of the world

Day 1

Fly to Santiago 

Depart on a direct overnight flight from London Heathrow to Santiago de Chile, arriving the next morning.

Day 2

Santiago in-depth tour

On arrival you will be welcomed to Chile by our friendly guide, your host for the next couple of days. Transfer to your central hotel for a 2 night stay. After you have settled in, your guide will introduce you to the surrounding area. In the afternoon we will explore the historic and modern sights of Santiago de Chile, visiting the main streets and squares of the capital. The tour will include the Government Palace, La Moneda, Plaza de Armas and Santa Lucia hill, the hill on which the Spanish founded Santiago. Crossing the Mapocho River we explore Bellavista, the cultural and artistic neighbourhood of Santiago, at the foot of the Metropolitan Park's San Cristobal, the highest hill in town. Finally we will visit Providencia, one of the noble parts of Santiago, with top restaurants, elegant shops and modern high-rise buildings. 

Day 3

Cajon del Maipo

Today we head out towards the Andes and the Maipo River Valley, where we explore a park of rugged mountains and valleys, rivers, springs and waterfalls. Designed to help guests relax from the frantic pace of the modern world, this park is filled with flower gardens, and quiet forest trails for exploring. More adventurous activities include horse riding, trekking and hiking, white water rafting and zip line/canopy tour. 

Day 4

Travel to Torres del Paine

This morning we fly to Puerto Natales, gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. Transfer to you lodge for a 3 night stay. This is an area of outstanding natural beauty, deemed a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1978. Thick magellanic forests, barren pampa, turquoise lakes with huge glaciers and beautifully sculpted icebergs surround you; and soaring out of the earth stand the majestic, granite towers of Torres del Paine.

Day 5

Torres del Paine and Glaciar Grey

In the company of an expert park guide you will get to know the National Park, visiting its most famous attractions, enjoying beautiful walks and learning about the flora and fauna of the marvellous mountains that form part of the Paine Massif. After enjoying a lunch outdoors we will take you to Lago Grey where you will have the option to take a walk around the lake shore or take the navigation and get close up to the Grey Glaciar.

Day 6

Exploring Torres del Paine 

In the company of an expert park guide you will get to know the National Park, visiting its most famous attractions, enjoying beautiful walks and learning about the flora and fauna of the marvellous mountains that form part of the Paine Massif. After enjoying a lunch outdoors we will take you to Lago Grey where you will have the option to take a walk around the lake shore or take the navigation and get close up to the Grey Glaciar.

Day 7

Exploring Torres del Paine 

Today you can choose from a range of established hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulties, go horse-riding across the plains or get up close to the spectacular Salto Grande Waterfall.

Day 8

Punta Arenas

You will be transferred from Torres del Paine to Punta Arenas and taken to your hotel. In the evening there will be a briefing and a special Patagonian welcome meal.

Day 9

Fly to the South Shetland Islands 

Transfer to the airport and board the 71 passenger BAE-146. Your Antarctic adventure begins with a two-hour flight to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. Explore the area surrounding Chile's Frei Station and Russia's Bellingshausen Station, before boarding a Zodiac to embark your expedition vessel, the Ocean Nova for a 5 night cruise on a full board basis. 

Day 10

Ocean Nova Antarctica Expedition Cruise

Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Each day, disembark by Zodiac and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides. On board the ship, attend an engaging program of lectures and presentations, and enjoy spectacular vistas from the panoramic lounge while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests. No journey is the same as flexibility is the key to success in Antarctica. The Expedition Team sets the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by nature, crafting a unique and extraordinary experience each time. While the exact itinerary changes with each expedition, you will explore several spots that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment. Your voyage may include visits to sites such as Paulet Island, Hope Bay, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Deception Island, the Lemaire Channel, or many other magnificent places.

Day 11

Return flight to Punta Arenas  

Return to King George Island and bid farewell to Antarctica. Fly back to Punta Arenas, with the afternoon at leisure to relax or explore the town.

Day 12

Fly to Santiago 

Transfer to the airport and fly to Santiago, arriving mid-afternoon. From here you will be met by your guide and taken back to your hotel for a 2 night stay, with the rest of the day free.

Day 13

Valparaiso, Vina del Mar and Pacific Coast 

We end your unforgettable trip with a full day excursion to the coastal cities of Vina del Mar and Valparaiso. En route we pass the agricultural valleys of Curacavo and Casablanca to reach Vina del Mar, famous for its shopping, parks of huge trees and palms that gave it the well-deserved name of 'Garden City'. We visit the beautiful park of Quinta Vergara with its amphitheatre, its arts museum and its public beaches.

We then travel down the coast to Valparaiso, whose picturesque bay is enhanced by surrounding hills covered in colourful houses. The city was once the most important maritime destination of the Pacific coast of South America and today offers a rich mix of arts and culture, as well as being the country's principal port and the home of the Chilean Navy. We will visit the downtown area, with its public buildings and monuments as well as its picturesque walkways and art galleries of the hill neighbourhoods. Return to Santiago for the evening.

Day 14

Overnight flight to UK

You will have the morning at leisure to do some last minute sightseeing or shopping and to say goodbye to Chile before being collected for your transfer to the airport. A mid-afternoon flight travels overnight and arrives in the UK the next morning.