Santiago Independent Short Break

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Chile. Your adventure begins in Santiago – with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, this is the perfect gateway to Chile’s varied landscapes, whether you’re headed for snow, sea or desert. You’ll be collected from the airport and transferred to your hotel for a free evening to explore at your own pace. Santiago’s centre is compact, with Plaza de Armas at its heart. For a quieter side of city life, head to Barrio Bellavista, Santiago’s ‘Paris Quarter’ and ride the cable car up Cerro San Cristobal. On a clear day, you’ll enjoy stunning views over the city and the Andes.

This morning, you’ll be picked up by a local guide for a walking tour around the historical centre of Santiago. First, take the local metro to the center of the city and Stroll through the city's most iconic landmarks while your guide teaches you about the history of Santiago – from the Presidential Palace, you’ll stroll the Plaza de Armas (main square), the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Head to the market to try some local snacks, then explore the arts district, with your guide you’ll board the metro and public transport back to your hotel. From here, you can head back to your hotel to relax or continue your exploration of the city at your own pace. In the afternoon, embark on a delightful culinary journey through the charming Barrio Italia, one of Santiago's most vibrant and historic neighborhoods. You'll visit a selection of well-established local venues, carefully chosen to ensure an authentic experience and exceptional food quality. Your guide will meet you at your hotel before walking together to the starting point of the tour. Along the way, you'll pass the Hermanas De San Jose church, a heritage landmark that reflects the origins and rich history of Barrio Italia. You'll also stroll by renowned art galleries, design studios, antique shops, and boutique stores that give the neighborhood its distinctive character. Your first tasting stop is the Mapuche Market, where you'll sample traditional Chilean products and a selection of premium local spices and seasonings while learning about the country's culinary heritage. The experience continues with one of Chile's most iconic specialties - a freshly baked traditional empanada and sweet corn, followed by a tasting of four premium craft beers, showcasing the diversity and quality of Chile's thriving craft brewing scene. After this flavorful exploration of Barrio Italia, you will return to your hotel with a deeper appreciation of Santiago's culture, history, and gastronomy.

You’ll be picked up from your hotel early this morning for a full day tour to Valparaiso – a major city, seaport and educational centre. When you arrive, head out to explore the colourful houses and local street art, learning about the history of this UNESCO World Heritage site. See the La Chascona (one of Pablo Neruda’s houses – the acclaimed Chilean poet), which was declared a historic monument in 1990 to ensure its conservation and preservation. Continue to Viña del Mar, known as the ‘Garden City.’ Visit some of the local urban gardens and palaces and see the famous Flower Clock, which is photographed by tourists from all over the world. Enjoy some free time to grab lunch, explore at your own pace, then head to the famous Reñaca Beach, for a bit of vitamin sea before driving back to Santiago.

There are no activities planned for today, so you can depart the accommodation any time before checkout. If you’d like to extend your stay in Santiago and require additional accommodation, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.