Santiago Pre-Extension: Wine and Culinary Delights

Arrive today in Santiago, Chile. Mid-afternoon, meet your local guide in the lobby of your hotel (Ritz-Carlton Santiago or similar) for a curated tour of some of the city’s highlights, such as the Plaza de Armas and its Baroque Catedral Metropolitana and La Moneda—the Presidential Palace originally built as a colonial mint house in the late 18th century. Wonder at the stunning views of this expansive city on your way to dinner at a premier local restaurant that showcases some of the region’s finest cuisine. (L,D)

Venture after breakfast into the Casablanca Valley, a wine region to the northwest of Santiago, initially famous for its white Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay grapes, and now equally well-known for producing world class reds. You’ll start with a visit to Casas del Bosque vineyard for a private wine tasting and hands-on experience before lunch at this picturesque vineyard. This afternoon, enjoy a private tour and tasting at the unique Bodegas RE Vineyard, which has been owned and operated by the same family for eight generations. Go behind the scenes to learn about their winemaking process, the oldest and most natural methods of the craft. Return to Santiago for another fabulous dinner with wine pairing at another of the city’s premier restaurants. (B,L,D)

Travel south of the city, into the foothills of the Andes mountains, to the small town of Alto Jaguel in the Maipo Valley. This wine country is home to one of Chile’s most famous imports and exports: the Carménère grape. Visit the historic Santa Rita vineyard on foot or by carriage. Explore the lovely grounds and visit the monolith commemorating the exact location where the Carménère grape variety was rediscovered as a distinct varietal in 1994. Tour the historic wine cellars, enjoy a tasting of the premier wines and finish with lunch in the on-site restaurant before returning to Santiago.

This evening, join your expedition companions at your hotel for a welcome reception, then enjoy dinner on your own. (B,L)

Please note: All day-by-day breakdowns are a sample of the places we intend to visit and the activities we intend to conduct. Activities, and the order of activities, is subject to change based on local conditions, including closures. Your local guide will share your hand-crafted itinerary on Day 1.