Santiago and Mendoza Wineries Vacation
PAQUETES Chile
ITINERARIO DIA A DIA
Day 1 – Santiago de Chile - Arrival
Our representative will be waiting for you at the Santiago airport and take you to your hotel. We recommend requesting an early check in.
In the afternoon we'll pick you up from your hotel and tour the bustling city of Santiago. We will start with the downtown area, driving down the Alameda Bernardo O'Higgins, Santiago's main avenue.
First stop will be Santa Lucia Hill, where the capital was founded in 1541. It offers a beautiful view of the city center. Part of the historic city center was converted into pedestrian areas which hold the city’s main commercial activity.
On the Plaza de Armas, the main square, you will see lovers in repose next to old men playing chess and businessmen having their shoes polished. The plaza is surrounded by main buildings such as the cathedral and the main post office but it has a charm of a village square and gives visitors an idea of the culture. Of course we will visit Plaza de Constitucion with La Moneda, the government palace. Our guide will explain to you the important role this building has played in the past and present of our country.
We will cross the Mapocho River to access Bellavista, a neighborhood full of cultural and artistic activities and nightlife. Bellavista lies at the foot of the Metropolitan Park's San Cristóbal, the highest hill within the town. We will drive to the hilltop for a view of the whole city and the majestic Andes mountain range. Finally, a visit to Providencia, the new nucleus of the town, and the residential areas of Las Condes and Vitacura.
Return to your hotel and overnight in Santiago.
Day 2 – Vina del Mar and Valparaiso Chile.
Early morning pick up at your hotel to start our tour towards the Pacific Ocean, passing the agricultural valleys of Curacaví and Casablanca, finally reaching Valparaíso, Chile’s main port.
It was once the most important maritime destination of the Pacific coast before the Panama Canal was opened in 1914.
We will visit the downtown area and the hill neighborhoods for a better understanding of this city which flourished in the early 20th century. Traveling north along the coastline of the bay, we will reach the city of Viña del Mar, the most famous and visited seaside city of the area, whose many parks with huge trees and palms give Viña del Mar its well-deserved name of 'Garden City'.
Late return to your hotel in Santiago.
Day 3 – Concha y Toro and Santa Rita Wineries (Tue to Sun) Chile.
In the morning we will visit the famous Concha y Toro winery located in Pirque, close to Santiago in the Maule valley.
At Pirque you can enjoy the vineyard views and a brief overview of the viticulture and technology in vineyard management so important to creating first-quality wines.
Wine glass in hand, we will go back in time as we take a stroll through the ancient park and view the Pirque Casona, residence of the Concha y Toro family. Chile’s largest winery was founded here over one hundred years ago and it holds an important place in the history and folklore of wine making. To prevent thefts from the wine cellar Melchor de Concha y Toro created a legend of a Devil living in his cellar. Today one of his quality wines is called "Casillero del Diablo".
Around midday we will visit the Santa Rita Vineyard, where we will enjoy a delicious lunch, followed by a tour and wine tasting.
A number of historical events related to the independence of Chile took place in Santa Rita. Bernardo O´Higgins, the general who achieved Chilean independence took shelter here with 120 soldiers after fighting the Spanish crown forces. Santa Rita’s most famous range of products is called "120" in homage to these patriots.
As we are guided around we will learn about their wine making process. It is a wonderful vineyard.
Return and overnight in Santiago.
Day 4 – Maipo Valley and Santa Cruz Chile.
Today we will start with the Winery Odfjell located just outside of Santiago on the old coastal road.
Odfjell is a progressive leader in vineyard management, elevating the image and practice of viticulture in Chile to produce the best possible wines using sustainable agriculture and "green" wine making practices. In addition to producing wine, Odfjell breeds Norwegian Pony Horses.
After this visit we will continue south on the Pan-American Highway towards Santa Cruz. Our hotel in the local adobe style is just of the main square. You will have time for a swim in the hotel’s beautiful pool and an optional lunch. In the afternoon we will visit the local museum, which has the biggest private collection in Chile of archaeological, Pre-Colombian and colonial artifacts.
Overnight at Hotel Santa Cruz.
Day 5 – Colchaugua Valley Chile.
The wineries of the Colchagua Valley were the first in associating and opening their vineyards to the public. Today 14 of them participate. Each winery has its own history and individual charm, and many boast a long family tradition which now employs the latest technology to produce fine wines.
We will visit three wineries and learn about their traditions of wine making and enjoy a relaxing lunch in the Social Club of Santa Cruz.
Overnight at Hotel Santa Cruz.
Day 6 – Maipo Valley - Santiago – Mendoza Argentina.
Today we will depart from the Colchagua Valley and drive back to Santiago to take your next flight to Mendoza in Argentina.
Reception at the airport and transfer to your hotel.
At noon you will have a speech with the wines specialist that will be our guide along our tour who will introduce us to the local wines.
After lunch, you will visit the city trying to familiarize with the local culture, key aspect to understand the wine process.
Dinner at Francesco with wine testing.
Return to your hotel.
Overnight in Mendoza.
Day 7 – Mendoza and wineries.
Breakfast and departure to the Productive Oasis in Mendoza.
You will visit 3 or 4 wineries.
At noon enjoy a typical lunch with wines of the house.
The visit will end with a introductory course to the wine testing technique with our enologist who will show us the world of wines, the process and techniques of elaboration, the importance of the cork in the bottle and the use of the glasses to taste the wines.
At sunset in the Andes, we will arrive and check in at Posada Club Tapiz and will enjoy a dinner at Cena Terruño with directed wine tasting.
Overnight at Club Tapiz in Mendoza..
Day 8 – Mendoza.
Breakfast and departure towards the Uco Valley and visit to 3 wineries, Salentein, Lurton and lunch at Andeluna or Altus where you will enjoy the exquisite Argentinean beef with the wines of the house.
At sunset in the Andes, we will arrive and check in at Posada Club Tapiz and will enjoy a dinner at Cena Terruño with directed wine tasting.
Overnight at Club Tapiz in Mendoza..
Day 9 – Mendoza back home.
Breakfast and departure towards the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires and back home.
End of the program.
