Essence of Chile

Fly overnight to Santiago, Chile's cosmopolitan capital, set against the magnificent backdrop of the Andes. Transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the day settling in or head out to explore at your own pace.

Explore Santiago's fascinating blend of colonial heritage and modern city life. Wander through the historic centre, visiting Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, Central Post Office and La Moneda Palace before continuing to San Cristóbal Hill for spectacular panoramic views across the city and, on a clear day, the Andes.

Journey through the vineyards of the Casablanca Valley, where Chile's cool coastal climate produces some of its most celebrated wines. Learn about the winemaking process, sample a selection of wines and enjoy lunch amid the peaceful vineyard scenery. This afternoon, visit colourful Valparaíso, where the atmosphere changes completely. Brightly painted houses tumble down steep hillsides, street art fills the winding lanes and historic funiculars climb above the Pacific coast, revealing the city's wonderfully bohemian character. Explore its characterful streets and soak up the unique coastal charm before returning to Santiago.

Fly north to Calama and transfer to the oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama, surrounded by some of the driest landscapes on Earth. This evening, venture into one of the world's clearest night skies. Using powerful telescopes, observe distant galaxies and constellations, discover how ancient cultures interpreted the heavens, and capture unforgettable astrophotography.

Mineral-rich hills streaked with red, green, gold and white give Rainbow Valley its name. Walk amid these vivid formations before examining the ancient petroglyphs of Yerbas Buenas, carved into the desert rock by communities who crossed this region centuries ago. Later, the scenery becomes even more otherworldly. Salt ridges, sculpted rocks and sweeping dunes define Moon Valley, while nearby Mars Valley provides a dramatic setting in which to watch the desert change colour as the sun sinks towards the horizon.

High on the Altiplano, intense blue lagoons lie beneath towering volcanoes. Journey through this starkly beautiful wilderness to see the waters of Miscanti and Miñiques, the rust coloured formations of Red Rocks and the traditional Andean village of Socaire. Across the vast Atacama Salt Flat, crystalline plains stretch towards the mountains. At Chaxa Lagoon, there may also be opportunities to observe flamingos and other birdlife feeding in the mineral-rich waters.

Leave the desert behind and fly south to Puerto Montt in Chile's lush Lake District. Continue to Puerto Varas, a charming town overlooking Lake Llanquihue and the snow-capped cone of Osorno Volcano.

The landscapes around Puerto Varas are shaped by water, ice and ancient volcanic activity. Follow the shores of Lake Llanquihue towards Osorno Volcano, pausing at viewpoints as the road climbs through the mountain scenery. In Vicente Perez Rosales National Park, the turquoise Petrohué River surges over black volcanic rock, creating a powerful series of cascades. The day concludes beside the tranquil waters of Todos los Santos Lake, framed by forested slopes and distant peaks.

Cross the Chacao Channel by ferry to mystical Chiloé Island, an island steeped in maritime traditions and folkore. Around Ancud, explore the market, historic fort and waterfront before continuing through the island's green countryside towards the Pacific coast. At the Puñihuil Islets, take a boat excursion to observe seabirds and one of the few places on Earth where Humboldt and Magellanic penguins nest side by side. Finally, continue to Castro, known for its colourful palafito houses raised above the water on wooden stilts.

Return to the mainland and fly to Santiago before continuing to the peaceful surroundings of the Maipo Valley, Chile's oldest and most celebrated wine region.

Spend the day relaxing at your vineyard hotel or choose to explore the surrounding wine estates independently. Enjoy the peaceful setting and take time to savour Chile's renowned wines.

Transfer to Santiago airport for your onward flight back to the UK.