After breakfast, our local expert will take us on a city tour to discover the charms of this thriving capital city. The Spanish colonial architecture of Santiago gives character and charm to this cosmopolitan city. It is upbeat and friendly and the perfect mixture of old and new. It is easy to wander the streets where there are original art galleries, and interesting boutiques, as well as restaurants, bars, and coffee shops around every corner. This tour will take us to the heart of the city and includes iconic sites such as Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, Santiago’s Central Postal Office, and its Municipal District. We will also visit the Moneda Palace, which is the government’s headquarters as well as the traditional neighborhoods of the historic city center. A highlight of this tour includes a visit to Santa Lucia Hill, where we will have some of the best views of the city. Our tour continues to the historic neighborhood of Barrio Lastarria, which offers a wealth of charming stores, wine boutiques, and some of the city's best restaurants that are set amid meandering cobblestone streets. The final leg of our city tour takes us to the financial heart of Santiago, teaming with modern buildings, impressive glass skyscrapers, and impressive sculptures designed by prominent national architects.
Optional DISTINCT Tour Excursions - Visit the Garden City
Vina del Mar & Valparaiso (minimum 2 passengers)
Our first stop on this tour is to Viña del Mar known as the “Garden City,” because of its lush gardens and fresh sea breeze from the Pacific Ocean. Initially a fishing village, today, it boasts beautiful white sand beaches, modern architecture, and many shopping centers. restaurants, and bars. One of the most famous photo ops here is the Flower Clock as well as its impressive palaces. You will have the chance to have lunch on your own in this seaside city where you can order up some of the freshest and most delicious seafood that you will ever have.
After lunch, we will travel along the scenic Pacific Ocean seafront to our next destination, Valparaiso. This city is one of the gems of the Pacific Ocean. The port city of Valparaiso rises from the harbor like a giant amphitheater with colorful houses clinging to the steep hillsides encased by meandering cobblestone streets. Valparaiso has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage because of the uniqueness of its location. We will visit the neighborhood of Cerro Alegre, which has picturesque funiculars transporting people to the top of steep hills, colorful houses, and unforgettable sea views that are picture-perfect. No tour of the city would be complete without seeing Sotomayor Square and the Monument of the Heroes of Iquique. In the port area, there will be an additional tour option to take a boat cruise around Valparaíso’s bay to enjoy the views of the colorful hills from a different perspective.