Description:
This tour is ideal for passengers who extended their stay in Santiago pre-cruise and want a brief tour of Valparaiso and Vina del Mar before transferring to the ship (or hotel in Valparaiso/Vina del Mar). We can also pick up from the airport.
After pickup from your Santiago hotel or airport, drive through the Casablanca Valley, home of the many Chilean vineyards. Discover the exceptional beauty of Valparaiso, a centuries old port city recently declared a World Heritage by UNESCO.
Prior to the construction of the Panama Canal (1914), the Port of Valparaiso was the most important in the South Pacific as ships from around the world called here once they crossed Cape Horn or the Strait of Magellan. Explore a labyrinth of streets that stretch over the many tiered hillsides facing the bay and see an antique funicular (wooden cable car elevator) used to transport the resident “Porteños” up and down.
Enjoy the imaginative architecture and bright colors of the centenarian homes built by the first Europeans to settle here. Breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean await you at the "21 de Mayo" promenade and panoramic lookout point. Other city highlights include the La Matriz church, “Plaza Sotomayor” with its impressive Naval Heroes Monument, Ex-Governor’s Palace and the Justice Tribunal building.
Contrasting the aged elegance of Valparaiso is the “Garden City” of Viña del Mar. Viña is renowned for its beautiful avenues lined with immense old trees, well-kept parks, popular resorts, long sandy beaches and holiday fun. Enroute to Viña, you’ll pass the Plaza Victoria, National Congress Building, and Santa Maria University. Upon arrival you’ll see the Viña "Flower Clock", impressive Presidential Palace, Brunet and Wulff Castles, and the posh Viña del Mar Casino and luxury hotel.
Special Requirements: Not suitable for disabled passengers.