Transfer Airport SCL

Chile & Patagonia
with Tahiti and Easter Island

*Fully escorted from Australia
Guaranteed SINGLE room throughout
Departing Australia 24 March, 2011

3 nights Tahiti, 2 nights Easter Island, 2 nights Santiago, 1 night Ushuaia, 3 nights Cruceros Via Australis cruise,
3 nights Torres del Paine, 3 nights Puerto Varas, 1 night Santiago

The most famous region of Chile, Chilean Patagonia offers all the dramatic landscape one would expect from the world's ultimate land's end. Here the South American continent falls away in a dazzling explosion of islands, glaciers, icebergs and mountains. It is truly one of mother nature's grand finales.

Among the other wondrous sites in this remarkable region is the Torres del Paine National Park one of the world's most extraordinary national parks. Well-known as the 'Jewel in Chile's Crown', this is a must see destination filled with colossal granite peaks and electric-blue icebergs drifting from ancient glaciers. The wildlife that exists here is as unique as the surroundings and is home to guanacos, flamingos and condors! Torres del Paine is unlike any national park you will find here in Australia. Prepare to be amazed!

Located 3,700 km (2,300 miles) off the west coast of Chile, Easter Island is the world's most isolated inhabited island. It is also one of the most mystifying places on Earth, possessing a history that remains as unclear as it is evocative. Isolated for centuries from the outside world, the people of Rapa Nui developed their own distinctive culture, a culture perhaps best known by the moai, huge figures carved of volcanic rock. Hundreds of these sculpted monoliths dot the landscape, some in imposing rows, others toppled, broken, and scarred by violence. Scholars have been able to reconstruct some of the tragic history that lies behind the disintegration of Rapa Nui culture, but many important parts of the puzzle-including how and why the moai were built-remain uncertain.

Come and join us as we leisurely experience the best that this region has to offer.

Day 1 Thu. 24 March, 2011    Sydney - Papeete, Tahiti Early morning departure from Sydney for our flight to Tahiti.   We cross the dateline and arrive the night before we leave! Check in to our hotel on the night of 23 March and check out late on 27 March Accommodation: Manava Suite Resort Tahiti or similar 4.5 nights   The Manava Suite Resort Tahiti is located in the island's north-western region, in the community of Punaauia, just five minutes from Faa'a International Airport and ten minutes from the city centre.   Opened in 2009, the Manava Suite Resort Tahiti is the premier Papeete resort for business and leisure travellers alike. Designed by Tahitian architect/designer Bruno Hervochon, all guest rooms reflect authentic Polynesian décor while still offering contemporary amenities and the comforts of home.

Day 2 Thu. 24 March, 2011   Papeete (B)   At leisure. Tahiti, the largest island of the 118 islands and atolls in French Polynesia, , towering over the ocean like a proud and royal Queen is appropriately crowned by a circle of majestic peaks.   The mountainous interior is adorned with deep valleys, clear streams, and high waterfalls, all bathed in green iridescence of Mother Nature's light. The coastal lands, edged with a rugged coastline, are home to fields of tropical flowers and most of the island's population.     Papeete, meaning the " water basket, " was once a gathering place where Tahitians came to fill their calabashes with fresh waters. Now the invigorating capital city and gateway of the country, boasts world-class resorts, spas, fine dining and unique restaurants, nightclubs, vibrant markets, pearl shops, and boutiques.   Tahiti... Just the word...The world's definition of paradise.   With more than 100 things to do on the island of Tahiti, we have left the choices up to you.   Go scuba diving, sail a catamaran with or without a skipper, take a 4WD tour of the island, tee off at the International Golf course at Atimaono, snorkel at a plane wreck or kayak in the lagoon.   The choices are yours and all tours can be booked from our hotel.

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Day 3 Fri. 25 March, 2011   Papeete - Moorea - Papeete (B) Optional full day tour to Moorea. It is rumoured that James Michener based his mythical, idealized island, Bali Hai on Moorea. And it is easy to see why. Many people have described Moorea as the most beautiful place on earth. Here, you'll find the real South Seas' experience - a casual, barefoot existence amidst white sand beaches and multi-hued lagoons surrounded by jagged mountains and volcanic spires that reach into the clouds, while below, valleys are blanketed with the colours that one only finds when tropical climates and rich, volcanic soils meet.

Day 4 Sat. 26 March, 2011 Papeete (B) Full day at leisure. Fringed by glorious white and black sand beaches, French Polynesia's bustling capital offers stylish shops and excellent restaurants. Le Marche, a bustling public market is the place to buy the best baguettes outside Paris, colourful pareos and other souvenirs. Le Truck, a public open-air bus offers inexpensive transport around Papeete. Feeling like something more energetic?..try water skiing or horseback riding, hang gliding, fishing for Mahi Mahi, swim in the Grotto Caves of Mara’a or hike on Aorai Mountain. Perhaps its time to experience some of the cultural aspects of Papeete. Visit the Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands or the Black Pearl Museum, discover the Anchors of Captain Cook and Bougainville or visit the Paul Gauguin Museum. Or perhaps.. if you haven't already done so, take a circle tour of the island, go shopping for arts and crafts or just sit back and relax in the hotels infinity pool.

Day 5 Sun. 27 March, 2011 (B) Full day at leisure. We transfer to the airport after dinner this evening and fly out just after midnight.

Day 6 Mon 28 March, 2011   Papeete - Easter Island, Chile (B) On arrival we transfer to our hotel for check in and then enjoy afternoon sightseeing to Ahu Akivi, Hanga Poukura and Puna Pau   The first stop will be Ahu Akivi with seven restored Moais, built in the middle of the island. Dr. William Mulloy dated this site at 1460 AD and restored it in 1960. According to an old legend, the seven-moai statues on this Ahu present the seven scouts sent to Rapa Nui (Easter Island’s local name) by King Hotu Matu’a. You will continue on to Ahu Hanga Poukura. This not restored archaeological site lies at a bay named Hanga Poukura, which gave the platform its name. It is situated at the south coast, close to the village of Hanga Roa. The statues lying in front this platform seem to be scattered up to 100 meters away from the platform, almost sunk into the ground already. This gives room for speculations if some of he status were in the process of bringing them to its destination but never erected, or may be pushed away from the platform by a huge wave. The scenery reveals a rocky coastline with blowholes, the cliffs of Rano Kau, thus showing the different landscapes of Rapa Nui.     Then you will visit the topknot-quarry Puna Pau with its red scoria stone, where all the Pukaos were made.

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Day 6 Tue 29 March, 2011 Easter Island   (B)     Full day island excursion with Anakena beach   Your first stop will be Ahu Vaihu, where eight large moais lie in ruins. You continue on to Ahu Akahanga, which is also known as the platform of the king. According to legends, this is the site where the bones of the first king of Easter Island (Hotu Matua) were buried. Your trip continues on to one of the most attractive places on Easter Island, Rano Raraku, the volcano, where 95% of all moai were carved. Nowadays you can find 394 statues remaining in various stages of completion. There will be a hike to the top of the volcano to not only reveal many statues, but also admire a spectacular view on Rano Raraku’s gorgeous fresh water lake. To some observers the quarry looks like a graveyard of giants’ stone. It seemed as if the production of moai were abruptly abandoned, leaving us a frozen snapshot of time so we can look closely at how exactly the moai were carved out of the volcanic rocks. This quarry and the nearby transit road were the staging area of which many speculators base their theories on how the moai were transported. Archaeologist Jo Anne Van Tilburg suggested that the moai production in Rano Raraku quarry probably started and stopped often over the years, possibly due to the periodic resource shortages or to political disagreements.

Next, you will visit the beautiful restored Ahu Tongariki. This magnificent platform is the largest on the island with its fifteen moai. In the background, there are wild Pacific waves crashing fiercely against the rocks. Ahu Tongariki was completely destroyed by a tsunami (tidal wave), from the results of the earthquake in Valdivia in 1960 and restored by the University of Chile in 1992 to 1995.
You continue your trip along the north coast and pass through La Perousse Bay to stop at Ahu Te Pito Kura. This is the site of the largest moai ever transported and erected onto an Ahu. The moai Paro stood at 9,8 meters and has an estimated weight of 82 tons.    Last stop is the beach of Anakena, where King Hotu Matua first landed on Rapa Nui. Anakena is one of two beaches on an island that are surrounded by a rough black rock coastline. In 1978, the archaeologist of Easter Island Sergio Rapu partially restored the Ahu Nau Nau where the Ahu Ature Huki has the same location. The moai standing here were the first ones ever being re-erected onto an ahu. This was done by a group of islanders working for the expedition of Norwegian Thor Heyerdahl in 1956.

Day 7 Wed 30 March, 2011   Easter Island - Santiago, Chile (B) Morning at leisure. This afternoon we transfer to the airport for our flight to Santiago. On arrival transfer to the hotel.   Accommodation:    Hotel Santiago Park Plaza or similar (1 nights) Hotel is located in the heart of Providencia, near the subway, commercial and financial center, which makes it one of the city’s most attractive areas.4

Day 8 Thu 31 March, 2011 Santiago - Ushuaia Morning to Ushuaia via Buenos Aires today. On arrival we transfer to the hotel for evening at leisure. Accommodation: Hotel Yamanas or similar) 2 nights Located in a privileged part of Ushuaia, and with an impressive view of the Beagle Channel, Hotel Los Yámanas is a comfortable and sober place, named after the aborigines in the region (also called "yamanes" in Chile). All rooms have a view of the Beagle Channel.

Day 9 Fri 01 Apr, 2011 Ushuaia (B) This morning we enjoy a city tour and spend remainder of day at leisure exploring this delightful city. Ushuaia, capital of Tierra del Fuego, is located at the coast of the Beagle Channel surrounded by Le Martial Mountains that offers this unique combination of mountains, sea, glaciers and forest in Argentina. Departing from Maipú avenue, towards the Footbridge Luis Pedro Fique, you will cross this narrow pas that ends at La Mission neighbourhood, area chosen by the first white men settled down in Ushuaia. Other districts to visit will be the Brown and Solier, built by the first immigrants at the beginning of the 20th century. During the tour you will be able to observe old houses pertaining to the first fuegian families like Bebans, Pastorizas, Cangas, Fiques, Salomons, Ramos and the Provincial Legislature, old Government's house. Also you will be able to observe the contrast of the incredible growth produced by the arrival of new settlers during the 80's. A visit is included to the End of the World Museum It was built in 1903 with to be Manuel Fernandez Valdes’s residence, who was governor later on. In 1911 it was taken by the National Bank for its subsidiary, which operated there until 1978, when the building was transferred to the museum. There are several rooms to visit with testimonies of the natives, ancient shipwrecks, prisoners and a collection of birds.

Day 10 Sat 02 Apr, 2011 Ushuaia - Cruceros Via Australis (B,D) After breakfast this morning we enjoy a tour to Tierra del Fuego National Park including Lapataia Bay.
Located only 11 km away from Ushuaia, the Tierra del Fuego National Park is unique for having in its protected area, mountains and access to the sea. The excursion begins coursing to the southwest along the National route NR. 03, travelling through the suburbs of the city and along the Mount Susana hillside, witness of the goings of the prisoners of Ushuaia ancient prison. The road continues along the valley and Pippo River, where a section of the Southern Fuegian railway is going to run soon. Here we are going to have a stop. The road leads us now to the entrance of the National Park, and first of all we will arrive to the Ensenada Bay. From there we will be able to look at the Redonda Island, and at the other cost of Beagle Channel we can appreciate the Mounts Nevados that belong to the Sampaio chain of mountains. Afterwards we are going to head for the area of the Roca Sea, travelling a narrow and picturesque way, which is going to present us the specimens of the local fauna. The park is home to red foxes, guanacos, beavers, condors and ducks. Once at the Roca Sea, we are going to have a walk alongside the edge of Lake and River Lapataia and its natural estuary. At this point the Condor Hill dominates the landscape, though, which runs the border with the Republic of Chile. Then we travel towards Lapataia Bay, on the way we can appreciate the Green Lagoon and then we are going to carry out two optional walks. The first one to Black Lagoon, and imposing forming turf-bed, and the second one to the Beavers Dike, whose path will lead us directly to Lapataia Bay, the ending of the National Route 3.

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This afternoon we board our cruise ship, Via Australis. On the Via Australis you will cruise through the world's most pristine and magnificent regions of the world. In comfort and safety you will pass through the Straits of Magellan and the Beagle Channel through the land of fire called Tierra del Fuego. On your cruise you will encounter magnificent views of glaciers, the awesome Patagonian scenery, penguins, whales and other of nature's inhabitants of this incomparable beauty. We cruise for 4 days/3 nights between Ushuaia, Argentina and Punta Arenas, Chile . This will most definitely be a cruise of a lifetime!
With opportunities for close contact with nature abound, your comfort is not forgotten. From the professional guides who make sure you get to know the area, and the crew, the attention you deserve is always the uppermost obligation. It’s to complete the list of amenities. You will indeed return with unforgettable memories to be treasured for a lifetime. All cabins offer the passenger the amenities of a great hotel: private bathroom with shower, heating and air-conditioning, chest of drawers, closet, bedside table, internal telephones and 110 volt electrical current. All excursions mentioned in the program are included (subject to change due to weather conditions) as well as full board and open bar. Accommodation: on board 3 nights

Day 11 Sun 03Apr, 2011 Cape Horn - Wulaia Bay (B,L,D) Sailing through the Beagle Channel and Murray Channel, you will arrive at the Cape Horn National Park, a place where the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans meet. Cape Horn is a natural self-built wall of almost 425 meters high that was discovered on January 30, 1616 by a commercial expedition from the Netherlands organized by Isaac Le Maire and under the command of Captain Willem Schouten. Cape Horn owes its name to the Port of Horn, a Dutch town from where the expedition had started on June 14, 1615. Later, you disembark in Wulaia Bay; a historical indigenous settlement with high archaeological values. This area is also renowned for the spectacular beauty of its vegetation and geography. You will walk through a Magellanic forest filled with Lengas, Coigües, Canelos, ferns and other species to reach a look-out point. Overnight on board.

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Day 12 Mon 04 Apr, 2011 Gunther Plüschow Glacier - Chico Sound (B,L,D) In the afternoon, we view awe-inspiring Gunther Plüschow Glacier, named after the region’s pioneering German aviator. Then we sail to Chico Sound where we disembark in Zodiac to approach to “Piloto and Nena Glaciers”, providing you with a closer look at these awe-inspiring masses of ancient ice. Overnight on board

Day 13 Tue 05 Apr, 2011 Magdalena Island - Punta Arenas – Torres del Paine (B,L,D) Early in the morning you will disembark in Magdalena Island, the home of an enormous penguin colony with over 120.000 of them in different stages of breeding. You will walk to the San Isidro Lighthouse, which used to guide the explorer sailors on their way across the Magellan’s Strait. After the visit we return to Punta Arenas for disembarkation procedures and lunch in a local restaurant. We then transfer to Torres del Paine and have dinner at our hotel. Accommodation: Hotel Rio Serrano or similar (3 nights) The hotel is names after the sinuous Serrano River, which is born in the waters of Toro Lake and flows into Ultima Esperanza Sine. Its unique location, in front of Torres del Paine and surrounded by an astonishing nature, gives the perfect amalgam of design, quality and comfort, in harmony with fragile ecosystem. The hotel is surrounded by a breath-taking natural beauty which has spectacular view from all its facilities. The spacious areas give emphasis to elegance and quality assuring a quiet and peaceful atmosphere.

Day 14   Wed 06 Apr, 2011   Torres del Paine (B,L,D) Today we have a full day excursion to one of the most spectacular scenic regions, not found anywhere else in the world, the Torres del Paine National Park! It covers an area of 113,000 hectares and has been named Biosphere Reserve by the UNESCO in 1978. Cascading waterfalls, roaring creeks, shimmering lakes and jagged spires of mountains are just a part of what Paine offers you. The road you take borders majestic lakes. On this tour you will visit the viewpoints Los Cuernos and Lago Pehoe, the spectacular Salto Grande (“Big Waterfall”) the Administration of the Park (Conaf) and the viewpoint Lago Grey, which allows you to have a marvellous view on the Grey Glacier. Have a glimpse sightseeing herds of guanacos, foxes, swans, and several small-sized birds.    We have lunch at Hosteria Lago Grey and dinner back at our hotel after a very memorable day.

Day 15 Thu 07 Apr, 2011 Torres del Paine (B,L,D) Today we have a full day excursion in the Paine National Park and you will visit some beautiful lagoons : Laguna Amarga and Laguna Azul. First you’ll head to the Laguna Amarga, the “bitter lagoon”, named after its bitter tasting waters, due to a high salt concentration. With a bit of luck, you will observe flamingos by the lagoon. Afterwards, you head on to the Cascada Rio Paine, a beautiful waterfall with its green coloured waters. Your tour continues to the Laguna Azul, the “blue lagoon”, named after its blue shimmering waters. Enjoy the beautiful views on a hike along the lagoon.   We have lunch at Hosteria Pehoe and dinner back at our hotel.

Day 16 Fri 08 Apr, 2011 Torres del Paine - Punta Arenas – Puerto Montt – Puerto Varas (B) After breakfast we transfer from our hotel to the airport of Punta Arenas for our flight to Puerto Montt.   On arrival we make a short transfer by road to Puerto Varas and check in to our hotel. Accommodation: Hotel Cumbres Patagonicas or similar (3 nights)   Hotel Cumbres Patagónicas guarantees top quality service and promises a stay surrounded by nature and comfort. Its panoramic view of Lake Llanquihue in Pueto varas, is one-of-a-kind. The hotel’s perfect natural setting, combined with the quality of its service, ensure a stay that will rival the splendor of its surroundings in excellence.

Day 17 Sat 09 Apr, 2011 Puerto Varas (B,L) Full day Fotosafari to Osorno Volcano. You start this extraordinary excursion with one of the most beautiful scenic trips through the soft lush green countryside, past oxen and tractor-ploughed fields, weather beaten clap-board barns and churches surrounding Lake Llanquihue. You will enter the Vicente Perez Rosales National Park, the oldest one in Chile. Here, you visit Laguna Verde (“Green Lagoon”) before starting your unforgettable drive up the Osorno Volcano passing deep and untouched Lenga Forests. Arriving at the sector of “La Burbuja” on approx. 4000 ft., you can enjoy a short walk through unspoiled natural beauty offering countless photo opportunities. High up, you’ll have spectacular unique views of the snow-capped summit of the Volcanoes Osorno and Calbuco and the shimmering Lake Llanquihue deep down in the valley. You then continue visiting the Petrohué Rapids, a fabulous dashing and gleaming succession of azure blue cascades against a backdrop of majestic mountains at the east. Then you reach Petrohué, the eastern port of the spectacular Lake Todos los Santos, also called "Emerald" for its vivid green colour. Enjoy a walk along the lava fields, before you return to Puerto Varas. We have lunch at Hotel Petrohue and dinner back at our hotel.

Day 18 Sun 10 Apr, 2011 Puerto Varas (B,) Excursion to Frutillar and Puerto Octay The tour starts with a drive along the Llanquihue Lake to the pretty village Frutillar. Here, you will see historical areas where houses surrounded by beautiful gardens have been built similar to those of the German Black Forest region. You pass by the Lutheran and Catholic Churches and the Museo Colonial with its exhibits on the first settlers’ history. Continue then via the coastal road along Llanquihue Lake to the little village Puerto Octay which was also founded by the German immigrants. On the way enjoy spectacular views of the Llanquihue Lake and the volcanoes Osorno, Calbuco and Puntiagudo in the background. Upon arrival, you will visit the viewpoint of the Peninsula Centinela, visit the main square with its beautiful houses and the local church. You will have the possibility to have lunch at a local restaurant (not included) before you return to Puerto Varas. Remainder of day is at leisure.

Day 19 Mon 11 Apr , 2011 Puerto Varas - Puerto Montt - Santiago (B) Morning is at leisure before our afternoon flight to Santiago and overnight accommodation. Accommodation: Santiago Park Plaza (or similar) overnight.

Day 20 Tue 12 Apr, 2011 Santiago - Australia (B) We enjoy a city tour of Santiago this morning and have remainder of day at leisure before our transfer to the airport and overnight flight to Australia. Santiago de Chile is a city of contrasts with remains of its Colonial past to the ultramodern, high-rise buildings of the financial centre; Chile’s capital city will surprise you. This tour offers you the possibility to see this eclectic mix for yourself. The tour begins by heading south through the downtown area, passing the Club Hípico, a beautiful horseracing track in the older residential area of the city. You then proceed alongside the Parque O’Higgins and the Cousiño Palace, built between 1870 and 1878 for the wealthy Cousiño family. From here you head along the famous Alameda, Santiago’s colourful main avenue, to the heart of the city, seeing the Chilean University, San Francisco Church and the Santa Lucia Hill, site of Santiago’s foundation in 1541. Then you will visit the Plaza de Armas and the cathedral. Just around the corner, you will visit the Pre-Colombian Art Museum, one of the most complete collections of ceramics, ancient textiles and relics of American culture (Monday closed). Very nearby is the famous Central Market, which is the main market for fish and seafood, an interesting building, dating back to the end of the 19th century: It is a metal construction, built in London and brought by ship to Chile. Afterwards, you continue the tour by crossing the Mapocho River to reach the bohemian Bellavista district on the way to the San Cristóbal Hill. From one of the hill’s view points, you will have the finest views of Santiago and the Andes Mountains. To round off the tour, you will pass through the modern residential areas of the city with their daring architecture and, finally, the bustling Providencia shopping zone.

Optional: Upgrade to Business class for international sectors
i.e. Sydney/Papeete/Easter Island/Santiago - Santiago/Sydney
Additional $AU4900 subject to availability

** Please note: This tour involves services which are settled in a number of currencies and the exchange rate has been calculated on

Should there be a fluctuation of exchange rates of more than 3% from this time to the time we receive payment, we reserve the right to pass on an exchange rate surcharge.

These prices are based on 2011 estimates and are subject to increase and/or currency surcharge