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Day 1: Valparaiso, Chile Today, our adventure starts in Valparaiso, Chile, where the architecture, style, street art, nightlife, and live music scenes are some of the best in the world. After we board the luxurious Silver Whisper cruiseship, our home-away-from-home for the next 18 days, we will have time to settle in, before we meet our group at one of the ship's elegant restaurants for our welcome cocktails to toast the upcoming adventures that await us, followed by the welcome dinner to share in the anticipation and the excitement of the days ahead. Day 2: Valparaiso, Chile Heritage Tour Today, we will explore the colorful, bohemian city of Valparaíso with the best street art in South America. The city has inspired writers, poets, musicians and artists for generations for reasons that will become apparent as we take a guided walk through its labyrinthine streets and ride on one of the traditional funiculars to miradors with gorgeous vistas of the city and the ocean. Known as the "Jewel of the Pacific," Valparaiso was declared a world heritage site due in part to its unique architecture: built upon dozens of steep hillsides overlooking the Pacific Ocean, it features a system of funicular lifts that connect different levels and are also considered a historical treasure. Our tour will include Villa Victoria, the Old Customs Building and Plaza Sotomayor, with the Heroes of Iquique Monument, El Peral Funicular, Yugoslavo Promenade, the Baburizza Museum, and a panoramic tour along the shores of Vina del Mar. Day 3: Day at Sea Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, watching for sealife from the observation lounge, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring the coastal sites. Throughout the day, we'll be able to indulge in gourmet dining experiences, as we savor delectable cuisine prepared by world-class chefs and paired with exquisite wines. Day 4: Puerto Montt, Chile For most of its history, windy Puerto Montt was the end of the line for everyone traveling in the Lake District, and even today it remains the region's last significant outpost. During today's excursion, we can embrace the stunning natural beauty of the region, as we marvel at the panoramic views during a scenic drive through the town of Puerto Varas, the picturesque Lake Llanquihue and breath-taking vistas across the lake of the snow-coved Orsorno Volcano. After a short stop at the village of Ensenada, with a distinctly German feel, we will take the same route back to Puerto Montt. Alternatively, you can join the optional excursion to the Chilean Lake District (additional fee applies). Day 5: Day at Sea Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side. Day 6: Cruise Chilean Fjords, Chile Winding through the vast expanses of the Chilean Fjords will reveal mountains looming on both sides, waterfalls, and the marvel of hardy flora clinging to barren rocks. Seals and dolphins patrol the length of these uninhabited fjords as they have done for millennia. Small fishing-boats come out of Punta Arenas luring fish and trapping for king crab, while terns dip and glide coaxing their own small fish out of the deep, dark fjord waters amongst tiny islands thick with vegetation. Day 7: Punta Arenas, Chile Punta Arenas, known in Chile as "City at the End of the World," is a remote yet cosmopolitan town at the southern tip of South America. Despite its harsh climate, with temperatures often in single figures, the city has long been a welcoming stop for explorers, including Captain Scott and Ernest Shackleton. Our tour of Punta Arenas will offer a deep dive into the city's past and present. Starting with a panoramic view from Cerro De La Cruz, we will enjoy sweeping vistas of the city and the Straits of Magellan. We will then continue with a visit to the Maggiorino Borgatello Salesian Museum, which showcases the history of Patagonia's indigenous people and natural history. Next, we'll explore the Patagonia Institute, an outdoor museum featuring artifacts from the region's golden age, before concluding at the Plaza de Armas, where the grand stone mansions surrounding the square reflect the wealth amassed from the sheep ranching industry in the late 1800s. Alternatively, you can join one of the optional excursions to Estancia Olga Teresa or the Magdalena Island Penguin Reserve (additional fee applies). Day 8: Garibaldi Fjord & Glacier, Chile A stunning, unimaginably vast wedge of slowly creeping blue ice, the Garibaldi Glacier is a fitting climax to the voyage through the cinematic majesty of the Garibaldi Fjord. After we sail amid tumbling waterfalls, tightly-packed forestry and soaring mountains, we'll stop to explore the glacier-sculpted Parque Nacional Alberto de Agostini, the newest member of Chile’s exclusive club of extraordinary, remote National Parks. Spread across the fractured lands of South America’s southern tip, this is the dramatic region where the peaks of the Andes mountain range plunge down into the depths of the icy ocean, generating some of Chile’s most spectacular scenery. We may witness occasional chunks of the ancient ice calving and plunging spectacularly into the waters below, as the glacier continues its gradual retreat. The fresh chunks of ice add to the floating confetti of tiny frozen islands all around, ranging in hues from creamy whites to electric blues. It may appear like a frigid, unforgiving environment at first glance, but the fjord is alive with unique fauna and flora and recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve. Full of diverse ecosystems, we will watch for penguins, sea lions and Peruvian condors all adding to the rich tapestry of life here. Day 9: Ushuaia, Argentina Today, we will discover the intriguing history and scenic views of Ushuaia, the "City at the End of the World." Ushuaia looks out across the Beagle Channel, with the background of the Martial Mountains to the north. Despite its remote location, Ushuaia is a surprisingly busy and lively resort, with lots to keep its visitors entertained. We will embark for a tour of the downtown area and see the city's iconic landmarks including the Government House with its distinctive peaked roof and the End of the World Museum. We will conclude the tour with a scenic drive through La Mission neighborhood to the panoramic viewpoint of Las Hayas, where we will have the opportunity to see the city from one of the highest points. After a stop at the Presidio Museum, we will return to our ship. Alternatively, you can join the optional catamaran excursion to Penguin Rookery (additional fee applies). Day 10: Ushuaia, Argentina A second day in Ushuaia will allow us to explore more thoroughly this unique area and experience the stunning natural beauty and wildlife of Tierra del Fuego National Park. We'll start at the "End of the World Station", where we'll board an antique train of the Ferrocarril Austral Fueguino, to enjoy a narrated ride following a portion of the Pipo River and along the Terre Plain, as a backdrop of mountains adds to the impressive scenery. Along the way, we'll make a photo stop at the Macarena Waterfall, before continuing through this rugged wilderness, and the unspoiled natural beauty of the world's southernmost national park which provides refuge to the grey fox, guanaco, Patagonian woodpecker, hawk, and steamer duck. After the train ride, we'll head to Ensenada Bay which will await us offering beautiful photo opportunities. Day 11: Day at Sea Days at sea are never boring as our luxury ship has endless opportunites for rest and relaxation with shopping, a casino, observation areas to perhaps spot wildlife, lounging by the pool and enjoying a drink, or trying one of the many restaurants aboard. Maybe you want to listen to live music, participate in a trivia game, or just chat with new friends. Take the opportunity to recharge as we have more busy days ahead of us! Day 12: Port Stanley, Falkland Islands Port Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands, offers a unique blend of British heritage and Patagonian charm with a windswept, vast, and beautiful backdrop. Stanley is filled with local landmarks like Christ Church Cathedral, featuring a whalebone arch, alongside reminders of its British connection, including Union Jacks and garden gnomes. The Falkland Islands have a complex history of ownership, having been under French, British, Spanish, and Argentine control, with the Falklands War of 1982 solidifying British rule. Our scenic tour of Stanley will allow us to explore the town's rich history, as we tour the Government House, built in 1845, the Christ Church Cathedral, the Battle Memorial, and the 1982 Liberation Monument, which commemorates the British military's role in the Falklands War, and our day will end with an optional visit to the Historic Dockyard Museum. Alternatively, you can join the optional excursion to Volunteer Point to see the King Penguins (additional fee applies). Day 13: Day at Sea Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side. Day 14: Day at Sea Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side. Day 15: Puerto Madryn, Argentina Founded by Welsh explorers, who arrived here in 1865, Puerto Madryn beckons us to enjoy its wonderful wildlife, traditional tea shops, and sheep-rearing ranches known as estancias. During today's tour, we'll discover the charm of this town on our walking tour blending history, culture, and stunning landscapes. Starting at the iconic Luis Piedra Buena Pier, we'll enjoy breathtaking views of the Nuevo Gulf, before heading to the Punta Ballena Monument, a tribute to the marine fauna, including the southern right whales that visit the area. Next, we'll explore the artisan market featuring handmade textiles, ceramics, jewelry, and unique regional crafts, we'll visit the Welsh Woman Monument, honoring the brave pioneers who contributed to the community’s foundation, then we'll continue to the main square, surrounded by gardens and historic landmarks like the City Hall and the Chapel "Nuestra Señora de Luján." We'll taste handmade chocolates at a local chocolate house and we'll stop by the Ebene de Meisen Museum, where showcases the legacy of the Welsh settlers. Alternatively, you can join the optional excursion to Punta Loma and Estancia San Guillermo or to Peninsula Valdes (additional fee applies). Day 16: Day at Sea Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side. Day 17: Day at Sea Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side. Day 18: Montevideo, Uruguay Poetic, worldly, and jam-packed with historical intrigue, Uruguay’s refined capital of Montevideo is a city of culture, creativity and beachfront bliss. Today's tour will take us for a scenic drive through the city, as we explore its monuments, parks and gardens. Our first stop will be Independence Square with a monument dedicated to national hero, José Gervasio Artigas, the Government House and the Solis Theatre. Next, we'll drive along the main street, lined with shops, cafés and office buildings, stopping for photos at Legislative Palace and the Parliament building, then our tour will take us through the Prado neighborhood, with the famous La Diligencia (The Stage Coach) sculpture as well as the monument to the last Charrua Indians. We'll take another photo stop at Batlle & Ordoñez Park, at the La Carreta (Covered Wagon) monument, then drive past the Obelisk and Soccer Stadium, and the residential area of Carrasco. Leaving Plaza Virgilio, we'll drive along the coast and past beautiful beaches. Our farewell dinner tonight will allow us to share our favorite memories made on this amazing journey. Alternatively, you can join an optional excursion to Colonia del Sacramento (additional fee applies). Day 19: Buenos Aires, Argentina and Departure Sadly, today we say goodbye to the beautiful coasts of South America. Depending on your scheduled departure time, you may have time to explore Buenos Aires, the Argentine capital which blends old-world colonial architecture with a down-to-earth Latin American glamour.
Itinerary specifics subject to change. |