Santiago (Valparaiso)
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
-
Valparaiso: Encounter with the Art - 4 hours
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EXCURSION
- La Sebastiana – Pablo Neruda Museum
- A local artist’s studio
DESCRIPTION
Picturesque Valparaiso was one of the first Chilean cities founded by the Spanish in 1536.
A thriving port for centuries, modern Valparaiso remains Chile’s primary outlet to the sea. In 1906, a vicious earthquake struck the city, toppling hundreds of the city's priceless monuments. This earthquake, however, would be a portent of things to come: The truly fatal blow to Valparaiso would come 8 years later. In 1914, the first international ship crossed the Panama Canal. The golden age of Valparaiso had come to an end. After years of gloom and decay, the historic port and university town is now living something of a revival. The Chilean government has pledged both economic and structural support to the city, and private entities are implementing projects that seek to trigger an urban renaissance in Valparaiso as a world heritage city and Chile's cultural capital. Among the priorities are culture, heritage preservation, and economic development via tourism. This effort culminated in UNESCO naming Valparaiso’s Historic Quarter a World Heritage Site in 2003.
Immigrants from all over the world have chosen to stay and leave their mark on this peculiar city.
Since over 450 years, this strategic port in the western coast of the South American continent has been the subject of interest for many renamed visitor. First visited by Drake and later on by Dutch pirates, left in ruins by Spanish cannons’ fire and reconstructed many times after numerous earthquakes, Valparaíso is a handmade city, a result of human intervention and an example of urban resilience.
During your 4-hour tour you will have the chance to see Valparaíso distinctively spontaneous hill neighbourhoods and their vernacular architecture, including more than a dozen ascensores (funicular cable cars) that connect the port with its surrounding heights. This is a great city to explore on foot so that you can grasp its beauty.
One of the highlights of the tour will surely be Chilean Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda’s Valparaiso residence, “La Sebastiana”. The house is full to the brim with the eccentric genius’ keepsakes from his many trips abroad, as well as an extensive library.
Also during your visit you will get the opportunity to visit the studio/gallery of a local artist who will be pleased to meet you and sharing with you his passion for art and his life experience in this bohemian city in front of the Pacific Ocean, a constant source of inspiration for many other artists
OBSERVATIONS
- Includes the services of an English-speaking guide.
- Bottled mineral water included.
- Entrance fee to the museums are included.
- Museums are closed on Mondays.
*Travellers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car
-
Valparaiso - Wines of the Casablanca Valley
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EXCURSION
- Tour and Tasting at two emblematic vineyards of the Casablanca valley
DESCRIPTION
This morning you will be welcomed at the Valparaíso pier by your guide who will escort you on your private tour to the Casablanca valley.
The Casablanca Valley is a sub-region of the Aconcagua Valley, but its vineyards – first planted in the early 1980s – have earned worldwide recognition in a relatively short space of time. The warm, temperate climate of the area is greatly influenced by the coastal sea breezes, which in combination with a perfect terroir in a valley situated on the coastal plane, with distant hills and slopes rising no more than 400 meters above sea level provide ideal conditions for certain varieties of grape. It is not unlike Santa Barbara and portions of Sonoma, and fittingly, the grapes that have done best over the past half-decade or so have been Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. While the area is best known for its crisp white wines, in particular Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, varieties such as Gewürtztraminer and certain lighter reds such as Pinot Noir are fast becoming the varieties du jour.
The first visit will be made at the Casas del Bosque vineyard where the visit will commence with a tour of the winery and cellars. Continue with a tasting focussing on their superb, award-winning red and white wines including their award-winning Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2004. A selection of dried fruits and cheeses will be served to accompany the wines during the tastings.
Then continue to the Matetic winery.
The new Matetic vineyard, designed by the Viña Matetic team in cooperation with architect Lawrence Odfjell, is a state-of-the-art winemaking facility, constructed so as to complement its glorious setting. In other words, harmony has been reached between the winery´s organic agricultural practices and the natural landscape of the valley.
Upon arrival to the vineyard you will be greeted and invited to listen to a brief introductory speech about the vineyard history and the different phases of wine production while appreciating stunning views of the vineyards and the beautiful Rosario Valley. Then you will proceed to the tasting room where you will sample the high quality Matetic wines.
Lunch today will be served at excellent Matetic Winery’s restaurant.
Notes:
- Includes the services of an English-speaking guide.
- Bottled mineral water available in the vehicle
*Travelers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car
-
Santiago - Valparaíso Wine & Culinary Adventure: Full-Day Private Tour
Embark on a culinary journey from Santiago to the coast, discovering the flavors of Casablanca, Valparaíso, and Viña del Mar.
Your adventure begins with a pick-up from your Santiago hotel as we travel through the Coastal Mountain Ranges to Casablanca Valley, one of the world’s top cool-climate wine regions. Enjoy a visit to a local winery, where you’ll savor four wines paired with a light selection of local bites.
Next, we continue to Valparaíso, where a local guide will meet you in the historic Plaza Sotomayor. You’ll learn about the city’s rich history, its beloved hero, and how the land was reclaimed from the sea. Explore the charming streets, old buildings, and ride a classic funicular up to the colorful hills of Cerros Alegre and Concepción.
As you wander, soak in the stories of Valparaíso’s golden era and vibrant evolution into an artistic hub. Along the way, sample Chile’s favorite foods, from a beloved cookie and craft beers to Chilean dishes and ice cream with a unique twist.
End your tour with a traditional Pisco Sour and a snack of Chilean delicacies, all while enjoying panoramic views of the port city. After experiencing Valparaíso’s charm, we’ll head to Viña del Mar for a brief exploration before returning to Santiago.
|
10/17/2025 |
10/17/2025 |
Buenos Aires
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
-
Buenos Aires-Private Half Day City Tour 4 Hours
Buenos Aires’ most famous monument, El Obelisco (The Obelisk) extends out from the city’s midriff like a giant pencil – standing proudly erect as the unofficial center, symbol and rallying point of this sprawling metropolis. Since its construction in 1936, it has suffered its fair share of figurative ups and downs, yet has remained a durable reference point for Argentines.
Visit the La Boca neighborhood. Like a Little Italy of any important city in the world, La Boca is the most picturesque of all neighborhoods of Buenos Aires. Proceed to visit San Telmo. There is always a lot to see and do in ‘The Republic of San Telmo,’ but the colorful Sunday street fair is the bohemian neighborhood’s biggest attraction. The heart of the antique wares are congregated around Plaza Dorrego but the entire outdoor market stretches down 13 blocks of the cobblestone Defensa Street and off onto a few side lanes. From 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Defensa Street is completely pedestrian and packed with entertainers jockeying for attention and an international array of street vendors who display their goods on the pavement. The offerings include antiquities from Argentina’s glory days, original art, funky clothing, homemade snacks, and pretty much whatever else someone can think to slap with a price tag.
Included:
- English speaking guide
- Round-trip private car service.
Tour Duration: 4 hours
-
Buenos Aires-Rojo Tango + Dinner
Rojo Tango is one of Buenos Aires’ premier tango shows, taking guests through the last century of tango with stunning modern interpretations of traditional moves. In the intimate cabaret of the Faena Hotel + Universe, three couples take the stage to begin the show at the turn of the 20th century, with dancers in deshabille of corsets and fishnets. Throughout the show, each couple is featured several times in solo performances, and the group also dances together. A male and female singer intersperse the dancing with powerful singing of traditional tango standards, while a live band adds to the atmosphere.
-
Buenos Aires-Full Day Estancia El Ombu de Areco + Visit to San Antonio de Areco
Stay historic El Ombu de Areco is located just 120 km from Buenos Aires, in San Antonio de Areco, birthplace of the gaucho tradition Origin Ricchieri Italic General Paul defined the architectural style of the main house, the late nineteenth century. The stay was acquired in 1934 by Enrique Boelcke, grandfather of the present owner, Eva Boelcke. In 1993 this former property opened its gates to domestic and international tourism. Centenarians oak, pine, palm, eucalyptus, casuarinas and magnolias adorn the 4 hectare park inviting to be traveled by guests, enjoying the scents of jasmine, roses and limes. We can enjoy the Estancia, its park and stables and a great variety of activities such as horseback ridings, sulky rides, criollo cooking classes. We can share some experiences with the authentic gauchos. This Estancia is fully productive so we can enjoy the traditional rural activities dedicated to cattle breeding and plantations. We will go to San Antonio de Areco in the outskirts of Buenos Aires where the Estancia El Ombu de Areco. We will find ourselves immersed in the Argentine Pampas. These vast extension of land make Argentina the “horsemen” country for excellence. Approximately 8 hours.
-
Buenos Aires-Tigre Navigation
Not far from Buenos Aires, we will find the outskirts residential neighborhoods in the north area, near the River Plate and surrounded by spectacular vegetation. We will arrive to Tigre in the Delta. We will navigate on the typical motorboat and sail along the Delta, among beautiful green islands, leafy vegetation and characteristic fauna. We will arrive at Gato Blanco Restaurant located in one islands of the Parana River’s Delta. This section of the delta is characterized for its natural semi-wild condition and the beauty of this natural environment. We will have lunch at the restaurant. And after lunch, we will navigate back to the pier. Approximately 7 hours
-
Buenos Aires-Full Day Colonia del Sacramento
This old Portuguese City of the 17th century has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO by its well conserved architectural structure. An outstanding entire day tour to know its original streets made from stone, its old constructions, the remains of ancient fortifications and the Portuguese and Spanish museums. We will visit also the Downtown area, the Harbour area, the Beach of Ferrando and the Forest Reserve, its beautiful waterfront 'Avenue', and then arriving to the 'Real of San Carlos', we will know the remains of an old Spanish 'bullring', the local horse racecourse and several other attractions. Approximately 3 hour tour
-
Buenos Aires - Full Day Sightseeing Tour - 7 hours
Meet your local guide at local pier and start with your visit.
Explore some of the most recognizable landmarks in Buenos Aires. Find out about the history and culture of this city, as you take in some of the most significant spots. Start at the most important square in the country: Plaza de Mayo. The country was founded here in 1580, and today the most important governmental buildings are located here including Casa Rosada (Government House), Cabildo (City Hall) and Catedral Metropolitana (Metropolitan Cathedral). Continue through the cobblestoned streets of San Telmo neighbourhood, where the original porteños (Buenos Aires residents) settled in the early days. The next stop is picturesque La Boca, home to Caminito, perhaps the city's most photographed street thanks to its corrugated iron and brightly coloured houses. This block houses one of the few outdoor museums in the world, where artists exhibit work, related to the influence of mainly Italian immigrants who arrived at this port at the end of the 19th century. La Boca is home to the legendary football (soccer giants) Boca Juniors, whose colours of blue and yellow adorn most of the houses and stores in this neighbourhood. Drive towards Palermo, passing through Puerto Madero, a regenerated area where redbrick warehouses have been transformed into trendy restaurants and bars.
Once in the northern area of the city, drive past Palermo Chico with its impressive townhouses, tree-lined boulevards, and parks. Palermo Soho, on the other hand, combines the flavour of an old, working-class neighbourhood with some contemporary details, including ethnic restaurants, design stores and bars. The bohemian atmosphere makes it popular with Argentines as well as foreign visitors, and restaurants cater to all palates. Continue to Recoleta, one of the most elegant and sophisticated districts, visit Nuestra Señora del Pilar Church and Recoleta Cemetery, known for its rich architecture and famous personalities whose mortal remains it treasures.
After the sightseeing you will be transferred back to the pier.
Tour highlights:
- May square
- Old quarters at San Telmo neighborhood
- Caminito street at La Boca
- Palermo neighborhood and parks
- Recoleta Cemetery
Inclusions
- Transfers to/from the pier
- English speaking guide
- Private vehicle
Exclusions
- Gratuities for guide and driver
- Lunch
-
Buenos Aires sightseeing tour with shared visit to Colon Theatre - Half Day
Meet your local guide at local pier and start with your visit.
Familiarize yourself with some of the most recognizable landmarks, as well as history and culture in the Paris of the South, on this half-day private guided city tour. Kick off at Plaza de Mayo square, the heart of the city both from a historical and political point of view, and site of its foundation in 1580 by Don Juan de Garay. The next stop is San Telmo with its cobbled stone streets and colonial buildings. Also visit La Boca neighbourhood, the tough port barrio and colourful working-class area. Before returning to the hotel, visit Colon Theatre, one of the world's greatest opera houses, with its sublime interior, every piece of marble, furniture and crystal, imported from Europe. The theatre took 80 years to be completed and finally opened in 1908. It combines many European architectural styles and influences, including Greek columns, French stained glass and Italian marble. The house seats up to 2,500 people and the Colón has hosted opera celebrities such as Luciano Pavarotti, Maria Callas and Placido Domingo. Shared guided tour to Colon Theatre.
Tour highlights:
- May square
- Old quarters at San Telmo neighborhood
- Caminito street at La Boca
- Colon Theatre (shared visit)
Inclusions
- Transfers to/from the pier
- English speaking guide
- Private vehicle
Exclusions
- Gratuities for guide and driver
- Lunch
-
Buenos Aires Sightseeing Tour North - half day
Meet your local guide at local pier and start with your visit.
Familiarize yourself with some of the most recognizable landmarks in the northern area of Buenos Aires. Drive through Palermo, a district with several different areas such as classic Palermo Chico and contemporary Palermo Hollywood. Start in Palermo Chico with its impressive townhouses, tree-lined boulevards, and parks, then continue to Bosques de Palermo parks; past the Japanese and Rose Gardens with their lakes and sculptures, which can be visited independently. From here continue past the Palermo racetrack and polo grounds where the famous Argentine Polo Open is played every December. Palermo Soho, on the other hand, fuses the flavour of a working-class neighbourhood with contemporary twists such as ethnic restaurants, design stores and bars. Its bohemian atmosphere makes it popular with Argentines as well as foreign visitors. Gastronomy options appeal to all palates. Finally, visit Recoleta neighbourhood, home to many a mansion, which takes one back to Argentina's glorious days. The tour ends at the Recoleta Cemetery, renowned for its rich architecture and sculptures that makes it more of an open-air museum than a final resting place.
After tour you will be transferred back to the pier.
Tour highlights:
- Palermo trendy area
- Japanese and Rose garden in Palermo
- Recoleta cemetery
Inclusions
- Transfers to/from the pier
- English speaking guide
- Private vehicle
Exclusions
- Gratuities for guide and driver
- Lunch
-
Buenos Aires Sightseeing Tour & Evita Museum - Half Day
Meet your local guide at local pier and start with your visit.
Explore the highlights of the 'Paris of South America' in a four-hour tour accompanied by one of our experienced representatives who will introduce you to the history and culture of this magnificent city. Beginning with the historical areas of Buenos Aires: Plaza de Mayo, the historical and political heart of the city, laid out by Don Juan de Garay in 1580 during the second founding of Buenos Aires. Continue to La Boca, the tough port barrio and colourful working-class area of Buenos Aires, Palermo with its gardens and mansions; and finally, Recoleta, where you will visit its world famous cemetery and see the tombs and mausoleums of the most important personalities of Argentine history. Finally, visit the Evita Museum, a living museum where people can learn, understand and appreciate the life of one of the most important women in Argentine history.
After the sightseeing you will be transferred back to the pier.
Tour highlights:
- May square
- Caminito street at La Boca
- Palermo neighborhood and parks
- Recoleta Cemetery
- Evita´s museum
Inclusions
- Transfers to/from the pier
- English speaking guide
- Private vehicle
- Entrancee fee for Cemetery and Evitas museum
Exclusions
- Gratuities for guide and driver
- Lunch
-
Buenos Aires Tigre Getaway - Half Day
Meet your local guide at local pier and start with your visit.
Escape the hustle and bustle of central Buenos Aires on this relaxing half-day getaway, featuring fashionable riverside suburbs and a cruise along sheltered waterways. Drive to Tigre passing through neighbourhoods such as Vicente López, Olivos, and San Isidro, and past elegant homes of these residential suburbs, including the Presidential Residence in Olivos, official home to Argentina's president. On arrival at the Paraná River, board a private river boat and head out along the Delta's waterways. An array of colourful sights awaits as the boat cruises past islands, turn-of-the-century homes, yacht clubs and a fleet of watercrafts, including canoes and sailboats. A soft drink and snack are served while you enjoy the scenery. Re-join your vehicle when the river cruise ends and transfers you back to the hotel.
After the sightseeing you will be transferred back to the pier.
Tour highlights:
- Parana river
- Sail in the Delta
Inclusions
- Transfers to/from the pier
- English speaking guide
- Private vehicle
- Private river boat
Exclusions
- Gratuities for guide and driver
- Lunch
-
Buenos Aires Tango Show & Dinner at Rojo Tango
Meet your local guide at local pier and start with your visit.
At Rojo Tango, a unique venue designed by Philippe Starck located within the Faena Hotel, enjoy an evening of “Porteño” (residents of Buenos Aires) music and dance. After a three-course dinner with wine and without moving from your seat, the band will strike up and the dancers will appear on scene, to recreate nostalgic times when Tango was danced in the streets of Buenos Aires. A majestic performance full of fantasy and sensuality and incredible skill.
After the sightseeing you will be transferred back to the pier.
Tour highlights:
- Tango show at Rojo tango
- First class venue
Inclusions
- Transfers to/from the pier
- Private vehicle
- Dinner
Exclusions
- Gratuities for guide and driver
- English speaking guide
-
Buenos Aires: Gaucho celebration - Full Day
Meet your local guide at local pier and start with your visit.
Join a Gaucho celebration at Estancia Santa Susana, a typical ranch only 80 km from Buenos Aires. The estancia has 1,200 hectares (2965 acres) dedicated to agricultural activities and has been a popular tourist destination near Buenos Aires for the last 30 years. Experience the genuine Gaucho lifestyle with various activities, such as a delicious typical Argentine barbecue with drinks, horsemanship show, a visit to the main house, the colonial museum, and the chapel. A short horse-back or carriage ride is also available before lunch. This tour provides an insight to the most fascinating traditions of Argentina.
After the sightseeing you will be transferred back to the pier.
Tour highlights:
- Horseback activity
- Agricultural activities
- Gaucho lifestyle
Inclusions
- Transfers to/from the pier
- English speaking guide
- Private vehicle
- Lunch at the estancia
Exclusions
- Gratuities for guide and driver
|
10/31/2025 |
10/31/2025 |
The Signature Collection – Exclusive Amenities
