Longitudinal World Cruise IV

Discover the city of two halves, Valparaíso, and enjoy a short sojourn in Viña del Mar to visit the Fonck Museum. Valparaíso’s upper area, Los Cerros, is a maze of residences nestled among 42 hills, from historic villas to small dwellings. Marvel at the views from the top, overlooking the city and bay below. Gaze out over the port and its cluster of colorful houses, then visit the Baburizza Palace, admiring its important collection of artworks by European and Chilean artists. Descend to the foot of the hill for a stroll around Plaza Sotomayor and view the naval headquarters building and the solemn Monument to the Heroes of Iquique. Continue by motor coach to the resort city of Viña del Mar and visit the Fonck Museum, a former mansion featuring archaeological artifacts and historic items from the Chilean mainland and Rapa Nui (Easter Island).

Embark on a journey to discover the splendid art, culture, and history of Chile. Board your motor coach for a coastal drive to Viña del Mar. Visit the Quinta Vergara Park, home to the Vergara Palace—this stately residence was constructed in the early twentieth century and was once home to the founding family of Viña del Mar. Today, it houses an art gallery, featuring works by both national and international artists. Explore its halls, then continue to the Municipal Theatre of Viña del Mar to appreciate its distinctive Belle Époque architecture. After, enjoy a panoramic drive back to Valparaíso. Pass through charming residential areas, before stopping at Plaza Sotomayor, the heart of Valparaíso’s historic center. Take a moment to appreciate the monument commemorating the Heroes of Iquique, unveiled in 1886, before beginning the journey back to your ship.

Drive across the lush Chilean Coastal Range from Valparaíso to metropolitan Santiago, Chile’s capital city. Founded in 1541, Santiago is located in the country’s central valley, between the Chilean Coastal Range and the Andes Mountains. The city has a downtown core of 19th-century, neoclassical architecture and winding side streets dotted with art deco and neo-Gothic treasures. Take a scenic drive past the modern sights, including the presidential palace and the beautiful cathedral in Plaza de Armas, and visit the intriguing Museum of Pre-Columbian Art. Then, continue through one of the hillside neighborhoods, the views overlooking Santiago giving it a more modern appearance. After lunch, enjoy time to explore your locale at your own pace, then continue to Patio Bellavista, a lively cultural hub featuring artisan stores, boutiques and galleries, before returning to your ship.

Explore Chile’s traditions on an excursion to the rural heartland of the Casablanca Valley. Board your motor coach and set out on a drive toward the heart of this picturesque valley, an established wine region since the 19th century. Upon arrival, call at a local winery, where you will discover the art of winemaking and learn how the ocean breezes contribute to the excellent quality of the fruity wines produced here. Glimpse the wine-making process up-close and sample a variety of the vineyard’s house wines. Next, drive to Puro Caballo for an introduction to the Chilean huaso—the traditional Chilean horseman similar to an American cowboy. Learn about the characteristics of the powerful Chilean horse, and see a horse show while sipping on a glass of wine or a refreshing pisco sour. After lunch, return to your coach and onward to your awaiting ship.

Dive in to the inspiring world of Pablo Neruda, one of the greatest literary minds of the 20th century. Drive toward the seaside resort of Isla Negra to visit the Nobel laureate’s favorite home. “Ancient night and the unruly salt beat at the walls of my house,” wrote Neruda in The Night in Isla Negra, referring to his time here. A lover of all things maritime, Neruda designed the house to resemble a ship, complete with narrow corridors, low ceilings, creaking floors and an extensive collection of sea-related items. After his death in 1973, Neruda was buried on the grounds of Casa de Isla Negra. Enjoy lunch at a local winery before heading back to Valparaíso to visit the poet’s city home, La Sebastiana, and admire the mosaic walkways, hidden gardens and the poet’s personal art collection. Then, return to your awaiting ship.

Meet some of the artists that maintain Valparaíso’s historic role as an artistic and cultural haven. Located on a string of steep hills overlooking a beautiful bay, Valparaíso has long been a magnet for poets, painters, philosophers and other creative personalities. You will have the opportunity to meet three artists that keep this tradition alive, engaging in conversation as you visit their studios. Each stands out due to its location and structure, reflecting each artist’s individual style. Get a sense of the artists’ vision of the city and discover their connection with the porteño lifestyle. Learn about the techniques and processes that inspire their work, from concept to the creation of a beautiful masterpiece. Conclude your visit with a stop for refreshments and appetizers at a local restaurant with magnificent views over the bay before returning to your ship.

Enjoy a taste of fine wines at the famed Casas del Bosque winery in the scenic Casablanca Valley. Set between Central Chile’s coastal mountains and the Pacific Ocean, the fertile Casablanca Valley benefits from rich soils and cool ocean winds that help create its renowned dry white wines, such as chardonnay and sauvignon blanc. Embark on a picturesque drive by motor coach to the award-winning Casas del Bosque winery, experts in the cultivation of cold-weather varieties. Here, you will have an opportunity to savor several different wines—paired with a selection of gourmet snacks—at different stations staffed by a knowledgeable winery guide who will offer insight into your drink and pairings. A folkloric show will add to your experience, as well as striking views over the colorful landscape. Afterward, you will board your coach and return to your ship.

Journey into the Casablanca Valley and sample a selection of the region’s renowned vintages. During a scenic drive, you will learn about how the area’s warm climate, ocean breeze and nutrient-rich soil results in fine wines similar in character to those from Northern California’s Napa Valley. At your first stop, you will be greeted by your host and taken on a tour of the vineyard. From the patio, pause to overlook the pinot noir vines, then walk through the process of winemaking before sampling a selection produced on the estate, accompanied by a cheese platter. At your next vineyard, enjoy more of the region’s vintages, including a tasting of sparkling wines. You will then take your seat for lunch while admiring views over the rolling hills. Your appetite sated, return to your motor coach for the scenic ride back to your awaiting ship.