Valparaiso & Vina del Mar
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Port
San Antonio (Santiago), Chile
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$139.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 6 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Today's tour takes you on an interactive journey through the hilly old part of Valparaíso, the impressive downtown area, and the fashionable resort town of Viña del Mar.
Begin with a panoramic coastal drive north to Valparaíso. You will pass through the lower-town area known as El Plan, adjacent to the port and dominated by the Plaza Sotomayor. View the Naval Headquarters building and the impressive Monument to the Heroes of Iquique. Numerous fine old office buildings flank the narrow streets strung along the edge of the bay. Your guide's descriptive narrative introduces you to the city as your coach continues up the hillside into Los Cerros, the upper town. Spread along the narrow streets of 42 hills is an eclectic array of fine mansions, tattered houses and shacks. A series of funiculars (ascensores) connects the port to the hills, providing superb views over the city and the bay.
Heading north towards the fashionable seaside resort of Viña del Mar, you will see the landmark floral clock. On a steep bluff stands the Cerro Castillo -- summer palace of the Presidents of the Republic. Stop briefly to admire the exterior of the impressive casino, built in the 1930s and set among beautiful gardens.
Next is an enriching visit to the Fonck Museum, which boasts an extensive and interesting collection of objects from Easter Island and the Chilean mainland -- including a fine exhibit of Mapuche silver.
Lunch is served at a local restaurant before returning to the San Antonio pier.
Notes:
This tour is available only to guests whose cruise does not begin or end in San Antonio.