Day 1 & 2- Santiago

Our tour starts in Chile’s pleasant capital, Santiago, which still retains some of its old charm with a magnificent, tree-lined plaza, dominated by the main cathedral. You might want to catch the changing of the guard at Plaza Constitucion, visit the excellent pre-Columbian art museum, take a cable car ride up San Cristobal hill for magnificent views of the city and the backdrop of the snow-capped Andes in the distance or enjoy a winery tour (all optional). 

We catch a comfortable overnight bus to Pucon, in the beautiful Chilean Lake District, on the evening of Day 2.

Day 3& 4 - Pucon and Volcan Villarica

Arriving into Pucon early on Day 3 means that we can make an early start, exploring this stunning region. Pucon, a small resort on Lake Villarica, is nestled below the perfect cone-shaped Volcano Villarica. The area is surrounded by lakes, mountains, forests, rivers and waterfalls and offers many exciting activities. A fabulous optional activity offered here is a trek to the top of the volcano. Although it is a tough climb, the views at the top are spectacular, and to be able to look into the crater of this active volcano as it roars softly and belches steam, is an amazing experience. Other activities available in Pucon are white water rafting, horse riding, mountain biking and water sports on the Lake.

Day 5&6 - Puerto Varas

Once home to German immigrants, whose influence can still be seen in the town's architecture, today the charming town of Puerto Varas is now the centre of the area's growing tourist industry. Whilst in Puerto Varas, we'll take an included excursion which reveals the highlights of the area: a visit to the Osaorno volcano, a 6km hike through the surrounding countryside, as well as visits to Petrohue and Lake Todos los Santos.

Day 7-10 - Bariloche and the Argentine Lake District

Crossing the border into Argentina, we discover the town of Bariloche, which has a beautiful setting on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi. This Swiss-like resort town is famous for its chocolate, fondue and winter skiing, but also home to many other outdoor activities in the surrounding area particularly in summer. There are many hiking and mountain biking options around, and some great horse-riding adventures.

Whilst in Bariloche, we take an included lake cruise, giving us plenty of time to enjoy the region's magnificent scenery: ancient forests, gleaming lakes and snowcapped mountain ranges.

We catch an overnight bus to Puerto Madryn on the evening of Day 10.

Day 11-13 - Valdes Peninsula and Puerto Madryn

Gateway to the Patagonia region Puerto Madryn sits in the windswept Atlantic coastline, home of the nearby Valdes Peninsula. We'll enjoy a full day included excursion to the Valdes Peninsula, where we'll visit various sites renowned for sea lions, sea elephants and a variety of bird life. At certain times of the year (July to December) it is also possible to see Southern Wright Whales, which gather in great numbers for the breeding season in the waters around the peninsula. We'll catch a comfortable overnight bus across the rolling pampas grasslands to the cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires.

Day 14 & 15 - Buenos Aires

Our tour across Chile and Argentina ends in the "Paris of South America". A lively city with many attractions, it offers fantastic restaurants, shopping and nightlife. Our hotel is centrally located and close to a lot of the major attractions, as well as the main shopping streets of Florida and Santa Fe. At Plaza De Mayo you may see the Mothers of the Disappeared and nearby you can find the obelisk and bustling Recoleta. We include a city tour by bike*, which reveals the many faces of Buenos Aires' centrally located barrios or neighbourhoods, as well as many of the city's major sights. Another must in Buenos Aires is a tango show, Buenos Aires being the home of tango and seeing one of these fantastic shows is an opportunity not to be missed.

*An alternative city tour by bus can be arranged if you do not wish to participate in a bike tour.