Signature Chile (2009)

En route to Santiago, drive through the Casablanca Valley, one of Chile's most important wine-producing areas. Continue to picturesque Valpara?so, famous for its labyrinthine hills, covered with colorful old houses and accessible only by a steep climb or by funicular railway. The city's historic quarter was recently named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue along the coast to Quintay, a former whaling port, for lunch and a stroll along the beach. The Hotel Ritz-Carlton (Santiago) B L

Board a morning flight to Puerto Montt in the Lake District. During an orientation tour, stop to look for bargains at the Angelmo handicraft market. Continue to Puerto Varas and your hotel. After lunch, briefly visit the town and take a photograph across the waters of the Llanquihue to the mighty Osorno Volcano. Pause in historic Frutillar to visit the Pioneers Museum, featuring a collection of 19th-century antiques, clothing and artifacts gathered from various immigrant German families around the area. Hotel Meli? Patagonia B L

Enjoy one of the many available outdoor activities. Raft through Class III rapids, ride horseback through the native forest, trek in Chile's oldest National Park or go on a photo safari to the Osorno Volcano. Later, visit the Petrohue rapids, one of Chile's most beautiful and exciting glacial rivers. Hotel Meli? Patagonia B L

Once a booming port city and haven for big clipper ships, Punta Arenas lost prominence with the opening of the Panama Canal. After a brief tour of the city's highlights, continue to Puerto Natales, stopping en route at a typical farm for a sheep-shearing demonstration and a barbecue lunch. Hotel Costaustralis B L D

Arrive at your exclusive lodge in the heart of Torres del Paine. Built on the shores of Lake Peho?, the lodge is architecturally one of the most remarkable in South America. Enjoy a welcome cocktail before your guide explains activity options for the next few days. Explora en Patagonia Lodge B L D

Spend three full days choosing from a variety of activities and explore the area's magnificent beauty. Explora en Patagonia Lodge B L D

Return to Punta Arenas to board your flight to Santiago. Later this evening connect with your homebound international flight. B