2017 - APT Antarctica

54 Visit pretty Puerto Natales, gateway to Torres del Paine National Park Days 14-16. Cape Horn, Beagle Channel. Your journey to the Patagonian and Chilean fjords begins with a cruise around World Heritage-listed Cape Horn. Grab your binoculars and head to the deck to get a closer look at the sculpture that stands proudly at the cliff's summit. Featuring the silhouette of an albatross, it stands in memory of all the sailors and explorers that have perished at Cape Horn. Continue through the Beagle Channel as you explore the breathtaking beauty of the coastline of Patagonia's Tierra del Fuego National Park. Translated into English as 'land of fire', this beautiful part of the world is home to some fascinating bird life, including condors, albatross and oystercatchers, which you can try to spot as they soar above the ship and around the cliffs. Glide past fragrant southern forests and see spectacular bays that meander inland towards breathtaking gorges, pretty beaches and imposing snow-capped peaks. Shore excursions are available throughout the cruise at an additional cost. BLD Day 17. Puerto Natales (Chile). Making its way along the Argentinian coastline, Le Boréal will carry you to the beautiful Andean pioneer town of Puerto Natales today. This pretty town is known as the gateway to the Torres del Paine National Park. Filled with spellbinding scenery and breathtaking sights, you'll enjoy a full day to explore this spectacular place. BLD Days 18-19. Cruising the Chilean Fjords. Over the next few days, you will discover the breathtaking beauty of the Chilean Fjords. Set against a backdrop of the towering peaks of the Andean Mountain range, this compelling region is home to pristine parks and spectacular untamed beauty, whilst the waters teem with marine life. Heading out aboard the Zodiacs, you will cruise below the walls of breathtaking blue glaciers, skirt tiny islands and explore cascading waterfalls amid hidden lakes. Head out on deck to spot dolphins, whales, seals and Magellanic penguins. BLD Day 20. Tortel. Today, you might like to visit the small Patagonian village of Tortel. Here, stilted houses sit amid alpine trees connected by a maze of piers, walkways and wooden staircases that head up into the hillside. Travel ashore and meet the friendly locals that are privileged enough to live in this magical place of glittering glaciers, evergreen forests and majestic peaks. BLD Day 21. At Sea. With much of today spent cruising north along the Chilean coastline, you'll get to take full advantage of your ship's superb facilities. BLD Day 22. Puerto Montt. Arrive in Puerto Montt, gateway to the stunning Lake District. Here, you'll witness one of the region's many unusual sights – snow-covered volcanoes. Presiding over an area of rolling hills, graceful glaciers and the emerald cascades of Petrohué Falls, this is a truly beautiful spot. BLD Day 23. Castro Chiloe. As you head north of the Magellan Strait, you'll come to the island of Chiloe. Its capital, Castro, is home to around 150 striking churches surrounded by unusual countryside and inhabited by a diverse people with a mixed cultural heritage. BLD Day 24. At Sea. You'll enjoy a day relaxing at sea as you cruise towards Valparaíso. BLD Day 25. Valparaíso. As you head into Valparaíso today, you'll understand why this beautiful place has been named "paradise valley". The surrounding hills that form a natural amphitheatre around the port city are dotted with colourful houses as trains meander along the hidden tracks that weave throughout the countryside. Immortalised in the writings of Pablo Neruda, the historic centre is World Heritage listed. This is undoubtedly one of the most charismatic ports in South America. Tonight, you'll gather for a Farewell Dinner as you enjoy your last night aboard. BLD Day 26. Disembark Cruise, Valparaíso, Santiago (Chile). Following breakfast, disembark Le Boréal for the final time and travel to Santiago. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel, located in the historic neighbourhood of Lastarria. Two Night Stay: The Singular Santiago. B Day 27. Santiago. Today, learn about the production of delicious Chilean wine as you enjoy the beautiful setting of the Santa Rita winery. Here, you will explore behind the scenes on a tour before indulging in a tasting and your Farewell Lunch. BL Day 28. Depart Santiago. Your journey ends on arrival at Santiago airport. B GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS PRE-TOUR EXTENSION (ISBFG34) Start in Guayaquil and board the Yacht La Pinta for a stunning 4-night cruise around the beautiful Galápagos Islands, finishing at the Casa Cangotena Hotel in Quito. ATACAMA EXTENSION (ISAA4) Wander through Moon Valley, discover the El Tatio Geysers, see the wild blue lagoons and experience the wildlife-rich salt flats of the Atacama Desert during a 3-night stay. www.aptouring.com.au

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