2017 - APT South America

80 You may like to join an excursion to explore the coastal city of Castro on Chiloé Island 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 southern forests and see bays that meander inland towards 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 Chilean Fjords. Set against a backdrop of the towering peaks of the Andean Mountain range, this compelling region is home to pristine parks and 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 (own expense). BLD Day 21. At Sea. With much of today spent cruising north along the Chilean coastline, you'll get to take advantage of your ship's facilities. BLD Day 22. Puerto Montt. Arrive in Puerto Montt, gateway to the stunning Lake District. Here, you'll have the chance to see 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. BLD Day 23. Castro. As you head north of the Magellan Strait, you'll come to the island of Chiloé. 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). 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. The Chilean capital boasts one of the world's most incredible settings, situated in the Santiago basin and spectacularly flanked to the east by the snow-capped Andes mountain range. Today, learn about the production of Chilean wine as you enjoy the beautiful setting of the Santa Rita winery. Here, enjoy a rare look behind the scenes on a tour of the wine production facilities before a tasting and your Farewell Lunch. BL Day 28. Depart Santiago. After breakfast this morning, your journey comes to an end on arrival at Santiago airport. B Start in Guayaquil and board Yacht La Pinta for a stunning 4-night cruise around the beautiful Galápagos Islands, finishing at the Casa Gangotena Hotel in Quito. Refer to pricing on page 81. 6 DAY GALÁPAGOS CRUISE PRE-TOUR EXTENSION (ISBFG34) www.aptouring.com.au

• Cover