Santiago&Easter Island

A brilliant tour of Chile including Santiago and visits to the coastal cities of Valparaiso and vibrant Vina del Mar. The journey then continues to Easter Island, home to scenic volcanoes, ancient culture and Moai - the island's iconic rock statues. A must see!

Day 1: Arrive Santiago

Upon arrival at Santiago airport, reception and transfer to hotel for check-in and overnight accommodation. The remainder of the day is free to relax or start exploring Santiago on your own.

Day 2: Santiago

Following breakfast at the hotel, depart on a sightsaeeing tour of the Chilean capital. The tour starts with a drive up to Cerro Santa Lucia Hill, where the city was founded in 1541 and from where one can appreciate a scenic view of Santiago's downtown. Continue on to visit the Government Palace "La Moneda" and the Plaza de Armas square, where you will see important national monuments such as the Cathedral, Central Post Office and the City Hall. Finally you cross over the Mapocho River and follow through some of Santiago's residential districts with its beautiful houses and parks, before returning to your hotel. The afternoon is at leisure. Alternatively you may wish to participate in an optional tour to one of Chile's famous wineries. (B)

Day 3 : Vina del Mar & Valparaiso

Today embark on a full day tour to Vina del Mar and Valparaiso. Departing from Santiago to the Pacific coast, you will cross the Coastal Mountain Range and the Casablanca and Curacava Valleys to arrive in Valparaiso, the city where Chile's main commercial port and the Congress are located. Tour the city to admire its ulticoloured houses on the hills, many parks, diverse historic monuments and traditional bars and restaurants. Visit to "La Sebastiana", one of the houses of the Nobel Prize winner Pablo Neruda which is now a museum. Following some free time for lunch on your own, the tour proceeds to Vina del Mar, also known as the Garden City for its large number of parks and beautifully kept gardens. Vina del Mar's Casino well reflects the aristocratic character that the founder, Jose Francisco Vergara, tried to bestow upon this city. The tour continues along Renaca beach, one of the most exclusive of the central Chilean coast featuring prestigious restaurants and modern buildings. In the afternoon return to Santiago for overnight. (B.L)

Day 4: Santiago | Easter Island

Breakfast at your hotel and transfer to the airport in Santiago for your flight to Easter Island. Upon arrival at Mataveri Airport you will be greeted with flower necklaces and transferred to the hotel in Hanga Roa. Check-in and overnight accommodation. (B)

Day 5: Moai's Route & Anakena Beach

Today's full day tour visits the Ahu Vaihu, a ceremonial place surrounded by moais that are face down, and the Ahu Akahanga where the first king of the island was buried. Heading afterwards to the Rano Raraku Volcano, here people carved the giant statues from the volcano's quarry. Here it is possible to observe the different stages in the Moai construction; here lies the biggest moai in the island, still unfinished, with more than 20 meters long and near to 200 tons. Afterwards, visit to Ahu Tongariki, the biggest Ahu (stone platforms) on the Island with 15 Moais. Finally, expedition to Te Pito Kura, an ancient settlement finishing at Anakena Beach to enjoy its warm sea waters. In the afternoon, return to the hotel. (B. L)

Day 6: Rano Kao Volcano & Ahu Akivi

Breakfast at hotel followed by a visit to Rano Kao Volcano, which contains a large fresh water lake covered with totora. On the top of the crater is the Cultural Centre of Orongo, where every year the Bird Man or Tangata Manu ceremony is celebrated. There are more than 100 petroglyphs representing gods. Visit to Ana Kai Tangata, a cavern where many pre-historic paintings can be seen. In the afternoon enjoy a trip to Ahu Akivi, a big platform with seven unique moais facing the sea, the Ana Tepahu Caverns and the quarry of Puna Pau, where the Pukaos (top portion of the Moais) were sculpted. Finally, visit to Ahu Tahai before returning to your hotel. (B)

Day 7: Depart Easter Island

At the appropriate time, a transfer wil return you to Mataveri Airport for your departure flight. Farewell with shell necklaces. Upon arrival in Santiago, connect with your international flight home or ask about extending your vacation with CIT Tours. (B)

Daily Departures

Excursions on Easter Island may vary according to weather conditions & require some trekking. Good physical condition is recommended.