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CHILE - SAILING SOUTH

Chile is made for cruising. Its shape and geographic location is just perfect; thousands of miles of coastline that stretch from the hot deserts of the north to the glaciers of the south. You can of course explore Chile on one of the many huge cruise vessels calling at the major cities of South America, or alternatively you can join us aboard the MS Caledonian Sky and enjoy the wonders of this magical country that only small ships have access to.

Those who have a passion for the wilder places on our planet usually have Chile on their ‘must do’ list. Shaped by fire and ice, this rugged yet hauntingly beautiful land of a thousand islands, deep blue lakes, cavernous fjords, hanging glaciers and cloud piercing peaks, remains today as enticing and fascinating as it was to Magellan, Drake and more latterly Darwin.

Wildlife abounds here and the skies are filled with the cries of seabirds. Albatross’ and petrels wheel overhead and sea lions bark from their rocky outcrops. Look out for black necked swans, flamingos and the soaring Andean condor.

We will begin our coastal cruising adventure in the far north of the country and over the next eleven days make our way south to the lakes and fjords of the south. Some of the world’s most magnificent mountain and coastal scenery is to be found in Chile. A vast wilderness of lakes, forests, rivers, glaciers, fjords and offshore islands, the like of which you will not see anywhere else. Perhaps the most stunning of all will be our time in the fjords and in particular the Lugana San Rafael National Park.
Departures
CHILE - SAILING SOUTH
25 November, 2012 to 14 December, 2012 Make a booking request

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Castle Std Fwd £6995.00 GBP pp
Castle Std £7295.00 GBP pp
Caledonian Sup £7695.00 GBP pp
Castle Std Fwd Sgl £7995.00 GBP pp
Promenade Prem A £7995.00 GBP pp
Castle Std Sgl £8495.00 GBP pp
Bridge Dlx Balcony £8895.00 GBP pp
Caledonian Sup Sgl £8995.00 GBP pp
Promenade Prem B £9395.00 GBP pp
Promenade Corner £9795.00 GBP pp

CHILE - SAILING SOUTH itinerary:

Day 1 - LONDON HEATHROW TO SANTIAGO, CHILE.
Depart by scheduled flight via Madrid.
Day 2 - SANTIAGO.
Arrive this morning and transfer to your first class hotel for an overnight stay. Enjoy an afternoon city tour of Santiago including the Palacio de le Moneda, the Plaza de Armas, the central Cathedral and the Casa Colorada
Day 3 - SANTIAGO TO ANTOFAGASTA
Depart on a late morning flight to Antofagasta, embark MS Caledonian Sky and sail
Day 4 - AT SEA
At Sea.
Day 5 - ISLA CHANARAL.
This morning we take the Zodiacs to Isla Chanaral, the largest in a series of islands once known as an important site for guano, a valuable agricultural fertilizer. The islands are protected today as a nature reserve. We also visit the Humboldt Penguin Nature Reserve, replete with the cold-water loving birds.
Day 6 - PUERTO DE COQUIMBO & ISLA PAJAROS.
Depart from the Coquimbo pier towards Elqui Valley, an area with a unique geographic configuration formed by a narrow valley and a fertile strip of land in the middle of an Andean mountainous desert. You will pass by typical villages, such as Algarrobito, El Molle and El Tambo. Visit the cellars and exhibition room of a national drink distillery, where you will learn about the making of Pisco, a liquor created by the distillation of wine from different grape varieties produced and bottled in this region, followed by a tasting. Continue to the picturesque town of Vicuña, where you will visit the birthplace of Gabriela Mistral (a Nobel Prize winner for literature), the main square, Bauer Tower and Vicuña’s church. Return to the ship for Torres del Paine lunch and sail to Isla Pajaros. This afternoon we will board our Zodiacs to view the colonies of cormorants, boobies and Humboldt penguins that reside here.
Day 7 - VALPARAISO
Arrive this morning in the historic port of Valparaiso. This is Chile’s main port and a marvellously sited city. Built on 42 hills, some of which are incredibly steep, it offers great views over the city and bay. Visit Fisherman’s Wharf, the Plaza Soto Mayor and the Naval Academy. Spend the afternoon at leisure or alternatively join the optional tour to one of Chile’s fine wine growing regions located in the hills behind Valparaiso.
Day 8 - AT SEA
A day to relax onboard and attend a lecture.
Day 9 - ISLA MOCHA
Today we continue our scenic cruising to Isla Mocha, a large island with steep, forested hillsides. The island was declared a national reserve to protect its pristine forests and the endangered pink-footed shearwaters that nest there. We explore the island by Zodiac, with possible landings ashore.
Day 10 - BAHIA CORRAL FOR VALDIVIA
Centrally located in the Lake District, Valdivia owes much of its charm to mid-19th century German immigrants. Its archaeology museum, housed in an impressive riverfront mansion, contains a large collection of Marpuche Indian artefacts.
Day 11 - CHILOE ISLAND
Chile’s second largest island, Chiloe, was visited by Darwin aboard the HMS Beagle in 1831. Our visit ashore on this mainly forested island will include Castro, one of the oldest towns in the Americas, known for its unique wooden architecture.
Days 12 to 15 - CHILEAN FJORDS
This vast area of mountains, glaciers, islands, lakes and waterfalls is untouched by man except for a few fishing villages which perch at ‘the end of the world’. We will make good use of our time exploring the beautiful protected waters and enjoying the renowned fjords of southern Chile which rival those of south east Alaska in their raw beauty and wildlife. We will see crystal clear reflections of vertical walls and hanging glaciers, broken only by the ripples of dolphins and whales, whilst overhead, a sky alive with seabirds. See how quickly you run out of suitable adjectives to describe all you are witnessing. We will spend our days exploring the dramatic sights around the San Rafael and Isla Magdalena National Parks. We will get close to glaciers, walk through some stunning scenery and call into small settlements such as Puyuhuapi and Puerto Cisnes.
Day 16 - PUERTO MONTT
This morning we land at picturesque Puerto Montt, a resort town in the Lake District. Settled by German colonists in the mid-19th century, much of its early Middle-European styled architecture remains, rendering a slightly bizarre feel in such an obviously un-European setting. Explore the town or join an optional tour to either Puerto Vara and Frutillar or Laguna Verde and the Osorno volcano; both will afford breathtaking views of the impossibly beautiful Lake Llanquihue. Moor overnight.
Day 17 - PUERTO MONTT TO SAN CARLOS DE BARILOCHE, ARGENTINA
Disembark and drive through the stunning alpine scenery to the Chilean/ Argentinean border and on to the mountain resort of Bariloche for a two night stay. You will be accommodated in one of the first class lakeside hotels. This is a wonderful place to relax, walk and enjoy any number of sporting activities
Day 18 - SAN CARLOS DE BARILOCHE
Lying on the shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi and surrounded by mountains and forests, Bariloche is a truly stunning destination for lovers of the outdoors. Enjoy a day at leisure to explore your surroundings.
Day 19 - SAN CARLOS DE BARILOCHE TO LONDON HEATHROW
Return to London by scheduled flight via Buenos Aires and Madrid.
Day 20 - LONDON HEATHROW
Morning arrival.
Map for CHILE - SAILING SOUTH

Caledonian Sky

The MS Caledonian Sky accommodates a maximum of 114 passengers in 57 spacious outside suites. Many have walk-in wardrobes and some feature tub baths. There will be seven categories of suites and sixteen suites will have private balconies. For those familiar with the MS Island Sky she will feel like a second home, although there are some differences. The dining room, lounge, Lido Deck and bar are all similar. However, the ‘Club’ on the MS Caledonian Sky has been transported to the very top deck. Here, there is a library and bar which leads out on to a lovely forward deck. The ‘Club’ has wonderful views with ceiling to floor windows.

If you like the MS Island Sky, we are sure you will also approve of her sister. And, of course it is important that we offer the very best of facilities. However, equally as important are the staff on board whether they are the vessel’s crew or our own expedition staff. Noble Caledonia’s reputation has been built on providing the very best in all areas. Our crew of 74 not only offer an excellent service they are also noted for their kindness and attention to detail. A well run ship with a warm atmosphere is what we are known for, and it is because most of our crew have been with us for many years that we are able to engender such an atmosphere.

Your Suite
Onboard there are 57 exceptionally spacious and well designed suites. The passenger accommodation is arranged over four decks and all suites have outside views. All feature a sitting room area and some have private balconies. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring a country style wash basin, hot towel rack and vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower and/or bath tub.

Facilities in the suites also include walk-in or spacious wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool or desk, mini-fridge, flat screen television, telephone, programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted toiletries, air-conditioning and heating. Bottled water, towelling dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort.

Your space
The spacious and finely decorated public rooms include a large lounge where daily briefings and talks will be provided throughout the voyage and an elegant bar where a pianist plays periodically throughout the day. The bar also features a 24-hour tea and coffee station. In addition there is the Club Lounge on the Panoramic Deck which features a bar. The onboard travel library is the perfect place to relax with a book and is stocked with reference books pertaining to the places the vessel is visiting along with a selection of games and two computers with internet access. Daily newspapers and magazines are also placed in the library depending on local availability. Outside there is a rear Lido deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade. On the top deck there is a further observation and sun deck with bar service and comfortable deck furniture for sun bathing or relaxing with a book. There is also a small gymnasium onboard and hairdressers with appointments made on request.

Your dining
With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the quality of cuisine will be of a consistent superior quality. Where possible and when it meets his high standards, our accomplished chef will obtain local produce in markets or buy the catch of the day from a passing fishing boat. Such purchases enhance the well stocked larders and bring a local touch to the varied menus. In the main elegant dining room, breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items cooked to order and lunch and dinner is à la carte. When weather permits, breakfast, a buffet-style lunch and dinner are also served on deck. To enhance your dining experience even further a selection of wines are included with lunch and dinner. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge and tea and coffee are available 24 hours. With sufficient notice, most diets can be catered for on board.

For your comfort, safety and security
Our vessel is equipped with the latest safety, navigation and communications equipment along with roll stabilisers to minimise the ship’s motion. The Captain and officers operate an open-bridge policy that allows passengers onto the bridge at most times with the exception of arrival and departure from port and during times of complicated navigation. Here you can check the ship’s progress by charts and learn more from the officers about your journey. There is also a dedicated channel on your television in your suite showing the routing of the vessel along with technical information and estimated times of arrival and departure from port. On board you will also find a clinic and doctor and a lift that serves all decks. Smoking on board is restricted to outside decks only. For

Gratuities
Unlike many other cruise vessels, onboard the MS Caledonian Sky you do not need to worry about tipping staff as we have included them in your holiday price. In addition we tip all our guides and drivers along the way, thereby taking away the hassle of always having to remember to have some small change with you.

 

Cabin layout for Caledonian Sky