Guest of Honour 
Polar Expedition 
The Travel Concierge service 
Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
5% Ponant Bonus
215 ft²
2
- Last staterooms
- New
The Emperor Penguins of Weddell Sea
Punta Arenas - Ushuaia
Dates:
02/11/2023
to
17/11/2023
Other available dates
days
nights on board
Overnight in Santiago + flight Santiago/Punta Arenas + transfers + flight Ushuaia/Santiago
With featured guest Mikaa Mered, geopolitologist, award-winning author, university lecturer and seasoned public speaker specialized in the Polar-Climate-Hydrogen nexus.
The theatre of the greatest expeditions, a refuge for the rarest wildlife and an endless ice desert, the Weddell Sea promises you intense emotions during a voyage of exploration aboard Le Commandant Charcot, an enveloping cocoon that is wide open onto the exterior polar setting. This place is home to emperor penguins, majestic birds endemic to the Antarctic, rarely observed and only in the most southern latitudes. The ultimate quest and the promise of all-new, unforgettable encounters.
From Drake Passage, as the wind blows and the waves crash against the stern of your ship, you will enter the southern seas, to the extreme and captivating Weddell Sea. Ice floe as far as the eye can see and gigantic tabular icebergs form the horizon of the colonies of Adelie penguins that populate this expanse. Contemplating these curious and quirky birds is a real privilege and the guarantee of an equally fascinating and touching show. Yet the ultimate challenge of this exploration is the search for and the encounter with their majesties, the emperor penguins. In this season, as the winter gradually makes way for the southern spring, you will perhaps witness a magical show - that of the largest penguins in the world waddling along the ice floe or the younger penguins learning to swim. It is rare to discover their elegance, so the encounter will be priceless.
During your exploration of the Weddell Sea, you will follow in the footsteps of the great polar epics like that of Sir Ernest Shackleton. Our passionate naturalists will also share the history of the gigantic tabular icebergs with you, including their birth in the heart of the immense Larsen Ice Shelf. The ice here boasts all possible shades and the white takes different forms in the surrounding reliefs. Let yourself be guided and set off on an adventure into the heart of incredible and unexpected nature. Your Captain and the expert naturalists humbly seize these opportunities to give you an experience that will remain unique.
It is a challenge and a privilege to sail upon the Weddell Sea; welcome to an extraordinary universe with compelling appeal.
Find out more about the world of Le Commandant Charcot here!
We are privileged guests in these extreme lands where we are at the mercy of weather and ice conditions. Our navigation will be determined by the type of ice we come across; as the fast ice must be preserved, we will take this factor into account from day to day in our itineraries. The sailing schedule and any landings, activities and wildlife encounters are subject to weather and ice conditions. These experiences are unique and vary with each departure. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, while respecting safety instructions and regulations imposed by the IAATO.
Ref : PU0845N - CC031123
Your itinerary
With featured guest Mikaa Mered, geopolitologist, award-winning author, university lecturer and seasoned public speaker specialized in the Polar-Climate-Hydrogen nexus. An all-new exploration into the almost...
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Included in your cruise
For more peace of mind, PONANT organizes your trip before or after the cruise. This package is included in the price of your cruise.
Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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LE LYRIAL
07/11/2023 to the 22/11/2023
LE LYRIAL
01/10/2023 to the 08/10/2023
LE PAUL GAUGUIN
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
06/02/2024 to the 03/03/2024
LE BORÉAL
07/07/2024 to the 20/07/2024
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- Glazed private balcony for all our staterooms and suites
- Terrace for the Duplex suites and the Owner's suite
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- 3 ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Mikaa Mered
Mikaa Mered is a geopolitologist, award-winning author, university lecturer and seasoned public speaker specialized in the Polar-Climate-Hydrogen nexus, at the intersection of space, place, security, and trade flows, with a neo-institutionalist approach. With 15 years of experience on Arctic and Antarctic affairs, Mikaa lectures on Polar geopolitics at the French War College and Sciences Po. Formerly a consultant on Polar political risks (2012-2015), advisor to the French Senator for sub-Arctic territory Saint-Pierre-and-Miquelon (2015-2017), expert-evaluator on Polar affairs to the European Commission (2016-2021), and secretary-general of Sciences Po’s Chair on Overseas Territories (2021-2022), he notably created the French Polar Cluster (2014), the Paris Arctic Breakfasts (2018) and the Victor Awards for Polar Commitment (2021). In 2019, Mikaa wrote the first-ever double-dictionary dedicated to Polar geopolitics, Les Mondes polaires (“The Polar worlds”, French University Press), recipient of two awards, and has since been scientific advisor to several internationally-broadcast documentaries on Polar geopolitics. Altogether, he has delivered more than 250 presentations on Polar affairs in 20 countries. A member of the Standing Committee on the Humanities and Social Sciences of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (HASS-SCAR), Mikaa contributes in 2023 to an international research effort questioning the concept of “Antarctic ambassadorship” related to tourism.
Languages spoken : French and English
Photo credit : Aldo Soares
Mikaa Mered will give several lectures including:
- 1820-2023: 200 years of Antarctic stewardship and ambassadorship: narratives, governance, diplomacy, and geopolitics
- Naming and weaponizing the Weddell Sea: militarization, clashing territorial claims and the political instrumentalization of science.
- Antarctic geoeconomics: natural and immaterial resources, political symbolism, identity and national prestige.
- China-Russia-USA: how the Northern Antarctic Peninsula at the heart of global geopolitical competition.
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Mikaa Mered
Mikaa Mered is a geopolitologist, award-winning author, university lecturer and seasoned public speaker specialized in the Polar-Climate-Hydrogen nexus, at the intersection of space, place, security, and trade flows, with a neo-institutionalist approach. With 15 years of experience on Arctic and Antarctic affairs, Mikaa lectures on Polar geopolitics at the French War College and Sciences Po. Formerly a consultant on Polar political risks (2012-2015), advisor to the French Senator for sub-Arctic territory Saint-Pierre-and-Miquelon (2015-2017), expert-evaluator on Polar affairs to the European Commission (2016-2021), and secretary-general of Sciences Po’s Chair on Overseas Territories (2021-2022), he notably created the French Polar Cluster (2014), the Paris Arctic Breakfasts (2018) and the Victor Awards for Polar Commitment (2021). In 2019, Mikaa wrote the first-ever double-dictionary dedicated to Polar geopolitics, Les Mondes polaires (“The Polar worlds”, French University Press), recipient of two awards, and has since been scientific advisor to several internationally-broadcast documentaries on Polar geopolitics. Altogether, he has delivered more than 250 presentations on Polar affairs in 20 countries. A member of the Standing Committee on the Humanities and Social Sciences of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (HASS-SCAR), Mikaa contributes in 2023 to an international research effort questioning the concept of “Antarctic ambassadorship” related to tourism.
Languages spoken : French and English
Photo credit : Aldo Soares
Expedition programmes include activities such as zodiac outings and landings (sometimes with "wet landing"), moderate walks to more active hikes, all accompanied by your expedition team of naturalist guides.
Ports of call, visited sites, outings and landings will depend on weather conditions, position of ice, winds and the state of the sea. These can force a change of plans at any time. The Captain and the Expedition Leader may at any time cancel or stop any activity, or even modify the itinerary. The final itinerary will be confirmed by the Captain, who will take into account the touristic quality of the sites and above all, the safety of the passengers. His decision will be based on advice from experts and authorities.
Travelling to polar/isolated regions is an exhilarating experience in remote areas: please remember that you are far from modern hospitals with full medical facilities, thus evacuation is extremely expensive. Without adequate medical coverage, all expenses will have to be immediately paid with your personal funds. We urge you to subscribe to full coverage insurance, choose your insurance company very carefully, be extremely vigilant and ensure your insurance is fully comprehensive, especially if you are insured by your credit card. PONANT offers an insurance contract with extensive guarantees, please contact us for more information.
Clothing tips:
- A PONANT polar water-resistant parka is offered on board for all departures with an expedition programme (no children sizes, in case of consecutive cruises, only one complimentary parka).
- Half calf rubber boots with non-slip soles, which will allow you to go ashore in 20 cm of cold water, keeping your feet dry for walks and visits on steep paths. Boot rental will be offered onboard (for adults only) on Expedition cruises.
- Comfortable trousers: classic Winter trousers, warm cotton tracksuit, wool leggings
- Waterproof and windproof over-trousers – MANDATORY
- Winter trousers with waterproof over trousers are the ideal combination: water-resistance and comfort of trousers are essential
- Pullover, sweat-shirt or fleece jacket
- Woollen or thermolactyl Thermal underwear
- A warm hat, woollen ear muffs or fleece ear muffs, fleece or woollen neck warmer (avoid scarves that do not stay in place)- MANDATORY
- Wool or silk glove liners, water-resistant and supple gloves
- Thick warm socks (ideally woollen)
Accessories:
- Small waterproof backpack (to protect your camera from water).
- Binoculars (strongly recommended for wildlife viewing).
- Highly protective sunglasses.
- Walking poles (highly recommended).
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
INSULATED BASE LAYER:
- Wool or thermolactyl technical underwear
- Polar or technical jacket
- Polar sweater or sweatshirt
- Silk or wool glove liners
- Wool leggings
- Warm hiking socks
WATERPROOF OUTER LAYER:
- Waterproof over-trousers - Mandatory
- Waterproof parka - Offered on board (not available in children’s sizes)
- A warm woollen hat covering your ears
- Polar or woollen neck warmer
- Waterproof technical gloves
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen
- Lip protection balm
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
ACCESSORIES:
- Highly protective sunglasses
- Binoculars
- Walking poles
- Small waterproof backpack
- Swimsuit (for the spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
PONANT activities
Kayaking - Le Commandant Charcot
You will make the most of the sailing opportunities and weather and ice conditions to glide along on the clear waters or between the ice floes and get as close as possible to the immaculate nature of the poles. Supervised by licenced expert guides, you will try your hand in a kayak- a craft favoured by the Inuits for at least 4,000 years. The kayak was initially used for hunting and fishing; for you, it will be a means of making the most of your adventure on the White Continent or in the Far North.*
*with limited places available
Outings and shore visits in zodiac inflatables
Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, depending on the opportunities provided by the sailing, weather and ice conditions, a fleet of 14 zodiacs expedition dinghies will be used for outings and shore visits. Getting closer to a glacier calving huge icebergs, setting foot on a sheet of ice floe, observing the fauna up close: so many unforgettable moments that very few people will ever have the chance of experiencing in these regions that are hostile to man and home to unique wildlife.
Hiking or snowshoeing
During shore landings, depending on the ecological resilience of the biome, we will propose hikes at different levels, in the company of your experienced naturalist guides. From a simple stroll along the coast to walks lasting several hours to reach particular viewpoints or historical sites, you will make the most of the opportunities provided by the weather and ice conditions. When the itineraries allow, you’ll put on snowshoes* to set off like the explorers of old and discover areas that have barely known Man.
*with limited places available
Polar plunge
Let yourself be seduced by the unrivalled sensations of being surrounded by cold water. Weather and ice conditions willing, you will have opportunities to undertake a unique experience during a polar plunge wearing just your swimming costume, in the middle of the ice. You will be be filled with intense emotions and will fully appreciate the energy boost when warming up after the swim!*
*with limited places available
Highlights
- With featured guest Mikaa Mered, geopolitologist, award-winning author, university lecturer and seasoned public speaker specialized in the Polar-Climate-Hydrogen nexus.
- An all-new exploration into the almost inaccessible Weddell Sea, in search of majestic emperor penguins, amidst immaculate and dreamlike landscapes.
- Outings and shore visits in a zodiac inflatable with a reinforced team of naturalist guides.
- Conferences and information meetings on board with our passionate experts, specialists in the fauna, flora and history of the polar regions.
- Landscapes: immense glaciers, table top icebergs, immersion in the heart of the ice floes.
- Wildlife: the possibility to observe emperor, Adelie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins; Ross, leopard and crabeater seals; humpback, Minke whales and orcas.
- Many activities: kayaking, hiking or snowshoeing, polar plunge without suit. Discover all the activities in the “Ponant Activities” tab.
- For your comfort, your cruise package includes an overnight in Santiago the day before embarkation, transfers and flights Santiago/Punta Arenas and Ushuaia/Santiago (for details, see the 'included in your cruise' tab).
Ports of Call & Excursions
3 November 2023 - Punta Arenas
Embarkation 03/11/2023 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 03/11/2023 at 18:00
Capital of the Magallanes Region and of the Chilean Antarctic, this handsome port city will charm you with its history and traditions. Once inhabited by several indigenous tribes, Punta Arenas has maintained an architectural style that remains true to its heritage.
4 November 2023 5 November 2023 - Crossing the Drake Passage
Arrival 04/11/2023
Departure 05/11/2023
Use your days spent in the Drake Passage to familiarise yourself with your ship and deepen your knowledge of the Antarctic. The Expedition Leader will first present the IAATO rules of conduct that must be observed during landings in the region and will explain everything you need to know about the zodiac outings. Lectures about the history and wildlife of the Antarctic will be an opportunity for you to learn more about this magical region, where every cruise is a unique experience. You will experience exceptional sailing moments on board and join the naturalist-guides on your ship’s exterior decks to look out for albatrosses, cape petrels, and other seabirds flying over the Drake Passage.
6 November 2023 13 November 2023 - The Weddell Sea exploration
Arrival 06/11/2023
Departure 13/11/2023
Impassable, extreme and captivating: this is the best way to describe the Weddell Sea, much of which is covered by a layer of thick, densely packed ice. It is a challenge and a privilege to sail upon this sea. Polar exploration finds its full meaning here. Heading towards the South is a real quest, with the promise of highly-charged encounters with the continent’s endemic fauna. This is the kingdom of the emperor penguin, the largest penguin in the world, renowned for its elegance. Unlike other penguins that live on the rocks, the emperor nests on the ice floe which it needs for its reproductive cycle. It is therefore on the ice floe that you will be able to observe it walking around with its characteristic gait. In this southern sea, where the ice changes and is transformed constantly, there is never any monotony. The new reliefs and new colours ensure never-ending wonderment. You will sail into the heart of the immaculate ice floe, which is dislocated or densely packed, into an alley of icebergs. Among them are immense blocks of ice, tabular icebergs, that drift and illuminate the ocean with their cerulean blue haloes. Aboard, on shore, on the ice, you will be as close as possible to the colonies of Adelie penguins, Weddell seals, Mink whales, orcas, snow petrels.… With a little luck, you will get a glimpse of a rare Ross seal with its silver pelage or of emperor penguins, waddling along the edge of the ice floe. A sight that is as fascinating as it is emotional.
14 November 2023 - North Antarctic Peninsula
Arrival 14/11/2023
Departure 14/11/2023
Throughout your time in the north of the Antarctic Peninsula, you will find yourself in the heart of a spectacular decor in subtle shades of blue and white, surrounded by exceptional wildlife. You will sail through the Antarctic Sound, named after Swedish explorer Otto Nordenskjöld’s ship, which was trapped by the ice during an important scientific expedition in 1902. The gateway to the Weddell Sea, this sound is filled with gigantic tabular icebergs and plates of sea ice drifting northward from the coastal areas of this vast sea. It is home to Adelie penguins and a great many leopard seals.
15 November 2023 16 November 2023 - Crossing the Drake Passage
Arrival 15/11/2023
Departure 16/11/2023
If there is one place, one sea, one waterway dreaded by tourists, researchers and hardened seafarers alike, it is undoubtedly Drake Passage. Situated at the latitude of the infamous Furious Fifties winds, between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands, it is the shortest route to connect Antarctica to South America. Seasoned navigators will tell you that you must earn your visit to the White Continent! As the Antarctic convergence zone where cold currents rising up from the South Pole meet warmer equatorial water masses, Drake Passage harbours a very diverse marine fauna. Don't forget to look to the sky to catch a glimpse of elegant albatross and Cape petrels, playfully floating about in the wind around your ship.
17 November 2023 - Ushuaia
Arrival 17/11/2023 early morning
Disembarkation 17/11/2023 at 08:00
Capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia is considered the gateway to the White Continent and the South Pole. Nicknamed “El fin del mundo” by the Argentinian people, this city at the end of the world nestles in the shelter of mountains surrounded by fertile plains that the wildlife seem to have chosen as the ultimate sanctuary. With its exceptional site, where the Andes plunge straight into the sea, Ushuaia is one of the most fascinating places on earth, its very name evocative of journeys to the unlikely and the inaccessible…
Le Commandant Charcot
With Le Commandant Charcot, PONANT has imagined and envisaged the cruise voyage of tomorrow. The latest addition to the fleet will take you following in the footsteps of the great polar explorers in refined surroundings complete with the kind of luxury services never before offered in the farthest reaches of the southern and northern hemispheres.
The indoor swimming pool, the conservatory, the panoramic restaurant, the Blue Lagoon outdoor restaurant, the Main Lounge, the Observation Lounge, the lobby… Each of the common areas has been designed to both convey French-style discreet luxury and arouse wonder and amazement. The common thread running through all their designs is the desire to allow the light to penetrate and open everything up the extraordinary polar landscapes and scenery.
This very first hybrid-electric polar exploration ship powered by LNG has been designed with the greatest attention to detail in terms of safety and respect for the environment.
Up to 245 Guests
123 staterooms & suites
215 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Overnight in Santiago + flight Santiago/Punta Arenas + transfers + flight Ushuaia/Santiago
For your serenity, PONANT has organised the following included programme for you, which starts the day prior to embarkation.
The day before embarkation – Santiago
Transfer from airport to PONANT selected hotel.
In order to organise your transfer, please inform your travel agent 60 days before departure, your flight number as well as your arrival time and day.
Meet and greet at the hotel by our local representative. Check-in from late morning.
Lunch on your own and time at leisure in the afternoon.
Dinner.
Overnight at the hotel.
Embarkation Day – Santiago/Punta Arenas
A light morning breakfast will be served before leaving for the airport for your Santiago/Punta Arenas flight.
Transfer to the airport.
Flight Santiago/Punta Arenas selected by PONANT in economy class.
Seats in business class may be available, please contact your travel agent.
Approximate flight duration: 3 hours
Meet and greet at Punta Arenas airport (English-speaking assistance).
Transfer to Le Commandant-Charcot.
Embarkation.
– Cruise on board your ship –
Disembarkation Day – Ushuaia/Santiago
Disembarkation.
Meet and greet at the port (English-speaking assistance).
Transfer to the airport in time for check-in of the flight Ushuaia/Santiago selected by PONANT in economy class.
Approximate flight duration: 3 hours
Seats in business class may be available, please contact your travel agent.
It is highly recommended to have an international inbound flight the day after PONANT selected flight.
Your programme includes:
- Transfer from airport upon flight arrival.
- 1-night accommodation in a 5* hotel the night before embarkation.
Your hotel will be confirmed few weeks before your cruise. - Early check-in available from late morning.
- Hospitality desk at the hotel in Santiago.
- Return flight Santiago/Punta Arenas and Ushuaia/Santiago selected by PONANT, in economy class.
Seats in business class may be available, please contact your travel agent. - Meals as mentioned in the programme and beverage package.
- Transfers as mentioned in the programme.
Your programme does not include:
- Tips for the local guide.
- Personal expenses.
- Other meals and services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
- The local currency is the Chilean Peso. You will be able to make most of your purchases in USD (in small denominations) or by credit card, accepted in most hotels, shopping centres and boutiques. You will also be able to retrieve Pesos from the ATM’s.
- Summer season in Santiago: temperatures may be very hot, but often between 68 °F (20 °C) and 95 °F (35 °C).
- Summer season in Ushuaia: temperatures vary between 41 °F (5 °C) and 65 °F (15 °C)
- We recommend you wear warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
- If case PONANT has not received your full flight details, services start at the hotel in time for check-in.
Programme is subject to change.
To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Polar Expedition
Realise your dream of adventure in the polar regions ! Discover the icy vastness and the fauna of Antarctica (humpback whales, seals, penguins and more) or the Arctic's fjords, glaciers and icebergs in shifting colours, not to mention the polar bears, the variety of wildlife and the special moments shared with the locals. Our team of naturalist guides share their knowledge with you during varied lectures about the fauna, the flora, the history of great explorations, geology and climatology. Thanks to its conscientiousness and to the responsible approach that is its hallmark, PONANT has been a leader and expert in cruises to these destinations for more than 20 years.
The Travel Concierge service
A voyage aboard Le Commandant Charcot is a unique experience. Our Travel Concierge service is designed to make your trip an unforgettable one by offering services precisely tailored to your individual needs. These include private transfers, access to airport waiting lounges, home services during your absence and personalised stopovers.
Our Travel Concierge team is ready to help with the smallest details of your trip, so you can leave home care-free and enjoy the voyage with complete peace of mind.
Discover all the concierge services by clicking here.
Looking forward to accompanying you,
PONANT Travel Concierge Team
To contact a travel concierge call : 441 224 080 921 or send an email to: conciergerievoyage@ponant.com
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
WINE TASTING IN CHILE (3 NIGHTS)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 - Santiago
Meet at Santiago Airport in the Arrival hall, look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative of the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).Transfer of around 1 hour from the airport to the Hotel Singular 5* (or similar), located in the very heart of Santiago's historic and cultural district.
Dinner at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Santiago / Maipo Valley
After your breakfast, you will then travel to the Maipo Valley, south of Santiago, famous for its vineyards, the oldest of which date back to the 16th century.
You will discover the estate of Concha y Toro, which is one of the main Chilean wine producers, where you will enjoy a guided tour and a wine tasting. You will have lunch in the restaurant of the Santa Rita estate.
You will then be transferred to the Hotel Las Majadas, where you will be invited to a welcome cocktail. This remarkable early 20th century building, constructed in the Neo-Gothic style, also has a very beautiful wooded park. An enchanted interlude amidst the Chilean vineyards.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 - Maipo Valley / Valparaiso
After your breakfast and check-out, on the way to Valparaiso, you will visit the Matetic vineyard surrounding an elegant residence with the appearance of a hacienda. You will enjoy a presentation of the estate and a wine tasting followed by lunch, before continuing towards Valparaiso, which is famous for its colourful houses and its hills overlooking the ocean. In this city, which was a sanctuary for Pablo Neruda, a certain urban poetry reigns and street artists let their creativity run free.
You will be able to admire many emblematic murals in its districts and visit the house where Pablo Neruda lived, called La Sebastiana, offering commanding views over the Bay of Valparaiso.
You will arrive at the hotel Casa Higuieras, a former 1920s mansion, where you will dine and spend the night.
Day 4 - Valparaiso / Santiago
After your breakfast and check-out, you will be transferred to Santiago during a panoramic tour, before going to your hotel, the Ritz Carlton.
Your hotels:
Singular 5*
This elegant Belle Epoque style hotel is located in the heart of Santiago's historic centre. It has a spa, restaurant and bar, as well as a magnificent roof terrace overlooking the whole city.
La Majadas 4*
Created by a team of architects in 2016, this hotel has 50 rooms with views over a park. The rooms are spacious and elegantly decorated. The hotel has a restaurant, the Séquoia, which serves local cuisine and the best wines from the Valley of Maipo.
La Casa Higueras 4*
The Hotel Casa Higueras is 120 km from Santiago Airport and 45 km from the Casalanca wine valley. Occupying a majestic house that dates back to the early 20th century, the Hotel Casa Higueras has a spa and swimming pool with views over the bay.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
- 1 night accomodation in Classic room in Santiago at the Singular hotel5* (local standard) breakfast included.
- 1 night in Maipo Valley in Superior room at the hotel Las Majadas Pirque 4* (local standard) breakfast included.
- 1 night in Classic room in Valparaiso at the hotel La Casa Higuieras 4* (local standard), breakfast included.
- Meals as mentioned in the programme.
- Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 glass of wine or 1 local beer and 1 coffee or tea).
- Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
- The services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
- Dinner day 1.
- Personal expenses.
- Visa if necessary.
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Early check-in and late check-out.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
- It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
- Early check-in or late check-out might be available depending on availability and on a supplement basis.
Contact of your hotels:
Singular Hotel Santiago
Merced 294, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chili
Hotel Las Majadas
José Julio Nieto S/N, 9480069, Pirque, Chili
Hotel La Casa de Higuieras
Higuera 133, 2370540, Valparaíso, Chili
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : £3,678
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
EXCLUSIVE OVERNIGHT IN SANTIAGO (1 NIGHT)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 - Pier of disembarkation/Santiago
Meet and greet upon arrival of the flight to Santiago selected by PONANT by our local representative.
You will be transferred to The Singular Santiago, Lastarria Hotel 5*.
Lunch and afternoon at leisure.
Dinner at leisure.
Optional activity for dinner:
Wine cellar dinner
In a historic and intimate space, enjoy a gastronomic expericence combine with a fine selection of Chilean wines.
Limited seats, contact your travel agent for more information.
Day 2 - Santiago
Breakfast followed by check-out.
You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
Your hotel:
Located in the cultural and historical hub of Santiago, The Singular Santiago, Lastarria Hotel invites guests to embody its unique spirit through relaxation and singular satisfaction. Providing excellent service in an elegant atmosphere, the hotel offers perfectly balanced architecture, distinctive design and gastronomy which integrates the essence of the area.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
- 1-night deluxe room accommodation at The Singular Santiago, Lastarria Hotel 5* local norm (or similar), including breakfast.
- Transfers mentioned in the programme.
- Services of a local English speaking local guide.
Your programme does not include:
- Tips for the guide and the driver.
- Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the programme.
- The lunch and dinneron your arrival day.
- Optional dinner experience
Please note:
The official currency is the Chilean peso. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, city centre shops and boutiques, or you can change euros in the foreign exchange outlets, or take out Chilean pesos from cash-points and banks. US dollars are also accepted (make sure you have some small denomination notes with you).
It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
Contacts of your hotel:
The Singular Santiago, Lastarria Hotel
Merced 294,
Santiago, Región Metropolitana,
Chile
Tel +56 2 2306 8800
To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Travellers are advised to check all the information with the authorities concerned prior to the departure date. CDP advises Travellers to consult the country factsheets relating to the chosen destinations. CDP specifically draws Travellers' attention to the fact that the information provided may change up until the departure date, and they are advised to consult that information up until the time of departure. CDP invites Travellers to adjust their behavior to the visited country, to exercise vigilance and to avoid carrying valuable objects during their travel.
Total : £326
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.