Journey along the spine of South America and be amazed
at some of the most stunning landscapes in the world. Let us guide you through this captivating coastline of vibrant cities, colonial towns, renowned wine regions and the natural
wonders this region has to offer.
Day
1 Lima (Callao), Peru
Welcome to Callao-a seaside city
on the Pacific Ocean, and one of Peru's chief seaports-where a
world of wonder awaits as you step onboard and raise your
glass to toast the start of your luxurious cruise. Meal: D
Day
2 Paracas
Paracas is a town on Peru's west coast. It's
known for beaches, like El Chaco, set on sheltered Paracas
Bay. The town is a launch point for the uninhabited Ballestas
Islands, home to sea lions, pelicans and Humboldt penguins.
Rugged, wildlife-rich Paracas National Reserve spans desert,
ocean, islands and the Paracas Peninsula. The peninsula’s
Paracas Candelabra is a vast prehistoric geoglyph, etched into
a hillside. Meals: B, L, D
Day
3 At Sea
Relaxation beckons with so many choices on
board you will wonder how time passes so quickly. Choose one
of the daily activities including a class in Scenic Epicure, join
an entertaining discussion in the Theatre, or make time for
your own fitness regime. Meals: B, L, D
Day
4 Matarani
Peru’s port of Matarani is a gateway to one of
the country’s most fascinating cities: Arequipa, which sits
7,661 feet above sea level in an Andean valley 75 miles from the
Pacific. In the background is the nearby volcano El Misti, which
looms over the city at a height of 19,101 feet. Spanish
conquistadores founded Arequipa in 1540, but due to its
remote location, it developed a distinct identity, known for its
outspoken politicians and spicy cuisine. Meals: B, L, D
Day
5 Arica, Chile
Chile’s northernmost city, Arica, is
characteristically arid for the region, which is home to the
world’s driest desert, the Atacama. The climate and terrain
may not seem hospitable for long-term living, but for a visitor
just passing through, they’re critical. The attractions include a
fascinating archaeological museum that claims to have the
world’s oldest mummies, and a village that dates to the pre-
Hispanic era and retains some of its mystical allure. There’s
also a cathedral featuring a door that came straight from
Eiffel’s Parisian workshop and a local wine called Pintatani
made from grapes that grow in an unusually fertile part of
Arica. Meals: B, L, D
Day
6 Iquique
Iquique is a coastal city in northern Chile, to
the west of the Atacama Desert. You may enjoy strolling down
Baquedano Street towards the centre of town which will have
you thinking you’re in Texas, not a coastal Chilean town. This
street’s faded wooden buildings with window shutters and
grand doors will also have you expecting to see a cowboy
pushing through any of the saloon-like doors. However, the
buildings on Baquedano Street are original to the centre of
Iquique when the city started to expand during the mining
boom of the 1800s. Meals: B, L, D
Day
7 Isla Pan de Azucar
The rugged shores of Isla Pan de
Azucar (or Sugarloaf Island) are home to thousands of
Humboldt Penguins. The penguins come to this arid island to
breed and spend their days fishing, swimming and diving, as do
many of the other birds found here. The waters around Isla Pan
de Azucar also support Kelp Gulls, Blackish Oystercatchers,
Peruvian Boobies, pelicans, sea lions and the reclusive South
American marine otter. Meals: B, L, D
Day
8 At Sea
Today the relaxation continues. Try a game of
bridge or canasta in the Observatory or tempt your palate with
a wine tasting with the Sommelier in Scenic Epicure. Meals: B, L, D
Day
9 Valparaiso > Santiago, Chile
Your cruise ends this
morning in Valparaiso as you say farewell to your crew.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Santiago Airport for
your flight homeward arriving in the USA the following day. Meal: B