Santiago City Tour (Pre Cruise)

We know you've got a ship to catch. But before you leave Santiago, don't miss seeing the capital of Chile on this enticing pre-cruise Santiago City tour.

After pickup at either the Santiago airport or central Santiago hotel, you will begin your tour viewing the old areas of Santiago like Estacion Central (one of the three Eiffel buildings in Chile) and Club Hipico, the main horse track that was inspired in the French Long Champs.

From there it's on to the Government Palace, La Moneda, where the walking portion of this tour will commence. A walk around La Moneda or the opportunity to see the changing of the guard ceremony in front of it (depending on the weekday), will be the beginning of the highlights of the civic and historical center of this capital city. Other interesting sites you will see during this walk are the Governor's Hall, the stock exchange, the main walking streets, Plaza de Armas, the City Hall building, the Post Office, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the former site of Congress and some "coffee with legs."

Next, the excursion heads to the second highest peak of Santiago, Santa Lucia Hill, where you will enjoy the most amazing view of Santiago Valley. Besides offering a panoramic view of Santiago, Santa Lucia Hill is also a historic site. It was ascended in 1541 by Pedro de Valdivia and this is where he decided to found the capitol of Chile.

The tour will proceed uptown to the wealthy areas of Santiago, where you may stop at one of the best handicraft shops in town to see lapis lazuli, a semi-precious stone which is found only in Afghanistan and Chile. If you wish, you may have lunch (at your own expense) at Patio Bellavista, a charming street lined with several delightful restaurant options, provides an excellent spot to enjoy lunch.

You will then drive to Valparaiso, approximately one hour away on the coast, where you will embark your cruise ship.

Please Note: This tour is for passengers starting their cruise in Valparaiso. The tour will begin at either the airport in Santiago or a hotel in the central Santiago area and will end at the cruise ship. If you are arriving at Santiago airport on the same day of the tour, your flight must be scheduled to arrive at Santiago airport no later than 8:00 AM. If you are staying at a hotel, it is very important that you give us the correct name and address of the hotel, as many hotel chains have several properties. Failure to provide the correct information will result in loss of your tour and will not be subject to a refund. Your cruise must be scheduled to set sail at 5:00 PM or later.

Custom pick-up is provided from the Santiago airport and hotels located in the cities of Pudahuel, Santiago, Providencia, Las Condes, and Vitacura. If you are staying in a Airbnb, hostel, rented apartment, or if your hotel is outside of the designated pick- up areas, please note that custom pick-up cannot be provided and you will need to make your way to central meeting location in order to meet the local representative.

The Changing of the guard in front of La Moneda, the ceremony does not take place on a regular basis and the guests will see it if time allows. Also, be advised that the Club Hípico (horse track) may close for private events without prior notice. In such cases, an outside viewing will be arranged.

See our FAQ for more information