Argentina and Chile
The Andes and Patagonia Express |
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(Escorted)
Saturday 1 November - Tuesday 18 November
2008 |
Two countries are combined for the greatest contrast
and the adventure begins in Santiago where the
capital is dominated by the mighty Andes. We ride
the Flying Goose railcar and start our journey south
to Talca and Temuco. We travel to Puerto Montt and
to Bariloche, the beautiful lake district in
Argentina. From here we join La Trochita, the Old
Patagonian Express steam train to Esquel, across a
grand Andean setting. Buenos Aires rounds off the
holiday brimming with extraordinary journeys.
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Price per person: |
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Includes flights in economy class,
rail journeys specified, hotels & breakfasts,
transfers, excursions indicated and other meals as
specified. |
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Escorted holiday: |
£4585.00 |
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Single room supplement: |
£635.00 |
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Deposit for the holiday: |
£200.00 |
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For
insurance please request a quotation. |
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(Click map to enlarge) |
Day 1 - Fly London to
Santiago
We fly from London to Santiago via Sao Paulo.
Day 2 - Arrive in Santiago
Arrival in Santiago and transfer to hotel for two
nights. Afternoon sightseeing and a visit to the
Quinta Railway Museum located in a beautiful city
park.
Day 3 - The Flying
Goose
Departure by road to Los Andes where we join the
former Transandina Railroad, meter gauge, Flying
Goose Railcar for the trip to Rio Blanco and the
railway works.
Day 4 - To Constitucion via Talca
Transfer to Alameda station for departure on the
Terrasur train to Talca. Here we join to our
autoferro (railcar) on the metre gauge line to
Constitucion. A splendidly eccentric journey,
bouncing through the hills down to the coast. Arrive
Constitucion, an attractive seaside town and
transfer to hotel.
Day 5 - By rail to Chillan
Our autoferro will take us to Talca where we
continue our rail journey on the regular Terrasur
train to Chillan. Our private coach will deliver us
to Temuco, our base for two nights.
Day 6 - Free
day in Temuco
Enjoy a free morning in Temuco or maybe take the
train northwards to Victoria and back. Afternoon
visit to the excellent Railway Museum which is the
original steam roundhouse with many engines, several
in working order.
Day 7 -
Steam Train to Valdivia
Morning departure aboard our own chartered steam
train. Head south down the main line with several
excellent photo stops. A very comfortable journey is
assured. Afternoon arrival in Valdivia, back on the
Pacific coast again.
Day 8 - To
Puerto Montt
Our private coach will take us to Puerto Montt
through wonderful scenery and dramatic views of
distant snow-covered volcanoes.
Day 9 - Free
day in Puerto Montt
A free day to enjoy this most attractive town.
Day 10 -
Journey through the lakes
We make the classic all day journey through the
lakes, the Cruce de Lagos, to Bariloche in
Argentina. Lake steamers on three different lakes
with connecting buses. Amazing scenery on one of
South America’s most famous journeys.
Day 11 -
Steam Train
We transfer to Bariloche station to board our steam
train, Tren Historico, to Perito Moreno in the
shadow of the Andes. A full day trip including
lunch.
Day 12 - The
Old Patagonian Express
An early start by road to El Maiten, the
headquarters of the La Trochita, also known as the
Old Patagonian Express. Our ‘once in a lifetime,’
narrow gauge steam train journey will take us to
Esquel, the terminus of the line. We travel through
the imposing landscape of the Andean foothills with
over 600 curves. Lunch included.
Day 13 - Return by steam train
Departure once again by steam train to El Maiten.
All the fun for a second time! Those who wish to do
so may have a sightseeing tour of Esquel before
joining the train riders later in the day. Lunch
included. Coach transfer back to Bariloche for an
overnight stay.
Day 14 - Fly to Buenos Aires
We fly from Bariloche to Buenos Aires and transfer
to our hotel.
Day 15 - Sightseeing in the city
Morning sightseeing tour of vibrant Buenos Aires.
Later we visit the Escalada Railway Museum. Formerly
the main running shed serving Plaza Constitucion
station, there is now a wide collection of broad
gauge locomotives and rolling stock. Lunch in the
dining car at the Museum.
Day 16 - Free day in Buenos Aires
At leisure in radiant Buenos Aires for sightseeing,
shopping or riding trains.
Day 17 - Journey home
Transfer to the airport for our flight to London
arriving on Day 18.
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