Chilean Fjords Highlights

Navigate through a mesmerizing series of channels and fjords, where the variety of hues change with each sunrise and sunset. From icy blues and fiery reds to lush greens, let the kaleidoscope of Chilean Patagonia?s natural beauty envelop you on a Chilean Fjords Cruise. The flora and fauna is rich and vibrant as are the people who inhabit these remote locales. As an explorer, marvel at the diversity of wildlife, hike hidden forest trails and witness majestic mountains and regal glaciers that dominate the horizon as you journey north from the end of the earth, discovering an abundant supply of history and culture and the melting pot known as Chile.

Itinerary

Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina

Depart from Buenos Aires J. Newberry Domestic Airport (AEP) and fly via private air charter to Ushuaia International Airport (USH) and transfer to the port. Embark Prince Albert II and depart on your exciting 12-day Silversea Expedition ? ?Chilean Fjords Highlights?. Meet some of your fellow explorers as you become acquainted with the luxurious amenities found onboard. This evening, you will be introduced to your Expedition Leaders.

Day 2: Cruise along Garibaldi Glacier, Chile

This afternoon, explore the Garibaldi Fjord, a narrow passage strewn with floating ice in altering shades of blue and green with ribbons of waterfalls snaking down steep mountainsides. Take in the quiet splendour of the retreating Garibaldi Glacier as your Captain makes the most of local conditions to allow for ample time and opportunities to explore the area. In the evening, continue through the 150-mile-long (241-km-long) Beagle Channel and enjoy the amenities of your luxury cruise ship.

Day 3: Punta Arenas, Chile

Located on the western side of the Strait of Magellan, Punta Arenas is the capital of Chile's Magallanes Region and the bustling central base for South Atlantic fishing boats and Antarctic research vessels. This busy port town is a melding of cultures and a symbol of Chile?s rich history. Punta Arenas? city centre features impressive mansions dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Explore Isla Magdalena, a Chilean Natural Monument which serves as a bird sanctuary to the 150,000 Magellanic penguins that call this island home.

Day 4: Cruising Chilean Fjords & Magellan Strait

Today is dedicated to the exploration of the narrow and historic Magellan Strait. Chile?s many fjords and channels are splendid natural waterways, but the Magellan Strait is the most important, since it connects the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans. Enjoy a variety of lectures, and onboard activities or relax in one of the lounges with a book, or enjoy a documentary or latest movie in your suite on your interactive television system.

Day 5: Puerto Natales, Chile

Today is spent exploring the bustling port town of Puerto Natales where rugged nature and indigenous flora and fauna exist in often harsh and unpredictable weather conditions. Witness breeding populations of 15 bird of prey species including the Andean condor, Black-chested buzzard-eagle and the Rufous-tailed hawk in this birder?s paradise. Your friendly and knowledgeable ship staff and expert local guides lead a park tour followed by a sampling of local cuisine before returning to the ship for the night.

Days 6-7: Navigate along Chilean Fjords

Cruising the Chilean Fjords as you way south into a stunningly remote domain through fjords and channels fringed by majestic mountains and untamed natural beauty. Aboard, marvel at the abundance of sea lions, the sighting of dolphins and whales and the astonishing array of seabirds and marine life. Attend informative lectures led by your Expedition Leader and guest specialists that will prepare you for the upcoming ports-of-call and the many possible unscheduled adventures that lie ahead.

Day 8: Cruise & Explore Isla Magdalena National Park, Chile

As day breaks, the Prince Albert II anchors off the protected shores of Isla Magdalena National Park. In true expeditionary style, explore the coast via Zodiac with your staff of experts and hopefully make a landing. The park is filled with dense forests guarded by Luma and Cypress of the Guaitecas trees, among a host of other native species. Various mosses and ferns are at your feet with vibrant splashes of colourful flora blush all around as you explore nature?s spectacle.

Day 9: Ancud, Chile

Drop anchor and go ashore via Zodiac to explore Chile?s second largest island. Chiloé Island is home to an amazing collection of 150 Jesuit-carved wooden churches, houses raised up on poles out of the water, and more than 400 native plant varieties. From Ancud, head south to Dalcahue where a visit to the well-preserved Dalcahue Church with its galvanized iron roof is a highlight. Next travel to the charming towns of Quinchao and Achao, enjoying a snack infused with local flavours and accompanied by authentic regional music before returning to the Prince Albert II.

Day 10: Niebla, Chile

Today is spent touring the Lakes District at Niebla, a small village on the banks of the Rio Valdivia where Chile?s Corral Bay meets the Pacific Ocean. A tour of the towns military fort, buily in 1647 by the Spanish military is a highlight. Next drive to the charming river port city of Valdivia, where an interesting blend of native Mapuche, Spanish and German influences coincide. View Mapuche artifacts and jewelry at the anthropological Museum Maurice Van der Maele and explore a variety of native plant species, including the lotus at the botanical gardens at the Universidad Austral de Chile, before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant. Following lunch there is free time to further explore before returning to the Prince Albert II in late afternoon.

Day 11: At Sea-Valparaiso (Santiago), Chile

Further navigation of the Chilean coast affords the opportunity to swap prized photos and seafaring tales with new-found friends. Out on deck, binoculars in hand, watch for seabirds and whales, or listen to additional presentations by your expert natural history staff in The Theatre or in the comfort of your own accommodation. Capture and enjoy each remaining moment of this spectacular vacation with the finest cigars and cognacs at The Humidor or indulge in any of the other special amenities offered aboard Prince Albert II. The Prince Albert II will arrive at Valparaíso, Chile during the early morning hours on the 8th of March. After breakfast, disembark Prince Albert II.