CHILE Hosted by RTO Travel Committee Leaders, John & Karen Kitney

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1 CHILE Hosted by RTO Travel Committee Leaders, John & Karen Kitney North to south, Chile is as long as Canada is wide. From east to west, its boundaries are the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Chile is well developed and relatively affluent. Its people are polite, respectful and discreet. Santiago, in the Central Valley district, is one of the most modern capital cities on the continent. $8,850* p.p. 19 days Departs: Kingston Nov. 7-25, 2017 Includes: return Coach transfer from Kingston to Toronto all taxes and service fees return international airfare with Air Canada all gratuities (except personal hotel services) 5 local flights with LATAM Airlines daily bottled water all tours, transfers & entrance fees as per itinerary English speaking guide daily buffet breakfast with accommodation, 11 lunches and 13 dinners Merit Travel Kingston x Princess St. GOuthwaite@MeritTravel.com MeritTravel.com *Prices are in CDN$ per person, double occupancy. Taxes included. Single supplement add $1,970. Not included: any personal expenses, such as insurance, passport fees, any meals, or items not mentioned. ON / BC Peter Street, Suite 200, Toronto, ON. M5V 2H1 Canadian owned

2 DAY 1 Tuesday Nov. 7, 2017 Kingston Santiago, Chile Travel by coach from Kingston to Toronto for an overnight Air Canada flight direct to Santiago. ITINERARY DAY 2 Wednesday Nov. 8, 2017 Santiago (D) Upon arrival we begin our tour of modern Santiago. Highlights of the tour will include the main avenue of the city, Alameda del Libertador General Bernardo O Higgins, passing by the San Francisco Church which is the oldest monument in the country. We visit the Santa Lucía Hill, where the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia founded the city in After a quick visit to its top we descend to the Lastarria Neighborhood located below the hill. From here, we will be taken to La Moneda Palace, a neoclassical style government palace originally constructed to house the Mint of the Spanish Crown during the 18 th century. A few blocks away we can walk along Paseo Ahumada to Plaza de Armas (The Main Square). This bustling area houses the oldest buildings of the capital: the Cathedral Church of Santiago (rebuilt in 1748 where all four previous churches were destroyed by fires and earthquakes), the Central Post Office and the National Historical Museum (the former Real Audiencia or Spanish Royal Court). A little further on we cross the Mapocho River and head towards the Bellavista Neighbourhood. Here we ascend San Cristóbal Hill, a spur of the Andes where the famous Virgin Mary statue overlooks the city. We will enjoy a panoramic view of the city before arriving at our hotel for dinner and accommodation. Our tour, led by John and Karen Kitney, begins with 3 days in the capital visiting city sites and touring the Maipo Valley (wineries), Isla Negra, Viña del Mar, and Valparaiso. An evening of cultural dance and music is also included in our Santiago stay. After a short flight to the north we arrive in the stunning landscape of the Atacama Desert for a 4 night stay in San Pedro. The upper plateau or altiplano features salt flats dotted with flamingoes, llamas and alpacas along with unforgettable geological formations. Our guided tours will include the Arcoiris Valley, El Tatio geysers, Toconao and Machuca villages and a desert star-gazing tour of the southern sky. Flying south to the lush forests of the Lake District, our next home base will be Puerto Varas, after a tour of Puerto Montt. With 4 nights in superior room accommodation on the stunning Llanquihue Lake, we visit the imposing Osorno Volcano, Petrohue River Falls and cross the Canal de Chacao to discover the unique culture and warm hospitality on the island of Chiloé. On the water we can expect to see Humbolt and Magellanic penguins, sea lions and migratory birds such as flamingoes, swans and herons. Our final destination is the southern region of Patagonia, a land carved up into hundreds of islands and fjords. During our 4 night stay in Punta Arenas we will visit the Magdalena Island Penguin Colony, Fort Bulnes and Historic Patagonia Park. In a two-and-ahalf hour sailing excursion we will travel the route of the brave explorers: Sir Francis Drake, Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa, Hernando de Magellanes and Charles Darwin, among others. An optional 3 to 5 day extension to Easter Island is being planned. Visit the mystical Moais, Pukaos and soaring volcanoes while experiencing the distinctly Polynesian flavour of Rapa Nui. Breakfast Incl. (B), Lunch Incl. (L), Dinner Incl.(D) DAY 3 Thursday Nov. 9, 2017 Santiago (B, L, D) PEREZ CRUZ FAMILY WINERY AND SANTA RITA VINEYARDS: After breakfast in our hotel we travel south of the city and then east to the Maipo Valley. Located less than an hour s drive from Santiago, the valley is famous for its well-balanced red wines. We begin by visiting the Pérez Cruz winery; a family winery focused on the production of carefully crafted red blends that combine tradition and modern elegance. We will enjoy the architecture, hear the family story and taste their reserve wines. From here we continue to the Santa Rita Winery, founded in 1880 by Domingo Fernandez Concha. We will tour the wine cellar - a National Monument. The vineyards restaurant was named after Paula Jaraquemada, a woman who sheltered General O Higgins and 120 of his men, during the independence time. Lunch today is in this restaurant (Doña Paula). Finally, we visit the Museo Andino with its wide collection of 1800 s Pre-Columbian pieces of art. You will have the opportunity to purchase wine and souvenirs before returning to our hotel. Tonight we enjoy a dinner and show at Bali Hai restaurant featuring Chilean and Easter Island ethnic songs, traditional music and choreographed dances. DAY 4 Friday Nov. 10, 2017 Santiago (B, L) ISLA NEGRA, VIÑA DEL MAR AND VALPARAISO: We begin our journey from the hotel and head towards the coast to Isla Negra, where one of Pablo Neruda s three houses in Chile is situated. This was his favorite house where he and his third wife, Matilde Urrutia spent the majority of their time. In English, Isla Negra means "Black Island," which refers to a rock outcropping into the sea; however Isla Negra is not an island. Neruda, a lover of the sea and all things maritime, built the home to resemble a ship with low ceilings, creaky wooden floors, and narrow passageways. Neruda and his wife Matilde Urrutia are buried there, with a clear view of their beach.

3 Next we continue north towards the beautiful city of Viña del Mar, also known as the Garden City, to view its main streets and avenues with their large homes and palaces. Later we head along the coast towards Reñaca, one of Chile s most famous beach towns to enjoy a bit of sunshine and nature. Heading around the bay to Valparaíso, we set off to discover this busy port city with its charming hills. We pass by Chile s parliament building as well as other examples of the historical architecture that earned Valparaíso its World Heritage status in Our first stop is a must; the Artillería lift will take us to the 21 de Mayo lookout point. Here we can watch the port activity, the rolling hills full of color and see how the city has developed over recent years. Continuing around the cerros or hills of the city to the San Luis square, we will have a walking tour of this higher elevation, including the churches and the Museum of Fine Arts. From here we descend on the El Peral lift to encounter the Plaza Sotomayor. This is where the Monument to the Fallen Heroes of Iquique is located. After this busy day of exploration, we return to the hotel in Santiago. Dinner tonight is on your own. DAY 5 Saturday Nov. 11, 2017 Santiago San Pedro (B, D) Today we head to the airport to board our two hour mid-day flight to Calama in the Atacama region. From our hotel in San Pedro de Atacama, we will embark on an excursion to Moon and Death Valleys. First we head to the Cordillera de la Sal (Salt Mountain Range), where we visit the Valley of the Moon ( Valle de la Luna ) that forms part of the National Flamingo Reservation. This unique place is famous for its natural mineral sculptures such as Las Tres Marías (The three Mary s) - formed by wind erosion and suggesting a lunar setting. Next, we visit Death Valley ( Valle de la Muerte ), a dune environment where the salt formations seem to form sculptures and works of art. Here we may see sand boarders practicing their favorite sport. We end our day with a magical sunset at the Kari Viewpoint, one of the highest points of the Cordillera de la Sal (Salt Mountain Range); before returning to our hotel in San Pedro de Atacama. Dinner tonight is at our hotel. DAY 6 Sunday Nov. 12, 2017 San Pedro (B, L, D) TOUR OF TULOR, PUKARÁ DE QUITOR AND ATACAMA SALT FLAT: This morning we head into the Andes Mountains to the village of Tulor. Here the buildings resemble a labyrinth of circles, each of which was a dwelling or meeting place. Tulor is the oldest vestige and first human settlement in the Atacama Salt Flat. It has been preserved and is now known as the Cradle of the Likan Antai dating back 2,000 years. Next, we visit Pukará de Quitor. This stone defensive fortress dates back to the 12 th century and was attacked by the Spanish in 1540, restored in 1981 and then declared a National Monument in We return to San Pedro de Atacama for lunch. After lunch we head to the Toconao village, towards the Jerez Canyon (Quebrada de Jerez) where we will be able to see the flora and fauna of this beautiful Valley, located at an altitude of 2,475 meters. Once in Toconao, we stop at the San Lucas Church, made of mud and straw with its typical tower bell. We will visit the local handicraft fair which is very popular for its Alpaca wool and creative crafts made of cactus or volcanic stone. Our journey continues to the fabulous Atacama Salt Flat, the largest in Chile and one of the 5 largest in the world. We travel along a small path to the Chaxa Lagoon where we will see different species of pink flamingos. This area is a protected flamingo breeding reservoir and declared Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos (National Reserve). Finally, looking towards the Andes we will enjoy a colorful sunset bringing us to the end of our tour. We return to our hotel in San Pedro de Atacama. After dinner at our hotel we depart for a Star Gazing Excursion (weather

4 permitting). This will take place at the astronomy center and begins with our guide explaining the night sky of the Southern Hemisphere. DAY 7 Monday Nov. 13, 2017 San Pedro (B, L, D) ARCOIRIS VALLEY TOUR (WITH AFTERNOON FREE TIME): Today we travel towards the Domeyko Mountains where we will be able to enjoy the desert landscape and a breathtaking view of the Andes. Our tour continues to the Hierbas Buenas area, where it is possible to find volcanic rock formations and petroglyphs that tell the history of the early inhabitants. Next we cross Matancilla, a land of ancient shepherds and old farms, and reach the Rainbow Valley ( Valle de Arcoíris ) which owes its name to the hills of varied colors (red, green, blue, gray and violet), that show the mineral composition of the hills. Finally we visit the town of Rio Grande, a foothills town that seems to be frozen in time with typical buildings of adobe mud and stone. Today s tour includes lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel. The afternoon is free to explore the area. Our dinner is provided at the hotel. DAY 8 Tuesday Nov. 14, 2017 San Pedro (B, L, D) EARLY DEPARTURE TO GEYSERS DEL TATIO AND MACHUA VILLAGE: Today we leave our hotel at dawn and head towards the Altiplano, reaching an altitude of 4,320 meters above sea level to visit The Tatio Geysers; one of the most important geothermal fields in the world. Thanks to the extreme cold temperatures, we can witness different geothermal features with fumaroles that easily reach 10 meters high and geysers up to 8 meters. After watching this delightful spectacle we can have a refreshing dip in a hot pool. Taking the same way back, we stop for a few minutes in the wetlands of Putana where we can see different species against the backdrop of the Colorado Volcano. Finally, we will make the last stop of the trip in the village of Machuca, a little town where the original Altiplanic architecture is reflected in the St. James Church. Upon completion of our tour we will return to our hotel for dinner. DAY 9 Wednesday Nov. 15, 2017 San Pedro Santiago (B, D) There will be time this morning to relax or explore before transferring to Calama for our afternoon flight to Santiago, with dinner and overnight at our airport hotel. DAY 10 Thursday Nov. 16, 2017 Santiago Puerto Varas (B, L, D) This morning we depart Santiago for our flight to Puerto Montt where we will have a city tour en route to our hotel in Puerto Varas. We will visit the Buenaventura Martínez Main Square (Plaza de Armas) that was founded in 1852 as the first square of the city, then go to the Cathedral which is completely made of larch with one of its columns holding the foundation stone of Puerto Montt. We continue with a visit to Melipulli Hill for a fantastic view of the port, then Tenglo Island and Relocaví Bay. Following on to the beaches of Pelluco and Chinquihue we see the busy fishing industry and visit the handicraft market of Angelmó. This afternoon tour includes lunch at a local restaurant and our dinner will be at our resort hotel location. DAY 11 Friday Nov. 17, 2017 Puerto Varas (B, L, D) SAILING EXCURSION TO MAGICAL CHILOÉ & LOCAL LUNCH IN ANCUD: Today we travel towards Chiloé, an island rich in traditions, warmth and hospitality. To reach this magical island we first navigate the Canal de Chacao. The crossing departs from Pargua located on the continental limit of Chile. During the crossing we will have a chance to watch a variety of birds and sea lions before reaching the town of Chacao where we visit the square and church. Next we head towards Caulín known for the extraction of seafood, seaweed and oyster farming, and where we might see the migratory birds like flamingos, swans, and herons that come to the site. Finally, we travel to the southwest coast of Chiloé to reach some islets in the Pacific Ocean which are home of a colony of Humboldt and Magellanic penguins. We will get up close to these species as we sail the passage. The tour ends in the city of Ancud with a local lunch before returning to Puerto Varas. Dinner is at our hotel. DAY 12 Saturday Nov. 18, 2017 Puerto Varas (B, L) A VISIT TO OSORNO VOLCANO AND THE GREEN LAGOON: Today we head along the south bank of Llanquihue Lake, through Ensenada to Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. Upon reaching Ensenada we will see the imposing Osorno Volcano, a symbol of the local landscape. With a walk through a forest of coigües and other native tree species, we make a stop at 1,000 metres of altitude to observe La Burbuja Crater and admire the view of the Petrohué River valley and Calbuco Volcano in the magnificent Andes. The expedition continues to the ski centre and its cafeteria located at 1,200 meters above sea level where you will access the ski lifts to allow a better view of the landscape and the lava formations from earlier volcanic eruptions. At the top of the Osorno Volcano there is a stunning panoramic view. After descending the volcano we visit the green lagoon located inside of the National Park before returning to our hotel. Dinner tonight is on your own. DAY 13 Sunday Nov. 19, 2017 Puerto Varas (B, L, D) PETROHUE RIVER FALLS AND PUELLA: Our second visit to Vicente Pérez Rosales Park takes us to Petrohué River Falls, where the river water flows majestically over the volcanic lava rocks. Our tour continues by boat to Peulla which is a small ecological village of 120 inhabitants forming part of the tourist circuit Cruce Andino. Our vessel continues on its way for almost two hours on Todos Los Santos Lake in order to view the Osorno, Puntiagudo and Tronador Volcanoes from our new vantage points. In Peulla, we will have the opportunity to participate in some of the available outdoor activities, visit the waterfall known as the Bridal Veil or simply enjoy the tranquillity of this place. Lunch is included at Hotel Natura. Our day of touring ends with a return to the resort hotel and dinner. DAY 14 Monday Nov. 20, 2017 Puerto Varas Punta Arenas (B, D) This morning we have some leisure time before we head to the airport for our south bound flight to Punta Arenas. Our evening arrival is timed for dinner at our new hotel.

5 DAY 15 Tuesday Nov. 21, 2017 Punta Arenas (B, L) MAGDALENA ISLAND CRUISE: We depart from our hotel in Punta Arenas and travel towards Magdalena Island, one of the largest penguin colonies in Chile, with an estimated winter population of over 150,000 specimens of Magellan Penguins, located right in the middle of the Strait of Magellan just 35 kilometres north from the city of Punta Arenas. Our two-and-a-half-hour excursion begins through the waters of the mythical Strait, sailing the route followed by such explorers as Sir Francis Drake, Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa, Hernando de Magallanes and Charles Darwin. The natural riches of this island invite you to admire an impressive spectacle of wildlife. Magdalena Island was declared a National Park in August 1966 and re-classified as a natural monument in We continue with a visit to the lighthouse where you will have a panoramic view of the island and surrounding areas. Dinner tonight is on your own. DAY 16 Wednesday Nov. 22, 2017 Punta Arenas (B, L, D) VISIT TO FUERTE BULNES: This morning we head in a southerly direction to an area bordering the Magellan Strait. Before visiting Fort Bulnes (an historic reconstruction of the first Chilean port, settled in 1843) we will pass by Rio de Los Ciervos, Lenadura, Bahia Santa Maria, Guairabo, Agua Fresca and Rinconada Bulnes. After arriving at the Historia Patagonia Park we will walk along the beautiful coastline where we will learn about the flora and fauna of the area as well as its history. This is where the National Historic Monuments of Fort Bulnes and the Famine Port are located. Dinner tonight is at our hotel. DAY 17 Thursday Nov. 23, 2017 Punta Arenas (B, D) PUNTA ARENAS, CITY TOUR AND MUSEUM VISIT: Today we have a tour of Punta Arenas. We begin with the Main Square (Plaza Muñoz Gamero), lined with cedars and surrounded by beautiful buildings such as the cathedral, the government building and the beautiful Sara Braun Palace. In its centre, we will find a bronze statue on a high pedestal, a Memorial to Hernando de Magallanes. It is often said that the person who kisses the foot of the native will always return to the city. Next we continue to the De la Cruz Hill for a magnificent panoramic view of the colorful roof tops, the Strait of Magellan and, in the background, the large Tierra del Fuego Island. Afterwards, we visit the Salesian Museum Maggiorino Borgatello founded by the Salesian Congregation in 1893, one of the oldest of its kind in Chile. This museum displays a complete collection of Patagonian aboriginal piece work, flora, fauna, history and economy. Our farewell dinner tonight is at a local restaurant. DAY 18 Friday Nov. 24, 2017 Punta Arenas Santiago Toronto (B) Today we have an early transfer for our flight to Santiago. From here some of our group will be heading home while others will be continuing to Easter Island. DAY 19 Saturday Nov. 25, 2017 Toronto Kingston Arriving at Toronto in the early morning, we will board a Coach transfer from the airport to Kingston.

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7 Chile-RTO Contact: Gayle Outhwaite Nov. 7 25, 2017 Registration Form In returning this registration form, I acknowledge that I have read and understood the Terms and Conditions. First & Last Name Travelling Companion (if same address) Street Address City; Province/State Postal Code Home Telephone # ( ) Address Birth date (Day/Month/Year) Companion Birth date (Day/Month/Year) Insurance Information: ( ) I/We plan to arrange insurance through Merit Group Travel ( ) I/We decline coverage Cost of Tour: $8, p.p. double occupancy Singles add $1, Deposit: $ 1, x people = $ (Final due Aug. 8, 2017) Insurance : $ x people = $ (Due at time of registration) Insurance : $ x people = $ (Due at time of registration) Total: $ Please indicate payment method: (circle) Cheque (payable to Merit Group Travel), Visa or MasterCard Card # Expiry Date Security Code I authorize a charge of $ to my credit card. Name on credit card if different from applicant. Date Signature

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If the matter cannot be resolved, please inform Merit Travel in writing upon your return. Merit Travel Kingston x Princess St. GOuthwaite@MeritTravel.com MeritTravel.com ON / BC Peter Street, Suite 200, Toronto, ON. M5V 2H1 Canadian owned