Activity Level: Enthusiast Duration: 7 Days/6 Nights A Country of Opposites Experience Chile Geographically narrow. Culturally robust. Welcome to Chile. Dominated by the Andes and the Pacific on a strip of land that runs up South America s south-western coast, Chile boasts a mix of European and indigenous influences that imbue the country with an old-school, European feel. The Mediterranean-like climate in its wine valleys has helped propel the country s oenological offerings to international acclaim, and nowhere is this more evident than our final night hotel, the Vina Vik, recently named one of the world s best new hotels by Travel + Leisure magazine. IN GOOD COMPANY Any region is best understood through its people. To complement the role of the B&R guides, we ll meet many local personalities along the way. This local flavour enhances enormously the depth of our experience as we travel through these magical landscapes. Call us at 800 678 1147 the journey p.2 view > / notes from the road p.5 view > / the details p.6 view > / next steps p.7 view >
The Journey 2 the journey Days 1 & 2 The Casablanca Valley After our rendezvous this morning in we head due west into the fertile and lush Casablanca Valley. With our bikes waiting for us at Viñedos Orgánicos Emiliana, we ll just have time for a brief visit and introduction to this important fruit-producing region before jumping on the saddle! A casual ride through farmland and past eucalyptus groves brings us to lunch at Casa del Bosque. This small, artisanal-style winery that specializes in low yield whites, makes the perfect place for lunch. Our ride this afternoon is another gentle roll past farms and small villages, ending at our home for the next two nights, La Casona Matetic. With time to relax and unwind in the early evening, we ll reconvene for dinner together in the hotel. The following day s riding is a real treat, with the Andes providing the perfect backdrop to the stunning San Antonio Valley. We ride a classic loop from the hotel, taking in a wine tasting courtesy of our friends at the Matetic Estate, followed by a beautiful wine tasting. We then complete our ride back to the hotel and enjoy a horse handling demonstration on the hotel property. After freshening up at the hotel, we will head into the UNESCO recognized part of the city of Valparaíso. A walking tour with our local friend will deliver us to dinner this evening before we head home. La Casona de Matetic, Matetic The place to stay outside of, this small and intimate retreat of seven rooms is a restored former colonial farm. The attached award-winning winery and beautiful location make it a favourite. Day 1: A total of 50 km (31 mi.) through gently rolling terrain, tranquil farmland and small villages, spread before and after lunch. Day 2: A loop ride of 38 km (24 mi.) through the scenic San Antonio Valley.
The Journey 3 Day 3 The Pacific Coast Departing after breakfast for a brief drive, we ll pass through the shipping port of Santo Domingo before taking to our bikes and continuing south. Today s ride takes us away from vines and into the kind of back country that seemingly hasn t changed in generations. Emerging onto the coast, the final kilometres offer spectacular views, with the waves crashing on our right and the mountains fading into the distance on our left. We ll stop for a local lunch in the sleepy village of Rapel to indulge in homemade empanadas before rolling along to our beachside hotel. There will be time this afternoon to relax on black-sand beaches or possibly try out the surf! Dinner tonight will be a free flow affair at the hotel, taken care of by us. Surazo, Matanzas A laidback hotel that capitalizes on a fantastic setting with world-famous sunsets, this is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Day 3: A winding and rolling 49 km (31 mi.) that finishes running parallel to the Pacific. Days 4 & 5 The Colchagua Valley Today is a day to stretch the legs, with the potential for a 100 km (62 mi.) ride from the coast to deep countryside. Leaving our contemporary home behind, you have the choice of transferring some of the way or riding the full distance. Either way, we ll all meet for a picnic lunch at a secret location with the Andes painted in the background. The ride from lunch takes us to the edge of the town of Santa Cruz and the hotel that is our home for the next two nights. Relax by the pool or outdoor fireplace before a cooking demonstration followed by a traditional Chilean-asado (bbq) under the stars.
The Journey 4 Noi Blend, Santa Cruz An exciting and contemporary styled hotel in the heart of old world wine country, the Noi Blend is the perfect place to unwind and relax amidst the gardens outdoor spaces. Day 4: Up to 100 km (62 mi.) through the heart of agricultural Chile, past small villages and hamlets. Day 5: 65 km (40 mi.) through farmland and orchards. lunch. The site is gorgeous, surrounded by hills and forest, and makes for a fun exploration be that by foot, bike or even horse! The newly completed hotel is our home for the night, and echo s everything that has made the other Vik properties so notably applauded. Attention to detail combined with the marrying of local and international styles has created a hotel as special and sought after as the wine. Our final night s dinner and celebrations will be here at the Vik. After breakfast the following morning we ll ride straight out of the hotel, passing the Colonial styled town of Santa Cruz and crossing The Rio Tinguiririca before entering Chile s premium wine-making region, the Apalta Valley. After a rewarding wine tasting at the Neyen winery we ll have an outdoor lunch on the historic property. We ll then hop back onto our bikes for a short afternoon ride back to the hotel. Perhaps a swim in the pool or a relaxing hot tub is in order before we head to dinner. This evening we have the pleasure of being hosted by Pilar Rodriguez for a magical night at her food and wine studio. Day 6 Millahue and Vik With the Andes looming in front of us, we pedal east today through countryside dominated by estancias (ranches) passed down from generation to generation. Our destination is the Valley of Millahue, or Place of Gold if translated from the Mapuche into English. Certainly this is what the Vik family believed when they first developed what is now over 4,000 hectares into what they believe will soon produce South America s best red wine. The site for this holistic vineyard was carefully selected, evidence of which will become apparent during our barrel tasting and Viña Vik, Millahue Recently named one of the world s best new hotels by Travel + Leisure magazine, the latest offering from the Vik group lives up to the hype that surrounds anything this name is on. A gorgeous setting in 11,000 acres of valleys, lakes, vines, hills forests and majestic mountains, and impeccable style combine to make this an unforgettable experience. Day 6: 47 km (29 mi.) of glorious riding through wellmanicured villages and orchards. Day 7 Adios y Buenas Tardes We ll say our goodbyes over breakfast this morning and wish you buen viaje, be that homeward or onto another adventure. Atacama, Patagonia or even Easter Island are just a flight away!
Notes From the Road 5 Under the Shadow of the Andes By Jonathan Lansdell The first time I travelled to Chile, I didn t really know what to expect. A strangely long and thin country boasting geographical regions as diverse as you can find in one country, its proud, rich and sometimes turbulent history has created a county of opposites: from lakes to deserts, mountains to ocean, and the modern versus the old. But it was the central valleys of the country, benefitting from a micro climate courtesy of the ever-present Pacific and the Andes, that got me hooked. This market garden of produce, valleys and sleepy villages felt a far cry from the modern, bustling, yet is just a short drive away. Exploring this rural spread of farms and orchards truly offers a unique experience as discovery and surprises await you, along with (of course!) the wine that has thrust Chile onto the international stage. The locals have many stories to tell, often spanning a century or more, of what brought their ancestors here to this remote corner of the world and why they have stayed. World-class wineries are now scattered through these valleys, but the old remains. Gauchos and estancias are still a way of life for many, and all are reliant on the land. Cycling propels you at the ideal pace to soak this all in, stopping at local farms, picadas and of course the blacksand beaches of the mighty Pacific. Riding through this pristine countryside, under the shadow of the Andes and with the roar of the ocean never far away, is truly a unique look back at an older and simpler way of life. With, of course, some spectacular wines and local cuisine thrown in. Perfect. B&R TRIP PLANNER Jonathan Lansdell Born and raised in Britain, John claims to have become a travel researcher at the age 16 the summer he first went backpacking through France on scholarship funds. Nowadays, this creative thinker keeps busy organizing our portfolio of trips in South East Asia, Africa, the Americas and the Middle East.
The Details 6 BOLIVIA BRAZIL South Pacific Ocean CHILE PARAGUAY Matetic ARGENTINA URUGUAY Matanzas CHILE South Atlantic Ocean Marchigüe 2017 Price: From $6,995 ($900 single supplement) Single supplement is based on the most affordable rooms within B&R s allocation. Upgrades often available. Duration 7 days / 6 nights Please see our website for list of departures. Start The Singular 9:00am Finish Downtown or airport Around noon the details TYPE Signature Hotels Hotels on our Signature trips are unique expressions of the region. Oftentimes that means they ve had a previous life as a monastery or a castle, but in every case it means they offer both an exceptionally comfortable stay and a taste of the region s culture. Best of all, we re friends with our hoteliers. (Translation? Preferential treatment for you.) LEVEL OF ACTIVITY Enthusiast The daily bike rides will average roughly 45 km (28 mi.) on good quality, paved roads with shorter options available for each ride. MORE INFO How do I get to? is accesbile via many direct flights from major North American cities or transfers through surrounding major hub cities. WHAT S INCLUDED All accommodation All breakfasts, six lunches and six dinners, including wine Services of B&R guide(s) and support vehicle All special events, private tours, guest experts and entrance fees Choice of a dropped bar road bike or a lightweight hybrid, and helmet Detailed maps, route suggestions and water bottle All transportation from rendezvous to drop-off All gratuities for baggage, porters, hotel service and local support THE SINGULAR SANTIAGO www.thesingular.com/santiago/lastarria Built to blend seamlessly into the neighborhood of Lastarria, The Singular combines the style of early 20thC buildings with neoclassical French architectural influences. The hotel s design embraces the artistic heritage of the neighborhood and offers an innovative homage to the city s history and culture. The interior reflects a tribute to the palaces of past centuries, setting the tone for the entire environment. Don t forget to mention that you are travelling with Butterfield & Robinson. The itinerary information may vary slightly for your specific departure as we continuously research and develop each trip. Inclement weather may also necessitate minor alterations. Prices are per person and in USD. 2017 Butterfield & Robinson Inc.
Your Next Steps 7 Weather:, Chile your next steps month high low Jan/Feb 87 53 Mar/Apr 76 48 May/Jun 65 39 Jul/Aug 63 37 Sep/Oct 71 45 Nov/Dec 80 50 At Butterfield & Robinson, the guiding starts while you re still at home. We make sure you know everything you need to know before you ve even left your living room. READY TO BOOK? Call or email a Travel Advisor (or your travel agent) with any remaining questions, and to reserve your space. 1-800-678-1147 / Reserve your flights to and from the region. Book your night before hotel. Make sure your passport is up to date. Enquire after travel insurance. Once you are confirmed on a B&R trip, you will receive a Confirmation Email that links to tons of information to help you prepare for your trip. Then, about a month before you leave, we will send you a list of your fellow travellers, final rendezvous instructions and your hotel contact numbers. YOUR BIKE You have the choice of a dropped bar road bike, which we recommend if you are used to riding this type of bike. The roads are ideally suited to this and we have added slightly wider tires for a more touring style of ride. Alternatively, we have lightweight hybrids with flat handlebars offering a more relaxed style of ride. Visit us at www.butterfield.com/ourbikes to learn about our biking equipment and see pictures of what you ll be riding. And don t forget that we will modify your bike to accommodate most special gear requests. Just ask. EXTENDING YOUR TRIP Chile has much to offer beyond the beautiful central wine valleys. The Atacama Desert, the vast expanses of Patagonia and the magical Easter Island are all within reach. Contact your travel agent or our Chile Trip Planner, Jonathan Lansdell at jonathan@butterfield.com. STAY IN TOUCH! Sign up to receive The Slow Road our newsletter that is full of travel news, unique offers and B&R insider info. PHOTO CONTEST While on your trip, keep in mind you can win some great prizes with the B&R Photo Contest. We ve created three categories that capture the true spirit of B&R adventure: Faces, Places and Moments. Submit your top shots and show us how you see the world with B&R. Full details are at www.butterfield.com/photocontest. In the meantime, if you have any questions about your B&R experience big, small or downright quirky please call a Travel Advisor, or consult your Travel Professional. We are always happy to help. The itinerary information may vary slightly for your specific departure as we continuously research and develop each trip. Inclement weather may also necessitate minor alterations. Prices are per person and in USD. 2017 Butterfield & Robinson Inc.