Spend a day exploring the coastal towns of Central Chile on a leisurely day trip from Santiago. Travel through wine country, stopping for a sample before arriving in the 'Garden City' of Vina del Mar. Continue on to the bohemian town of Valparaiso and visit Pablo Neruda Museum before heading back to Santiago after a day of relaxed sightseeing.
Depart for the central coast traveling through the valleys of Curacavi and Casablanca. The latter is known for its recent success as a wine producing area and there is a stop to visit one of the vineyards and taste some Chilean wine (additional cost).
Continue to the coast and visit the beach area of Renaca and the town of Vina del Mar, known as the Garden City for its pretty parks and flower lined streets. Visit the Gaming Casino and the coastal road.
In the afternoon continue to the picturesque port of Valparaiso built in the 16th-century on a total of 43 hills which are reached by narrow windy streets, staircases and a series of lifts (funiculars). This area has been declared by UNESCO as patrimony of humanity due to its eclectic architecture and urban development.
You may wish to visit the Pablo Neruda Museum which contains some of the poets collections, specifically related to the sea. The Museum is situated on one of the hills overlooking the bay offering fantastic sea views.
At the end of the day you have the choice to return to Santiago with the group, or stay in Valparaiso for a little longer making your own way back to the city at your leisure.