12 Day Classic Chile with 4 Day Patagonia Fjords Cruise
From
$7499
Land Only
$8339*
Air & Land
Hotels/Plans Available for Departure Dates
| Cat. Acropolis Cabin | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hyatt Centric Las Condes Santiago | Santiago | |
| Cabo de Hornos Hotel | Punta Arenas | |
| Hotel Rio Serrano | Torres del Paine | |
| MV Skorpios III | ||
| Cat. Parthenon Cabin | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hyatt Centric Las Condes Santiago | Santiago | |
| Cabo de Hornos Hotel | Punta Arenas | |
| Hotel Rio Serrano | Torres del Paine | |
| MV Skorpios III | ||
| Cat. Olympo Cabin | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hyatt Centric Las Condes Santiago | Santiago | |
| Cabo de Hornos Hotel | Punta Arenas | |
| Hotel Rio Serrano | Torres del Paine | |
| MV Skorpios III | ||
| Cat. Olympo Suite | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hyatt Centric Las Condes Santiago | Santiago | |
| Cabo de Hornos Hotel | Punta Arenas | |
| Hotel Rio Serrano | Torres del Paine | |
| MV Skorpios III | ||
Select a Date to Book
Select a Date to Book
| 2026 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $3400 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land |
|
|
$7749 | $8649* | ||||
|
|
$7499 | $8489* | ||||
|
|
$7499 | $8519* | ||||
|
|
$7249 | $8039* | ||||
|
|
$7249 | $8159* | ||||
|
|
$7249 | $8089* | ||||
|
|
$7099 | $8099* | ||||
| 2026 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $3500 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land |
|
|
$7899 | $8689* | ||||
|
|
$7649 | $8639* | ||||
|
|
$7649 | $8669* | ||||
|
|
$7399 | $8239* | ||||
|
|
$7399 | $8309* | ||||
|
|
$7399 | $8239* | ||||
|
|
$7249 | $8249* | ||||
| 2026 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $3600 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land |
|
|
$7999 | $8839* | ||||
|
|
$7749 | $8739* | ||||
|
|
$7749 | $8769* | ||||
|
|
$7499 | $8339* | ||||
|
|
$7499 | $8409* | ||||
|
|
$7499 | $8339* | ||||
|
|
$7349 | $8349* | ||||
| 2026 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $4100 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land |
|
|
$8549 | $9379* | ||||
|
|
$8299 | $9149* | ||||
|
|
$8299 | $9169* | ||||
|
|
$8199 | $9039* | ||||
|
|
$8199 | $9109* | ||||
|
|
$8199 | $9039* | ||||
|
|
$8099 | $9099* | ||||
Not Included:
Optional tours and gratuities (unless otherwise specified).
Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers, but does include flights Santiago-Punta Arenas & Puerto Natales-Santiago.
Cabins on the Acropolis Deck and Parthenon Deck are equipped with twin beds only. The Olympo Deck cabins vary, with most offering only double beds. The Master Suite on the Olympo Deck is available with only a double bed.
Passport information must be submitted to Gate 1 Travel at least 60 days prior to departure.
Passengers traveling abroad require a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates. All travelers are responsible to check if a visa is required for all countries on their itinerary. For visa information, check our Visas page.
Is This Trip Right for You?
Escorted Package Includes
- Maximum group size of 30 travelers
- Round trip flights Miami-Santiago, Santiago-Miami
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices - All intra-flights: Santiago-Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales-Santiago
- 10 nights accommodations
- 3 nights Santiago
- 1 night Punta Arenas
- 2 nights Torres del Paine
- 4 nights MV Skorpios III
- Hotel & cruise taxes, fees & service charges
- Hotel & cruise porterage
- Cruise gratuities & port tax
- All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
- 25 meals: 10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 9 dinners
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
- Entrance fees per itinerary
- Tips for porters, wait staff & local guides on included services
- Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring
Special Features
- Take a city tour of Santiago, the energetic capital of Chile
- Visit the city of Punta Arenas on the Strait of Magellan, with its rich history and maritime legacy
- Experience life on an authentic Patagonian ranch
- Explore Torres del Paine National Park, one of the most impressive sights in the Southern Hemisphere
- Travel to Puerto Natales, gateway to the Chilean fjords
- Discover Chilean Patagonia's magnificent fjords and glaciers on a four-night expedition cruise
Cruise Amenities
- A1 Ice Class rated expedition ship
- Panoramic dining room
- All meals and beverages included
- Two comfortable bar lounges
- Onboard medical service
- Observation deck
†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates if pre/post accommodations are booked through Gate 1 Travel
Not Included:
Optional tours and gratuities (unless otherwise specified).
Is This Trip Right for You?
|
All sightseeing and itinerary inclusions are subject to favorable weather conditions and seasonality. In those instances, often unpredictable until the last moment, roads, routes, and sites may be amended. |
Gate 1 Travel itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.
This first class hotel is located in the renowned Torres del Paine Park on the eastern border of the Serrano River.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is located in the renowned Torres del Paine Park on the eastern border of the Serrano River.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is located in the renowned Torres del Paine Park on the eastern border of the Serrano River.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is located in the renowned Torres del Paine Park on the eastern border of the Serrano River.
Hotel Details
- Tours purchased while travelling may cost an extra 10% or more
- Tours often sell out. Avoid disappointment
- Save your cash. Credit card processing may not be possible locally
- Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure
- Book Online or call to book these tours up to 1 week before your departure
- The day the optionals operate varies by the day of the week
Travel to Viña Cousiño Macul, a beautiful winery in the Maipo Valley. Begin with a guided tour of the vineyards and learn about the history of the winery, along with the wine making process from grape cultivation to fermentation, and aging. The tour concludes with a visit to the cellars, where you'll sample a selection of their finest wines.
Approximate tour duration is 3.5 hours.
| Day #3 | 01 Oct 2025 - 30 Apr 2026 | $49.00 |
| Know Before You Go | |
| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. |
| Getting Ready to Go |
| Passports and Visas |
| It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.
|
| Chile - Passport information must be submitted to Gate 1 Travel at least 60 days prior to departure. |
| Traveling with Friends or Family? |
| If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, we may operate more than one vehicle on your tour departure in which case we will ensure that guests will be assigned together. This is achieved by connecting your reservations before your departure. Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. To check that your reservations are linked, log into https://www.gate1travel.com/reservations with your email and password, select your reservation number, and check to see that your reservations are indicated as "Traveling With" at the top right side of the display. |
| Trip Preparation |
| A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver's license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks. |
| Travel Safety Advice: The safety of our guests is Gate 1’s #1 concern. Before making the decision to reserve your vacation, we want you to be aware of potential situations which may impact your holiday. While most of the time our programs run precisely according to plans, on rare occasion force majeure events including weather, transportation mechanical issues, or uninhabitable accommodation, civil unrest and even criminal or terrorist activities will present themselves unexpectedly and with little or no notice. Gate 1 will make the decision to cancel a tour only after receiving verifiable government issued information. We are otherwise obliged to comply with contractual airline and vendor agreements and carry out the tour until or unless we are advised otherwise. In the event of such an occurrence anytime after your date of departure, Gate 1 and the local destination ground staff, in coordination with government advisories, airlines, hotels, cruise ships and other vendors, will make decisions with regard to your safety first. We strongly recommend that tour participants review the destination country's specific information at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. |
| Travel Protection |
| Even the best-planned trips can be impacted by the unexpected. And that is why we recommend that you help protect yourself and your investment by purchasing Travel Protection for your Gate 1 trip. Travel Protection can help with medical coverage for illness or injury, trip cancellation and/or interruption, baggage loss, medical evacuation, and more. At any time before you complete Final Payment, you may choose to purchase Travel Protection. The protection plan premium is non-refundable after a 10-day review period. In addition, you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. For a summary of the plan details on coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the Description of Coverage by visiting www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit (CFAR) is a non-insurance feature that allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise covered in the Travel Protection Plan. CFAR must be purchased at the same time as the Travel Protection Plan as well as within 21 days of the original booking date. Independent or escorted tour reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to the full cost of your trip, less the cost of initial deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. Sea or river cruise reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to 50% of the cost of your trip, less the cost of initial trip deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. All CFAR credits are valid for a period of two years from the original date of travel. CFAR Credits have no cash value and are not transferrable. Airline-assessed fees are generally $300 per person, but may be as much as fully non-refundable. Some non-refundable airline tickets may retain value, less airline-assessed fees. Your future air credit must be used to book with the same airline. Deadlines to rebook and complete travel vary by airline and may be as early as 12 months from when the tickets were originally issued (not the date of travel). For details, www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. This program does not apply to custom groups and Antarctica cruises. Residents of New York, Missouri & Minnesota may purchase this Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit separate from Travel Protection. Call to speak with a reservation agent for details. This Cancel for any Reason Wavier Benefit is not insurance and is provided by Gate 1 Travel. |
| Mobile Phones |
| Mobile networks differ from country to country. We recommend you check with your provider to see if your wireless plan will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. To avoid possible roaming charges, you may want to consider purchasing an international plan. With most major phone companies, for a modest fee, you will be able to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances just like you do at home. If you can access the internet while you travel, you can also take advantage of services such as WhatsApp or Skype. |
| Making Telephone Calls from One Country to Another |
| When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country's Exit Code (often indicated with a “+” sign), then the destination Country Code, then the Phone Number. For most countries, the exit code is 00. Exceptions include the USA and Canada (011), Hong Kong and Cambodia (001), Australia (0011), and Russia (8 Pause 10*). For Brazil, please consult with the local telephone company. If you are dialing from a mobile phone, you can enter a “+” instead of the international Exit Code (011, 001, 0011 or 00) by pressing and holding the 0 key. For most countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and South Pacific, if you are calling from a local phone to a number within the same country, you should drop both the exit and country codes and then add a leading 0 (zero). Exceptions include Spain, Italy, Hungary and Malta (no additional zero needed to dial locally). Example: To dial the following number in Germany (as listed on your voucher): +(49) 0555-555 From USA or your US cell phone: 011-49-555-555 From another country in Europe: 00-49-555-555 From a German phone within Germany: 0555-555 |
| WiFi Access |
| WiFi is available in most airports, hotels, and cruise lines, as well as on some flights, trains, and buses. There may be a fee for access and service quality and speed may vary greatly especially while on moving vehicles. Availability on cruises is also dependent upon its location while sailing through multiple countries. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries. |
| Staying Healthy While Traveling |
| Please consult with your healthcare provider for up-to-date requirements. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. Any required inoculations must be documented by clients' healthcare provider on a valid vaccination certificate, which must be carried as proof where necessary. Individuals with heart disease, chronic illness, physical handicap, advanced pregnancy, or mental illness should not participate in these rigorous travel programs. While traveling, illnesses can sometimes be unavoidable. If a traveler arrives feeling ill or becomes sick during the tour, they will be separated from the group and directed to either a local or virtual medical facility for diagnosis. This precaution is necessary to ensure the well-being of all travelers. The traveler may only rejoin the group after receiving written clearance from an accredited medical facility confirming they are fit to continue. All costs associated with medical treatment and related expenses such as additional hotel nights or transportation not included in the original itinerary will be the responsibility of the passenger. Travel protection plans will only consider coverage with service receipts provided by legally qualified health care facilities, and in accordance with policy terms. There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
|
| Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at:
http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements. |
| Chile - Chile's Torres del Paine National Park ranges in altitude from 165 feet to 10,000 feet above sea level. For the latest health requirements and recommendations, please visit Centers for Disease Control and also consult with your personal healthcare provider. |
| About the Zika Virus - The Zika Virus is a mosquito-borne virus mostly found in areas of Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America. According to the CDC, most cases of Zika are mild. However, there is a potential link between this virus and a brain defect called microcephaly which affects unborn babies and may pose a potential risk to pregnant women. If you are pregnant or believe you could be at the time of travel, the CDC cautions against traveling to these destinations. For information, please visit www.cdc.gov/zika/. |
| Consideration for Tour Participants (Escorted Tours) |
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
|
| Climate & Clothing |
| Chile - Bring comfortable walking shoes, warm and light clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). Chile occupies a wide latitudinal range. The climate is subtropical in the extreme north, arid in the northern Atacama desert, Mediterranean in the central valley, and cold, windy, and rainy in Patagonia. Chile Average Temperatures: Fahrenheit | Celsius |
| Patagonia - The weather in Patagonia and along the Chilean Fjords is unpredictable. It can be extremely windy and cold. It is recommended to bring clothes you can layer and that protect you from the wind and rain. Warm and light clothes, waterproof parka, waterproof gloves, waterproof pants, winter hat, comfortable walking shoes, waterproof hiking boots, sunglasses and sunscreen lotion are recommended. |
| About Drones |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or "drone" technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones. |
| Book & Film Recommendations |
| Many of our guests enjoy reading about their destination - either in advance of their trip or while traveling - as a way of adding context to their visit. Whether reading a traditional guide book, learning about the history and culture, or simply enjoying a fictional novel set in the destination, a good book can add greatly to your experience. Similarly, a good movie set in your destination helps set the mood before you travel. We asked our Tour Managers and staff to recommend books and films which past guests may have enjoyed. The following does not constitute an endorsement of any authors, books or films listed, it is merely a collection of guests' recommendations. |
| CHILE: Books The Postman by Antonio Skármeta Pinochet and Me by Marc Cooper I lived on Butterfly Hill by Marjorie Agosin The Obscene Bird of Night by José Donoso Travels in a Thin Country by Sara Wheeler The Savage Detectives by Roberto Bolaño The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende CHILE: Films The Club (2015) The Man Next Door (2009) Rebellion in Patagonia (1974) The Pearl Button (2015) The Good Life (2008) The 33 (2015) |
| Preparing for Your Trip |
| Seat Assignments |
| As a courtesy service, complimentary airline seat assignments are requested on your behalf and, when available, are displayed in order of Passenger #1, #2 and so on. Assignments reflect the best available seats at the time of booking. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only; in which case the display shows “N/A”. Seats are subject to change by your airline(s) including, for example, when there is a schedule change or equipment change after your initial booking; this may cause seat assignments to be changed or even cancelled. Some airlines offer preferred seating for an additional fee; these seats may only be purchased directly from the airline. You will need your family name and the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” which is displayed with the flight details on your reservation. In the event that you change seat assignments directly with your airline, changes will not be reflected on your invoice or documents. At the time that Gate 1 travel documents are issued, the currently assigned seats will be listed based on the assignments stored in your airline reservation at that time. Should you have questions regarding your assignments, please write to us at www.gate1travel.com/contactus. |
| Luggage & Packing |
| Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62"), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. Many airlines charge for checked bags including flights which begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares which include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). For your airline's requirements and fees, visit www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. For important baggage information, visit www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft in your luggage, your carry-on or on your person. A violation can result in five years' imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Check the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) website www.tsa.gov to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate your luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost. |
| Intra-Flights |
| All intra-flights included in your package are booked in Economy Class. Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches (157 cm) by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62" / 66cm+66cm+25cm = 157cm), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23 kg). Exceptions are listed below and may differ from international flight luggage limits. More detailed baggage restrictions for your airline can be found at www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. |
| Day of Departure |
| Flight Services |
| What to do if You Need Assistance |
Whether you purchased your airfare from Gate 1 Travel or from the airline directly, please bear in mind that Gate 1 Travel does not own nor operate the airline(s), nor the airport facilities where they operate. At times, flying can be a frustrating experience, especially when things do not go exactly as planned, and airline explanations can be confusing or even misleading. Should you face a problem, remain calm and seek assistance either from the airline directly or from Gate 1. Please be aware that in most cases, on the day of your flight(s), airlines pass responsibility for your reservation to their staff at the airport and it is not always possible for Gate 1 Travel to intervene on your behalf, either through our reservations system or directly with your airline. |
| Arrival & Departure |
| Arrival Procedures |
| Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities if necessary and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after collecting your luggage or passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher. If you are delayed due to lost luggage, phone the number on the voucher or have a companion exit the Customs Area to advise the transfer representative. Be wary of airport scammers who offer unwanted assistance. If you are arriving without a pre-arranged transfer, we strongly recommend going to the Tourist Information Desk to ask for a licensed taxi or transfer service. You may be asked to pay for the transfer at the desk prior to the trip, this will ensure you are not charged extra during the trip. |
| What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed |
| Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, the better we can respond. Please refer to the Emergency Assistance instructions on this same document. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon you return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services. |
| Departure Procedures |
| If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally. |
| Transfers |
| Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date. The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Gate 1 transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg'. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money. |
| Santiago Arrival Transfers - Passengers arriving to Santiago who choose to purchase an arrival transfer at the Santiago airport independently of Gate 1 are encouraged to purchase their transfer inside the airport, at the Official Taxi counters, which are located in the customs area, before the exit gate. |
| About Your Accommodations |
| Hotels |
| Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds or one double bed plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person except in the U.S. and Canada, where triple rooms often consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; where available, a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. While air conditioning is available in most hotels, we recommend checking the room amenities listed under the "Featured Hotels" tab of your package to confirm. Please note that many international hotels were built before central air conditioning was introduced. In those that do offer air conditioning, usage may be restricted, often due to government regulations aimed at promoting energy conservation. It's typical for air conditioning to be used only during the summer months, to follow a set schedule (sometimes turned off at night), and to operate at lower settings than what many Americans are accustomed to. Some lodges and accommodations in remote regions may not have all of the amenities, such as hairdryer, alarm clock and room service, that you might find in a larger hotel located in a city center. |
| Hotel Check-in/ Check-out |
| Hotel check-in time is generally not before 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is prior to noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| At Your Destination |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism |
| We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs. |
| Staggered Arrival & Departure |
| Many tours are offered with multiple duration options, allowing travelers to choose one or more destinations in a single trip. As a result, the number of participants on your tour may vary, as we accommodate travelers arriving and departing at different points in the itinerary. |
| About Your Sightseeing |
| To ensure a pleasant and fair experience for passengers on our escorted tours, there is a mandatory seat rotation policy on our motor coaches which will be organized by your Tour Manager. On river cruises, color-coded group splits may be used for shoreside included and Optional tours. Some buses are equipped with toilet facility, however they are strictly intended for emergency use only and often require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons before use. When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations, however Gate 1 will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary. To respect the privacy of all tour participants, your tour manager will not organize a group photo or collect passenger email addresses for a group list. |
| Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) |
| Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents. |
| Purchasing Tours Locally |
| On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional |
| Independent Activities - Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses |
| Chile - The Chilean Peso is the currency of Chile. |
| Shopping |
| Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities. We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find on your own. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. All shops want your satisfaction, and therefore in case of any misunderstanding they ask that you kindly submit your claim to us within one week of the item's receipt. Claims submitted later will be subject to each store's policies. While shopping independently, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is! About Tax-Free Shopping Tax-Free Shopping allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their purchases in some foreign countries in accordance with restrictions and procedures as dictated by each country. Refund eligibility varies by country, but may require presenting a scanned copy of your passport at the time of purchase, a minimum amount spent, or providing original store receipts. For more details, check the respective country's online website, with the shop salesperson, with your tour manager or at www.globalblue.com for specific country regulations and airport operation hours. Please keep in mind that you must apply for VAT refund in the airport of the country the items were purchased and allow enough time prior to your flight for the application. U.S. Customs & Shipping Charges You may carry items with a fair retail value totaling $800 into the U.S. Taxes may be applied to the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. U.S. Customs determines the value of your items, often honoring a genuine sales receipt. Items which are shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. (in addition to shipping charges). Some shops may offer to include shipping and duties in the price but this typically means shipping only to the customs facility closest to you and payment only of the export duties; you would still need to collect the item and pay U.S. import duties. Please be aware that it is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins. |
| Chile - For an interesting shopping experience, try the street markets in Santiago. Handicrafts are the best bargain in Chile. Local jewelry made of lapis lazuli, found only in Chile and Afghanistan, makes a unique and beautiful souvenir. |
| Your Safety is Very Important |
|
Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit. It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities. |
| Tourist Street Scams |
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
|
| Local Emergency Phone Numbers |
Chile
|
| Languages |
| Chile - Spanish is the local language. English is generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Electricity |
| Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances. |
| Chile - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Code of Conduct |
| Chile - Shaking hands is the standard greeting. Visitors should observe normal courtesies. The atmosphere is generally informal and casual dress is appropriate. Please demonstrate respect for the cultural artifacts of the indigenous peoples. |
| Meals & Dietary Requests |
| Included meals are based on the restaurant's set menu or buffet and usually represent local cuisine. Vegetarian meals are available in most locations, while vegan, protein-rich or gluten-free menus are rare. Special dietary requests, which must be selected in the passenger details section of your reservation, cannot be guaranteed. We are unable to provide meals in accordance with strict religious requirements, such as Kosher or Halal, nor can we accommodate specifically salt-free, high-protein or low-carb meals.
|
| Chile - Chilean cuisine is very diverse and unique due to the country's geography & climatic variance. Since Chile is a coastal country, seafood plays an important role in the Chilean diet. Traditional foods include: Pastel de Choclo, Sopa Patagonica, Empanada de Pino, Curanto en Hoyo, Arrollado de Huaso, Porotos Granados, Chorillana, Churrasco and Chacarero sandwiches. Some typical desserts are Tres leches cake, Chirimoya alegre, Kuchen and Sopaipillas. One of the most typical drinks is Mote con huesillo, a non-alcoholic drink that is popular in the summer. It's made from dried peaches soaked in a nectar syrup and mixed with water and brown sugar. Borgoña is a popular punch prepared with red wine and ripe strawberries. Carménère is the emblematic wine of Chile. This red wine is soft and rounded and should not be missed. Chilean mealtimes are as follows, lunch is from 1:30-3:00 pm and dinner from 8:00-11:00 pm. |
| Holidays |
| On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants. |
| Holidays - Chile |
Holidays 2026 Jan 1: New Year's Day Apr 3: Good Friday Apr 4: Holy Saturday Apr 5: Easter May 1: Labor Day / May Day May 21: Navy Day Jun 21: National Day of Indigenous Peoples Jun 29: St. Peter & St. Paul Day Jul 16: Our Lady of Mount Carmel Aug 15: Feast of the Assumption Sep 18: Independence Day Sep 19: Army Day Oct 12: Day of the Discovery of Two Worlds Oct 31: Reformation Day Nov 1: All Saints' Day Dec 8: Immaculate Conception Day Dec 25: Christmas Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2027 Jan 1: New Year's Day Mar 26: Good Friday Mar 28: Easter May 1: Labor Day / May Day May 21: Navy Day Jun 21: National Day of Indigenous Peoples Jun 28: St. Peter & St. Paul Day Jul 16: Our Lady of Mount Carmel Aug 15: Feast of the Assumption Sep 18: Independence Day Sep 19: Army Day Oct 31: Reformation Day Nov 1: All Saints' Day Dec 8: Immaculate Conception Day Dec 25: Christmas Dec 31: New Year's Eve |
| On Your Cruise -Skorpios Cruises |
|
Ship: Please note that the ship is not owned by Gate 1 Travel. It operates independently and accommodates passengers from the cruise line as well as travelers from various other companies. Attire: On board, comfortable, casual clothing is appropriate. Bring sufficient clothing for the duration of your cruise, as laundry service is only available for light clothes. During excursions, weather conditions can be highly unpredictable and may change through the date. To ensure your comfort and safety, dress in layers and bring the following essential items: waterproof clothes (hat, gloves, pants, and a parka), waterproof trekking shoes or hiking boots, as well as a sweater, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Meals and Dietary Restrictions: Passengers will be assigned a designated table for meals for the duration of the cruise. All served meals with a fixed Patagonian and Chilean menu, except for buffet breakfast and buffet Captain´s dinner. All served meals are accompanied by Chilean wines. All dietary restrictions, particularly for medical reasons, should be advised at time of booking. While every effort will be made to accommodate, we cannot guarantee the ship´s restaurant will be able to comply to the fullest extent. Drinking water is provided at all meals, and filtered water is available for refill using your reusable bottle. Open Bar: There is open bar service throughout the whole cruise at no additional cost for wine, liquor, and other beverages. Language: English and Spanish are the official languages on board. All announcements will be provided in both languages. Smoking: Smoking is only permitted in designated areas on the outside deck. Amenities: All cabins feature windows. For your peace of mind, all cabins have a lockable safety box. Small hairdryers are available in every cabin. The ship does not have an elevator. Excursions: All activities during the cruise are included. There are no optional tours. Excursions are performed by small motor boats involving some cruising and some landing opportunities. Activities will be weather dependent and will be announced daily by the on board guides. Some of the highlights are: - Cruise Through the Untamed Beauty of the Chilean Fjords - Discover the Majestic Glaciers of the Southern Ice Field - Get up close to the Edge of Spectacular Glaciers in the Heart of Patagonia - Sail through the ice in the Calvo fjord and toast with millennial ice to an epic journey Telephone: Cabins are not equipped with direct dialing. If you need to be contacted while on board the ship, please provide the emergency numbers outlined in your documents to family and/or friends. You can make calls on WhatsApp when connected to the Wifi. Luggage: Please label your luggage clearly with your first and last name. Email: Please be aware that there is limited Internet service only in the public areas of the ship. |
| Suggested Tipping |
| Gratuities |
| Tipping is always at your personal discretion. For your convenience, please refer to the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or in the U.S. dollar equivalent where accepted, and we recommend keeping small bills on hand for tipping. Please note that in many destinations, tipping is considered a customary part of local compensation. While you may occasionally be approached for additional tips, you should never feel pressured to do so. If at any time you feel uncomfortable or uncertain about a situation, please speak with your Tour Manager or contact our office using the phone numbers provided in your travel documents. |
| Suggested Tipping: Escorted Tours |
Tour Manager: US $10 per person per day Driver: US $5 per person per day, US $3 per half day Note: Tips for local guides, hotel porters, wait staff, and any other services listed in your itinerary are included, unless otherwise specified above. Drivers provide chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage, and on some itineraries, you may encounter multiple drivers. |
| Chile - For activities on your own, gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. |
| MV Skorpios III Cruises - Gratuities for the cabin and restaurant personnel are included. Other gratuities may be given at your discretion based on the satisfaction of services rendered, as can gratuities for additional, special services requested. These may be handed in a sealed envelope to the Captain at the end of your cruise. |
Our 15-day Antarctica Expedition Cruise was amazing, and we had a spectacular time during our entire trip. We were very pleased with the quality and level of service provided to us during our trips with Gate1 Travels, Sofitel Hotel, our tour guide "Santi" and Hurtigruten HX onboard Ms Fridtjof ship. The ship was beautiful and clean, and our cabin was very spacious, clean and beautiful. The staff on the ship were very attentive and courteous. I look forward to booking another trip with Gate1 Travels in the near future.
Theodora C.
What a FANTASTIC and UNFORGETTABLE trip that was!!! Many of my friends want to book the same trip in the future!! The highlight of the trip was our exceptional Tour Manager Marina!!! Beyond the BEST!!
Vivian C.
I just returned from a Gate1 trip to Santiago and Patagonia. Pablo was a FANTASTIC tour manager. He was professional, kind, knowledgeable, helpful, efficient, smart, friendly and a GREAT tour manager overall. Pablo went ABOVE and BEYOND to help everyone. He is an absolute ASSET to Gate1. Congratulations to you all-- and to Pablo--a WONDERFUL tour manager and a WONDERFUL person. Thank you. GRACIAS. Thank you, Pablo, for making my trip so memorable. I will never forget the trip-- and I will always remember Pablo with fondness.
Thomas B.
So amazingly wonderful! Antarctica is other worldly & HX cruising the best we've experienced. Eli our tour manager top notch!!
Natalie R.
Absolutely fantastic-it was a bucket list dream and actually exceeded our expectations! . Kris was an amazing guide who gave above and beyond-taught us so much about her beloved Patagonia and was always there if we had a question or needed help . The city guides-Filipe, Gonzales and Gabriel were wonderful too. The food and wine on the Scorpios 3 was top notch gourmet (which we weren't expecting). The scenery -well-it was Patagonia at its best-and we got the video at the end of the trip to relive the memories The individuals in our group traveling with us were some of the most interesting we have ever enjoyed . Without question, this is a trip that will live in our memories for years to come -thank you!
Martine H.
My trip to Antarctica was amazing! It exceeded all my expectations. It was my 20th trip with Gate1 and by far the best; I have another 10 trips booked. The beauty of Antarctica is unlike anything I have seen in my life, and the penguins, seals and whales were just beautiful. But what really made the trip unforgettable was our tour manager Rosana. She was excellent and the best tour manager of my 20 Gate1 trips! I really enjoyed Caroline from Tuscany, Giovanna from Enchanting Italy, Mohammad from Morocco, and Michael from Austria but Rosana beat them all. I knew the minute I walked into the meeting room she was special as she wrote our names on all of our name tags and no TM has ever done that before. She perfected every detail of our trip. She also had an easel with two pages of notes so that we were fully informed on the trip. She was kind, funny, so knowable and carrying, protective of our safety at all times, that I felt so secure with her. She created a group "WhatsApp" chat so we would always be informed. We had the HX app on our phone, but she still reminded us all of the daily events offered and of the timing of our our excursions. Rosana even greeted all 26 of us in the restaurant individually making sure we were aware of the upcoming activities and to ensure were were always comfortable. She was always focused on the well being of her group. She loves her job and her Latin heritage and it showed when she shared Buenos Aires with us. Rosana is one of a kind, and should be commended on her performance as Tour Manger and her genuine, caring attitude. She thinks of every single detail; I don't know how she does it! She is the best! And she can dance, and I'm hoping I have her as TM on a future South America trip so she can teach me her moves!!
Cheryl M.
Our trip to Buenos Aries and the Antarctic peninsula was marvelous! Our tour manager, Andrea, did a wonderful job helping us understand her country, Argentina, touring us around the city and guiding us on places to eat/see while we had free time. Andrea, while very knowledgeable, was also extremely personable and really worked to create camaraderie within our tour group. Her passion for her country, Argentina, overflowed! The Hurtigruten ship Nansen provided a splendid cruise experience. The ship was very nice and weathered the very rough crossing of the Drake Passage well. All the crew were very attentive, polite and helpful. I enjoyed the food and the daily talks about history, animals and science. Most days after we crossed the Drake Passage, we had at least 2 excursions in zodiac boats to land and/or cruising around. The ship's expedition group did an amazing job of organizing and making all this happen in a timely scheduled manner. The beauty and splendor of Antarctica is indescribable! The amount of wildlife surprising! We saw close-up penguins, seals, whales and many seabirds each and every day, even in the Drake Passage. On one excursion, a humpback whale even surfaced probably less than 50 ft in front of our zodiac boat - amazing! During the cruise Andrea continued to provide us even more information on what to expect and see as well and we got to know her even better. Getting to know Andrea on a more personable basis was delightful. What a wonderful tour manager!
Michael M.
We just completed our 12th tour with Gate 1 in Antarctica. It was fantastic! Our tour manager, Paola was just outstanding. There is nothing that she could have done to make our tour any better! Thanks again for another wonderful adventure.
Larry W.
Our trip was fantastic. Our tour guide, Wlad, made everything we did all the more special. My husband and I celebrated our 55th wedding anniversary on 12/20 and my birthday on 12/26. Wlad went over and above to make sure our group and the Hurtigruten crew celebrated it with us. Antarctica was beyond beautiful and the time spent in Buenos Aires and Ushuaia was perfect too. Thank-you Gate 1, and you too Andres, for a trip of a lifetime.
Bonnie R.
The Antarctica trip was our 9th Gate1 tour, and like all the previous Gate1 tours, they were all overall EXCELLENT! I convinced my brother and his wife to join us on this trip, and they, too, agreed that this trip was outstanding. Congratulations to Gate1 and Hurtigruten Cruises for putting together this outstanding value trip. This trip was the trip of a lifetime. Our tour guide Virginia was like all the other Gate1 guides excellent. We will continue to use Gate1 because we believe Gate1 offers the best value in the industry. Good job Gate1! Keep up the good work!
David Y.
The trip to Antarctica was amazing. A trip of a lifetime. Paola our tour guide was the best Gate 1 tour guide ever. Our group had a great time enjoying the wonders of the continent. For many of us it was our seventh continent.
Arlene F.
I just wanted to take a second to give extra feedback on our tour guide Paola. She truly went above and beyond wrangling 36 people in our group of different ages, backgrounds, mobilities, and languages. She is extremely knowledgeable about both Buenos Aires and the Antarctica cruise we took. She also was friendly, upbeat, involved and kind. I've done a lot of group trip (not through gate 1) and I've never had a tour guide quite like her. I could tell she was passionate about her job and really wanted to make sure everyone had the best time possible. She was the first to show up to our meeting points and the last to leave and the last to eat at meal times, making sure everyone was accommodated, comfortable, and happy. I was one of the younger and more fit people on the trip and even though I didn't "need" as much help or extra attention, I always felt her personalized touch in everything we did.
Jennifer H.
I just wanted to write a piece of feedback to let Gate 1 know how amazing our tour guide, Paola, was on our recent trip to Argentina and Antarctica. Per discussions with others travelling in the group, she was beyond amazing. She made every single detail of the trip perfect and became a dear friend to all of us by the end of the trip. I truly think it will be difficult, if not impossible, to ever have a tour guide better than Paola was. She is amazing and we were so lucky to have her!
Morgan G.
This trip was perfect! Everything about it was wonderful. Our tour guide, Paola, was absolutely amazing. Extremely organized, kept all of us up to date by texting via what's ap several times a day. She was kind, reassuring, and took excellent care of us. Whenever we were out on an excursion, she would make a note to find each of us and check in to see how we were doing. She shared things with us (her hat, scarf, shirt) and bought us snacks more than once. I cried when I had to tell her goodbye. She meant the world to all of us! Would LOVE to travel with her many times over.
Lori G.
It's been a little over a week since I have returned from the trip, and I still can't believe I've just experienced a Drake Passage crossing and a visit to Antarctica! The trip was a once in a lifetime experience that was simply incredible. It was better than I could have imagined. Our tour guide, Andrea, was outstanding! What a joy to travel with her. The vessel we travelled on was really outstanding as well. The experience in Antarctica was spiritual. The magnificence of the unspoiled landscape and the abundance of wildlife was a special experience that words or pictures simply cannot capture. I was pleasantly surprised and thoroughly enjoyed visiting and wondering around Buenos Aires. In all Gate-1, you hit it out of the park with this one!
Ian G.
The Gate1 Antarctica trip was the voyage of a lifetime. The ship captain said it was the best trip of the season weatherwise. All went smoothly thanks to our fabulous guide Ricardo!
David U.
Yes, my friends, Dreams Can Come True!. I have dreamed of a trip to Antartica for MANY years; however I was never able to make this adventure a reality, until Gate 1 offered a MOST AMAZING journey to Antartica with a collaboration with Hurtigruten Cruise Lines. This journey was wonderful, beginning with a tour of the interesting city of Buenos Aires and a fantastic dinner and Tango show. Our tour then traveled to the port city of Ushuaia, Argentina where our Hurtigruten ship, the Ms. Roland was waiting for us. Once boarded and most happily welcomed by the crew, I settled into my room. The room was spacious, had a large window and was very well appointed. It exceeded my expectations. The ship is fantastic, in that it has numerous science labs, multiple dining options, fantastic lounges and an incredible staff. Meals were ALL excellent, with a great variety of dining options. The serving staff addressed me by my first name on the second day of the voyage! The off ship adventures were unbelievable. We ventured on land to see penguins, seals and a close up of a most remarkable landscape. We also went on several "Zodiac" tours and witnessed humpback whales. On all of the excursions, safety was paramount and I felt safe and secure at all times. The ship was impeccably clean and well organized. The science classes conducted by the talented crew were very educational and fun. All in all, a MOST PERFECT ADVENTURE AND A DREAM COME TRUE. Thank You Gate ! and Hurtigruten for making my dreams come true.
John A.
Our guides, Alejandro, Lucas,Jorge,and Al-B, on our trip on Fram were amazing. They went above and beyond, both on board the ship, and in Santiago to smooth any challenges, keep us having a great time, and keeping us safe. They truly went above and beyond expectations.
Linda D.
We just got back from Antarctica with Paola as our guide. I wish you could clone her. We could not believe how attentive she was to all our needs. She went way, way above what we would have expected, including personally calling us every morning to make sure we were awake on the ship, and even helping us get into our gear. We called her our mother, because she never missed an opportunity to take care of us. Please let her know how much she meant to us and how special we thought she was! And that went for all nine of us!
Deborah C. Cohasset, MA
This trip was incredible...can’t put into words how amazing Antarctica is. I feel fortunate that I was able to spend a few days in Ushuaia and enjoy Tierra Del Fuego before the expedition. Sylvia is fabulous! She is incredibly organized, really kind, and fun. She was able to connect with all in the group..The MS Midnatsol is a beautiful ship that handled the Drake really well. They organize the groups so that things are constantly moving and all have plenty to keep busy with. I never felt as though I didn’t have enough time on land and was not rushed. They go with the flow and are able to come up with many contingency plans depending on the weather, seas, and overall conditions ... Sylvia was able to arrange an additional tour to Tierra Del Fuego park following disembarkation as our flight was very late to depart for Buenos Aires, she always went above and beyond. I highly recommend any Gate 1 trip as they have all been really great.
Michelle L. West Warwick, RI