Deserts & Wild Islands of Chile and Polynesia

Welcome to the quirky Chilean capital of Santiago. Enjoy a two-night stay at your hotel, located in the cultural and historical hub of Santiago.

A land of surprises, worldly sophistication and excitement, uncover the cosmopolitan city of Santiago on a guided tour. Every neighbourhood is unique and there is plenty to discover. Experience the spectacular sights and colourful culture of Chile's capital city on your tour this morning and see the city's legendary landmarks as you stroll through Santiago's streets, visiting the picturesque Moneda Palace and the neoclassical Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral.

Board the funicular to San Cristobal Hill and enjoy a panoramic view of the city below. Join your Tour Director for a delicious welcome dinner this evening. (B/D)

Welcome to the Atacama region, the perfect base from which to explore the many wonders of the Atacama Desert, the driest desert on Earth. Reach your luxurious retreat, set in the heart of the desert, the perfect base for a four night Special Stay. Explore the facilities of this boutique lodge and take a dip in the hot spring pools. Tonight sample delicious Chilean food and wine and discuss the activities available for the following days with the expedition team. (B/D)

Soak up the majesty of the desert and choose from a variety of activities each day to enjoy at your own pace. You will discover the ancient culture of Atacama, its wildlife, and the amazing natural landscapes of this vast terrain, from the brown of the Andean mountains and volcanoes, to the white of the salt flats and the green of the oases. Each evening the expedition team will share with you the excursions available for the following day during pre-dinner drinks. (B/L/D)

Continue to explore Atacama. Soak up the majesty of the desert and choose from a variety of activities each day to enjoy at your own pace. (B/L/D)

Savour the last excursions before flying to the Chilean capital of Santiago for an overnight stay. Join your Tour Director on your final evening for a farewell dinner. (B/D)

Say farewell as you transfer to Scenic Eclipse. Settle into your handsomely appointed suite and acquaint yourself with the luxurious facilities of your Discovery Yacht. Toast the start of your voyage at the welcome cocktail reception hosted by the Captain who will introduce your expert Discovery Leaders and their team. (B/D)

Acquaint yourself with the exceptional range of facilities on board your luxurious yacht. (B/L/D)

Located within the Juan Fernandez Archipelago, the volcanic wonderland of Robinson Crusoe Island will enchant you just as it did Daniel Defoe, who immortilised the island in his famous book, published in 1719. True to its description in the story, the island is a captivating lost paradise where you will swim in crystal-clear waters and discover its diverse and rich array of flora represented by more than 130 endemic species, including the spectacular Juan Fernández Firecrown and the tiny Juan Fernandez Tit-tyrant.

Freechoice: Visit the historical landmarks of San Juan Bautista Village, the only settlement on the island. See the Patriotic Caves, the Santa Barbara Fort, and the remains of Acorazado Dresden, a German battleship sunk to avoid capture in 1915, or enjoy a unique food tour featuring traditional dishes like lobster and golden crab. Alternatively, hear the legends of pirates and treasure as you walk through critically endangered temperate sub-tropical woodlands in the World Heritage Biosphere Reserve.

Discovery: Hike to Centinela hill, walking through an endemic forest lined with Chilean myrtle, cinnamon trees and naranjillos, or kayak with our discovery team. Snorkel with fur seals and curious sea lions and explore beautiful underwater volcanic cliffs and caves. (B/L/D)

Named after the marooned sailor, Alexander Selkirk Island is the largest in the Juan Fernández Archipelago. Densely wooded and marked by ranges and deep ravines that lead to a sheer, rugged coast, a visit here promises a dramatic and truly unforgettable experience. Be amazed by the striking volcanic landscape and its unique biodiversity where a number of rare and endangered plant and bird species can be found, such as the Juan Fernández Orchid and the critically endangered bird, Masafuera Rayadito.

Discovery: Glide through the waters in a kayak, stand-up paddleboard at leisure or enjoy hikes around the island. (B/L/D)

Acquaint yourself with the exceptional range of facilities on board your luxurious yacht. (B/L/D)

Relax with a day at sea. (B/L/D)

Uncover the secrets of Easter Island with its mysterious and enigmatic past. From astonishing volcanic terrain to imposing archaeological sites, Easter Island presents a unique exploration full of history and adventure. Today you will discover a selection of the 600 volcanic stone figures, or Moai, and ancient petroglyphs that dot the island's green hillsides. Today, choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion.

Freechoice: Visit the stone village of Orongo and the island's largest crater Rano Kau, home to the island's largest and most important archaeological site, or walk along the north-western section of the island, visiting several ancient villages, moai and caves. Alternatively, embark on a scuba diving excursion visiting a submerged Moai statue.

Enrich: Be immersed in ancient Rapa Nui ancestral roots and cultural heritage during a unique music and dance performance and learn about how ancient Polynesians used astronomy. Observe stars and constellations visible only in the Southern Hemisphere from one of the island's traditional observatory sites during an evening stargazing experience. (B/L/D)

Rise early and watch the sunrise over the Moai statues at Ahu Tongariki, with spectacular mountain and ocean views behind them – a pure photographer's delight. Today, choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion.

Freechoice: Hike the Terevaka Volcano and enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of the territory, or discover more Moai sites on an interactive photography tour. Alternatively, unearth some of the gems of Easter Island's past on a hidden treasures tour.

Discovery: Visit Anakena Beach, the ideal spot for swimming, surfing and snorkeling. Be amazed by its striking setting and dramatically located moai, or enjoy an E-bike excursion with your Discovery Team following along traditional Rapa Nui crop fields. (B/L/D)

Acquaint yourself with the exceptional range of facilities on board your luxurious yacht. Choose a class in one of the fitness spaces or relax in one of the therapy lounges in the Senses Spa. Tempt your palate at one of the many exceptional dining venues or taste a wine from our exquisite curated list. (B/L/D)

Relax with a day at sea. (B/L/D)

Located halfway between New Zealand and Chile, Pitcairn Island boasts untouched subtropical ecosystems, rugged coastlines and endemic flora, bird and marine life. One of the most remote communities on earth, it is home to just 50 locals, direct descendants of the Bounty mutineers who arrived on Pitcairn in 1790.

Discovery: Enjoy a guided hike around the steep coastline of harsh, black lava and witness drawings and petroglyphs made by Polynesians who lived on Pitcairn centuries before. (B/L/D)

A small, isolated group of coral reef islands in the southeast extreme of the Tuamotu archipelago, the Gambier Islands boast lush, green landscapes surrounded by exquisite blue and green lagoons that are as clear as air. Adding to the allure are the famous Tahitian black pearls, which are cultivated in the pristine waters around the island.

Freechoice: Discover St Michel of Rikitea Church, made entirely of fired limestone and inlaid with iridescent mother-of pearl, and explore archaeological relics made of coral stone on a walking tour of the town. Alternatively, explore a pearl farm and learn about the creation of the pearl, from the oyster, grafting and technique.

Discovery: Enjoy a guided climb up Mount Duff through forest of pines and lemon trees, or kayak the calm waters to discover the beautiful, deserted beaches of the island and the islets of the lagoon. (B/L/D)

Acquaint yourself with the exceptional range of facilities on board your luxurious yacht. Choose a class in one of the fitness spaces or relax in one of the therapy lounges in the Senses Spa. Tempt your palate at one of the many exceptional dining venues or taste a wine from our exquisite curated list. (B/L/D)

Relax with a day at sea. (B/L/D)

Fakarava is home to the second largest lagoon in the Tuamotu Atolls and is a protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for many rare and endemic species of wildlife, birds and flora.

Freechoice: Explore the village of Tetamanu at the far southern end of the lagoon and find a lovely vintage Catholic Church built entirely out of coral by early European missionaries, or visit a local lagoon pearl farm.

Discovery: Take a leisurely E-bike ride to see the Topaka Lighthouse, a stone structure shaped like a pyramid, or kayak and paddleboard along the lagoon and take in its extraordinarily beautiful pink sand beaches, made from broken pieces of coral and tiny pink crustaceans. (B/L/D)

A vibrant city, Papeete boasts an eclectic and fascinating mix of landscapes and culture. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport or hotel. Please book your flight to depart out of Papeete after 12:00 PM. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. (B)