The Chairman's Voyage: Chilean Fjords & The Glaciers of The Beagle Channel

Travel to the World Heritage-listed city of Valparaíso, its charming cobblestone streets and steep hillsides decorated with brightly painted buildings creating a captivating backdrop as you board your ultra-luxury Scenic Discovery yacht. Toast the beginning of your South American sailing adventure as you glide effortlessly away from the vibrant cityscape into coastal waters.

A day at sea offers the perfect introduction to your luxurious ship and the journey of discovery that awaits in the days ahead. Take a seat in the state-of-the-art theatre for a presentation by the Discovery Team to hear all about the exciting experiences you can expect.

Arrive in Niebla, an atmospheric coastal town set where the Valdivia River meets the Pacific Ocean, overlooked by the commanding 17th-century Niebla Fortress. Nearby Valdivia is brimming with waterfront charm, while nature is never far away in southern Chile’s verdant river valleys and coastal forests. Return to the ship for a relaxing evening of gourmet food and curated beverages. 

Gateway to the spellbinding beauty of the Andean Alps, this bustling town in the Chilean Lake District is set against a backdrop of snow-capped volcanoes and shimmering waters. Stroll along the waterfront, browsing artisan crafts and fresh seafood as you wander.

Get your camera ready as you approach one of Chile’s most photogenic destinations, the colourful, timber-built city of Castro on Chiloé Island. Capture its iconic island architecture, snapping pictures of the palafito houses reflected in the water and carefully crafted wooden churches. The native wildlife is also sure to draw your eye, with the surrounding fjords and Chiloé National Park home to Magellanic and Humboldt penguins.

After time spent exploring, Scenic Eclipse’s supreme amenities ensure a world of comfort and relaxation on board. Drift between sophisticated lounges and exceptional dining experiences, or immerse yourself in the ship’s outstanding wellness offering, refreshing in the vitality pools and indulging in blissful body treatments.

Day 9 of your journey sees you sailing into the remote reaches of Patagonia’s Inner Fjords and the English Narrows, where you’ll visit one of the most isolated settlements in Chile, Puerto Edén. Explore this little-visited outpost, learning about its ancient Indigenous culture and spotting native wildlife. You will also have the chance to admire the awe-inspiring Pío XI Glacier – located in the heart of Chilean Patagonia, this vast natural marvel is one of the few glaciers in the world that is still growing.

Follow in the footsteps of early explorers, including Ferdinand Magellan and Sir Francis Drake, as you cruise the historic Strait of Magellan. Dramatic scenery and a true wilderness feel make this once pioneering maritime route - connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans - an undoubted highlight of your trip.

A fitting finale to your journey through the Strait of Magellan, the shoreside port city of Punta Arenas in southern Chile boasts historic, European-influenced architecture and captivating waterfront views. It is also the base for incredible wildlife experiences on nearby Magdalena Island, home to large colonies of Magellanic penguins, and a gateway to the otherworldly wonders of Antarctica.

Get comfortable on the Observation Deck and lose yourself in the views as Scenic Eclipse weaves its way serenely through a labyrinth of gleaming fjords and glacier-carved mountains. Elephant seals, dolphins and whales may share the pristine waters with you, and complimentary in-suite binoculars help you spot them, whether on the horizon or close by. On day 13, sail past Seno Garibaldi before boarding Zodiac boats to get close to the Seno Pia Glacier and the remarkable Garibaldi Glacier, one of only a few advancing glaciers left in the world.

As you near the end of your journey, arrive where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet at the southernmost point of South America. Look out for sea lions, penguins and whales who call these choppy waters their home, before continuing through the Beagle Channel. Weather permitting, your expert Discovery team will lead you on enthralling excursions on land.

As morning breaks, the world’s southernmost city comes into view. Wave hello to Ushuaia and farewell to Patagonia’s wild landscapes as you disembark. Travel to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. On arrival, meet your transfer to Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt Buenos Aires, located in the city’s elegant Recoleta district. An afternoon walking tour introduces you to the area around your hotel.

From the colourful streets of La Boca and the bohemian charm of San Telmo to the elegant grandeur of Plaza de Mayo and Avenida de Mayo, a full-day tour reveals the eclectic allure of this vibrant city. The next day, journey to the northern suburbs and the distinctive landscape of the Paraná Delta. A boat journey through the Delta’s waterways offers an insight into life along the water, where days unfold among wooden stilt houses and lush vegetation. Later, explore Tigre’s lively outdoor market before returning to your hotel. In the evening, savour a traditional Argentine dinner followed by live tango performances – a spectacular end to your South American adventure.

A private transfer takes you to the airport for your return flight home.