Day 1: Talca
Transfer from train station in Talca to your hotel in Talca. From there we will visit the colonial Hacienda Huilquilemu, which dates back to 1850 and today hosts an interesting museum of religious art and traditional handicrafts. Huilquilemu was declared a National Monument in 1986 and disposes of magnificent gardens. We will eat lunch in the restaurant at the Hacienda, which serves traditional Chilean cuisine and spend the night at the hotel in Talca. (B,L)

Day 2: Charming Villages
Today we make our way to visit sleepy colonial villages with cobbled streets and picturesque clay brick houses. The hidden charm of these idyllic settlements in which time appears to stand still and the shy friendliness of their inhabitants are only noticed at the second glance. Villa Alegre and Yerbas Buenas are two of the prettiest villages in central Chile. The journey continues past Lago Colbun to Rari where we can admire handmade artwork made of horse hair. As a special treat we will be served Cazuela for lunch by a typical Chilean farming family, who will also introduce us to Mate tea. At our leisure, we can also visit the riding stables and can go for a ride. Transfer back to the hotel. (B,L)

Day 3: Constitución Leaving early in the morning from Talca's train station, we will take one of Chile's few remaining passenger trains. For around two hours we will travel in this historic slow train consisting of an engine wagon and one passenger wagon.

The journey will take us along the Río Maule to Constitución, occasionally stopping in the middle of fields where passengers can board and leave the train, a unique South-American experience. In Constitución we will be able to walk along the black volcanic beach in between impressive rocks and then enjoy some fresh fish in one of the many small restaurants on the waterfront. On the drive to Putú around 25 km north of Constitución we will discover a geographical rarity: kilometers of endless Sahara-like sand dunes, reaching as far as the eye can see. A walk through the dunes will lead us to the Pacific. From here, we will return to Talca by car and stay overnight at the hotel. (B,L)

Day 4: Talca - Vineyard - Talca
On this final day we will visit a colonial vineyard, one of the countless wine-producers of the central valley of Chile. During this visit to the traditional vineyard of Casa Donoso we will be able to appreciate not only the adobe cellars but also the beautiful park-like gardens. Wine-tasting will introduce you to some of Chile's fine wines, followed by lunch at the vineyard. You will be taken to the Talca train station in time for your onward connection.(B,L)