Valparaíso & Wine

My husband and I took this tour on our second day in Chile before getting on a cruise ship. We started and ended in San Antonio, which is where the cruise ships dock, but otherwise is a small city that has very little to recommend it. We were picked up in a small passenger van and went with two other couples from a ship that was in port that day. We started the morning by visiting two beautiful wineries and tasting their wines, which were exceptional. Then we headed up to Valparaiso, drove around to see some of the sights and stopped for lunch at a lovely restaurant overlooking the water. Lunch was on our own. Afterwards, we were driven through some of the older, more colorful parts of Valparaiso. Unfortunately, the demonstrations that started in Chile last October have taken their toll on this lovely city. Tagging, burned buildings, and shuttered businesses were prominent throughout. We also saw similar destruction in other parts of Chile during our cruise which made us wonder if Chileans are trying to ruin their country because if they continue, which they are expected to do when their summer holidays are over and everyone returns, they are going to drive tourism out. We didn't see any demonstrating, just the effects. Really a shame. While the day was fun and informative, it was disappointing that we did not get out of the van except to visit the wineries and go to the restaurant for lunch. The description of the tour suggested we would be walking around, visiting art galleries and shops, and seeing some things up close, like the flower clock, but all of it was through the windows of the van. Our trip might have been cut a bit short because the two couples we were with were anxious to get back to their ship before it sailed. I'm not sure. But it would have been nice to walk around more and get a more up-close experience in Valparaiso.