2008
Galapagos Cruise & Ecuador
The South American archipelago of the Galapagos Islands is home to an amazing variety of wildlife and birds, many species unique to the area.
Travelling on: MV Santa Cruz
Our opinion
A very special tour offering a winning combination of colonial cities, stunning scenery and “ The Enchanted Islands” made famous by Charles Darwin. Also a complete contrast of jungle adventure or relaxing beach extensions.
Escorted
A resident English speaking guide will be on board the Santa Cruz and at Sacha Lodge. Local assistance from Day 7 to Day 13.
Itinerary
- Guayaquil: 1 night
- Galapagos Cruise: 4 nights
- Cuenca: 2 nights
- Quito: 4 nights
Day 1 Sun London/Madrid/Guayaquil
Iberia flight from Heathrow via Madrid to Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city. Transfer to the Hampton Inn for one night.
Day 2 Mon Guayaquil/Galapagos Cruise
Fly to Baltra and embark on the MV Santa Cruz. Built especially for cruising the galapagos Islands, the ship has four decks with full airconditioning throughout and comfortable cabins with private facilities. Cabins are available on the main deck (MD) or upper deck (UD), please ask for details of single cabins. There are areas for dolphin and whale watching, a bar/lounge, restaurant, small shop and a library. Resident naturalist guides accompany you throughout the cruise, giving briefings on board and guiding you on shore excursions. This unique archipelago is renowned for its fearless and special wildlife: giant tortoise, marine iguana, sealion, albatross, frigate bird and blue-footed boobies are just some of the unusual species to be seen. B,L,D.
Day 3 Tue to Day 5 Thu Galapagos Cruise
The Galapagos consists of six main islands with 12 smaller islands and 42 tiny islets. Your itinerary will take you to the islands of Santa Crus, Bartolome, North Seymour, Jervis and Santiago where your guides take you along marked walking trails offering the chance to get close to the wildlife and admire the spectacular scenery. At many of the beaches there is the opportunity to snorkel or take a glass bottom boat ride to see the underwater species and submarine landscapes. On Santa Cruz Island there is a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station as well as time in the highlands to see the giant tortoise in its natural habitat. B,L,D.
Day 6 Fri Galapagos Cruise/Cuenca
After breakfast disembark for your flight back from San Cristobal to the mainland. A further short flight takes you to Cuenca, Ecuador's colonial gem located in the highlands. Two nights at the charming hotel Santa Lucia. B.
Day 7 Sat Cuenca
A tour of Cuenca has been included to show you its old quarter, the Plaza of San Sebastian, colourful artisan markets, a panama hats workshop and the flower market. Free time in the afternoon to stroll around and visit the interesting museums or shops selling traditional Indian crafts. B.
Day 8 Sun Cuenca/Quito
Short flight to Ecuador's capital Quito for four nights at the centrally located Hilton Colon. B.
Day 9 Mon to Day 11 Wed Quito
Time to explore Quito's world heritage listed old town, an orientation tour is included, to see the many beautiful reminders of convents and plazas. Alternatively there are excursions available out of town to visit La Matad del Mundo, the monument marking the equator or our optional experience to visit the Cotopaxi national Park.
Day 12 Thu Quito/Madrid/London
Depart for your overnight flight to Heathrow with Iberia via Madrid.
