Tour Overview
Set along the equator, some 600 miles off the South American coast of Ecuador, is a crown jewel of the natural world. The Galápagos Islands live up to our dreams of a sheltered place far removed from the usual worries of the world. The skies are almost always sunny, and the sea breezes create that perfect air temperature that instantly relaxes the body. The ocean is an ever inviting turquoise blue, matched by long sandy beaches of crystal white, pink, black and looking-glass green. There are crystal coves and sheltered mangrove lagoons.
Day 1: Quito, Ecuador
Arrive Quito and transfer to your hotel for overnight.
Swissotel
Day 2: Quito
Ecuador’s capital is situated high in the Andes in the lush green Guapulo Valley, surrounded by rugged volcanic peaks reaching close to 20,00 feet. Quito is lively, scenic and cosmopolitan. Its one and a half million inhabitants tend to be helpful and friendly. The colonial section of Quito is a living museum of grand Spanish colonial architecture; UNESCO has declared its mansions, cathedrals and squares a World Heritage Site.
After a visit to the Parliament Building we go to the colonial center for a walking tour along its cobblestone streets. We’ll have the chance to view buildings from the 16th to the 18th centuries, including the San Agustin Church and Chapter Hall. We’ll also visit Independence Square where the Presidential Palace is located, and marvel at the ornate interior of the Baroque/Moorish Church of San Francisco. The last part of our tour takes us far above the colonial section where the guardian of the city—the winged Virgin of Quito—keeps watch over her 12,000-year-old city. The view is spectacular, not only of the city far below but also of the skyscraping Andes above and beyond.
About 30 minutes away from the northern part of Quito stands the Middle of the Earth Monument, built to mark the meridian arch of the planet at 0º latitude—better known as the Equator—and to commemorate this surveying feat in the 18th century. It’s also the site of a small colonial town crowded with craft shops and restaurants.
This excursion includes a visit to the marvelous Ethnographic Museum, which traces the history and archeology of Ecuador’s native peoples back to the Pleistocene. The tour ends with a panoramic view of the nearby Pululahua volcanic crater.
A stop will be made for you to enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. (Not included
Return to your hotel and enjoy the afternoon at leisure.
Breakfast
Swissotel
Day 3: Quito - Baltra - Galapagos National Park
Transfer to Quito airport to board your flight* to Baltra. Arrive Baltra and transfer to the pier for embarkation. While settling into your cabin and surroundings, meet your guide and crew, and then set out on your first landing.
Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight on board
Days 4-9: Galapagos National Park
No matter which yacht you choose, the next 7 days will be among the most memorable of your life as you cruise the Galápagos Islands, visiting many of the same places Charles Darwin did over 150 years ago. You will be amazed at just how many memorable experiences you will have each day in this fabled archipelago.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight on board
Day 10: Baltra - Quito
Disembark at the port and transfer to the Baltra airport for the return flight* to Quito. Arrive Quito and transfer to your hotel for check-in and overnight.
Breakfast
Swisshotel
Day 11: Quito - Depart
Transfer to Quito International Airport.
Breakfast
*Flights priced separately.
Prices
2008
Evolution:
Cabin D1-4: $4795 per person, double occupancy
Cabin C1-9: $5050 per person, double occupancy
Cabin A2-3: $5450 per person, double occupancy
2009
Cabin D1-4: $5395 per person, double occupancy
Cabin C1-9: $5995 per person, double occupancy
Cabin A2-3: $6295 per person, double occupancy
For 2009 there is a fuel surcharge of $264 per person and subject to change depending on global fuel prices and the rules, regulations, legislation and discretion of the Galapagos National Park and local government.
Alta:
2008
$4995 per person, double occupancy
2009
Cabins 1, 2: $5795 per person, double occupancy
Cabins 3-8: $5495 per person, double occupancy
For 2009 there is a fuel surcharge of $306 per person and subject to change depending on global fuel prices and the rules, regulations, legislation and discretion of the Galapagos National Park and local government.
Lammer Law:
2008
$4695 per person, double occupancy
Parranda:
2008
$4995 per person, double occupancy
2009
Cabins 1-6, 8: $5595 per person, double occupancy
Cabin 7: $6295 per person, double occupancy
For 2009 there is a fuel surcharge of $306 per person and subject to change depending on global fuel prices and the rules, regulations, legislation and discretion of the Galapagos National Park and local government.
Grace
2009
Cabins A2, A3: $6295 per person, double occupancy
Cabins C1- C5: $5895 per person, double occupancy
For 2009 there is a fuel surcharge of $306 per person and subject to change depending on global fuel prices and the rules, regulations, legislation and discretion of the Galapagos National Park and local government.
Single supplement is 75% surcharge.
Children under 11 years of age receive a 50% discount off the Galapagos National Park entrance fee and Galapagos flight, and 15% off cruise fare.(not applicable on departures between Christmas, New Years and Easter)
Inclusions:
Meet and assist, private airport to hotel transfers in Quito
3 night deluxe hotel accommodation at the Swissotel in a standard room, on a bed and breakfast basis in Quito
Full day private guided Old Quito City Tour & Middle of the Earth Monument
7 night cruise accommodation, all meals and snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, limited bar, shore excursions, guide services, use of snorkeling equipment, sea kayaks and wet suits, transfers in the Islands between the airport and dock
Exclusions:
International Air & departure taxes
Departure tax from $43
Regional airfare to Galapagos (from $370-$415)
Galapagos National Park fee ($110)
Alcoholic beverages, gratuities to guides and crew, purchases on board, travel insurance
Holiday or peak season surcharges
Travel Insurance
Visa fees (if required)
These trips are priced assuming two travelers. Surcharges for solo travelers and discounts for groups, if any, will be applied. Prices assume itinerary is purchased "as is". Minor changes to hotels or hotel add-ons to the beginning or the end of the existing itinerary can be made at no extra charge. Any customization requiring us to start with a new base itinerary will require a non-refundable upfront planning fee of $250 that is creditable towards the final trip price.
Group Discounts
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All prices are in US dollars and do not include international airfare, unless otherwise noted.
Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices are shown in U.S. dollars and may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.
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