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Tour Description
Majestic colonial cities, Inca ruins, artisan markets with world famous handicrafts and colorfully attired indigenous people are just some of the wonders you will discover on this incomparable journey. This small, yet grand, country also boasts the Galápagos Islands, one of the planet’s true natural paradises. You’ll cruise “Darwin’s laboratory” and discover endemic birds and animals - found nowhere else on Earth - that have no fear of you. Snorkel with a sea lion and observe a flightless cormorant, so unthreatened by predators that it has lost the ability to fly. This is life the way it should be, a true Peaceable Kingdom.
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Itinerary
DAYS 1 & 2
Quito, Ecuador
Arrive in Quito on Thursday. Quito has a gorgeous setting at the foot of the Pichincha Volcano, surrounded by hills and snowcapped mountains. Drive up to Panecillo Hill to see the angel statue “Virgen de Quito” and take in a spectacular view of the city. At the Equatorial Line Monument you will get to stand in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Two museums, the Ethnographical Museum and the Interactive Museum Inti Ñan, will give you a better understanding of the geological and anthropological features of the region.(B)
Hotel Plaza Grande, Quito
DAYS 3 - 9
Galápagos Islands
Today you will fly to the Galápagos Islands where the newly renovated, 16-passenger M/Y Grace awaits you for a 7-day voyage through these “Enchanted Islands.” The upcoming days will be filled with exploration of up to seven remarkably different and interesting islands in the company of your onboard naturalist guide. Daily activities include nature walks and hikes plus snorkeling, kayaking or exploration by motorized, inflatable craft from your ship. Hike on Cerro Dragon and Puerto Egas, known for their high concentration of the Galápagos land and marine iguanas. Punta Espinosa is ideal for spotting countless species of wildlife including marine turtles, iguanas, sea lions and penguins, all living in harmony together. El Chato, in the Santa Cruz Highlands, offers you the opportunity to explore lava tunnels and a reserve for the famed giant tortoises.(7 B, 7 L, 7 D)
M/Y Grace
DAY 10
Guayaquil
After the cruise, you will be transferred to Baltra Airport for your return flight to Guayaquil. Guayaquil, which lies on the western banks of the Río Guayas, is Ecuador’s largest city. The Pacific Ocean enters through the Gulf of Guayaquil into the city’s harbor, an important trade center. (B)
Hotel Hilton Colon, Guayaquil
DAY 11
Guayaquil
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.(B)
Departures
Pricing Information
December 31, 2011
From $7,290.00 per person double occupancy.
From $4,472.00 single room supplement.
Journey Includes
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- All transfers and fully guided daily sightseeing provided by a private deluxe A/C vehicle
- Local English-speaking guide for sightseeing in each city
- Entrance fees per final scheduled itinerary
- Airport porterage, where available (2 bags per person)
- Local taxes
- TravcoAssist (Medical Travel Assistance Plan)
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.
