GALAPAGOS CRUISEAND QUITO64.The exquisitely beautiful GalapagosArchipelago consists of 13 major islandsstraddling the equator off the coast of Ecuador.This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a worldrenownedbiosphere and marine reserve ofunique protected plants and animals.The islands were created by volcanic activityand due to their location and shortage of freshwater they have remained isolated except for awide variety of fauna, flora and birdlife. Thewildlife is protected, adapted to theenvironment and amazingly tame.The islands are a must see for those who enjoyland and seascapes, or those who would likethe opportunity to observe graceful flamingosin peaceful lagoons, pre-historic iguanas lazingin the sun and giant tortoises that weigh up to500lbs. Sea lions and penguins play in thepristine waters quite unconcerned by humaninterlopers, and bird watchers will not needbinoculars to observe blue-footed boobies,flightless cormorants, waved albatross and thecolourful mating displays of frigate birds andmany other species.Our ship for this exciting adventure is the firstclass,100 passenger M/V Galapagos ExplorerII. The ships operation is emphasized withinteresting itineraries that offer the best of thispristine paradise. Experienced naturalistguides will lead shore expeditions to seek outwildlife and help us learn about the fascinatingnatural history of the islands. When you're notout exploring, you can enjoy the ship'sswimming pool, observatory deck andsolarium, or relax in the reading room (withoutexperiencing the motion of a smaller vessel).Facilities also include a boutique, restaurant,bar, 24-hour coffee and tea station, massageservices and satellite communication. Thecomfortable cabins feature air-conditioning,private bathroom and a small sitting area.• 10 DAYS • NOVEMBER 1 - 10Upgrades to deluxe cabins with balconies areavailable.Our tour begins and ends in Quito. Ecuador’scapital boasts the largest concentration ofSpanish colonial architecture in South America,but it’s location high in the Andes gives it one ofthe most beautiful natural settings of anycapital city in the world. Here we will see thewonderful baroque churches, monasteries andmuseums. The "Casco Colonial" is adesignated UNESCO World Heritage Site.This tour will suit only the fit and activetraveller.HOLIDAY INCLUSIONS• Flights with Delta Airlines• First class cruise and accommodation• Full breakfast & dinner daily while in Quitoand Galapagos. 6 lunches (while cruising).• PLUS ALL TOUR INCLUSIONS on Page 1COSTSper person, double occupancy, from Toronto... $7997Single accommodation not available.Upgrade to a Deluxe cabin with balcony... add $790 p.p.From Montreal add $190From Ottawa, Calgary or Vancouver add $390Winnipeg, Edmonton or Halifax add $590
TENTATIVE ITINERARY FOR GALAPAGOS CRUISEDAY 1 DEPARTURE. We depart for Quito viaAtlanta. Upon arrival we transfer to our hotel.DAY 2 QUITO. This attractive city surrounded byice-capped volcanoes is known as the"Convent of the Americas" because of itsbeautiful churches and monasteries.Highlights of our city tour will include theviewpoint from Guapulo, Church of SanFrancisco, the ornate Church of LaCompania, Independence Square with itsGovernment Palace and Cathedral, and awalk through the culturally diverse streets.Later we will have a rare opportunity to standin both the Northern and SouthernHemispheres at the same time at theEquatorial Line Monument.DAY 3 GALAPAGOS / SULLIVAN BAY. We departfor the island of Baltra in the Galapagos andtransfer to our ship, the M/V GalapagosExplorer II. As we set sail keep an eye out fordolphins, whales and perhaps ahammerhead shark. Today we visit SullivanBay on Santiago Island, a site of greatgeological interest due to the incredible lavaformations found here. We will have achance to view the lava fields and we willalso get our first close-up encounters withsome of the amazing Galapagos wildlife aswe observe both marine and terrestrial birds,Galapagos fur seals and the black marineiguanas.DAY 4 BARTHOLOME & SANTIAGO ISLANDS.Bartholome Island was formed by basalticlava and so the unique island landscapeseems like a moonscape. The northernbeach is ideal for swimming and spottingpenguins while the southern beach offerssharks, turtles and rays. After our visit weproceed to Santiago Island where we visitEspumilla Beach. Here the main attractionsare a palo santo (saint wood) forest, thebeach and the landscape. The beach offersbeautiful white sand and is the perfect placefor swimming and snorkeling with thedolphins. This is also an important site fornesting marine turtles.DAY 5 ISABELA & FERNANDINA ISLANDS.Today we visit Punta Vicente Roca onIsabela Island, where you can see theGalapagos fur seals and many marine turtlesfeeding on the algae. Look out for whalesand dolphins as well. We then continue toPunta Espinoza, Fernandina Island, home toDAY 6DAY 7DAY 8DAY 9DAY 10the most active volcano on the planet.Highlights here include flightless cormorants,marine iguanas and blue herons. Activitiesinclude hikes and dinghy rides.ISABELA ISLAND. Isabela Island offers avariety of diverse landings. Our first visit willbe to Tagus Cove, used historically as ananchorage for pirates and whalers. One canstill find the names of the ships carved intothe rock above the landing. From the shore,a trail leads to a saltwater crater (DarwinLake) where several terrestrial bird speciescan be viewed. In the afternoon we continueto Elizabeth Bay, a small protected bay withcalm waters creating a perfect habitat for seaturtles. We will enjoy a zodiac ride around thebay during which we’ll spot blue footedboobies, penguins, pelicans and sea lions.FLOREANA ISLAND. This morning we visitthe historic site, Post Office Bay on FloreanaIsland. Whalers used to frequent theGalapagos Islands to pick up GalapagosTortoises. Post Office Bay became amessage centre where outbound ships woulddrop off letters after rounding the cape andthe ships returning home would mail them.This afternoon you may choose between ahike to a pond to see one of the largestcolonies of flamingos in the Galapagos, or achance to go snorkeling off Floreana Island.SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND. San CristobalIsland is the only island with a fresh waterlagoon located inside a volcano crater. Wewill visit the crater, a giant tortoise reserveand interpretation centre. This afternoon wevisit Ochoa Beach, a small white sandybeach made of coral. It is home to bluefooted boobies, frigates, pelicans and gulls.In the sea it is possible to see rays, turtles,sea lions and many tropical fish.SANTA CRUZ. Today we visit the island ofSanta Cruz. We travel inland by coach to see“Los Gemelos” (“The Twins”), two volcanicdepressions found on the highest part ofSanta Cruz. The surrounding forest is full ofbirds such as the vermilion flycatcher and theyellow warbler. Later we disembark andtransfer to the airport for our flight back toQuito. We’ll have our Farewell Dinner thentransfer to the airport for our overnight flighthome via Atlanta.HOME. We arrive home in <strong>Canada</strong>.65.
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