Luxury Galapagos Islands cruise

Day 1

Arrive in Quito and transfer to hotel.

Your hotel sits on the main square of the Old City, Plaza San Francisco.

The active volcano Guagua Pichincha, to the east, glowers over the dynamic city which, at 2,850m, is one of highest capital cities in the world. Quito is divided into two contrasting districts. The modern zone is characterised by towering glass buildings and houses banks, international companies, hotels, shops and restaurants, while the central colonial area has well-conserved and recently spruced-up white-washed architecture, open air markets and graceful Spanish-style mansions and churches.

Stay at - Casa Gangotena

Day 2

Quito Hands On Experience

A full day guided tour of Quito, taking you beyond the usual tourist sites to get to the heart of what makes this vibrant city tick.

The tour begins with a visit to Quito’s historic colonial centre, a long establish UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will walk through the Plaza de la Independencia and observe the Government Palace, cathedral, and a number of impressive churches. A short walk will then lead you to the vibrant sights and smells of the indoor food market. Your guide will introduce you to some unfamiliar fruits, flavours and remedies, stopping to sample a smoothie, before giving you an opportunity to take part in a herbal cleansing routine with a local curandero. The final stop in the Old Town is at one of Ecuador’s popular chocolatiers.

A 45-minute car journey will then take you north to the equatorial line, where you will walk around the rim of the extinct Pululahua volcanic crater. After lunch (included), you will join a guided visit of the Intinan Museum, an interactive exhibition located directly on top of the Equator.

The tour ends with a visit to Casa Agave, the home of a project that researches, innovates and enhances the culture of agave, a genus of plant known best in the wider world for its most famous product – tequila.

Stay at - Casa Gangotena

Day 3

Fly to the Galápagos Islands, board your Cruise.

Fly to the Galápagos Islands (2 hrs) where you will embark on your luxurious yacht. Your naturalist guide will be waiting to take you to the quayside.

Stay at - Grace

Days 4-9

Land excursions from the cruise around the Galápagos Islands.

The Galápagos Islands emerged in the Pacific Ocean 6 million years ago following a spate of volcanic activity and, isolated from the continental mainland, have become home to unique animal and plant species.

The islands were the inspiration for Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, which formed the basis for his revolutionary book ‘The Origin of the Species’, published in 1859. Without fear of humans, they are sufficiently trusting to allow you approach them and observe them up close.

Although geologically constantly on the move, these islands remain suspended in time, with giant tortoises, iguanas, penguins, frigate birds, waved albatross and blue-footed boobies and a wealth of rare flora all thriving there. For many, the fascinating and unique wildlife and natural beauty of the islands are matched by the thrill of being at sea. Find a spot on deck as you make your way through the ocean, often trailed by flocks of birds and playful dolphins.

The itinerary for your days in the Galápagos will depend on your date of departure and is subject to change. There are normally two landings a day to seek out the different wildlife that inhabits the islands. Islands visited will vary.

Stay at - Grace

Day 10

Fly to the mainland and connect with international flight home or extend your holiday.

If you can spare the time we recommend that you extend your holiday to spend a few days stay at Mashpi Lodge in the bird-filled Mindo cloud forest: a veritable jungle just a couple of hours’ drive from Quito.