Galapagos Cruise Aboard the Eclipse
Wonders of the Galapagos is a comprehensive introduction to the "Enchanted Isles" and mainland Ecuador, with a seven-night adventure-filled cruise aboard 'Eclipse'.
Itinerary:
Day 1: USA or Canada — Quito, EcuadorUpon arrival into Quito this evening, we are met and transferred to our hotel for a brief welcome reception. Swissôtel Day 2: Quito Explore Old Town, with its rich legacy of gold-plated cathedrals and baroque architecture, before stopping at the Equatorial Monument. Tonight, we gather for a private welcome dinner at the exclusive “Theatrum,” a 19th-century theatre. Swissôtel Day 3: Quito — Galapagos Islands This morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to coastal Guayaquil, continuing to the Galapagos archipelago, where we board ‘Eclipse,’ our home for the seven-night cruise that forms the heart of our itinerary. Settle in, enjoy an introductory briefing and get acquainted with the ship and staff. ‘Eclipse’ Days 4–9: Galapagos Islands Weather, water and wildlife conditions affect our actual day-by-day itinerary, but visits are planned for the main islands and their landmarks, such as: Pinnacle Rock on Bartolomé Island; Punta Espinosa on Fernandina Island; Gardner Bay and Punta Suarez on Española; the volcanoes of Isabela Island; Prince Philip’s Steps on Genovesa; and the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island. Our ship carries pangas, rubber boats, which carry us to island beaches where we land to wander among the Galapagos’ unique species. Here, we are objects of curiosity rather than fear. We see sunbathing sea lions, playing tag between surf and sand...skittering Sally Lightfoot crabs...tangles of marine iguanas...penguins, finches, pelicans, frigate birds, terns...boobies overhead and literally underfoot...the glint in the eye of a century-old tortoise. As we sail the blue waters between islands, there is time to relax, reflect and confer with our naturalist-guide about the sights we have seen and the sights yet to come. ‘Eclipse’ Day 10: Galapagos Islands — Quito We disembark the ship today and return to Quito, via Guayaquil. This evening we join fellow travellers for our farewell dinner. Swissôtel Day 11: Quito — USA or Canada We are transferred to the airport this morning for our homebound flights. This program contains some active elements and a minimum level of fitness is required. Cost of this trip - 10 nights:Standard Cabin - $408 to $438 per person per nightDeluxe Cabin - $438 to $469 pp pn Suite - $479 to $498 pp pn These prices do go up a little in the two weeks around Christmas |
