Day 1: ARRIVE IN LIMA Welcome to Lima. This "City of Kings" was once the capital of the Spanish South American Empire.
Day 2: LIMA Today, your Local Guide focuses on the city's colonial heritage during today's walking tour. Start at the Plaza de Armas to see the Government Palace and the Cathedral, where the remains of Francisco Pizarro, founder of Lima, are housed. From here, stroll to the venerable San Francisco Monastery with its splendid 17th century cloister murals. Also visit the Larco Herrera Museum, housing an impressive collection of Peruvian pre-Columbian artifacts. This evening, meet your to Tour Director and enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant with your fellow travelling companions. (B, D)
Day 3: LIMA-CUSCO-SACRED VALLEY Fly to Cusco, the impressive Andean city that was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Continue into the Sacred Valley to Awanakancha and learn the importance of the alpaca (llama) for Inca cultures as well as the ancient weaving techniques still in use today. Visit the semi circular Kenko Amphitheater with its stone altars and labyrinth of passages and see the ancient site of Puca Pucara before reaching the Temple of Sacsayhuaman, perched on a hillside overlooking Cusco. It remains unfathomable how and when this fortress of gigantic stones - with some blocks weighing more than 350 tonnes was built. Next, visit PISAC, an old mountain village where you enjoy free time in the town centre to browse the colourful stalls where vendors sell their handicrafts, ranging from fine alpaca sweaters and blankets to hand painted ornamental dishes and vases. Enjoy a relaxing dinner at your hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 4: SACRED VALLEY-MACHU PICCHU Begin the morning with a visit to the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo followed by a visit to a local home to meet some locals and experience their way of life. Next, board your train for a short journey through the lush Urubamba Valley, then ascend to legendary Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas", discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911. Your Local Guide will bring you closer to the lives and mysteries still hidden in these amazing structures built by the pre Columbian masters of this sacred land. (B, L, D)
Day 5: MACHU PICCHU-CUSCO Your entrance to Machu Picchu is included for a second day. Enjoy the tranquility of the morning while while wandering the ruins at your own pace and experiencing the magic that is Machu Picchu. After lunch, return to Ollantaytambo by train and continue to Cusco. (B, L)
Day 6: CUSCO Today, learn more about the Incas and their struggle against the invading Spaniards. Visit the imposing Cathedral and the Santo Domingo Monastery on your guided tour. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant accompanied by Andean Folkloric Music. (B, D)
Day 7: CUSCO-QUITO, ECUADOR Today, fly to Quito, the capital of Ecuador and a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site and begin the Ecuadorian portion of your vacation. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant tonight. (B, D)
Day 8: QUITO Your Local Host introduces this city on an included sightseeing tour that showcases its treasures: the historic stone murals of the Legislative Palace, Independence Plaza and the 16th century San Francisco Monastery, the Jesuit's La Compania Church with its stunning golden altars and the impressive paintings at the Workshop & Museum of Oswaldo Guayasamin. Be sure to have your photo taken in front of the Equatorial Monument, the "Centre of the World". (B)
Day 9: QUITO. EXCURSION TO OTAVALO An indepth experience into the traditional ways of the Otavalo people is in store for you today. First, visit Otavalo's famous Indian Market full of textiles, clothes, vegetables and much more. Next, in Peguche, famous for its exquisite weavings, you have the opportunity to visit homes and observe handicrafts being made. Finally, enjoy Andean delicacies prepared the traditional way at a home hosted lunch before returning to Quito. (B, L)
Day 10: GALAPAGOS ISLANDS (EMBARKATION) CRUISING: SANTA CRUZ ISLAND Take a morning flight to Baltra, one of the remote Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival, boar the sleek Santa Cruz and enjoy five days of cruising among various Galapagos Islands. Each day, travel ashore to the remote islands with your expert Naturalist, who introduces you to the unique fauna living free and fearless of man. Giant tortoises, Galapagos fur sea lions, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, frigates and finches are just some of the many endemic species you will find on land. You will also have the chance to snorkel in the turquoise waters with colourful tropical fish, playful sea lions and maybe even an equatorial penguin or shark! Visit Las Bachas on Santa Cruz Island, where abandoned WW2 military barges can be found. Today, it is an important nesting area for the East Pacific Green Sea Turtle. You will also see brackish lagoons just steps away from the sea and white sand beaches, which is a feeding ground for various wading birds, from stilts to flamingos. Return to the ship for a briefing on the next day's adventure, followed by a Captain's welcome cocktail and dinner. (B, L, D)
Note:The ship's itinerary may vary according to Galapagos National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions and seasonal changes to create the perfect cross section of sites visited.
Day 11: CRUISING GALAPAGOS ISLANDS: JAMES ISLAND After breakfast, join your Naturalist for a short panga ride to Espumilla Beach, a coffee coloured sand beach on James Island. In the nearby mangrove forest, watch where you step, as this is common nesting area for sea turtles. Also keep an eye out for Galapagos finches, marine iguanas and sea lions as well as flamingos and pintail ducks in the nearby lagoons. This afternoon, land at Puerto Egas on James Island, known for its black sand beach and a landscape of tuff stone layers and lava flows. This is a great opportunity to see land and marine birds as well as a colony of fur sea lions, marine iguanas and Sally Lightfoot crabs. You have the chance to snorkel or swim from the beach, or ride on the glass bottomed boat. (B, L, D)
Day 12: CRUISING GALAPAGOS ISLANDS: RABIDA & BARTOLOME ISLANDS Disembark at Rabida Island on a red coloured beach, formed from the unusually high content of iron in the volcanic material. Stroll along the beach of this small island as your Naturalist points out large colonies of sea lions, pelicans, boobies, yellow warblers and several species of Darwin's finches. Very close to the beach, hidden behind a strip of green saltbush, is a salt pond where, at times, greater flamingos migrate. This is a wonderful place to snorkel from the beach, due to the unique combination of underwater species like the Galapagos dolphin and submarine landscapes. After lunch, en route to our next island, dolphins are often spotted. At Bartolome Island, hike to the summit for a stunning view of two beautiful bays and fascinating formations of lava flows and spatter cones, including the iconic Pinnacle Rock. You will also have the chance to snorkel and possibly see Galapagos penguins in tropical waters and even some sharks and rays! (B, L, D)
Day 13: CRUISING GALAPAGOS ISLANDS: TOWER ISLAND Upon arrival at Tower Island, your visit to Prince Philip's Steps begins with a scenic panga ride along the cliffs to see the large number of nesting colonies of Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies and shore and seabirds in the cliffs' ledges. Disembark at the base of Prince Philip's Steps and climb up the stairs to a trail where birdlife abounds. A walk with your Naturalist reveals large colonies of masked boobies, blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, storm petrels and even short eared owls. In the afternoon, disembark at Darwin Bay to observe thousands of birds - mainly frigatebirds, red-footed and masked boobies, gulls, herons, finches and mockingbirds. Return to the beach for swimming and snorkelling at this beautiful natural harbour. The more adventurous can snorkel below the cliffs. (B, L, D)
Day 14: GALAPAGOS ISLANDS (DISEMBARKATION) SAN CRISTOBAL-QUITO After breakfast, depart for Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal, where Charles Darwin first set foot in the Galapagos back in 1835. This island is home to seabirds like blue footed boobies, Nazca boobies, herons, frigatebirds and various shore birds. Also watch for the Chatham (San Cristobal) Mockingbird and Chatham Lava Lizard - both species are endemic to this island and seen nowhere else in the Galapagos. Head to the airport for your return flight to Quito. This evening, gather with your fellow travelling companions as your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner to celebrate an unforgettable experience. (B, D)
Day 15: QUITO Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
* Ports of call may vary based on itinerary and departure dates selected
Cabin Pricing
Ports
Lima
Peru's fascinating capital features many fine landmarks, not least of which is the Plaza de Armas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll appreciate its mix of colonial mansions, Moorish balconies, palaces and churches. Don’t miss a visit to the Gold Museum, brimming with resplendent Inca exhibits.
Country - Peru Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from port to Airport - 12kms Currency - Nuevo Sol (PEN)
Places of Interest Gold Museum, Pachacamac Ruins, Nazca Drawings
Quito
In Quito, old meets new, mountain high becomes valley deep, and spring prevails year-round. Nestled in the valley of the Incas, surrounded by the grandeur of the Andes and the luxuriance of the rainforest, Quito is a compelling blend of history, architecture, cuisine, art, people and legend. In 1979, UNESCO declared Quito's historic centre a World Heritage Site, the first city in the world to receive the accolade.
Country - Ecuador Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 10kms Currency - US Dollar (USD)
Places of Interest Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World) Monument, Museo del Banco Central, Old Town
San Cristobal
This charming island boasts the second biggest population in the Galapgos (5,400 people) and is home to the capital of the island chain, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. You may spot the red footed booby and the Chatham mockingbird, found only here on this island. You’ll have days to leisurely wander around the island for a chance to see the sea lions, marine lizards, giant tortoises and otherworldly creatures that inhabit the island.
Country -Galapagos Islands (Ecuador) Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from port to Airport - 5kms Currency - US Dollar (USD)
Places of Interest Charles Darwin Research Station
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Avalon Waterways
Now that you know why river cruising should be your next vacation, you need to decide which cruise company to choose. Thats easy, When you travel with Avalon Waterways, you can relax in the knowledge that you've made the best choice. Newest Ships
Avalon sets a new standard in river cruising Europe's newest ships; you cruise in amazing, one-of-a-kind travel comfort. Sleek and elegant, they are part of a new generation of river cruisers, with state-of-the-art technology. These ships offer larger accommodations with hotel-style beds, private facilities, satellite television, and much more, including email or internet access, and floor to ceiling sliding glass doors in many staterooms. Travellers will enjoy a fitness centre, hair salon and massage services.
The Most Enriching Experiences
Our Enrichment Program is among the best in river cruising. Experienced local guides will take you on sightseeing tours of wonderful towns and cities, plus you can spend the evening on shore, if the schedule permits. In addition to fascinating sightseeing on each itinerary, you can choose from a few optional outings, and there's always time to make your own discoveries as well. Back on board, you'll enjoy interactive presentations with area experts, wine tastings, local entertainment, and more. Look on each cruise itinerary page to see the Included Features and Special Highlights listed for each vacation.
Created for the English Speaking Market
These new ships are built for the English Speaking Market, with non-smoking interiors and English speaking crew. They feature larger staterooms than most other river cruise vessels with comfortable beds and large windows to view the passing scene. Meals are European cuisine tailored to western tastes with coffee and tea available at no extra charge throughout the day. The Enrichment Program is geared towards those that like to travel with lively itineraries, time for individual discovery, and onboard entertainment.
Fine Dining
Whether you savour time-tested recipes or experiment more boldly, with Avalon you'll taste the true flavours of Europe, Egypt and China. Meals enjoyed in the company of your travelling companions are a major part of your vacation experience. On Avalon's ships, you'll enjoy open seat dining with one sitting, wine included with all onboard dinners, and panoramic views from your restaurant.
Quality Hotels
On several itineraries, you'll either begin or end your experience with a stay on land. We understand the importance of hotel quality to your vacation; that's why any hotels included in your itinerary are rated first class (F) or above (SF). Look for the exact ratings on the itinerary pages.
Unbeatable Value
We include all the main features of a destination without extra cost. Our volume buying power saves you money. And we handle all the logistics and details, leaving you free to relax and enjoy your cruise. Plus we provide all meals on board, a rich land excursion program and much more!
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Avalon - Galapagos Islands River Cruises
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