Day 2: QUITO An included sightseeing tour showcases Quito's 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 and museum of Oswaldo Guayasamin. Have your photo taken in front of the Equatorial Monument, the "Centre of the World." This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner. (B, D)
Day 3: QUITO-BALTRA-GALAPAGOS ISLANDS-FINCH BAY HOTEL Take a morning flight to Baltra, one of the remote Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival, transfer to the highlands of Santa Cruz, where your Naturalist introduces the island's lush and vibrant landscapes. Visit the Giant Tortoises Reserve for a chance to see the famous Galapagos tortoises in their wild habitat. Next, see the Twin Pit Craters, great depressions of volcanic material formed by a long process of slow sinking of the ground, where exceptional Scalesia trees, ferns, mosses and orchids can be seen in the surroundings. Later this afternoon, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, established to help conserve the Island's natural habitat and protect the famous giant tortoises. While here, see famous "Lonesome George" and learn about the tortoise rearing program. (B, L, D)
Special Feature: Named after the famous Darwin's finches abundant in the surroundings, the Finch Bay Hotel offers a private seaside location surrounded by mangroves. Amenities include a bar, lounge, restaurant, outdoor pool and jacuzzi and beachfront access. Guests can enjoy daily boat excursions to various Galapagos Islands - snorkeling, kayaking, bicycle rides in town and viewing the local fauna and flora.
Day 4: GALAPAGOS. FINCH BAY HOTEL Outings today include a list of activities that allow you to have a "Galapagos a la carte" adventure. Perhaps take a hike over the lava rock formations past gigantic cacti to Las Grieta, a unique swimming hole created by lava flows. Or choose a walk to Tortuga Bay, a 6 mile long coralline beach, mountain bike up in the highlands; or swim, snorkel or kayak right off the beach at the hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 5: GALAPAGOS ISLANDS (EMBARKATION) CRUISING: SANTA CRUZ ISLAND Today, board the sleek Santa Cruz for 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. 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 beach, 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)
DAY 6: 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 a common nesting area for sea turtles. Also keep an eye out for Galapagos finches, marine iguanas and sea lions as well as flamingoes 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 bottom boat. (B, L, D)
Day 7: 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 flamingoes 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 8: 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 9: GALAPAGOS ISLANDS (DISEMBARKATION) SAN CRISTOBAL-GUAYAQUIL 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 flight to Guayaquil, where you will have free time this evening to prepare for your return flight home tomorrow. (B)
Day 10: GUAYAQUIL Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
* Ports of call may vary based on itinerary and departure dates selected
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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
Guayaquil
Country - Distance from port to City - Distance to Airport - Currency -
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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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