The Galapagos Islands

br />Save $500 per couple on superior outside cabin category for The Galapagos Islands departures through December 2010.

Offer valid on new bookings only. Not valid on group or existing bookings. Offer is not combinable with any other offer.In the footsteps of Darwin. Embark on a thrilling five-day cruise of the Galapagos Archipelago. These islands teem with the same exotic wildlife that changed the way we see our world. But first travel to mainland Ecuador, a country of rich cultures and spectacular natural beauty. Visit Quito, one of the most elegant cities in South America. You’ll delight in one stunning discovery after another.

Day 1: Quito, Ecuador
Arrive in Quito, a lovely city overlooking the green and gray peaks of the Andes.

Day 1: Quito, Ecuador
Arrive in Quito, a lovely city overlooking the green and gray peaks of the Andes.

Day 2: Quito - Otavalo
In Imbabura, an enchanting region characterized by lakes and farmlands, see how traditions thrive as local artisans create “Mazapan” bread dough figurines and talk about this unique art form. This evening, enjoy accommodations at a 300-year-old Andean hacienda, a colonial estate that offers warm hospitality and Old World elegance.

Day 2: Quito - Otavalo
In Imbabura, an enchanting region characterized by lakes and farmlands, see how traditions thrive as local artisans create “Mazapan” bread dough figurines and talk about this unique art form. This evening, enjoy accommodations at a 300-year-old Andean hacienda, a colonial estate that offers warm hospitality and Old World elegance.

Day 3: Otavalo
This morning, travel through lush valleys and stunning highlands to tour a rose plantation hacienda and learn about the varieties and production of one of Ecuador's major exports. Afterwards, take in the sights and sounds of the famous Otavalo Market as you browse displays of blankets, ponchos, panama hats and much more. Learn about the regional customs, meet some local people during lunch, then enjoy a folkloric show featuring indigenous music and dance. Then, watch local artisans create high-quality apparel using traditional techniques and enjoy a demonstration and tasting of “helado de paila,” a local ice cream specialty.

Day 3: Otavalo
This morning, travel through lush valleys and stunning highlands to tour a rose plantation hacienda and learn about the varieties and production of one of Ecuador's major exports. Afterwards, take in the sights and sounds of the famous Otavalo Market as you browse displays of blankets, ponchos, panama hats and much more. Learn about the regional customs, meet some local people during lunch, then enjoy a folkloric show featuring indigenous music and dance. Then, watch local artisans create high-quality apparel using traditional techniques and enjoy a demonstration and tasting of “helado de paila,” a local ice cream specialty.

Day 4: Otavalo - Andes Mountain Train - Quito
Begin your day with an unforgettable train ride through breathtaking Andean landscapes. On your descent from 7,220 feet to 4,920 feet, view fertile valleys of fruit and sugar plantations and typical indigenous villages. Your train ride ends in the community of Salinas where lunch features regional specialties and cheerful, traditional Afro-Ecuadorian music and dance. This evening, return to Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Day 4: Otavalo - Andes Mountain Train - Quito
Begin your day with an unforgettable train ride through breathtaking Andean landscapes. On your descent from 7,220 feet to 4,920 feet, view fertile valleys of fruit and sugar plantations and typical indigenous villages. Your train ride ends in the community of Salinas where lunch features regional specialties and cheerful, traditional Afro-Ecuadorian music and dance. This evening, return to Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Day 5: Quito
Spend your morning touring Quito’s charming colonial center including the Presidential Palace and 17th-century church of La Compañía with its breathtaking gilded altars. Next, visit the Equatorial Line Monument and Museum at the “Middle of the World” where you will cross from one hemisphere into another! The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 5: Quito
Spend your morning touring Quito’s charming colonial center including the Presidential Palace and 17th-century church of La Compañía with its breathtaking gilded altars. Next, visit the Equatorial Line Monument and Museum at the “Middle of the World” where you will cross from one hemisphere into another! The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 6: Quito - Baltra Island, Galapagos - Embark Ship - Bartholome Island
Your adventure in the Galapagos begins today! A morning flight takes you to beautiful Baltra Island, gateway to the Galapagos. Enjoy lunch aboard the m/v Galapagos Legend. This afternoon, disembark at Bartholome Island, known for its spectacular volcanic formations. At the summit of the island, enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding islands and the famous eroded tuff cone of Pinnacle Rock. Hike to the summit, finding colonies of marine iguanas, lava lizards, tequila and various cacti. You will also have the opportunity to snorkel and see penguins, sea turtles and white-tipped sharks.

Day 6: Quito - Baltra Island, Galapagos - Embark Ship - Bartholome Island
Your adventure in the Galapagos begins today! A morning flight takes you to beautiful Baltra Island, gateway to the Galapagos. Enjoy lunch aboard the m/v Galapagos Legend. This afternoon, disembark at Bartholome Island, known for its spectacular volcanic formations. At the summit of the island, enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding islands and the famous eroded tuff cone of Pinnacle Rock. Hike to the summit, finding colonies of marine iguanas, lava lizards, tequila and various cacti. You will also have the opportunity to snorkel and see penguins, sea turtles and white-tipped sharks.

Day 7: Isabela Island (Urbina Bay) - Fernandina Island (Espinosa Point)
Visit Isabela Island where you will see the incredible fossil beach and coral area. Depending on the season, you may be able to observe giant tortoises, land iguanas and flightless cormorants along the beach. After a nature walk, snorkel in the warm waters of Urbina Bay. Sail on to wondrous Fernandina Island where you will see oversized marine iguanas mingling with Sally Lightfoot crabs and sea lions sharing the beach with Galapagos penguins. In addition to the diverse wildlife, look for brachycereus cacti, dramatic lava formations and vast mangrove beds that extend into the sea.

Day 7: Isabela Island (Urbina Bay) - Fernandina Island (Espinosa Point)
Visit Isabela Island where you will see the incredible fossil beach and coral area. Depending on the season, you may be able to observe giant tortoises, land iguanas and flightless cormorants along the beach. After a nature walk, snorkel in the warm waters of Urbina Bay. Sail on to wondrous Fernandina Island where you will see oversized marine iguanas mingling with Sally Lightfoot crabs and sea lions sharing the beach with Galapagos penguins. In addition to the diverse wildlife, look for brachycereus cacti, dramatic lava formations and vast mangrove beds that extend into the sea.

Day 8: Santiago (Egas Port) - Rabida (Jervis)
Arrive at Santiago Island – a landscape characterized by tuff-stone layers and lava flows. Look for birds like the great blue herons, lava herons and oyster catchers. You may also see marine iguanas grazing on algae beds, fur seals frolicking in deep pools of cool water, and crabs teetering along the rocky shore. Next, visit the island of Rabida, the geographic center of the Galapagos boasting the most diverse volcanic rocks on the islands. Its volcanic beach is covered in dark red sand and sea lions. Hike to the scenic salt water lagoon, frequented by graceful flamingos. Eccentric boobies and nine species of Darwin’s finches can also be observed here. This evening, stargaze from the deck of your ship.

Day 8: Santiago (Egas Port) - Rabida (Jervis)
Arrive at Santiago Island – a landscape characterized by tuff-stone layers and lava flows. Look for birds like the great blue herons, lava herons and oyster catchers. You may also see marine iguanas grazing on algae beds, fur seals frolicking in deep pools of cool water, and crabs teetering along the rocky shore. Next, visit the island of Rabida, the geographic center of the Galapagos boasting the most diverse volcanic rocks on the islands. Its volcanic beach is covered in dark red sand and sea lions. Hike to the scenic salt water lagoon, frequented by graceful flamingos. Eccentric boobies and nine species of Darwin’s finches can also be observed here. This evening, stargaze from the deck of your ship.

Day 9: Santa Cruz (Charles Darwin Research Station and Highlands)
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island – a world-class facility where international scientists conduct research and conservation projects. See the famous giant tortoises that are part of the station’s breeding program. Later, trek through the highlands of Santa Cruz to visit Cerro Chato; find more of the giant tortoises that gave the islands their name. It is here that the famous Galapagos coffee beans are organically grown – try a sample. Finally, you may choose to walk inside the dormant lava tubes for an incredible glimpse into the turbulent formation of these islands.

Day 9: Santa Cruz (Charles Darwin Research Station and Highlands)
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island – a world-class facility where international scientists conduct research and conservation projects. See the famous giant tortoises that are part of the station’s breeding program. Later, trek through the highlands of Santa Cruz to visit Cerro Chato; find more of the giant tortoises that gave the islands their name. It is here that the famous Galapagos coffee beans are organically grown – try a sample. Finally, you may choose to walk inside the dormant lava tubes for an incredible glimpse into the turbulent formation of these islands.

Day 10: Santa Cruz (Bachas Beach) - Disembark Ship - Baltra Island - Guayaquil
Experience Bachas Beach, a stunning white sand beach located on the north side of Santa Cruz Island. Among the sand and surf, find many sea birds, marine iguanas and sea turtles. You’ll also have the opportunity to take a dip in the clear turquoise waters. Return to the m/v Galapagos Legend to check out and transfer to Baltra’s airport for an afternoon flight to Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city. Enjoy a city tour of this coastal community known as the “Pearl of the Pacific.” Behold the waterfront area of Malecon 2000 and the 19th-century neighborhood of Las Peñas, with its colorful, Spanish-style wooden houses. From Santa Ana Hill, enjoy magnificent views of the city below and the chocolate-colored Guayas River. Embrace the architecture, traditions and customs of the Ecuadorian coastal region.

Day 10: Santa Cruz (Bachas Beach) - Disembark Ship - Baltra Island - Guayaquil
Experience Bachas Beach, a stunning white sand beach located on the north side of Santa Cruz Island. Among the sand and surf, find many sea birds, marine iguanas and sea turtles. You’ll also have the opportunity to take a dip in the clear turquoise waters. Return to the m/v Galapagos Legend to check out and transfer to Baltra’s airport for an afternoon flight to Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city. Enjoy a city tour of this coastal community known as the “Pearl of the Pacific.” Behold the waterfront area of Malecon 2000 and the 19th-century neighborhood of Las Peñas, with its colorful, Spanish-style wooden houses. From Santa Ana Hill, enjoy magnificent views of the city below and the chocolate-colored Guayas River. Embrace the architecture, traditions and customs of the Ecuadorian coastal region.

Day 11: Guayaquil - Tour Concludes
Your tour ends today in Guayaquil.

Day 11: Guayaquil - Tour Concludes
Your tour ends today in Guayaquil.

Don't miss our current specials: Free or Reduced Companion Air to Europe Check out these last minute SAVINGS provided by our airline partners who have offered special pricing for specific tours and dates only. As a result, we're delighted to offer you FREE or reduced companion air on select tours. See list of tours for details on our last minute offer applied to that specific tour when you make your air-inclusive booking. Some restrictions may apply, please call 800-942-3301 for details. Italian Vistas This 13 day trip has everything you've always wanted in a trip to Italy. Enjoy multiple night stays in Rome, Florence, Venice, the Amalfi coast and Stresa in the Lakes District. Discover the treasures of Classical and Christian Rome. Walk in the footsteps on the ancients in Pompeii. See the gems of the Renaissance in Florence's Academy Gallery, including Michelangelo's David. Visit Lugano, Switzerland, and cruise to Isola Bella, one of the scenic Borromean Islands. Reflections of Italy Revel in the magic of Italy on this 10-day tour that explores the cities of Rome, Florence, Venice, Assisi and Perugia. Travel the Tuscan and Umbrian countryside, exploring medieval hill towns and visiting the birthplace of St. Francis, Assisi. Discover the masterpieces of the Renaissance in Florence and see hot glass transformed into exquisite art on Murano Island. Linger in Venice for two nights before ending your journey in the lovely Italian Lake region. Cross the border and explore the Swiss resort town of Lugano. Spain's Classics Spain is a colorful pageant of art, history and culture, set against a backdrop that spans sunny Mediterranean shores and grand mountain ranges, dotted with groves of oranges and olives. Explore the priceless treasures in Madrid’s Prado Museum. Visit the exotic and expansive Alhambra palace, resplendent with Moorish regal flair. See Columbus’ tomb. Feel the passion of the Flamenco with reserved seating at a performance in Seville. Explore Valencia, Barcelona, Granada, Cordoba and Toledo. Travel the Sierra Nevada Canada's Winter Wonderland Immerse yourself in the ultimate winter wonderland — the Canadian Rockies. Hop aboard VIA Rail Canada's Snow Train Express and head for Jasper with spectacular views. Travel across the Icefields Parkway with breathtaking scenery. Relax at three Fairmont properties: Jasper Park Lodge, Château Lake Louise, and the Banff Springs Resort, each magically decorated for the holiday. Enjoy a cooking demonstration, kitchen tour and learn how to make your own holiday pastries FREE Door to Door Service Now Vacations Start at HOME! Don't worry about getting to the airport... because a vacation should be worry-free. With Collette Vacations, enjoy free round trip sedan service that takes you from your home to the airport when you purchase an air-inclusive Collette tour.* This personalized service - including gratuities - is available on new air-inclusive bookings to the South Pacific, Canada, and Europe; and on ALL Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures and Explorations by Collette tours. On departures May 2010 and beyond, Door to Door transfers are included with air-inclusive bookings to all destinations Great Savings • Added Comfort • More Convenience
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
10/16/2010 - 10/27/2010	$4,199
12/4/2010 - 12/15/2010	$3,999
1/15/2011 - 1/31/2011	$5,499
1/22/2011 - 2/2/2011	$4,349
2/19/2011 - 3/7/2011	$5,699
3/5/2011 - 3/16/2011	$4,349
3/12/2011 - 3/28/2011	$5,699
4/2/2011 - 4/18/2011	$5,699
4/9/2011 - 4/20/2011	$4,349
5/21/2011 - 6/1/2011	$3,999
7/16/2011 - 7/27/2011	$4,099
9/24/2011 - 10/10/2011	$5,199
10/15/2011 - 10/26/2011	$4,099
10/22/2011 - 11/7/2011	$5,299
11/5/2011 - 11/21/2011	$5,299
12/3/2011 - 12/14/2011	$3,999
1/14/2012 - 1/30/2012	$5,599
3/3/2012 - 3/14/2012	$4,299
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Free or Reduced Companion Air to Europe

FREE Door to Door Service

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