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Follow in the steps of Charles Darwin on what is by far the best available holiday to the Galapagos from the UK and truly one for the connoisseur. We include a glorious seven-night cruise aboard one of the best ships available, the Galapagos Explorer II, which provides a first class experience during a whole week of exploration, where a full programme of excursions will introduce you to the unique wildlife and haunting beauty of this unspoilt natural archipelago. The holiday commences with a three-night stay in Ecuador's bustling capital city Quito and a delightful excursion to Cotopaxi National Park, on what is surely the holiday of a lifetime. Not only will you have the services of a Titan tour manager throughout your holiday but local guides are also on hand to impart their knowledge of the area.
13 DAYS FROM £3995
Iguana Blue footed Boobies
Quito · Cotopaxi National Park · Galápagos Islands:- Santa Cruz Bartolome · San Cristobal · Espanola · Isabela Fernandina · Rabida · Santiago
This holiday includes 7 nights full-board cruise aboard the Galapagos Explorer II
DAY 1 LONDON · QUITO
Cruise & TourTM
We begin with Titan's VIP Home Departure ServiceTM to London Heathrow Airport for your direct scheduled American Airlines flight to Miami and connecting flight to Quito. Despite the fact that it is only 22 km south of the equator, Quito, situated 2850 metres above sea level, enjoys an almost spring-like climate. The city is flanked by mountains, is rich in history and retains many of its old colonial buildings. Our hotel for the next three nights is the Hilton.
DAY 2
COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK
This morning we introduce you to Ecuador's capital by taking you on a brief orientation tour of this fascinating city, before our arranged tour to Cotopaxi National Park. We travel through fields of lava boulders right to the base of Mount Cotopaxi ascending 19,700 feet. From here you can enjoy the magnificence of the area where there is always a chance to see a condor of the Andes flying by. Cotopaxi was only recently set-aside as an ecological sanctuary offering unusual opportunities for nature lovers. A pleasant lunch amidst breathtaking panoramic views is included. We tour the area before returning to Quito for the evening.
DAY 3
QUITO
Free day in Quito with an opportunity to take an optional tour to Otavalo and Cotacachi. This tour travels north, via Pan American Highway, to cross the equatorial line at Cayambe with a stop at Calderon where famous "bread dolls" are made. Upon arrival in Otavalo we will visit the Indian handicrafts market, notable for its colourful textiles and unique variety of handicrafts before proceeding to Peguche for an opportunity to see where the Indians live and produce their weavings. After an included lunch at a Hacienda we visit Cotacachi, Ecuador's largest centre of leatherworks before returning to Quito.
DAY 4
THE GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS
Otavalo Market
This morning our coach transfers us to Quito Airport for our short flight to San Cristobal or Balta Island. Here we board the Galapagos Explorer II, our comfortable cruising vessel for the next seven nights. Having been designed for today's ecotourist, this ship includes five decks and features a spacious sun deck, piano lounge and jacuzzi. Time to familiarise yourself with the on-board facilities and enjoy the full board arrangements throughout your cruise.
DAYS 5 - 10
THE GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS
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Close encounters of a unique kind happen every day in the Galapagos Islands. Rather than run, fly or swim away when humans approach, the reptiles, birds and marine mammals accept you as just another of nature's creatures. Here you will see penguins, fur seals, marine iguanas, giant tortoises, sea lions and a wealth of other fascinating creatures. Throughout your cruise you will enjoy the services of naturalist guides to help you appreciate the wonderful natural sights. During the cruise we will visit the following islands:SAN CRISTOBAL: Furthest east of the Galapagos, San Cristobal is home to the state-of-the-art interpretation center and also beaches which are an excellent area to view pelicans and other Galapagos sea birds. ESPANOLA: The southernmost island of the Galapagos where sea lions, iguanas, blue-footed boobies reside.
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