The highest rated Galapagos Islands tour on Zicasso will give you access to flamboyant memoirs to evolution that are found across the whole Galapagos archipelago, each of the 13 islands providing a unique theater of flora and fauna. From the endemic bird engulfed islands of the east to the marine delights of the West, a luxury 10-day cruise reveals all the iconic Galapagos sites, allowing you to indulge in all the remarkable wildlife that calls this place home. Cruise and create your personalized...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Quito - A Leisurely Welcome to Ecuador
An evening arrival in Quito and city lights fill the valley, the cascade of illuminations visible from your room at your luxury hotel. Flanked by volcanic mountains, Quito is a hilly stretched city and this hotel in the new part of town provides commanding views down onto the central suburbs. You'll be greeted at the airport and privately transferred to this hotel. Check in and relax in the hotel's spa, before choosing from any of the five onsite restaurants. It's a leisurely start that helps you reenergize for the cruise that starts tomorrow.
What's Included:
Day 2
Galapagos Islands - Endemic Characters on San Cristobal Island
Day 3
Galapagos Islands - Getting Personal with Sea Lions and Unusual Iguanas
Day 4
Galapagos Islands - Giant Tortoises and Kayaking around Santa Cruz
Day 5
Galapagos Islands - Hawks and Endemic Birds Soar Above the Idyllic Espanola Beach
Day 6
Galapagos Islands - Marvelous Nesting Sights on North Seymour
Day 7
Galapagos Islands - Outstanding Snorkeling with Sea Turtles and Penguins around Fernandina
Day 8
Galapagos Islands - Finches and Strange Reptiles on Isabela Island
Day 9
Galapagos Islands - A Relaxed Day on Santa Cruz
Day 10
Galapagos Islands - Endemic Flora and Volcanic Cones on Floreana Island
Day 11
Quito -Resting in the Heart of Old Quito
Day 12
Quito - Departure
Trip Highlights
- Visit all of the iconic Galapagos sites and tick off the complete list of famous local wildlife
- Enjoy ten days cruising through the Galapagos on a modern ship with large luxury social areas and cabins
- Marvel at endemic birdlife like red and blue-footed boobies, flightless cormorants, miniature penguins, the Galapagos albatross, and vivid flamingos
- Admire the theory of evolution by spotting unique reptiles on different islands, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and the Santa Fe iguana
- Explore vibrant marine worlds through snorkel and glass-bottom boat excursions, everything from reef sharks to rays and green turtles found along the reef
- Stand beside nesting sights and watch the antics of magnificent frigates, the males inflating their red chests to lure a mate
- Kayak alongside sea lions and swim with playful fur seals
Detailed Description
The Galapagos Islands stand like sentinels to natural history, each fiery volcanic remains a testimony to evolution on our planet. They stand on the equator, lost in the Pacific, separated from the rest of the world for all eternity. Some flourish with beds of green, places where daisies rise to five meters high and carpets of grass are mowed by giant tortoises. Others are desolate, supporting only the most specialized of characters, like flightless cormorants or marine iguanas. Along coralline sand, you find huge sea lion harems while penguins escapade beside lava tubes. Every island is unique, home to its own collection of flora and fauna and resembling a snapshot of endemic life. Then below the turquoise waves you find much more, the vibrant finds including a turtle cleaning station, reef sharks, and rays. But with so much awaiting discovery which Galapagos Island do you visit?
A ten-day Galapagos Islands tour on a luxury cruise allows you to explore fully the archipelago, from the bird-covered islands of the east to the new volcanic cones of the west. You'll enjoy astonishing proximity with all of the islands' iconic species; three booby species, curious reptiles, sea lions, playful penguins, the nesting sites of majestic birds. And you'll admire how evolution has been idiosyncratically carved on each distinct island. For ten days, you're completely submerged in natural history, cruising between islands with whales and dolphins for company. Land excursions are accompanied by a continual choice of marine adventures, including kayaking, snorkeling, and glass-bottom boat rides.
The luxury yacht you will cruse on is one of the newest and largest vessels on the archipelago. Multiple social areas provide you with lots of space while the huge upper deck is ideal for watching the islands sail by. With a capacity of 90, this 70-meter boat negates the chances of seasickness and ensures you can always do your choice of activity. Seven naturalist guides take passengers on the excursions and groups are staggered to ensure sites don't become crowded. All meals are included and served in a sumptuous dining room while the large en-suite cabins provide the elegance and comfort required for ten days on board. If interested, consider perusing other tours and cruises around Galapagos Islands.
Completing the tour is two nights in the old city of Quito, the world's first World Heritage Site. It's a chance to switch from sea-legs to land-legs and explore Ecuador's cultural history. Giant tortoises are replaced by giant plazas, flamboyant frigates become ornate churches, and you'll also be impressed by the evolution of life and style in Quito. Yet it's the Galapagos that grabs the headlines and the memories. Ten days captures all the diversity and iconicity of this rare indelible archipelago.
Starting Price
$14,700 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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