Ecuador & Galapagos Itinerary
Pre Tour Extension: Includes Lima, Cuzco and Machu Picchu
Dates: Available before all Cruises
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Day 1
Departure this morning on what promises to be an epic journey
of distinction to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, which
are undoubtedly the jewel in the crown of Ecuador’s natural
wonders - this is a land of the boldest colours, a country
electrified by the vibrant hues in the indigo wings of a butterfly
or a scarlet macaw, the piercing blue of local costumes in
the north, the emerald of the jungle, the white-and-gold extravagance
of the colonial churches – arrival this evening into
“the Florence of the Americas”, transfer to our
chosen Hotel the J W Marriott .
At the JW Marriott Hotel, you'll be greeted by an awe-inspiring
atrium entrance. The guest rooms feature magnificent views
of the mountains and volcanoes surrounding the city, including
the famous snow-capped Cotopaxi Volcano. The Hotel is located
next to the popular La Mariscal neighborhood, host to many
Quito restaurants and bars. The hotel is close to the famous
old city which is a Cultural World Heritage Site, and is just
two hours to Otavalo, the largest craft market in South America.
What sets the hotel apart is the resort type heated pool,
the large fitness facility, and relaxing treatments available
in the spa. Breakfast included. Evening at leisure. Quito
is 9895 Feet above sea level and most people cope with this
quite well by taking things at a slower pace for a day will
assist greatly in minimizing any effects of Altitude. Increasing
your fluid intake (not alcohol) and partaking of the coca
tea will generally relieve any symptoms. In fact, not everyone
suffers from Altitude Sickness and on our visit to Quito this
year none of the group experienced anything too debilitation
other than feeling slightly light-headed. Breakfast included.
Day 2
Today we have included A couple of hours north of Quito, the
small town of Otavalo, nestling in amongst the surrounding
hills and mountains, is famous for its bustling indigenous
market, which dates back to pre-Inca times. Known to be one
of the most colourful and vibrant markets in Latin America,
the stalls are spread over three main squares and spill over
into the adjacent streets.
The Otavalenos host the market in their distinctive traditional
dress - the men sport calf-length white trousers, rope sandals
and ponchos and wear their hair in ponytails; the women wear
delicately embroidered blouses and dark skirts, long hair
in swinging braids, and their wrists are adorned by red beads.
Barter for one of the many high-quality crafts and textiles
on offer, or just soak up the atmosphere with a stroll around
the market. Breakfast and Lunch included.
Day 3
After breakfast today we will depart on a full day tour of
Quito with lunch included. You will have an opportunity to
shop, as well as visit the plaza, church and cathedral of
"Old Town". Stops are made at a beautiful Roman
Catholic Church Del Voton Acional before driving through the
steep streets of old Quito. Next on the itinerary is the Main
Plaza with the San Francisco Cathedral, City Hall and Presidential
Palace. We move on to the La Compania Cathedral – quite
exquisite with inlaid gold throughout and magnificent paintings.
We drive onwards to Pululahua and up to the Crater Restaurant
for lunch. After lunch we drive to San Antonio De-Pichincha
which is the Mitad Del Mundo Equatorial Line Monument where
there is also a museum – Return to the Hotel where dinner
is included this evening. Note changes to the Lunch venue
maybe required – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Tomorrow morning you will need to deposit your checked in
luggage outside your room for collection at around 0600 Hours
– the next time you will see the luggage is in your stateroom
on board Celebrity Xpedition – this made our journey
to the airport and flight to Baltra much more relaxing and
is a VIP service.
Day 4
Departure after an early breakfast this morning for the airport
and Celebrity’s chartered Boeing 737 flight to Baltra
(touchdown in Guayaquil) – champagne, snacks and lunch
will be served on the flight. On arrival into Baltra we will
be met by our hosts from Celebrity Xpedition and whisked through
arrival formalities to the land stage where we will board
our waiting Zodiacs. In April 2010 we arrived in Baltra and
the vista in front of us was various ships of varying sizes.
One stood out above the rest and it was, of course, the gleaming
and pristine Celebrity Xpedition – it shone above the
rest. Transfer by Zodiac’s to the ship where you will
be greeted by the Officers and Staff…..
Our Adventure Begins – ITINERARY BELOW.
Day 4 Baltra Galapagos 1200 1400
Day 4 North Seymour Galapagos 1430 1900
Day 5 P. Baquerizo (San Cristobal 0600 1300
Day 5 Punta Suarez (Espanola) 1500 1900
Day 6 Cormorant Point (Floreana) 0700 1200
Day 6 Baroness Outlook (Floreana) 1500 1900
Day 7 Las Bachas (Santa Cruz) 0600 1200
Day 7 Bartolome (San Salvador) 1430 1900
Day 8 Elizabeth Bay (Isabela) 0700 1200
Day 8 Punta Espinoza (Fernandina) 1430 1900
Day 9 Puerto Egas (Santa Cruz) 0700 1200
Day 9 Dragon Hill (Santa Cruz) 1500 1900
Day 10 Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz) 0700 2100
Day 11 Baltra Galapagos 0600 0900
Day 11
Time to say a fond farewell to these Enchanted Islands and
the truly wonderful Officers and Staff of the Celebrity Xpedition
- as we transfer to the Airport for our flight back to Quito
– again luggage will be automatically transferred from
the Ship to our waiting Aircraft and the next time you will
see it is in the Hotel at Quito – Champagne and Lunch
will be served on the flight again we will touch down in Guayquil
– transfers on arrival in Quito to the JW Marriott. This
evening we will all enjoy a ‘Farewell Dinner’ at
the Theatre Restaurant which was a magical experience in 2010
and enjoyed by all.
Day 12
Today we have included a full-day tour to the world's highest
active volcano Cotopaxi - The National Park is an ecological
sanctuary of 36,000 hectares, specially attractive for nature
lovers, with the treeless vegetation of the Andean moorlands
or páramo. Bird life includes the Andean gull, ducks,
several species of hummingbirds and with some luck, the condor.
Look directly up the magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano, rising
6,005 meters (19,700 feet). Lunch at a traditional Hacienda
nearby before returning to Quito.
Day 13
Most of the day at leisure before our transfer early afternoon
to the Airport for our Flight home to the UK.
Day 14
Arrival home late afternoon/early evening – time to say
our goodbyes as we head home.
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