Abercrombie and Kent – Ecuador Sail the Enchanted Isles 2010

Ecuador – Sail the Enchanted Isles Tour
• Baroque architecture of Quito
• Unique flora and fauna of the Galapagos
• Intimate cruise experience
• Colourful Indian markets
• Rural stay in colonial hacienda
• Choice of accommodation
Itinerary
| Day 1 | Arrive Quito (2,800m)A private welcome with assistance through Customs and Immigration on your arrival into the Ecuadorian capital before transferring to your hotel. Quito (Choice of category) |
| Day 2 | Design Your Day QuitoPlan your day. Choose one of the two following half day activities. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town as well as sights around Panecillo Hill. Or visit a local cooking school with a hands-on demonstration. Lunch and a ‘behind the scene’s’ visit to the studio and private collection of acclaimed artist Osvaldo Viteri is included. Quito (Choice of category) |
| Day 3 | Quito-Galapagos IslandsTransfer to the airport where VIP lounge access has been arranged. Fly to Baltra Island in the Galapagos archipelago. Here you board the M/V Eclipse, your home for the next week. Eclipse (Choice of category) |
| Day 4 – 9 | Galapagos IslandsThe next six days are spent exploring the tiny islands whose amazing variety of wildlife prompted Darwin to write his ground-breaking ‘Origin of Species’. Most expeditions with your naturalist guide are by pangas – inflatable, rubber vessel with outboard motor. These manoeuvre smoothly into bays offering unequalled opportunities for photography and up-close observation. Snorkels are also available onboard to explore the fascinating underwater world around you.
There are 13 islands and countless smaller islets. Landmark sights include Pinnacle Rock on Bartolome Island, Punta Espinosa on Fernandina Island, Gardner Bay on Espanola and the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz. Wildlife found in the Galapagos includes the Galapagos Tortoise, land and marine iguanas, turtles, the brightly-coloured Sally-Lightfoot Crab, fur seals, sea lions, seven types of dolphin, 16 species of whales and profuse birdlife including three species of booby, penguins, finches, cormorants and waved albatross to name a few. |
| Day 10 | Galapagos-OtavaloDisembark at Baltra for the return flight to Quito where you are driven north to Otavalo and your colonial hacienda. Otavalo (Choice of category) |
| Day 11 | OtavaloThis area is renowned for its colourful market towns which showcase the region’s traditional handicrafts.
Visit a selection of these today including San Antonio de Ibarra, a woodcarving centre; Cotacachi, whose narrow streets are full of leather shops; Peguche, home to weavers and musical instrument makers and finally Otavalo, the largest and most well known which is regarded as one of the most attractive Indian markets on the continent selling colourful weavings, woodcarvings, leather goods and bread dough figurines. While you are in the area visit a local indigenous school or walk with a native guide around some village gardens where many species native to the Andes are grown – a chance to learn about their properties, folklore and usage. Lunch today is with the owners of the 17th century Hacienda la Compania, a private estate and rose farm. |
| Day 12 | Otavalo-QuitoA morning spent in the delightful rural surrounds of your hacienda before the return drive to Quito and the airport for your departure. |
Departure Dates and Prices Per Person
| From | To | Twin | Price Note |
| 31-12-2009 | 25-02-2010 | $11,405.00 (AUD) | Platinum |
| 31-12-2009 | 25-02-2010 | $10,420.00 (AUD) | Gold |
| 04-03-2010 | 22-04-2010 | $11,525.00 (AUD) | Platinum |
| 04-03-2010 | 22-04-2010 | $10,540.00 (AUD) | Gold |
| 29-04-2010 | 10-06-2010 | $11,420.00 (AUD) | Platinum |
| 29-04-2010 | 10-06-2010 | $10,435.00 (AUD) | Gold |
| 17-06-2010 | 19-08-2010 | $10,540.00 (AUD) | Gold |
| 06-07-2010 | 19-08-2010 | $11,525.00 (AUD) | Platinum |
| 07-10-2010 | 28-10-2010 | $11,420.00 (AUD) | Platinum |
| 07-10-2010 | 28-10-2010 | $10,435.00 (AUD) | Gold |
| 04-11-2010 | 23-12-2010 | $11,525.00 (AUD) | Platinum |
| 04-11-2010 | 23-12-2010 | $10,540.00 (AUD) | Gold |
Tour Departs on the following dates:
2010
February 25
March 4, 11, 18, 25
April 1, 8, 15, 22
May 6, 13, 20, 27
June 3, 10, 17, 24
July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
August 5, 12, 19
October 7, 14, 21, 28
November 4, 11, 18, 25
December 2, 9, 16, 23
Note: Prices include compulsory extras (Galapagos national park fees, transit control card and fuel surcharge) and flights Quito/Galapagos/Quito. Family departures available.
About The Abercrombie And Kent Luxury Escorted Tour Experience