DISCOVER THE GALÁPAGOS and PERU (WGG2012)
A 15-Day Avalon Waterways tour starting from $6,004
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| Starting Price: | $6,004 |  |
| Tour Length: | 15 Days | |
| Countries Visited: | Galapagos Islands, Peru | |
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Cities Visited: NOTE: Intra-country airfare is required for this tour and is includied in the prices below along with applicable air taxes. Please contact a travel agent for more information. Title Vacation Overview |
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Hotels
LIMA
Casa Andina Private Collection Miraflores (MD),
SACRED VALLEY
Casa Andina Private Collection Sacred Valley (SF),
MACHU PICCHU
Sumaq Hotel (F),
CUSCO
Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco (SF),
QUITO
Swissotel Quito (SF),
GALÁPAGOS CRUISE
Santa Cruz
Meals
American breakfast daily (B), 8 lunches (L), 10 three-course dinners (D), including a welcome dinner in Lima and a farewell dinner in Quito.
Arrive in Lima. Welcome to Lima. This “City of Kings” was once the capital of the Spanish South American Empire.
Day 2:
Lima. Today, your Local Guide focuses on the city’s colonial heritage during a walking tour. Start at the Plaza de Armas to see the Government Palace and the CATHEDRAL, where the remains of Francisco Pizarro, founder of Lima, are housed. From here, stroll to the venerable SAN FRANCISCO MONASTERY with its splendid 17th-century cloister murals. Also visit the LARCO HERRERA MUSEUM, housing an impressive collection of Peruvian pre-Columbian artifacts. This evening, meet your Tour Director and enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant with your fellow traveling companions. (B,D)
Day 3:
Lima–Cusco–Sacred Valley. Fly to Cusco, the impressive Andean city that was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Continue into the Sacred Valley to AWANAKANCHA and learn the importance of the alpaca (llama) for Inca cultures as well as the ancient weaving techniques still in use today. Visit the semi-circular KENKO Amphitheater with its stone altars and labyrinth of passages and see the ancient site of PUCA PUCARA before reaching the TEMPLE OF SACSAYHUAMAN, perched on a hillside overlooking Cusco. It remains unfathomable how and when this fortress of gigantic stones—with some blocks weighing more than 350 tons—was built. Next, visit PISAC, an old mountain village where you enjoy free time in the town center to browse the colorful stalls where vendors sell their handicrafts, ranging from fine alpaca sweaters and blankets to hand-painted ornamental dishes and vases. Enjoy a relaxing dinner at your hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 4:
Sacred Valley–Machu Picchu. Begin the morning with a visit to the Inca fortress of OLLANTAYTAMBO followed by a visit to a home to meet some locals and experience their way of life. Next, board your TRAIN for a short journey through the lush Urubamba Valley, then ascend to legendary MACHU PICCHU, the “Lost City of the Incas,” discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911. Your Local Guide will bring you closer to the lives and mysteries still hidden in these amazing structures built by the pre-Columbian masters of this sacred land. (B,L,D)
Day 5:
Machu Picchu–Cusco. Your entrance to Machu Picchu is included for a second day. Enjoy the tranquility of the morning while wandering the ruins at your own pace and experiencing the magic that is Machu Picchu. After lunch, return to Ollantaytambo by train and continue to Cusco. (B,L)
Day 6:
Cusco. Today, learn more about the Incas and their struggle against the invading Spaniards. Visit the imposing CATHEDRAL and the SANTO DOMINGO MONASTERY on your guided tour. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant accompanied by ANDEAN FOLKLORIC MUSIC. (B,D)
Day 7:
Cusco–Quito, Ecuador. Today, fly to Quito, the capital of Ecuador and a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, and begin the Ecuadorian portion of your vacation. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant tonight. (B,D)
Day 8:
Quito. Your local host introduces this city on an included sightseeing tour that showcases its treasures: the historic stone murals of the LEGISLATIVE PALACE, Independence Plaza and the 16th-century SAN FRANCISCO MONASTERY, the Jesuit’s LA COMPANIA CHURCH with its stunning golden altars, and the impressive paintings at the WORKSHOP & MUSEUM of Oswaldo Guayasamin. Be sure to have your photo taken in front of the EQUATORIAL MONUMENT, the “Center of the World.” (B)
Day 9:
Quito. Excursion to Otavalo. An in-depth experience into the traditional ways of the Otavalo people is in store for you today. First, visit OTAVALO’S famous INDIAN MARKET full of textiles, clothes, vegetables, and much more. Next, in Peguche, famous for its exquisite weavings, you have the opportunity to visit homes and observe handicrafts being made. Finally, enjoy Andean delicacies prepared the traditional way at a HOME-HOSTED LUNCH before returning to Quito. (B,L)
Day 10:
Galápagos Islands (Embarkation) Cruising: Santa Cruz Island. Take a morning flight to Baltra, one of the remote Galápagos Islands. Upon arrival, board the sleek Santa Cruz and enjoy five days of CRUISING among various Galápagos Islands. Each day, travel ashore to the remote islands with your expert Naturalist, who introduces you to the unique fauna living free and fearless of man. Giant tortoises, Galápagos fur sea lions, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, frigates, and finches are just some of the many endemic species you will find on land. You will also have the chance to snorkel in the turquoise waters with colorful tropical fish, playful sea lions, and maybe even an equatorial penguin or shark! Visit LAS BACHAS on Santa Cruz Island, where abandoned WWII military barges can be found. Today, it is an important nesting area for the East Pacific Green Sea Turtle. You will also see brackish lagoons just steps away from the sea and white sand beach, which is a feeding ground for various wading birds, from stilts to flamingos. Return to the ship for a briefing on the next day’s adventure, followed by a Captain’s welcome cocktail and dinner. (B,L,D) NOTE: The ship’s itinerary may vary according to Galápagos National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, and seasonal changes to create the perfect cross-section of sites visited.
Day 11:
Cruising Galápagos Islands: James Island. After breakfast, join your Naturalist for a coastal exploration along the impressive cliffs of BUCCANEER’S COVE on James Island. Learn about the history of the Island, its relevance for the whalers, pirates and early researchers, including Darwin’s epic voyage in 1835. The cove is home to a large number of marine birds, sea lions, and inter-tidal organisms which makes this is a great site for snorkeling too! This afternoon, land at PUERTO EGAS on James Island, known for its black sand beach and a landscape of tuff-stone layers and lava flows. This is a great opportunity to see land and marine birds as well as a colony of fur sea lions, marine iguanas, and Sally Lightfoot crabs. You have the chance to snorkel or swim from the beach, or ride on the glass-bottom boat. (B,L,D)
Day 12:
Cruising Galápagos Islands: Rábida & Bartolomé Islands. Disembark at RÁBIDA ISLAND on a red-colored beach, formed from the unusually high content of iron in the volcanic material. Stroll along the beach of this small island as your Naturalist points out large colonies of sea lions, pelicans, boobies, yellow warblers, and several species of Darwin’s finches. Very close to the beach, hidden behind a strip of green saltbush, is a salt pond where, at times, greater flamingos migrate. This is a wonderful place to snorkel from the beach, due to the unique combination of underwater species like the Galápagos dolphin and submarine landscapes. After lunch, en route to our next island, dolphins are often spotted. At BARTOLOMÉ ISLAND, hike to the summit for a stunning view of two beautiful bays and fascinating formations of lava flows and spatter cones, including the iconic Pinnacle Rock. You will also have the chance to snorkel and possibly see Galápagos penguins in tropical waters and even some sharks and rays! (B,L,D)
Day 13:
Cruising Galápagos Islands: Tower Island. Upon arrival at TOWER ISLAND, your visit to Prince Philip’s Steps begins with a scenic panga ride along the cliffs to see the large number of nesting colonies of Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies and shore and seabirds in the cliffs’ ledges. Disembark at the base of Prince Philip’s Steps and climb up the stairs to a trail where birdlife abounds. A walk with your Naturalist reveals large colonies of masked boobies, blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, storm petrels, and even short-eared owls. In the afternoon, disembark at DARWIN BAY to observe thousands of birds—mainly frigatebirds, red-footed and masked boobies, gulls, herons, finches, and mockingbirds. Return to the beach for swimming and snorkelling at this beautiful natural harbor. The more adventurous can snorkel below the cliffs. (B,L,D)
Day 14:
Galápagos Islands (Disembarkation) San Cristobal–Quito. After breakfast, depart for SAN CRISTOBAL, where Charles Darwin first set foot in the Galápagos back in 1835. Visit the GALAPAGUERA at Cerro Colorado to see the breeding program of giant tortoises and learn about this endangered species and its promising recovery. While here, watch for the Chatham (San Cristobal) Mockingbird and Chatham Lava Lizard—both species are endemic to this island and seen nowhere else in the Galápagos. Head to the airport for your return flight to Quito. This evening, gather with your fellow traveling companions as your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner to celebrate an unforgettable experience. (B,D)
Day 15:
Quito. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Touring Date |
Land Only |
Land + Air |
Single (Land Only) |
Single (Land + Air) |
7/7/2012 - 7/21/2012 |
$6,066 |
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8/4/2012 - 8/18/2012 |
$6,066 |
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9/15/2012 - 9/29/2012 |
$6,066 |
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9/29/2012 - 10/13/2012 |
$6,066 |
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10/13/2012 - 10/27/2012 |
$6,066 |
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10/27/2012 - 11/10/2012 |
$6,066 |
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11/24/2012 - 12/8/2012 |
$6,066 |
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| Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator. | ||||
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Airfare Disclaimer Documents |
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City Highlights
CRUISE
: 4-night cruise in the Galápagos in an outside stateroom
LIMA
: Sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit the Cathedral, San Francisco Monastery and Larco Herrera Museum; welcome dinner
SACRED VALLEY:
Visit Awanakancha, Kenko, Puca Pucara, and the Temple of Sacsayhuaman; visit the Ollantaytambo ruins and the market town of Pisac
MACHU PICCHU:
Take a scenic train ride through Urubamba Valley; guided visit to the Inca ruins and a second entrance to the ruins on your second day in Machu Picchu
CUSCO
: Sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit the Cathedral and the Santo Domingo Monastery; enjoy dinner with Andean music
QUITO
: Sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit Legislative Palace, San Francisco Monastery, La Compania Church, Workshop & Museum of Oswaldo Guayasamin, and Equatorial Monument; farewell dinner
OTAVALO
: Visit an ancient Indian market; home-hosted lunch
GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS:
Four nights cruising Galápagos National Park aboard the Santa Cruz; guided sightseeing each day with a local Naturalist
Notes
NotesMaximum elevation on tour: 12,000 ft.
Price Details US
Intra-Vacation Price:$985Prices based on double room occupancy.Single Room Supplement: $1910.Triple rooms are not available Extra Nights per person in Lima:in single room $152; in twin room $82Extra Nights per person in Quito:in single room $183; in twin room $98Cruise pricing is based on Main Deck cabins. Upgrades are available. Please call for prices.
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Terms & Conditions: Book a 2013 Europe Avalon Waterways vacation to receive $250 off per person on the cruise/land only price. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between February 1 and September 18, 2012 for travel in 2013. Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Not combinable with any other offer, other than Journeys Club Repeat Traveler benefit. Applies to new 2013 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.
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A once-in-a-lifetime destination, deserves a once-in-a-lifetime way to see it.
Ecuador & the Galápagos
9 days from Quito to Guayaquil
This
exciting vacation lets you sample the natural wonders of Ecuador and
the Galápagos Islands. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Quito, have your
photo taken at the "Center of the World," and spend time at leisure in
Guayaquil. Fly over the Pacific to San Cristobal Island, where you'll
embark on an exciting 4-day cruise among various Galápagos Islands.
Then, spend two nights on Santa Cruz Island at the Finch Bay Hotel,
where an expert Naturalist introduces you to indigenous plant and animal
species found only in the Galápagos.
Highlights of Egypt
9 days from Cairo to Cairo
Sail
through 5-thousand years of history on this incredible Nile river
cruise getaway. In Cairo, marvel at King Tutankhamun's treasures and
masterpieces of ancient art, visit the enigmatic Sphinx, and see the
Great Pyramids of Giza. Drive to the ancient capital of Memphis to see
the 40-foot statue of Ramses II. Fly to Luxor, one of the greatest
cities of ancient Egypt, and embark your 4-night Nile River cruise to
Aswan. Along the way, visit the Luxor Temple, Colossi of Memnon, the
Valley of Kings and Valley of Queens, the Temple of Isis, and Aswan Dam.
Magical China & the Yangtze River
11 days from Beijing to Shanghai
Discover
China's ancient history and fascinating culture on this delightful
China river cruise. Sightseeing with a Local Guide shows you the
highlights in Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai, with inside visits that
include the Forbidden City, Imperial Palace, Great Wall, Sacred Way of
the Ming Tombs, the Terracotta Warriors, Dayan Pagoda, the Bund, the Yu
Yuan Gardens, and the Children's Palace. Attend an acrobatic show or
visit the Ghost City Temple, and participate in a calligraphy class,
lacquer and cloisonné workshops, and a noodle-making demonstration.
Terms & Conditions: Book a 2013 Asia, Egypt or Galapagos Avalon Waterways vacation to receive $150 off per person on the cruise/land only price. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between February 1 and September 18, 2012 for travel in 2013. Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Not combinable with any other offer, other than Journeys Club Repeat Traveler benefit. Applies to new 2013 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.
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All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.