Day 1:
Arrive in Quito, Ecuador. Welcome to Quito, the capital of Ecuador and a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

Day 2:
Quito–Coca–Amazon. Fly from Quito to Coca and travel by CANOE to your Amazon lodge. The Ecuadorian Amazon is the world’s largest remaining tropical rainforest, where more life hums, buzzes, chatters, and bubbles than anywhere else on the planet. One Amazonian tree can host more ant species than all of the British Isles put together, one hectare of forest boasts almost as many frog species as all of North America, and the great expanse of jungle contains more than 20% of the earth’s vascular plant species. Here you can find a monkey small enough to sit on your fingertip, an 8-pound toad, a spider that eats birds, and the world’s largest snake—the 30-foot-long anaconda. Today you’ll vist the BUTTERFLY HOUSE to view the beautiful colors of the many butterfly species that call this region home. (B,L,D)

Day 3:
Amazon. Today, begin on the suspended CANOPY WALK, boasting views of the rainforest canopy, where your Naturalist will point out many different species of vibrantly colored birds. Continue through the jungle below and learn of the medicinal plants and immense biodiversity that have been used by the native cultures for hundreds of years. After a picnic lunch in the primary forest, return to the lodge by canoe. Tonight, accompany your Local Guide on a night WALK or CANOE ride to discover creatures rarely seen during the day—you many even spot a caiman or two! (B,L,D)

Day 4:
Amazon. This morning you may opt to visit a parrot clay lick, a site where parrots and parakeets by the thousands can usually be seen. Later, depart on a Napo River CRUISE through the flooded forest in search of the varied wildlife. Here you will have a good chance of seeing troops of squirrel, capuchin and howler monkeys, and maybe even the incredibly well-camouflaged 3-toed sloth. After time spent fishing for piranhas, arrive at the KAPOK TREE TOWER, perched 135 feet high. Get close-up views of birds as the sun sets on volcano Mount Sumaco and the Andes. (B,L,D)

Day 5:
Amazon–Coca–Quito. Return to Coca, where you will board your flight to Quito.

Day 6:
Quito. An included sightseeing tour showcases Quito’s 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. Have your photo taken in front of the EQUATORIAL MONUMENT, the “Center of the World.” This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner. (B,D)

Day 7:
Quito–Baltra–Galápagos Islands–Finch Bay Hotel. Take a morning flight to Baltra, one of the remote Galápagos Islands. Upon arrival, transfer to the highlands of Santa Cruz, where your Naturalist introduces the island’s lush and vibrant landscapes. Visit the giant tortoise RESERVE for a chance to see the famous Galápagos tortoises in their wild habitat. Next, see the Twin Pit Craters, great depressions of volcanic material formed by a long process of slow sinking of the ground, where exceptional Scalesia trees, ferns, mosses, and orchids can be seen in the surroundings. Later this afternoon, visit the CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION, established to help conserve the Islands’ natural habitat and protect the famous giant tortoises. While here, learn about the tortoise-rearing program. (B,L,D)

SPECIAL FEATURE: Named after the famous Darwin’s finches abundant in the surroundings, the Finch Bay Hotel offers a private seaside location surrounded by mangroves. Amenities include a bar, lounge, restaurant, outdoor pool and Jacuzzi, and beachfront access. Guests can enjoy daily boat excursions to various Galápagos Islands, kayaking, snorkeling, bicycle rides in town, and viewing the local flora and fauna.

Day 8:
Galápagos. Finch Bay Hotel. Outings today include a list of activities that allow you to have a “Galápagos à la carte” adventure. Perhaps take a hike over the lava rock formations past gigantic cacti to Las Grietas, a unique swimming hole created by lava flows. Or, choose a walk to Tortuga Bay, a 6-mile-long coralline beach; mountain bike up in the highlands; or swim, snorkel, or kayak right off the beach at the hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 9:
Galápagos Islands (Embarkation) Cruising: Santa Cruz Island. Today, board the sleek Santa Cruz for 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. 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 10:
Galápagos Islands Cruising: James Island. After breakfast, join your Naturalist for a coastal exploration along the impressive cliffs of BUCCANEER 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 11:
Galápagos Islands Cruising: 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 12:
Galápagos Islands Cruising: 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 13:
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 flight to Quito, where you will have free time this evening to prepare for your return flight home tomorrow. (B)

Day 14:
Quito. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

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Applies to new 2014 bookings only and will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply. Receive a FREE 3-night Prague extension on select 2013 Magnificent Europe Avalon Waterways river cruises   Book a select 2013 Magnificent Europe River Cruise and get a FREE 3-night Prague extension!     Magnificent Europe from Amsterdam to Budapest Magnificent Europe from Budapest to Amsterdam     Disclaimer: *Book a select 2013 Avalon Waterways Magnificent Europe cruise to receive a free 3-night Prague extension (pre or post depending on departure). Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between May 22 and June 25, 2013 for travel at select times in 2013. Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Not combinable with any other offer, other than $150 person air credit and 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. Save $500 Per Couple On Select 2013 Christmastime River Cruises     SAVE $500 PER COUPLE ON SELECT 2013 CHRISTMASTIME RIVER CRUISES       Christmastime on The Danube 9 Days starting at $1899 Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of Prague, Vienna, and all along the legendary Danube. Enjoy guided sightseeing in each city and delight in the special winter atmosphere of this time of year. Visit the Christmas markets and be sure to sample the Gluhwein, Lebkuchen, and other traditional holiday specialties along the way!   Christmastime in Alsace & Germany 5 Days starting at $1199 Celebrate the festive season in Central Europe with this magnificent 4-night cruise! Stops include Speyer, Germany, for an excursion to Heidelberg; Strasbourg, France, for guided sightseeing and time to explore one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe; and Breisach for an included excursion into Germany's legendary Black Forest. Shop for local Christmas ornaments, and delight in the holiday cheer!           Book a select 2013 Avalon Waterways Christmas cruise to receive $250 off per person on the cruise/land only price. Offer available on select dates of select cruises. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between May 22 and June 25, 2013 for travel at select times in 2013. Avalon and Royal Suites excluded. 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. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply. 2014 EARLY AIRFARE PRICE GUARANTEE! Introducing Our 2014 Early Airfare Price Guarantee! We've always guaranteed a great cruise, now we can also guarantee you an early airfare price. Did you know that airlines don't publish airfares until 11 months prior to departure? If you are looking to lock in your 2014 Europe river cruise vacation now but haven't been able to confirm airfare, we invite you to take advantage of Avalon's Early Airfare Price Guarantee: Guaranteed Airfare Price – You Won't Pay more!* Best air price of the year* Best cruise & ship selection (secure new ships and best departures!) The river cruise category can sometimes be confusing. Outrageous offers, hidden pricing, upgrade costs for staterooms you can actually fit in-it can all get muddled. But Avalon has a fresh approach - we're giving you the peace of mind of a guaranteed airfare price. While we'll always shop on your behalf for the best available airfare price and flight schedule, if you are booking more than 11 months out from departure date, we'll allow you to lock in your price now - enjoy pricing starting from as little as $1,084 per person. And once airlines publish their fares, if we find you a lower price, we'll pass it on automatically. In an uncertain world, it's nice to have some certainty!
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
5/26/2013 - 6/8/2013	$5,269
6/9/2013 - 6/22/2013	$5,269
6/23/2013 - 7/6/2013	$5,269
7/21/2013 - 8/3/2013	$5,309
8/18/2013 - 8/31/2013	$5,309
9/15/2013 - 9/28/2013	$5,269
10/13/2013 - 10/26/2013	$5,269
11/10/2013 - 11/23/2013	$5,269
11/24/2013 - 12/7/2013	$5,269
12/8/2013 - 12/21/2013	$5,309
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Price Details US
Dates and Prices do not include air travel. Participation in this vacation requires purchase of the following flights from Avalon Waterways, not included in pricing: (1) roundtrip air from your U.S. gateway and intra-vacation air segments; or (2) intra-vacation air segments only, starting at $680. Required intra-vacation air segments: Quito/Coca; Coca/Quito; Quito/Galápagos; Galápagos/Quito. Air prices were effective on April 11, 2012 and their availability is limited. At the time you purchase your tour, air prices may be higher.*Land/Cruise price includes the Galápagos National Park entrance fee and transit card ($110 value).Prices based on double room occupancy.Single Room Supplement:$2060Triple rooms are not available.Extra Nights per person in Quito:in single room $183; in twin room $98Cruise pricing is based on Main Deck cabins. Upgrades are available. 2014 prices and itineraries are subject to change.

Related Tours
WBG|Ecuador & the Galápagos

SAVE $300 Per Couple On 2014 Mekong River Cruises

Receive a FREE 3-night Prague extension on select 2013 Magnificent Europe Avalon Waterways river cruises

Save $500 Per Couple On Select 2013 Christmastime River Cruises

2014 EARLY AIRFARE PRICE GUARANTEE!

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