The Galapagos Islands
New itinerary just added!
October 8-18, 2009
(11 days / 10 nights) - includes 9 breakfasts / 9 lunches / 8 dinners
Cost: from $4,995 per person, double occupancy, land only
Program price does not include international airfare to/from Quito, Ecuador
Tour Operator: Orbridge
See upenn.orbridge.com for more information and to download a brochure
Ship: MV Eclipse (48-guest capacity)
View brochure (PDF - will open in new window)
Undiscovered by Europeans until the 16th century, the Galapagos Islands holds a central position in modern history as the birthplace of the theory of evolution. Join fellow alumni on the deluxe MV Eclipse for a wondrous journey to one of the most biologically unique places on earth. Each island in this volcanic archipelago has species that are exquisitely adapted to the available food sources and surrounding environments, as well as to each other. Because the human presence is still relatively minimal, much of the wildlife is remarkably unafraid of visitors. This will allow you to observe and photograph them at very close range, either sitting quietly in the midst of a colony of tropical penguins or snorkeling with inquisitive and playful sea lions.
Highlights:
During the bicentenary year of Charles Darwin's birth, and 150th anniversary of the publication of The Origin of Species, embark on an amazing voyage to the unique and precious ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands
Observe numerous endemic species such as the flightless cormorant, the Galapagos penguin, both marine and land iguanas, and the famous "Darwin's finches"
Other species on the islands include the blue footed booby, the waved albatross, the giant tortoise, and the Pacific green sea turtle
Swim with curious and playful sea lions, and become part of the rich and complex underwater world while snorkeling in the clear waters
Join expert local naturalists on zodiac excursions to various islands in the archipelago
Enjoy seven nights aboard the deluxe 48 passenger MV Eclipse, as well as one night in Quito at the deluxe Swissôtel
Take part in an educational program of shipboard lectures and field instructions by Orbridge Senior Naturalist Greg Greer
Accommodations:
• Ship
Designed with the comfort of its guests in mind, the MV Eclipse offers the generous cabin size and spacious social areas of a larger vessel while still preserving the ambience and intimacy of a smaller yacht. The ship can accommodate up to 48 passengers in its tastefully decorated staterooms, all of which have sea views, full air-conditioning, one queen or two twin beds, and well-appointed bathrooms with daily fresh towels and complimentary robes.
• Hotel
A luxury hotel conveniently located in the commercial and residential area of Quito, the Swissôtel has 232 luxuriously appointed guestrooms offering contemporary European style and elegance. Each room features 300 thread-count Egyptian cotton linens, Swiss bedding, cable TV, data port, mini bar, in-room digital safe, voice mail, and much more. Six excellent on-site restaurants offer a wide variety of international cuisine, and the hotel’s spa is the perfect place for relaxation after a vigorous workout at the fully equipped gym.
Short itinerary (subject to change):
Day 1: U.S. / Quito
Day 2: Quito (B,L,D)
Day 3: Arrive at Baltra Airport - Galapagos Islands/Las Bachas Beach-Santa Cruz
Island (B,L,D)
Day 4: Puerto Egas - Santiago Island / Bartolomé Island (B,L,D)
Day 5: Cerro Dragón - Santa Cruz Island / Rábida Island (B,L,D)
Day 6: Tagus Cove and Elizabeth Bay - Isabela Island (B,L,D)
Day 7: Punta Espinoza - Fernandina Island / Punta Vicente Roca - Isabela Island
(B,L,D)
Day 8: Charles Darwin Research Station / Santa Cruz Highlands - Santa Cruz Island (B,L,D)
Day 9: Gardner Bay / Punta Suarez - Española Island (B,L,D)
Day 10: Black Turtle Cove - Santa Cruz Island (B,L)
Day 11: Arrival in U.S.
