This is our most luxurious tour of the fascinating Galapagos. Prepare to be whisked off to the old city of Quito, as your private guided tour dives with you into the history of a faded city. A day trip north to the famous markets of Otavalo introduces you to the rich textile industry of the indigenous population, mastered and perfected over 400 years. Fly to the Galapagos for a Luxury Class cruise to the complete set of islands. This 8-day itinerary offers a complete perspective on the islands dubbed ‘the universal natural heritage of humanity’ by UNESCO. Situated about 1000km (625 miles) west of the Ecuadorian mainland. Made famous by Charles Darwin’s scientific voyage in the ‘Beagle’ during the 19th century, the islands’ unique wildlife – which includes giant tortoises, lizards and iguanas – remains the most interesting feature for the modern-day visitor. Some 50 per cent of the islands’ species are found nowhere else in the world. (Cruise is available as a 4-Day, 5-Day or 8-Day option. Exact cruise itinerary will vary depending on date of arrival and specific yacht availability.) NOTE: Due to capacity constraints in Galapagos, there is a $300 non-refundable booking fee in addition to the 30% per person deposit. This booking fee is paid to vessel owners to secure reservations.

Quito is Ecuador’s capital and has a setting of great natural beauty, overshadowed by the volcano Pichincha with its twin peaks of Ruco and Guagua. Quito is located at 2850m (9348 ft) above sea level, so some visitors may suffer from altitude sickness during the first hours after arrival. The city has preserved much of its Spanish colonial character, the cathedral in the Plaza de la Independencia (the oldest church in South America) and the many old churches and monasteries being among the most notable instances. Also in the plaza are the Municipal Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace and the Palacio Presidencial. Many of the city’s famous churches and monasteries contain priceless examples of Spanish art and sculpture, particularly the Monasterio de San Francisco and the Jesuit church of La Compañía. Most of Quito’s colonial churches are located in the Old Town, parts of which have been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with a professional driver.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

The Swissotel Quito is a large, grand establishment that promises a friendly, enjoyable experience. The 277 rooms are clean and well-appointed, with a bed so comfortable it will be hard to leave behind. The panoramic views of the city are just as addictive. An extensive breakfast is memorable for its array of fruits, breads, and meats and dairy. A positive environment of caring service and impeccably-maintained lobby space contribute to the hotel's appeal. The fitness facilities are excellent and offer a lot of options for those who are keen on working out. Also try out the tennis, squash, and racquet courts.

Overnight at Swissotel.

Explore the bustling streets and squares of the largest historical centre in the America's. Visit some of the most important churches such as the Majestic la Compania and iconic San Francisco. Drive through the traditional neighborhood of San Juan. Finish the morning at Panecillo hillside with its breathtaking views of the old and modern city. North of Quito is the middle of the world city complex. Visit the monument of the equatorial line or parallel 0, latitude 0 (0"0').

Overnight at Swissotel.

Baltra is a small flat island located near the center of the Galapagos. The island is very arid and vegetation consists of salt bushes, prickly pear cactus and palo santo trees. The Baltra airport was originally constructed by the U.S.military during World War II as a base to protect the Panama Canal from enemy attack. It is linked by bridge to Santa Cruz Island. It is the main airport for arrivals and departures from the Galapagos.

Enjoy a complimentary airport shuttle service is provided for guests cruising aboard the Coral I & II, and the Legend when staying at the Swissotel, J.W Marriott, Mercure or Dann Carlton hotels.

Take your flight from Quito to Galapagos via Guayaquil today. The flight duration is approximately 4 hour.

Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, you pass through an airport inspection point to insure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands. After this, a guide will meet you, help you collect your luggage, and escort you on a short bus ride to the harbor and then on board your cruise ship.

The $100 entrance fee to the Galapagos Islands Park and the $10 Tourist card are included in your booking. Please note that the itinerary is a guide only -  the route and program vary according to National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, seasonal changes, safety precautions and wildlife encounters.

Visit toNorth Seymourislands: After a dry landing, you will see swallow-tailed gulls and sea lions. This site is known as a major nesting colony for blue-footed boobies, and it has the largest colony of the magnificent frigate bird (a different species from the great frigate bird). Here you will also be able to see both endemic species of iguanas, the marine iguanas and the land iguanas.

Naturalist's briefing on the next day's activities followed by dinner on your cruise ship.

The magnificence and immensity of the Galapagos Islands comes to life aboard the Legend, Luxury Class Yachts. The 41 cabins are structured in suite style and superior room fashion, each with a window at the bedside to soak in the surrounding water and pieces of land. Dining can take place outdoors under the stars, while feasting on a medley of Ecuadorian and international methods and spices. Later, spend the evening watching live performances of native folk dancing, or perhaps spend some private time in the library.

Overnight at Legend Luxury Class Yacht.

After a dry landing, you will walk to a salty lagoon behind the beach. Here you may see pink flamingos. Continuing on the trail up to Dragon Hill, which offers a beautiful view of the bay. You will also encounter a large colony of reintroduced land iguanas [hence the name, Dragon Hill] and a Scalesia tree forest. Returning to the shore, you will take a ride in a panga [Zodiac] boat to Venice Islet, to observe marine animals such as golden rays, sharks and sea turtles in the calm waters of the coves, as well as the land iguanas.

Wet landing on a green sand beach at Cormorant Point, followed by a hike on well-marked trail to a large, brackish lagoon. Here you will see one of the biggest populations of flamingos in the islands. Novice snorkelers can practice back on the main beach where the sea lions are playful, while experienced snorkelers can roam the waters around Devils Crown.

Naturalist's briefing on the next day's activities followed by dinner on your cruise ship.

Overnight at Legend Luxury Class Yacht.

After a dry landing at Suarez Point, you will learn about the lava terrain while crossing the inactive lava fields. In addition to the Sea Lion colonies, this is also one of the most important sites for bird watching. You will see such species as the hooded mocking bird, red billed tropic bird, Galapagos dove and swallow-tailed gull. There are also lava lizards, colorful sally lightfoot crabs and colonies of marine iguanas and masked and blue-footed boobies. Nesting grounds sometimes overlap the trail. This island also has the world’s largest colony of waved albatross (approx. 15,000). If you are lucky, you will be able to observe their mating ritual. Before leaving the island, you will visit the famous blowhole, which shoots water into the air at almost 75 feet.

La Galapaguera is a unique opportunity to see a colony of San Cristobal Giant Tortoises in the wild. A boat ride along the northern coast of San Cristobal brings you to a landing beach where the hike commences. A primarily sandy trail gradually ascends into the highlands where you can admire the endemic vegetation and catch glimpses of Darwin’s finches, mocking birds, fly-catchers and a myriad other land birds. Look out along the route for Chatham lava lizards and giant tortoises strolling in the scrub. The beautiful walk through tortoise territory concludes at a shallow lagoon where it is possible to see many wetland birds. There will be an opportunity to swim from the beach before the return boat trip.

Naturalist's briefing on the next day's activities followed by dinner on your cruise ship.

Overnight at Legend Luxury Class Yacht.

Santa Cruz (Carrión Point). Today, passengers can choose either a ride in an outboard motorboat to observe the Galapagos fur seal, seabirds and marine wildlife or go snorkeling to see a variety of tropical fish, manta rays or even harmless white-tipped reef sharks.

Dry landing. Arriving on Bartolome island, you will see volcanic formations including lava bombs, spatter and cinder cones. After a hike to the summit you will have an impressive view of the surrounding islands, including the eroded tuff cone of Pinnacle Rock. During the ascent, it is usually possible to see a large colony of Marine Iguanas and Lava Lizards. The vegetation here includes Red Mangroves, Tiquilla, and various cacti. You will have a chance to snorkel after your walk. You may be able to see the Galapagos Penguin, Sea Turtles, and White Tipped Sharks from a safe distance.

Naturalist's briefing on the next day's activities followed by dinner on your cruise ship.

Overnight at Legend Luxury Class Yacht.

Lying at the foot of Alcedo Volcano, south of Tagus Cove, is Urvina Bay (Urbina Bay) one of the best and the most recent example of geological uplift in the Galapagos. The visit begins with a wet landing on the white sand beach. Hiking trail ranges from easily passable during the dry season to mildly challenging requiring wading to pass during the rainy season. Flightless cormorants, pelicans, and marine iguanas are often seen on land, while rays and sea turtles can be viewed swimming near the surface of the bay.

After a dry landing at Espinosa Point, you will be able to see the largest colony of Marine Iguanas mingling with Sally-light Foot Crabs, Galapagos Penguins, Galapagos Hawks and Sea Lions. It is also an opportunity to see the nesting sites of the Flightless Cormorants. Among the flora and the volcanic formations, you will see Brachycereus Cactus, “pa-hoe-hoe” lava, and other unusual lava formations. Lava flows are always viewed from a safe distance. The island has numerous mangrove beds extending into the sea, indicating a healthy and thriving eco-system.

Naturalist's briefing on the next day's activities followed by dinner on your cruise ship.

Overnight at Legend Luxury Class Yacht.

After a wet landing, visit the dark sand beach at Puerto Egas. Most of the landscape is tuff-stone layers and lava flows, a good area for observing Hunting Herons, Great Blue Herons, Lava Herons, Oyster Catchers, and the Yellow Crowned Night Heron. You can see Marine Iguanas grazing upon algae beds at low tide, sharing space with Red Sally Light-Foot Crabs. There is a colony of Fur-Seal swimming in deep pools of cool water called “grottos”. This is an excellent spot for swimming and snorkelling in search of Octopus, Sea Horses, Starfish, and other sea life caught in the small tidal pools. From a safe distance you can observe Moray Eels, Hammerhead Sharks, White Tip and Galapagos Sharks, Golden and White Spotted Eagle Rays, Jacks, Wahoo, Tuna, Groupers, Red-Tailed and Dog Snappers, Sea Lions, and Sea Turtles.

Dry landing at the dark red-colored beach of volcanic origin, frequented by sea lions. It is often considered the geographic center of Galapagos because it has the most diversified volcanic rocks in all of the Islands. There is a short trail leading to a saltwater lagoon, a feeding ground for small colonies of Flamingos. Brown pelicans nest in the mangroves on the far side of the lagoon. It is also possible to spot boobies and 9 species of Darwin’s finches. Enjoy a dinghy ride by the reefs where you will have an excellent opportunity for snorkelling.

Naturalist's briefing on the next day's activities followed by dinner on your cruise ship.

Overnight at Legend Luxury Class Yacht.

Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora, staffed with international scientists conducting biological research and conservation projects. Here you will see the Giant Tortoises that are part of the breeding program. Then take a stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora and enjoy a snack or the views across the harbour.

Take a bus ride to the highlands of Santa Cruz to visit Cerro Chato. Here you’ll be able to observe the famous giant tortoises that give the islands their name. After this visit, return to Puerto Ayora.

Naturalist's briefing on the next day's activities followed by dinner on your cruise ship.

Overnight at Legend Luxury Class Yacht.

Disembark at Bachas Beach (wet landing), on the north side of Santa Cruz Island. Here you will encounter sea lions, marine iguanas, and sea turtles. You will have the opportunity to swim at this white-sand beach.

Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, you pass through an airport inspection point to insure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands. After this, a guide will meet you, help you collect your luggage, and escort you on a short bus ride to the harbor and then on board your cruise ship.

Fly from Galapagos to Quito via Guayaquil on Aerogal. The flight duration is approximately 4 hours.

Enjoy a complimentary airport shuttle service is provided for guests cruising aboard the Coral I & II, and the Legend when staying at the Swissotel, J.W Marriott, Mercure or Dann Carlton hotels.

The Swissotel Quito is a large, grand establishment that promises a friendly, enjoyable experience. The 277 rooms are clean and well-appointed, with a bed so comfortable it will be hard to leave behind. The panoramic views of the city are just as addictive. An extensive breakfast is memorable for its array of fruits, breads, and meats and dairy. A positive environment of caring service and impeccably-maintained lobby space contribute to the hotel's appeal. The fitness facilities are excellent and offer a lot of options for those who are keen on working out. Also try out the tennis, squash, and racquet courts.

Overnight at Swissotel.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with a professional driver.

Departure tax is not included in the tour price ($44.30 per person).

Depart from Quito International airport - end of itinerary