Begin the tour in Quito, the capital city of Ecuador. Enjoy a full day tour of Colonial Quito including the Equatorial Line. The next day enjoy a countryside exploration of Cotopaxi, followed by a five day cruise of the Galapagos islands on a First Class yacht. Situated about 1000km (625 miles) west of the Ecuadorian mainland, the islands are bleak, barren and rocky. 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. In 1978, UNESCO declared the Galápagos to be ‘the universal natural heritage of humanity’. (Cruise is available as a 3-Day, 4-Day or 7-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 $300.00pp non-refundable booking fee in addition to the 30% per person deposit. This booking fee is paid to vessel owners to secure reservations.

Day 1
Quito
Take a private Quito airport transfer with a professional driver. Kensington Tours donates a portion of our proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). 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. 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 and 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 is 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.

Day 2
Quito
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 viewsof 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'). Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price).

Day 3
Quito
Depart Quito to visit Ecuador's first National Park Cotopaxi, home to the highest active volcano on earth. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious lunch (included) in a traditional Andean hacienda or to visit an indigenous market (if available). Return to Quito. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price).

Day 4
Quito - Galapagos
Fly to Baltra. 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 or Dann Carlton hotels. Entrance fees to the Galapagos Islands Park are included in tour price. The cruise itinerary is a guide only. The route and program vary according to National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, seasonal changes, safety reasons and wildlife encounters. Fuel Surcharge of $90.00 pp applies for Coral I and II and Legend 3 or 4 night itineraries. After a dry landing, you will walk to a salty lagoon behind the beach. Here you may see pink flamingos. Before 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. Crossing through threads of hundreds of stunning volcanic islands, the Galapagos Islands promise some of the world's most incredible views and sights from the comfort of First Class Yachts, the Coral I and Coral II. The Coral I offers 18 cabins, while the Coral II offers 11, both providing a very intimate and private atmosphere. Rooms come with air conditioning and private bathrooms. Meals are served in the yacht restaurant or on deck, with a broad range of international, barbecue, and South American cuisine. Spend time in the jacuzzi or at the library. Watch from the deck for whales and dolphins, sea lions, tortoises, iguanas, birds, cacti and unique vegetation. 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.

Day 5
Rabida Island - Galapagos
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 snorkeling. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). 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 snorkeling 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. Naturalist's briefing on the next day's activities followed by dinner on your cruise ship. Rábida Island (Jervis) bears the name of the convent of Rabida where Columbus left his son during his voyage to the Americas. The high amount of iron contained in the lava at Rabida give it a distinctive red color. Flamingos and White-Cheeked Pintail Ducks live in a salt-water lagoon close to the beach, where brown pelicans and boobies have built their nests.

Day 6
Fernandina Island - Galapagos
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. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). On the northwest of Isabela, secluded Tagus Cove was in past centuries a favourite anchor for pirates and whalers. Old graffiti is still found on its walls. The vegetation in the area includes the unusual Palo Santo trees. These white-barked trees are leafless and look dead most of the year. They leaf out and spring back to life in the short wet season, which usually begins in Mar/Apr. An uphill hike through palo santo forest takes guests to the back of Darwin Crater, filled with salt water. Darwin is one of Isabela’s six volcanoes, a remarkable contrast to the lower islands to the east of the archipelago. Naturalist's briefing on the next day's activities followed by dinner on your cruise ship. Fernandina Island was named in honor of King Fernando of Spain, who sponsored the voyage of Columbus. Fernandina has an area of 642 km2 and a maximum altitude of 1,494 meters. This is the youngest and westernmost island of the Archipelago. Punta Espinosa (Espinosa beach) is known for one of the greatest concentrations of the endemic marine iguanas, which are found by the thousands. Also in the area are, flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins and sea lions.

Day 7
Bartolome Island - Galapagos
Dry landing. Arriving on Barolome 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. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Arrive at Black Turtle Cove near Las Bachas Beach on the north coastline of Santa Cruz Island. This excursions provides passengers with a “dinghy” ride through the mangroves, during which the outboard motor is turned off to allow close observation of marine turtles, white-tipped reef sharks, spotted eagle rays and yellow rays. Naturalist's briefing on the next day's activities followed by dinner on your cruise ship. Bartolomé Island is a volcanic islet in the Galápagos Islands Group. It is a volcanic islet just off the east coast of Santiago Island. It is one of the "younger" islands in the Galápagos archipelago. It is named after Lieutenant David Bartholomew of the Royal Navy. With a total land area of just 1.2 km², this island offers some of the most beautiful landscapes in the archipelago. The island consists of an extinct volcano and a variety of red, orange, green, and glistening black volcanic formations. Bartolomé has a volcanic cone that is easy to climb and provides great views of the other islands. Bartolomé is famous for its Pinnacle Rock, which is the distinctive characteristic of this island, and the most representative landmark of the Galápagos.

Day 8
Santa Cruz Island - Quito
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. Transfer between airport and cruise ship. Fly from Galapagos to Quito via Guayaquil on Aerogal. 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 or Dann Carlton hotels. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Santa Cruz is the most important island in the Galapagos. Puerto Ayora is the largest town in the Galapagos, and has the best hotels, restaurants and stores. Other services include grocery stores, pharmacies, hardware store, boat supplies, a small hospital and a hyperbaric chamber. It is located on the southern side of Santa Cruz island, and is connected by road and ferry to the airport on Baltra Island. Charles Darwin Research station is located near the city. The Highlands in the center of the island are a common hiking area. On the north side of the island there are several landing spots including; Dragon Hill, Venice, Bachas Beach and Black Turtle Cove.

Day 9
Quito
Take a private Quito 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 Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.