Albatross Journey
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One of the most comprehensive group tours to the Galápagos and Ecuador for 2012, this holiday provides quality and luxury while staying in comfortable hotels and on a small boat in the Galápagos. Starting in Quito, travel down the Andes by road and train to Riobamba and Cuenca, before flying to the Galápagos to swim with sea lions and tour the islands with expert guides, on this 2 week escorted tour in the Galápagos and Ecuador.
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Summary of nights: 17 days, 15 nights: Quito 3; Riobamba 1; Cuenca 3; Guayaquil 1; Galápagos 7 or 3.
- Cultural Ecuador – where time stands still, age-old craft villages and traditional costumes thrive.
- Andean landscapes of ice-dipped volcanoes and fertile plains cut through by verdant valleys.
- Quito –historic capital in a dramatic high-altitude mountain setting.
- Cuenca – city with a graceful colonial heart; seek out the cobbled lanes, churches and mansions.
- Galápagos – the enchanted islands teem with land and marine fauna.
- Cruise on a small, friendly, manoeuvrable boat with excellent guides.
Holiday Itinerary
Day 1 Fly UK to Quito.
Days 2 Explore both the colonial and modern districts of Quito.
Day 3 Take an optional tour to the famous market town of Otavalo.
Day 4 Drive south along the Avenue of the Volcanoes to Riobamba.
Day 5 Continue to Cuenca, boarding a train to see the famous Devil's Nose mountain, and visiting the inca site of Ingapirca en route.
Days 6-7 Optional excursion to Cajas National Park or relax and enjoy the museums and markets of Cuenca.
Day 8 Short flight to Guayaquil.
Days 9-15 Fly to the Galápagos Islands for your 7-night or shorter 3-night cruise.
Day 16 Fly UK, arriving day 17.
Trip Profile
Transport: 3 flights (from 45 minutes to 3 hours); 2 scenic road/rail journeys; 7 day cruise on small motor yacht.
Accommodation: Tourist class superior and tourist class hotels; comfortable motor yacht with air conditioning and private facilities in the Galápagos.
Meals: Breakfast daily, full-board in Galápagos (7 days).
Guides: Our tour leader will accompany you on the mainland, in the Galápagos you are guided by local naturalist specialists.
Included excursions: City tour of Quito including the Equator line, visits to villages and farms between Quito and Riobamba; Ingapirca ruins; shore excursions on Galápagos cruise.
A few days to spare?
Extend your trip by adding on a few days at the beginning or end of your tour on a tailormade, private basis. Click here to see our most popular extensions to the Albatross Tour or contact one of our consultants for more inspiring ideas. |  The giant tortoise on the Galápagos is one of the major attractions
 Cotopaxi, at 5,897m, is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world and dominates our journey south
 Panama hats in fact come from Cuenca, Ecuador
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