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A trip you don’t want to miss – Limited to just 18 participants!
Dear Adventurer,
I invite you to discover one of the most fascinating places on earth, the Galapagos Islands, on our November 3 - 11, 2009 GALAPAGOS EXPLORER tour.
Is Galapagos a destination for everyone? Thankfully, no. If it were easy or
inexpensive to go there, then masses of tourists would have long ago trans-
formed the Galapagos Islands into something other than the unique and
magical place that it is, and has remained since the days of Charles Darwin.
It takes some effort to get to and explore the Galapagos Islands, a destination unlike any other on earth. Because of the islands' isolation in the Pacific Ocean, there is a wealth of animal and plant life there that is found nowhere else on earth.
The animals of Galapagos have evolved without fear of humans and other predators, and you can watch them from extraordinarily close up. In fact, if you'd like to swim and snorkel with penguins, sea lions and beautiful fish, you'll have ample opportunity. This is a living laboratory of evolution with an otherworldly beauty - from desert landscapes at sea level to tall volcanoes and lush highland forests.
Your "journey of discovery" begins on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 as you depart from Chicago. We are pleased to be your group leaders on this trip - our 4th to the Galapagos. The enclosed brochure summarizes the entire adventure that awaits you, but here are a few key details:
FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS
We have an excellent flight schedule for you in both directions, with no overnight flights. You'll fly from Chicago on American Airlines, departing O'Hare International at 11:25 a.m. non-stop to Miami, arriving at 3:25 p.m. Our non-stop flight to Ecuador departs Miami at 6:15 p.m., arriving in Guayaquil, Ecuador at 10:25 p.m. Ecuador is in the Central Time Zone, so this is a jet lag free trip. Your return flight departs Guayaquil at 11:30 a.m., arriving in Miami at 3:40 p.m., where you will clear U.S. Customs, then depart at 6:10 p.m., arriving in Chicago at 8:25 p.m. on Wednesday, November 11. Optional ground transfer service between Milwaukee and Chicago O'Hare will be available for purchase.
NOTE: DEPARTURE FROM OTHER CITIES IS POSSIBLE - PRICES WILL VARY.
If you have friends or relatives living elsewhere who would like to join you, they are certainly welcome.
ACCOMMODATIONS
For the first and last nights of our trip, we'll stay at the Hampton Inn in Guayaquil, Ecuador, located in the heart of the city. In the Galapagos Islands, you'll stay at the comfortable and relaxed Hotel Fernandina, a small family-run hotel in Puerto Ayora on the island of Santa Cruz.
ITINERARY
In reading through the itinerary, you'll see that each day has been carefully planned to give you a new and different Galapagos experience. You'll explore both the islands and the undersea world surrounding them during opportunities to swim and snorkel. You'll see and learn about both plants and animals that are found nowhere else on earth. You'll also make human contact in the Galapagos during your visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station and during our free time in Puerto Ayora. After each day's exploration, you'll return to the comfort of Hotel Fernandina to relax, share favorite memories of the day, and learn more about adventures yet to come.
YOUR NATURALIST GUIDE
We have one of the leading guides in the Galapagos for our group. Bolivar Sanchez was born and raised in the Galapagos Islands and has been a top naturalist guide there for the past 16 years. We have worked with Boli on three previous trips to the Galapagos and look forward to having him share his vast knowledge of the islands with you. Boli will get you so close to the animals that you could literally reach out and touch them - if only you were permitted to!
PRICING
Our $3,955 "all inclusive" price includes airfare, transfers, accommodations, meals, sightseeing, and all listed activities. National Park fees, guide tips, and the Ecuador departure tax are additional and paid locally. Travel insurance is additional. See the brochure for details.
HOW TO SIGN UP
This tour is strictly limited to just 18 participants. To be on the trip, here's what you should do:
- CALL Cruise & Tour today at 1 (800) 383-3131 to reserve the number of places needed.v
- COMPLETE your Reservation Request form and check for the required deposit payable to "Cruise & Tour."
- COMPLETE your travel insurance application if you want this valuable protection. We recommend this plan and feel it is very important to have it, especially when traveling to such a remote destination, but it is your choice.
- RETURN your completed forms and check to: Cruise & Tour, 3793 Thoma Park Drive, West Bend, WI 53095.
It's going to be a fantastic trip. I hope you'll be a part of this great adventure!
Warm regards,
Peggy R. Crull
President
P.S. It's not a cliché. There's simply no place on earth like the Galapagos Islands.
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