A trip you don’t want to miss – Limited to just 19 participants!
Dear Adventurer,
I invite you to discover one of the most fascinating places on earth, the Galapagos Islands, on our March 4 – 12, 2012 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 the 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 Sunday, March 4, 2012 as you depart from Chicago. I am pleased to be your host and expedition leader – MY 9th TIME to the Galapagos. Our itinerary summarizes the entire adventure that awaits you, but here are a few key details:
ACCOMMODATIONS
For the first night and last nights of our trip, we’ll stay in Guayaquil, Ecuador at the lovely Hotel Hampton, located in the heart of the city just blocks from the Malecon 2000, a wonderful river walk district that we will have time to explore. In the Galapagos Islands, you’ll stay at the comfortable and relaxed Hotel Casa Natura, a small family-run hotel in Puerto Ayora on the island of Santa Cruz. We have stayed at both of these hotels, which are well run, comfortable, and perfect for our tour.
ITINERARY
In reading through the itinerary, you’ll see that each day has been carefully planned to give you a new and different experience. In Guayaquil, you’ll tour the historic distract called Santa Anna Hill as well as the Malecon 2000 River District. But the main focus of the trip is the Galapagos Islands, where you’ll explore both the islands and the undersea world surrounding them. 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 comfortable Hotel Casa Natura to relax, share favorite memories of the day, and learn more about adventures yet to come.
FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS
At this time, airfare has not been included in your overall package price due to the volatility of flight prices and fuel surcharges. International airfare from Chicago to Guayaquil is currently ranging between $950-$1100, which is higher than we typically pay for it. For that reason we have decided keep airfare out of the package price and are taking a wait and see approach. When you book your Galapagos adventure with us, we will not cash your deposit check or advise you to purchase airfare until we reach a minimum of 14 participants. Once we reach our minimum participation requirement, we will contact you regarding airfare options. 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.
Our trip is being personally coordinated by one of the leading guides in the Galapagos. Bolivar Sanchez was born and raised in the Galapagos Islands and has been a top naturalist guide there for the past 18 years. We have worked with Boli on all of our previous trips to the Galapagos and look forward to having him plan a journey that is sure to be both rewarding and memorable. Boli has personally selected the guides taking us on our daily excursions for their vast knowledge of Galapagos wildlife and ecosystems. They will get you so close to the animals that you could literally reach out and touch them – if only you were permitted to!
WHAT’S INCLUDED, WHAT’S NOT
The following items are all included in your Galapagos Explorer package:
- All airport transfers in Guayaquil and the Galapagos
- Hotel accommodations
- All the activities specified in your itinerary
- Naturalist Guides in the Galapagos and Tour Guide on the mainland
- All your meals specified in your itinerary
- Soft drink or water with your meals and a water dispenser with purified water at your hotel in the Galapagos Islands
- Snorkeling gear and a mesh bag
- Galapagos National Park fee
- Internal air: Guayaquil / Galapagos / Guayaquil
- Immigration card in the Galapagos
- Tips for Guides, porters, drivers and included meals
- Ecuadorian phone for the group leader
- Lots of fun
The following items are not included:
- International airfare
- Travel insurance
- Items of personal nature
- Medical care
- Internet service
- Scuba diving
- Fuel surcharge
- Alcohol of any kind
- Two dinners in the Galapagos Islands
PRICING
Our $2,950 "all inclusive" land price includes transfers, accommodations, most meals, sightseeing, National Park fees, guide and driver tips, and all listed activities. The Ecuador departure tax is additional and paid locally. Travel insurance is additional and highly recommended. The price is per person, double occupancy. For single occupancy, add just $377.
HOW TO SIGN UP
REMEMBER…this tour is strictly limited to 19 participants. Joining the expedition is easy:
- CALL Cruise & Tour today at 1 (800) 383-3131 to reserve the number of places needed.
- COMPLETE your Reservation Request form and check for the required $600 per person 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, P.O. BOX 398, Waterford, WI 53185.
We 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.
TO PREVIEW THIS TOUR VISIT:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OOkJfc8HTc
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