Ecuador & Galapagos Holidays
The enchanting Galapagos Islands, Andean people & culture
9 Night Itinerary from £5,638
Darwin Legends Tour
Explore colonial Quito for 2 nights and discover the Galapagos Islands on a 7-night cruise of a lifetime. Veloso Tours provides expert advice on the best ship and itinerary to perfectly meet your requirements
Select your preferred departure date
Tour Route
- Quito - 2 Nights
- Galapagos Cruise - 7 Nights
Travel Highlights
- The easiest way to visit the Galapagos
- Start with a guided tour around Quito's World Heritage centre
- Discover the friendly wildlife of the Galapagos on an expedition cruise
- Enjoy daily excursions to walk through the islands with expert guides
- Snorkel with sea lions and colourful marine life
This itinerary can be tailored to your preferences by our specialist advisors, who can provide a guaranteed price based on your choice of route, duration, flights, hotels, transport and excursions.
Tour Itinerary
Quito - 2 Nights
Day 1 - Fly from the UK to Quito
Day 2 - Guided tour of Quito
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Meet your Guide
Our hand-picked guides offer you an exclusive insight into the best excustions and activites on offer.
Friday, 09 June 2023
Fly from the UK to Quito
Depart the UK on a daytime flight to Quito, arriving the same evening. You will be met by our representative and taken to your hotel for 2 nights. Our guide will provide you with expert local advice, explain your programme and answer any questions you may have.
Saturday, 10 June 2023
Guided tour of Quito
Enjoy an afternoon guided tour of Quito, including the historic old part of the city with its fabulous colonial architecture, many convents, churches and small streets to explore. We will visit the three main squares including impressive San Francisco square as well as the Presidential Palace and the Gold Museum.
Casa San Marcos
Quito - First Boutique
Almost hidden away in the Old Town of Quito, this restored mansion houses a hotel which is part art gallery, part antiquarian, part restaurant. Its spacious gallery has many pieces by national and international artists. The six rooms are comfortably and stylishly furnished, all with private bathroom. the hotel also commands excellent views of the "Panecillo" one of Quito's great landmarks. The hotel restaurant serves Ecuadorean delights as well as Mediterranean cuisine.
Plaza Sucre
Quito - Tourist Hotel
The Hotel Plaza Sucre is located at the very heart of Ecuador's capital, in the historical downtown named by UNESCO as a Human Heritage site in 1978, because of its architectural beauty and cultural richness. The sober and colonial atmosphere of the hotel makes you feel being transported to the republican era. The hotel offers 25 comfortable guestrooms equipped with private facilities, TV cable, internet, Wifi, and modern facilities. Breakfasts are served in a wonderful rooftop patio with great views of "El Panecillo" statue which towers over the city.
Grand Mercure Alameda
Quito - First Hotel
Located on the main avenue Amazonas, the centre of Quito office and business centre, close close the historic downtown, the Grand Mercure Alameda is a mdern business-style hotel offering a number of quality amenities. Its rooms are tastefully decorated, all with balcony and private bathroom. The hotel restaurants serves buffet breakfast, as well as Ecudorean and International cuisine. This is a good value hotel in the centre of the city.
Galapagos Cruise - 7 Nights
Day 3 - Fly to the Galapagos Islands
Days 4-9 - Galapagos cruise with daily guided excursions
Day 10 - Disembark and return to the UK
Day 11 - Arrive in the UK
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Sunday, 11 June 2023
Fly to the Galapagos Islands
Fly to the Galapagos Islands and transfer to your chosen ship for a 7-night cruise on a full board basis including all excursions. Once on board, settle into your cabin and enjoy dinner followed by a full briefing and lecture on your exciting week ahead.
Explore the the Galapagos Islands, where Darwin observed the wildlife that would lead him to his theory of evolution. Basking marine iguanas, waved albatrosses, blue and red footed boobies, giant tortoises and friendly sea lions abound. Each morning and afternoon enjoy walking, swimming and snorkelling, accompanied by our expert naturalist guides to observe as much friendly wildlife as possible.
We offer a wide selection of expeditionary vessels for exploring the Galapagos that range in size, comfort and budget. Whichever yacht or ship you choose, the group ashore will never exceed 16 passengers per guide and the landings are staggered so you can explore in small groups. All ships include full board accommodation and shore excursions in their prices. Our choice of vessels is below - please call us for expert advice.
Tourist class:
Samba - tourist class ship built in Holland, with only 7 cabins (upper and lower berths) each with private bathroom. Excellent lounge and dining room and plenty of outdoor space. Great value.
First Class yachts and ships
Beluga - spacious, first class yacht with only 8 double cabins. Two large tables in the dining room are ideal for families.
Legend - larger, first class ship accommodating up to 90 passengers. She has a spacious outdoor area including a swimming pool. Cabins are either interior, with portholes or panoramic windows depending on your budget.
Letty - a first class ship accommodating up to 20 guests. High crew to client ratio means you will receive excellent service and superb cuisine.
Mary Anne - elegant, first class motor sailing yacht with over 1000 square metres of sails. She has 12 cabins and the wonderful feel of an ocean going yacht. Has single cabins with no single supplements.
Evolution - first class ship in 1920's style with 16 well-appointed cabins and a large, open sun deck.
Luxury, deluxe class yachts and ships
Origin - the only luxury Relais & Chateaux accredited ship in the Galapagos carrying only 20 passengers in boutique style. Known for its eco-friendly credentials.
Silver Galapagos - larger, deluxe ship operated by Silversea Cruises accommodating up to 90 passengers. All inclusive with drinks and gratuities included in the price.
Ocean Spray Catamaran - deluxe, luxury mega-catamaran with plenty of internal space. She has only 8 double cabins, each with private balconies.
M/Y Grace - classic, deluxe yacht named after her previous owner, the Princess Grace of Monaco. She has 9 spacious staterooms and elegant public areas.
La Pinta - deluxe small ship with 24 spacious cabins, superb cuisine, many facilities and wonderful 'al fresco' dining.
Monday, 12 June 2023
Daily guided excursions
Tuesday, 13 June 2023
Daily guided excursions
Wednesday, 14 June 2023
Daily guided excursions
Thursday, 15 June 2023
Daily guided excursions
Friday, 16 June 2023
Daily guided excursions
Saturday, 17 June 2023
Daily guided excursions
Sunday, 18 June 2023
Disembark and return to the UK
Fly back to Guayaquil to connect with your overnight flight to the UK.
Monday, 19 June 2023
Arrive in the UK
Galapagos Legend
Galapagos Islands - First Cruise Vessel
The Galapagos Legend is a spacious ship that can take up to 100 passengers, and has a large outdoor area with sun deck, bar and swimming pool. 5 expert Naturalist Guides take you ashore on daily excursions, morning and afternoon, in small groups of up to 16 guests. The cabins are comfortable and modern, located on four decks, all with lower berths and private facilities. 3 cabins are interior and the rest have either portholes or panoramic windows - and top suites have balconies.
IDEAL FOR FAMILIES
The Legend is the perfect ship for families, as she has 3/4 bed family suites, kids club, kids menu and activities to keep children entertained.
Price Guidelines
| Season | Low Season | High Season | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Dates | Rest of the Year | 22 Jun - 15 Aug; 14 - 23 Dec | ||
| Room Arrangement | First | Deluxe | First | Deluxe |
| Multiple Travellers - Twin Room | £5,638 | £6,781 | £6,264 | £7,315 |
Prices are a guideline and per person. Please request a quote for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.
What's Included
- 11 Days / 9 Nights
- International flights (1 overnight)
- Internal flights to/from the Galapagos Islands
- Accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners
- Transfers to and from accommodation
- Excursions with English-speaking guides
- Transport and meals as shown
Client Testimonials
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READY - 2 June 2023
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