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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251011
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SUMMARY:The Galapagos Islands
DESCRIPTION:Explore the Galapagos Islands with alumni and friends from October 11 – 18\, 2025. Designated the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978\, the Galapagos Islands have been described as a “unique living museum and showcase of evolution.” They are home to a fascinating array of wildlife inhabiting an unspoiled ecosystem\, living in harmony with their human visitors. \nThis exciting journey features a day of guided touring in Quito plus an intimate cruise through the archipelago with up-close access to endemic species. Expert naturalists guide you through the wonders of this national park\, whale sanctuary\, and marine reserve. \nAccommodations for this adventure are aboard the Isabela II\, a 40-guest vessel with spacious cabins\, local cuisine\, and a staff dedicated to ensuring both your comfort and maximum enjoyment of this truly extraordinary destination and its diverse inhabitants. And sailing by small ship allows for flexibility in the itinerary to maximize wildlife viewing\, as well as access to exclusive ports. \nShared with participants from cosponsoring associations\, space is sure to fill quickly. Request a reservation today\, or please contact the Georgetown Travel Society at 866-525-8664 or GeorgetownTravelSociety@Georgetown.edu for more details. \n\nDates & Rates \nTrip Dates: October 11 – 18\, 2025 \nRates: From $5\,795 – 8\,995 per person based upon double occupancy. A limited number of places are offered for single travelers at $9\,995 per person. Please contact us regarding single space availability prior to sending in a reservation. \nTrip Status: Open for reservations. Reserve My Spot \nPlease click for e-Brochure\nItinerary \n\n\nDay 1: En Route from U.S. / Arrive in Quito\, Ecuador\nAfter an evening arrival in Quito\, transfer to your award-winning hotel for a comfortable night’s sleep.\nOvernight: Casa Gangotena – Quito \nDay 2: Quito\nHead out for a full-day\, guided tour of historic Old Town. A local expert will take you through a Quito neighborhood\, where you’ll visit with local artisans\, including shopkeepers\, hat makers\, and confectioners. Explore the San Francisco Market—one of the oldest in the capital. There\, learn about unique Ecuadorian fruits and vegetables\, as well as local culinary traditions. Stop by a chocolatier to learn how cacao beans are processed\, and taste the finest chocolates of Ecuador! \nNext\, head north toward the political heart of the city. Following a brief narrative\, stroll to the Jesuit Church of la Compañía to admire its stunning gold-leaf interior. Relax and enjoy a lunch that highlights the unique and diverse flavors of this culturally rich South American country. \nIn the afternoon\, head to the Casa del Alabado Archaeological Museum inside a restored 17th-century colonial mansion to view its collection of pre-Columbian art. This evening\, gather with traveling companions for a welcome reception and prepare for your upcoming adventure.\nOvernight: Casa Gangotena – Quito (B\,L\,R) \nDay 3: Quito / Flight to Baltra / Santa Cruz: Highlands / Puerto Ayora – Embarkation\nArrive by plane to Baltra Airport and transfer to the Itabaca Channel to ferry across to Santa Cruz Island. After a short\, scenic drive across Santa Cruz Island\, arrive in the Highlands to enjoy lunch. \nLater\, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center to gain an understanding of the extensive conservation efforts that have gone into maintaining and improving the environment and biodiversity in this remarkable archipelago. See the Galapagos giant tortoise up close and learn about the various stages of tortoise care and development\, including a visit to the baby tortoise house. \nTake a late afternoon stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora before embarking on Isabela II. \nJoin the captain this evening for a cocktail and briefing on the exciting activities to come.\nOvernight: Isabela II (B\,L\,D) \nDay 4: Bartolomé / Santiago: Sullivan Bay\nOne of today’s highlights includes a panoramic view of the Galapagos from a special vantage point—an overlook atop Bartolomé Island. On a pristine day\, more than 10 islands can be seen from this viewpoint. After the morning hike\, examine the environment by snorkeling or by glass-bottom boat. \nReturn to the beach to board a panga for a cruise around Pinnacle Rock\, formed by an eroded tuff-stone cone—light limestone created by the accumulation of small volcanic elements. Pinnacle Rock is home for a small colony of flightless Galapagos penguins that share the area with sea lions and other marine birds. \nAfter lunch\, explore Sullivan Bay on the east coast of Santiago Island\, featuring a white coral sand beach that’s ideal for swimming. This location has some of the best snorkeling within the archipelago. See and feel the volcanic origin of Galapagos by traversing the walking trail across a lava field that flowed here in 1897. \nTonight after dinner (conditions permitting)\, look up and experience the enchantment of stargazing.\nOvernight: Isabela II (B\,L\,D) \nDay 5: Santa Cruz: Dragon Hill / Santiago: Buccaneer Cove\nThe island of Santa Cruz is the only one with six different vegetation zones. Pit craters\, Scalesia forest\, cacti\, and ferns are found here. After breakfast\, set off on a walk\, passing a lagoon frequented by shorebirds\, ducks\, and American flamingos. Continuing inland\, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago\, as well as the chance of observing land iguanas. Afterward\, snorkel from the shore in hopes of spotting rays and green turtles. \nLater today\, explore the coastline along the impressive cliffs of Buccaneer Cove\, learning about the area’s distant and recent history. Buccaneer Cove was used extensively by pirates\, privateers\, and whalers to set anchor and head ashore. It is home to a large number of marine birds\, sea lions\, and intertidal organisms. The geology is fascinating\, with layers of compacted tuff volcanic material that\, due to wave and wind action\, has eroded into different forms and shapes. Enjoy fantastic natural formations\, such as the “Elephant Rock\,” and an impressive natural cave. \nRelish the available opportunities for snorkeling or relaxing with panga or glass-bottom boat rides.\nOvernight: Isabela II (B\,L\,D) \nDay 6: Isabela: Punta Vicente Roca / Fernandina: Punta Espinoza\nExplore the captivating coast of Isabela Island by watercraft\, seeking abundant wildlife\, including colonies of Galapagos fur seals\, the nesting sites of Nazca boobies\, flightless cormorants\, penguins\, and marine iguanas. Depending on conditions\, there may be a chance to snorkel along the cliffs\, hopefully in the company of green sea turtles. Back on board\, navigate along the Bolivar Channel\, where nutrient-rich upwellings provide fertile fishing grounds for cetaceans. \nThen visit the island of Fernandina\, the youngest island of the archipelago and arguably one of the most pristine ecosystems on the planet. Punta Espinoza boasts an amazing combination of barren landscapes and abundant wildlife\, all dominated by the lofty volcano at the heart of the island. Highlights to spot include hawks\, penguins\, huge numbers of marine iguanas\, and the famous flightless cormorant\, with its beguiling blue eyes.\nOvernight: Isabela II (B\,L\,D) \nDay 7: Baltra – Disembarkation / Flight to Quito\, Ecuador \nBid a fond adiós to the Isabela II crew this morning prior to departing Baltra for Quito\, where you will spend your final night. Guests who are going back to the U.S. and not continuing on the post-tour will stay at the Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel\, or similar. \nNote: dependent on prevailing air schedules at the time\, Machu Picchu post-tour guests will connect with an evening flight to Lima\, Peru\, and overnight at the Wyndham Costa del Sol Airport Hotel\, or similar\, in Lima. \nFlights back to the U.S. may begin late the evening of Day 7 as well (flights departing after 9:00pm). \n(Accommodations are subject to change as needed and available.)\nOvernight: Wyndham Quito Airport  if returning to the U.S.; Wyndham Costa del Sol Airport Hotel  in Lima if joining the post-tour (B\,L) \nDay 8: Quito / Depart for U.S.\nAfter breakfast\, guests departing during the suggested times will take a complimentary transfer to the airport for flights home. Guests continuing on the post-tour will depart Quito for flights to Cusco\, Peru\, this morning or may have already exited the evening of the previous day\, depending on air schedules. (B) \nB = Breakfast\, L = Lunch\, D = Dinner\, R = Reception \n\n(Itinerary subject to change.) \n\n\nActivity Level – Moderate\n\nGuests should be sure-footed on stairs and able to walk at least one mile on rocky\, volcanic\, and uneven ground. Some optional nature hikes will be on irregular and steep terrain. Guests should also be comfortable managing wet beach landings and boarding small vessels\, both from shore and the deck of the Isabela II. Also keep in mind that you will experience varying altitudes to which you may not be accustomed. \nMaximum elevation: 9\,350 feet in Quito\, Ecuador \n\nWhat’s Included\n\n\n2 nights at 5-star Casa Gangotena in Quito (or similar) prior to embarkation\n4 nights aboard the Isabela II\, with exploration by panga and glass-bottom boats\, naturalist-led hikes and excursions\, and evening lectures\n1 night at Wyndham Quito Airport (or similiar) after disembarkation\nA welcome reception in Quito\, 7 breakfasts\, 6 lunches\, and 4 dinners\nA city tour of Quito\nAll excursions and presentations\nComplimentary use of kayaks\, paddle boards\, shorty wetsuits\, and snorkeling equipment\nGalapagos National Park entrance fee and transit card\nInternal airfare (from Quito to the islands on Day 3\, and return to Quito on Day 7)\nGratuities to local guides\, hotel porters\, and drivers in Quito\nAirport transfers for guests arriving and departing during the suggested times\n\n\n\nAccommodations\nCasa Gangotena – Quito\nThe elegant\, five-star Casa Gangotena is located across from Plaza San Francisco in the heart of Quito’s Spanish Colonial Old Town. The hotel offers easy access to the rich culture\, tradition\, and charm of the city’s historic center—a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978. \nEmbrace the property’s well-adorned interior\, featuring Art Nouveau and Art Deco elements dating back to the mid-1920s. Antique furniture pieces\, restored painted tin ceilings\, and endless hallways lined with Egyptian marble are among the unique qualities of this sophisticated and divinely comfortable hotel. See why readers of Condé Nast Traveler have voted Casa Gangotena among South America’s top 25 hotels and resorts. \nDuring leisure time\, stroll the gardens\, enjoy tea on the patio\, or relax on the rooftop terrace while admiring the spectacular sweeping views of Quito’s historic district. \nLuxury Room Amenities: Individual climate control\, flat-screen cable TV\, complimentary Wi-Fi\, phone\, bathrobes and slippers\, safe\, and en suite bathroom with separate shower and bathtub plus L’Occitane sundries and hair dryer.  \nPortable oxygen tanks—to assist in preventing ill effects of altitude sickness—are available and may require an additional fee. Per the hotel’s policy\, oxygen will be provided after a consultation with the house physician or a release is signed. As the supply of oxygen tanks is numbered\, these should be requested in advance through Orbridge’s Guest Services department or at the time of check-in for best availability. \nIsabela II\nWith a capacity of only 40 guests\, the 183-foot Isabela II was designed to provide the ultimate in comfort and adventure while cruising the Galapagos Islands. Her 21 staterooms provide spacious\, fully air-conditioned accommodations with en suite facilities. \nGuests can savor healthy\, fresh\, and delicious international and Ecuadorian cuisine at every meal. Enjoy her three public decks\, dining room\, lounge\, library\, hot tub\, and fitness area. Relish the services of an enthusiastic crew who are committed to your comfort. \nSailing by small ship allows for flexibility in the itinerary to maximize wildlife viewing\, as well as access to exclusive ports. While on board\, learn about the area’s history\, biology\, and conservation from the ship’s multilingual naturalists. Experience all the Galapagos Islands have to offer through a variety of perspectives—hiking\, snorkeling\, kayaking\, or riding rigid inflatable and glass-bottom boats. \nRoom Amenities: Individual climate control\, safe\, and en suite bathroom with hair dryer and sundries (biodegradable shampoo\, conditioner\, soap\, and shower gel). Additional towels are provided for shore excursions. \nStateroom Categories \nStandard:  Features a full-size bed\, window\, private bathroom. (128 sq.ft.)\nClassic Double:  Features a full-size bed\, view window\, private bathroom\, and day bed. (139 sq.ft.)\nClassic Twin:  Features two twin beds\, view window\, private bathroom. (139 sq.ft.)\nPremium Suite:  Features a queen bed\, view window\, private bathroom. (170 sq.ft.) \n  \nHighlights:\n\n\nOnboard lecture program and services of a premier Expedition Leader and the ship’s multilingual naturalist guides\nObservation area and sundeck\, bar/lounge\, elegant dining room\, boutique\, and an intimate library with a rich selection of reference books on the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador\nAll onboard hand-crafted meals tastefully prepared with local flair\nShaded sun deck with a hot tub and fitness room\nAll of the equipment—and expertise—for kayaking\, snorkeling\, and paddleboarding\n\n\nWyndham Quito Airport\nConveniently located near the Mariscal Sucre International Airport\, the Wyndham Quito Airport offers comfortable and convenient accommodations for the last night of the program. Maintain your workout regimen with the well-equipped fitness center or simply relax by enjoying the on-site restaurant\, bar\, and indoor pool. Special extras are also available via the spa and room service. (Additional fees apply.) \nStandard Deluxe Room Amenities: Individual climate control\, writing desk\, flat-screen TV\, complimentary Wi-Fi\, alarm clock\, phone\, coffee maker\, minibar\, safe\, bathrobes\, iron and ironing board\, and en suite bathroom with sundries and hair dryer. \n(Accommodations subject to change.) \n  \nWhat’s not included:\nTaxes; passport\, visas and associated fees; personal expenses such as laundry and telephone calls; accident/sickness\, trip cancellation\, and baggage insurance;  baggage charges on aircraft;  airfare\, transfers and baggage handling to/from hotel on day of arrival and/or departure i if you are arriving earlier or later than and/or departing earlier or later than the scheduled group transfer(s); any overnight on land due to flight schedule(s); meals\, alcoholic or other beverages and all other services not specifically mentioned in the “Included Features” section of the program brochure. \n  \n 
URL:https://alumni.georgetown.edu/event/the-galapagos-islands/
CATEGORIES:Travel Society
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