THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS ABOARD M/S ISLANDER
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2010

Few places speak the imagination quite like the Galápagos and for so many unforgettable reasons. Nowhere else can you experience such close encounters with remarkable animals like giant tortoises, marine iguanas. flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies, Galápagos penguins, and sea lions galore. Even more exceptional is the behaviour of the wildlife, which lives without fear of humans. Observing these creatures is more like a conversation. You can let your binoculars rest at your side as the animals come to you, and you go to them.

Of course there are many alternative ways for you to visit Galápagos, but we'd like to tell you briefly why we believe you should choose Furlongs. Firstly, we believe experience matters and so does commitment. Richard Furlong undertook an extensive research trip, carefully checking more than 20 ships, before we selected the MS National Geogrpahic Islander as our partner in Galápagos. The Islander is operated by Lindblad Expeditions, who have been exploreing Galápagos for decades and recently joined forces with National Geographic to collaborate in exploration, research, technology and conservation. Lindblad are known for their thoughtful itineraries, engaging experts, fine food and accommodations, a relaxed, informal atmosphere, and for arranging travel in an environmentally responsible manner.

Furlongs now charter the Islander on a regular basis. We offer two itineraries, a 12-day holiday featuring a full 7-night Galápagos voyage with 3 nights in Ecuador's coastal city of Guayaquil, and a 20-dat tour combining the full week in Galápagos with extended visits to Quito, Cuenca and Guayaquil. This mainland tour highlights the cultural aspects of Ecuador and is a perfect accompaniment to the natural splendour of Galápagos. As with all our tours we've carefully selected the best hotels and services, and our prices cover just about everything you need, including excursions, park fees .... and all gratuities.

Uniquely the proprietors, Richard and Dawn Furlong personally escort eveyr tour. They're passionate about giving guests exceptional value for money and top quality service. Of course, having fun is important too, so there's always a few nice surprises, wine with some meals, good humour, and good company.

No matter how you travel to Galápagos you will have a good time. With Furlongs however, whether travelling alone or with family or friends, you are in very safe hands.

We invite you to join our 6th annual escorted tour to Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands, departing in October this year. This holiday will follow our popular, tried and tested formula with a choice of 12-day and 20-day itineraries personally escorted by our proprietors, Richard and Dawn Furlong.

To find out more, use the links below or simply scroll down the page:- 

• 2010 Tour Dates
• 20-day itinerary - Galapagos and Ecuador Tour
• 12-day itinerary - Galapagos and Guayaquil
• Holiday prices and what's included
• Singles and twin-shares
• M/S National Geographic Islander
• Holiday hotels
• Door-to-door service, or airport parking and hotels
• Insurance, health and general travel advice
• How to book
• Contact us
• Picture gallery

2010 TOUR DATES

20-day itinerary - Galápagos Islands and Guayaquil
Thursday 21st October to Tuesday 9th November 2010. 

12-day itinerary - Galápagos Islands and Guayaquil
Friday 29th October to Tuesday 9th November 2010.

20-DAY ITINERARY - GALAPAGOS AND ECUADOR

A spectacular voyage in the Galápagos with a team of expert Naturalists, plus a pre-voyage tour of Ecuador visiting Quito, Cuenca, and Guayaquil, all personally escorted by Richard Furlong.

Thu 21 Oct 2010, UK to Ecuador
Iberia flight via Madrid to Quito in Ecuador. We fly from Heathrow but connections from other airports can be arranged. We arrive in Quito mid-afternoon and transfer to the 4-star Patio Andaluz Hotel for a four-night stay. Dinner included. (D)

Fri 22 Oct 2010, Quito City Tour
A leisurely day in Quito's old town, the first World Heritage City declared by UNESCO. Included half-day Quito City tour visiting Plaza de la Independencia with its Cathedral, Presidential Palace, and City Hall. Dinner included at the highly renowned Theatrum Restaurant. (B,D)

Sat 23 Oct 2010, Otavalo
Excursion included to the official Equator Monument at LA MITAD DEL MUNDO, situated around 20 kms north of Quito. Free afternoon in Quito. Dinner included at our hotel. (B,D)

Sun 24 Oct 2010, Antisana
Included excursion to the ANTISANA ECOLOGICAL RESERVE, an extraordinary wilderness area with chances to see Condors, Ibis and other birds. If we're lucky we may also see the snowy peak of Antisana Volcano. Excursion includes lunch at Hacienda Antisana hosted by the owners, the Delgado family. (B,L,D)

Mon 25 Oct 2010, Quito/Cuenca
Some free time in Quito before an early afternoon flight to the beautiful city of Cuenca (flight time one hour). Here we'll stay for 4 nights at the 4-star El Dorado Hotel. (B,D)

Tue 26 Oct 2010, Cuenca
Included Cuenca City Tour visiting the Homero Ortega Panama Hat Company, the Central Market, Modern Art Museum, and the magnificent viewpoint at Turi Hill. Dinner at the Mansion Alcazar. (B,D)

Wed 27 Oct 2010, Inca Ruins
Excursion included to Ingapirca, Ecuador's most important Inca-Cañari archaeological site. Originally built in the 15th century, the site is located on the royal highway between Quito and Cuzco. The high quality stonework indicates Ingapirca's importance. Excursion includes lunch. (B,L,D)

Thu 28 Oct 2010, Artisans & Markets
Included excursion to GUALACEO, an area famous for IKAT weaving, textiles, hat and basket making, pottery, embroidery and jewellery. Today's excursion also includes a leisurely lunch at the stunning Hosteria Uzhupud. (B,L,D)

Fri 29 Oct 2010, Cuenca to Guayaquil
A spectacular drive through cloud and rain forest down to the agricultural plains as we head for Guayaquil. En-route we'll stop in El Cajas National Park, famous for hundreds of clear, cold lakes, for herds of llamas and alpacas, and for its wonderful birds. In Guayaquil we stay at the 5-star Hilton Colon Hotel for 2 nights. Here, we'll meet up with our guests arriving for the 12-day holiday. (B,L,D)

Sat 30 Oct to Tue 9 Nov 2010
As per the Galápagos 12-day itinerary from 'day two' onwards, see below.

12-DAY ITINERARY - GALAPAGOS AND GUAYAQUIL

Spend a week sailing the Galápagos much as Charles Darwin did ... leaving your floating base camp daily to explore different islands. You'll travel on board the luxurious MS Islander together with a team of expert Naturalists. Personally escorted by Dawn and Richard Furlong.

Fri 29 Oct 2010, UK to Ecuador
Iberia flight via Madrid to Guayaquil in Ecuador. We fly from Heathrow although connections from other airports can be arranged. Arriving in the coastal city of Guayaquil, we transfer to the 5-star Hilton Hotel for a two-night stay. Buffet dinner at the hotel. (D)

Sat 30 Oct 2010, Guayaquil
Buffet breakfast before our included Guayaquil city tour, featuring visits to the impressive Malecón Riverfront, the Rotunda Monument, Cathedral and to Las Peñas, Guayaquil's oldest neighbourhood. Free afternoon and dinner at the hotel. (B,D)

Sun 31 Oct 2010, Guayaquil to Galápagos
A morning flight to the Galápagos. Flying time is around 90 minutes. We board our privately chartered MS Islander and during lunch we sail to nearby North Seymour Island for our first landing. Here we hope to view nesting sites of swallow-tailed gulls, blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigate birds. (B,L,D)

Mon 1 Nov 2010, Bartolomé and Santiago
Bartolomé is an enchanting landscape where lava, mangrove and golden sand converge. Great walks, views and a chance to snorkel with sea lions. At Puerto Egas a chance to see the Galápagos fur seal, and an opportunity to enjoy the best "tide pooling". (B,L,D)

Tue 2 Nov 2010, Santa Cruz
Puerto Ayora is the epicentre of Galápagos administration. Here we visit the Charles Dawrin Research Centre and then head up into the highlands and roam moss-draped lush landscape where wild tortoises often forage. (B,L,D)

Wed 3 Nov 2010, Isabela and Fernandina
We explore Isabela's shoreline at Punta Vicente and search for dolphins, whales, sea turtles and the elusive mola-mola. Snorkelling opportunities for those interested, and a leisurely escorted Panga ride with our expert naturalists. This afternoon we explore Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island, the youngest island in Galápagos. It's marine iguana heaven, with Isabela's volcanoes as a dramatic backdrop. (B,L,D)

Thu 4 Nov 2010, Urvina Bay
This morning we anchor off Urvina Bay to stroll along the base of Volcan Alcedo, with options for shorter or longer walks, sea kayaking and swimming. After lunch we land at Punta Moreno with the choice of hiking across a huge lava flow between two volcanoes or taking a leisurely Panga ride. (B,L,D)

Fri 5 Nov 2010, Champion and Floreana
A morning landing at historic Post Barrel Bay combined with a zodiac cruise to a nearby sea lion colony. We visit Champion Island to search for the Floreana mocking bird, with time for snorkelling and swimming if interested. This afternoon, we land on Floreana where we may find flamingos, pintail ducks and various shorebirds. We hike to a lovely white sand beach, a favourite nesting site for sea turtles. (B,L,D)

Sat 6 Nov 2010, Española
A leisurely morning on Gardner Beach to swim, walk or simply relax. Snorkelling and kayak opportunities. This afternoon, we land at Punta Suarez, one of the richest wildlife locations in Galápagos. Blue-footed boobies, sea lions galore, Española marine iguanas which develop particularly vivid colouration, and, potentially, the waved albatross exclusive to this island. (B,L,D)

Sun 7 Nov 2010, Galápagos to Guayaquil
Sunrise will find us at anchor off Baltra where we disembark and fly back to Guayaquil. Enjoy a free afternoon at the Hilton Hotel. A special farewell dinner is included tonight. (B,D)

Mon 8 Nov 2010, Depart Guayaquil
Enjoy almost a full day free in Guayaquil before our mid-evening flight departure. (B,L)

Tue 9 Nov 2010, Arrive UK
Flying via Madrid we land at London Heathrow late afternoon local UK time.

NB: Our Galápagos itinerary and landings are subject to change at the request of the Galápagos National Park Service or due to local conditions.

HOLIDAY PRICES AND WHAT'S INCLUDED

Prices will depend on the cabin number chosen and the holiday duration. Please see the deck plans below and refer to the more detailed cabin information for further guidance.


Cabin 201-202 Main Deck
£4,447 sharing twin for 12-day holiday, £5,189 sharing twin for 20-day tour.
£5,931 single for 12-day holiday, £6,903 single for 20-day tour.

Cabin 203-206 Main Deck
£4,732 sharing twin for 12-day holiday, £5,475 sharing twin for 20-day tour.
£6,331 single for 12-day holiday, £7,302 single for 20-day tour. 

Cabin 207-210 Main Deck
£4,846 sharing twin for 12-day holiday, £5,589 sharing twin for 20-day tour.
£6,559 single for 12-day holiday, £7,530 single for 20-day tour.

Cabin 301-302 Bridge Deck
£5,075 sharing twin for 12-day holiday, £5,817 sharing twin for 20-day tour.
£6,753 single for 12-day holiday, £7,703 single for 20-day tour. 

Cabin 303-304 Bridge Deck
£5,189 sharing twin for 12-day holiday, £5,931 sharing twin for 20-day tour. 

Cabin 305-306 Bridge Deck
£5,475 sharing twin for 12-day holiday, £6,217 sharing twin for 20-day tour.

Cabin 403-404 Upper Deck
£5,531 sharing twin for 12-day holiday, £6,274 sharing twin for 20-day tour.

Cabin 405-408 Upper Deck
£5,646 sharing twin for 12-day holiday, £6,388 sharing twin for 20-day tour.

Cabin 401-402 Upper Deck
£5,874 sharing twin for 12-day holiday, £6,617 sharing twin for 20-day tour. 

WHAT'S INCLUDED: 12-DAY TOUR

The holiday cost includes:- Economy flights between Heathrow and Ecuador (Business Class upgrades available at extra cost), domestic economy flights between Ecuador and Galápagos, 3 nights in Guayaquil with breakfast and dinner daily, Guayaquil city tour, 7-nights Galápagos voyage on board the MS Islander with Expedition Leader and Naturalists, breakfasts, lunches, dinners and all soft drinks on board, use of snorkelling equipment, kayaks and short wet suits, services of the ship physician, port charges and transfers, current airport and prepaid departure taxes, gratuities, and comprehensive travel tickets. The holiday will be personally escorted by Richard and Dawn Furlong.

WHAT'S INCLUDED: 20-DAY TOUR

The holiday cost includes:- Economy flights between Heathrow and Ecuador (Business Class upgrades available at extra cost), domestic economy flights from Quito to Cuenca, and between Ecuador and Galápagos, 3 nights in Guayaquil, 4 nights in Quito, 4 nights in Cuenca, breakfast and dinner daily in Ecuador, city tours in Guayaquil, Quito and Cuenca, Excursions with lunch to La Mitad del Mundo, Antisana, Ingapirca and Gualaceo, entry to El Cajas National Park, 7-nights Galápagos voyage on board the MS Islander with Expedition Leader and Naturalists, breakfasts, lunches, dinners and all soft drinks on board, use of snorkelling equipment, kayaks and short wet suits, services of the ship physician, port charges and transfers, current airport and prepaid departure taxes, gratuities, comprehensive travel tickets. The holiday will be personally escorted by Richard Furlong.

SINGLES AND TWIN-SHARES

Cabins for sole occupancy are subject to availability, but if you're travelling alone and may be willing to share you will avoid any supplement. Please ask for details of how this works. It may also be possible to share a cabin on the ship (where the majority of the single supplement is incurred), but have a single bedroom at our hotels. We already have guests looking for twin-shares, so it's well worth contacting us for further details.

M/S NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ISLANDER

We've selected the deluxe MS Islander for our private charter in the Galápagos. The Islander offers better facilities, more staff and more living space than smaller yachts, and yet it's far more personal than the bigger ships carrying 100 or more guests. The ship has a maximum capacity of 47 guests in 24 outside cabins, and has the atmosphere of a small and friendly country house hotel. It is widely accepted as the best in it's class. It is fully air-conditioned, has a lounge with bar and facilities for films and lectures, a library, covered and outside decks, and gift shop. Meals are all served in one seating in the restaurant. The menu is international with an Ecuadorian flair. Cabins all have a window and each has private facilities and climate controls. Special features on board include Zodiac landing craft, kayaks, snorkelling gear, wet suits, guest e-mail station, video microscope, hydrophone and underwater camera. A ship's doctor, a masseuse, a Video Chronicler and an Undersea Specialist will be onboard. The Islander is catamaran style with a gross weight of over 1000 tonnes, and a length of over 164 feet.

All cabins are spacious and feature two lower single beds, most of which can convert to a double. Each cabin has private facilities of shower, toilet and wash basin. There is a large double closet with large mirror, shelves for storage, and a desk and chair. In our opinion the cabins on the Islander are more like hotel rooms than ship cabins. They feature quality fabrics and bedding, and fine furniture and fittings. Cabins 305 and 306 also have a sofa bed and can therefore accommodate 3 people (reduced holiday prices apply, please enquire). Cabins on the upper deck (Numbers 401 to 408) each have a private glassed-in terrace with additional seating. For more details, see the deck and cabin plans (also shown in our brochure).

HOLIDAY HOTELS

Our policy is always to inspect hotels in advance and choose the best in each destination. In Guayaquil we've chosen the 5-star Hilton Colón Hotel. This is a modern, full service hotel, and certainly the best in town. The bedrooms are spacious and well appointed. The food is excellent, and the hotel has extensive public space including lounges, gardens and a large swimming pool. In Quito we've chosen a wonderful hotel called the Patio Andaluz. Located in the heart of the historic city centre, this is a small, 4-star establishment with great character. In Cuenca, we've chosen the 4-star El Dorado Hotel. Again, perfectly situated in the heart of the city, the El Dorado offers excellent  accommodation, great food, and attentive service. Of course, all our accommodations have private facilities.

DOOR TO DOOR AIRPORT SERVICE

We are delighted to offer you complimentary door-to-door airport transfers (round trip) if you live in our local area, the Weald of Kent and Sussex. We generally organise a luxury mini-bus to transport us to the airport. This starts from our offices near Tenterden in Kent and may pick-up a few guests en-route. Our complimentary service is roughly based on a 15-mile radius from our offices in Cranbrook, but we're fairly flexible and will do our best to include airport transfers for you if practical. Alternatively you may wish to consider driving to our office, leaving your car (free parking), and travelling with our airport service. If it is easier for you to meet us at the airport, we can offer discounted airport parking and airport hotel accommodation.

INSURANCE, HEALTH & GENERAL TRAVEL ADVICE

A trip to the Galápagos is a relatively active holiday that calls for good health. Some of the shore excursions will involve walking on trails and sometimes on uneven and slippery terrain. However, its up to you how much you do, and the expedition team will always try to offer options such as a choice of easy or more strenuous walks. The 12-day itinerary visiting Galápagos and Guayaquil in Ecuador is essentially at sea level throughout. The 20-day itinerary includes visits to areas of higher elevation, ranging from 2,550 to 2,800 metres. All our touring will be taken at a relaxed pace but altitude affects everyone differently so if you have a heart condition, emphysema, difficulty breathing or know you are sensitive to high altitude, please consult your GP. You may wish to ask your GP to recommend medication for altitude sickness if you think you may be susceptible. If you require more specific details of our destinations and altitude please ask.

It is a condition of booking that all guests have adequate travel insurance for this holiday. We recommend "Holiday Extras Travel Insurance" which is underwritten by Forits, but we are happy for you to arrange your own cover so long as it provides suitable cover. For details of the recommended insurance please call Holiday Extras direct on 0870 844 2742 and quote "Furlongs Travel ABTA V0086", or book your insurance online here. 

For health information and vaccination advice you should consult your GP. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office website (www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo) publishes essential travel tips and up-to-date information about travelling abroad. You may also ring them on 0870 6060290. Health advice for travellers is also available in a free leaflet printed by the Department of Health (ring 0800 555 7777) and from their website (www.doh.gov.uk). 

CHECK AVAILABILITY

To check holiday availability, no obligation, simply call Richard or Dawn Furlong on 01580 240240 or email mail@furlongs.co.uk. 

CONTACT US

We're here to help you, so please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions. Telephone 01580 240240 or mail@furlongs.co.uk

PICTURE GALLERY

If you wish to view some images from one of our previous voyages in the Galápagos, simply click the link below. These photographs were taken by John Chardine, one of our guests. The link will open a new window and you may choose to view thumbnails; click on a thumbnail to view a larger image; or even select a slide show at the top right of the page. Link here.  

ATOL FINANCIAL PROTECTION

All monies paid by you for the air holiday package shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Avaition Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 3710. For more information see our booking terms and conditions.