THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS ABOARD
M/S NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ISLANDER

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE WILD KIND

You think of wildlife as creatures you look at through binoculars. Not here. You can walk right up to them and they couldn't care less. It's not that they are tame, not at all. It's simply that they have no fear of man and thus we are blissfully ignored. And the sheer amount of wildlife is astounding. Tortoises - the emblematic species of the Galápagos. Blue-footed boobies. The famous finches. Beachmasters, harems and doe-eyed sea lion pups that swim with you. Skies filled with wheeling, courting, red-throated frigate birds. Lava rocks piled high with motionless marine iguanas. A mind-boggling plethora of creatures, living in a paradise of azure waters, white beaches and cool mangrove stands. This natural abundance makes the Galápagos one of the most impressive places on earth.

YOU'LL TRAVEL WITH THE MOST INSPIRED EXPEDITION TEAM WORKING IN GALAPAGOS

Galápagos is carefully and protectively administered by the National Park Service. According to its regulations, no one can visit or even land on a beach, unless accompanied by a nationally licensed Naturalist. Our expedition partner, Lindblad, has always believed - since Lars Eric Lindblad brought the first non-scientific expedition to Galápagos in 1967 - that knowledgeable and interesting experts are essential to the quality of a travel experience. Our team will consist of three top Naturalists and an experienced Expedition Leader (EL) and this means that you'll have the benefit of a daily variety of specialised knowledge and interests - marine biology, zoology, botany and geology - to enhance your experience and provide a context for all that you'll see. You¹ll learn even more in the entertaining forum of our daily recaps during cocktail hour. And you'll form rewarding relationships with your favourites among our bright, enthusiastic and thoroughly engaging team.

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. Personally escorted by Richard Furlong.

Thu 29 Oct 2009, 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 30 Oct 2009, Quito City Tour
A leisurely day in Quito's old town, the first World Heritage City declared by UNESCO. Included City tour visiting Plaza de la Independencia with its Cathedral, Presidential Palace, and City Hall. Time, also, to visit the Equator line. Dinner at the highly renowned Theatrum Restaurant. (B,D)

Sat 31 Oct 2009, Otavalo
Excursion included to Otavalo to visit South America's best known indigenous market. Bartering for llama wool sweaters, wall hangings, pottery and silver is part of the fun. Excursion includes lunch at the beautiful El Monasterio de Cusin. (B,L,D)

Sun 1 Nov 2009, Antisana
Included excursion to the ANTISANA ECOLOGICAL RESERVE, an extraordinary wilderness area with chances to see Condors, Ibis and other birds. We'll also see the Antisana Volcano with its snowy peak at 5758 metres. Excursion includes lunch at Hacienda Antisana hosted by the owner, Mr Jose Delgado. (B,L,D)

Mon 2 Nov 2009, Quito/Cuenca
Some free time in Quito before a midday 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 3 Nov 2009, 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 4 Nov 2009, 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 Ingapirca¹s importance. Excursion includes lunch. (B,L,D)

Thu 5 Nov 2009, Craft Villages
Optional excursion to Chordeleg, a pre-Inca town with artisans of all kinds; poncho, hat and basket weavers, potters, embroiderers and jewellery. The excursion also includes a leisurely lunch at the stunning Hosteria Uzhupud.
(B,L,D)

Fri 6 Nov 2009, 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 7 to Tue 17 Nov 2009
As per the Galápagos 12-day itinerary, 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 6 Nov 2009, 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. (D)

Sat 7 Nov 2009, Guayaquil
Buffet breakfast before our included Guayaquil city tour, featuring visits to the impressive Malecón Riverfront, the Rotunda Monument, the Cathedral and to Las Peñas, Guayaquil's oldest neighbourhood. Free afternoon and dinner at the hotel. (B,D)

Sun 8 Nov 2008, Guayaquil to Galápagos
A morning flight to the Galápagos. Flying time is around 90 minutes. We board our privately chartered M/S National Geographic 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 9 Nov 2009 , 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 10 Nov 2009, 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 11 Nov 2009, 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, or 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 12 Nov 2009, 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 13 Nov 2009, 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 14 Nov 2008, 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 15 Nov 2008, 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 16 Nov 2008, Depart Guayaquil
Enjoy almost a full day free in Guayaquil before our mid-evening flight departure. (B,L)

Tue 17 Nov 2009, Arrive UK
Flying via Madrid we land at London Heathrow late afternoon local UK time.

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. Prices shown are for the October / November 2008 tours. We expect a price increase for 2009 no greater than 5%. Final 2009 prices will be available in November 2008.



Cabin 201-202 Main Deck
£3895 sharing twin for 12-day holiday, £4545 sharing twin for 20-day tour.
£5195 single for 12-day holiday, £5995 single for 20-day tour.
** 2008 tour prices **

Cabin 203-206 Main Deck
£4145 sharing twin for 12-day holiday, £4795 sharing twin for 20-day tour.
£5545 single for 12-day holiday, £6395 single for 20-day tour. 
** 2008 tour prices ** 

Cabin 207-210 Main Deck
£4245 sharing twin for 12-day holiday, £4895 sharing twin for 20-day tour.
£5745 single for 12-day holiday, £6595 single for 20-day tour.
** 2008 tour prices **
 
Cabin 301-302 Bridge Deck
£4445 sharing twin for 12-day holiday, £5095 sharing twin for 20-day tour.
£6045 single for 12-day holiday, £6895 single for 20-day tour. 
** 2008 tour prices **

Cabin 303-304 Bridge Deck
£4545 sharing twin for 12-day holiday, £5195 sharing twin for 20-day tour. 
** 2008 tour prices **

Cabin 305-306 Bridge Deck
£4795 sharing twin for 12-day holiday, £5395 sharing twin for 20-day tour.
** 2008 tour prices **

Cabin 403-404 Upper Deck
£4845 sharing twin for 12-day holiday, £5495 sharing twin for 20-day tour.
** 2008 tour prices **

Cabin 405-408 Upper Deck
£4945 sharing twin for 12-day holiday, £5595 sharing twin for 20-day tour.
** 2008 tour prices **

Cabin 401-402 Upper Deck
£5145 sharing twin for 12-day holiday, £5795 sharing twin for 20-day tour. 
** 2008 tour prices **

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 National Geographic Islander with Expedition Leader and Naturalists, breakfasts, lunches, dinners and all soft drinks on board, use of snorkelling equipment, kayaks and wet suits, services of the ship physician, port charges and transfers, current airport and prepaid departure taxes, 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 Otavalo, Antisana, Ingapirca and Chordeleg, entry to El Cajas National Park, 7 nights Galápagos voyage on board the MS National Geographic Islander with Expedition Leader and Naturalists, breakfasts, lunches, dinners and all soft drinks on board, use of snorkelling equipment, kayaks and wet suits, services of the ship physician, port charges and transfers, current airport and prepaid departure taxes, 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 National Geographic 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 a large swimming pool. In Quito we found a wonderful hotel called the Patio Andaluz. Located in the heart of the historic city centre, this 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'd be 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). 

ADVANCE REGISTER NOW

To check availability (no obligation), or to make an advance registration, simply call Richard or Dawn on 01580 240240 or email mail@furlongs.co.uk. A £75 per person registration deposit is payable and this is fully refundable should you decide not to confirm when final tour details are published in November 2008. We welcome payment by cheque to "Furlongs Travel", or by Access, Switch and Visa cards. There's no surcharge for payment by card. We have a secure payment form this web site if you wish to send card details via the internet.

CONTACT US

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

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.