Galápagos and Ecuador

As close as you can get to the extraordinary ...

No matter how many wildlife documentaries you've seen or how many books you've read, nothing can prepare you for the thrill and wonder of being in the Galápagos Islands.

For those interested in being immersed in natural wonder, Galápagos is simply the most extraordinary island archipelago in the world. Nowhere else can you experience such close encounters with remarkable animals like giant tortoises, marine iguanas, waved albatross, blue-footed and red-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 to visit Galápagos. Many visitors book standard tours via their UK travel agent or tour operator. These holidays are generally operated by an Ecuadorian agent and often feature whistle-stop itineraries, multi-language commentaries, tourst class services and limited contect with lots of optional extras. Our approach is different. We undertake our own research and contract suppliers direct. Only in this way can we ensure the highest possible quality and control. From our first-hand experience we've selected a first-class expedition ship, MS National Geographic Islander. Privately chartered for our tour, on board you'll enjoy the best accommodations and meals, and benefit from excursions and landings included in your holiday price. We also include the Galápagos National Park entry fees and permits, and ALL TIPS. Uniquely, Richard and Dawn Furlong personally accompany each tour. We've been designing and running successful tours for 25 years so you are in good hands.

For a thoughtful itinerary, with engaging experts, fine food and accommodations, and a relaxed, informal atmosphere, join Richard and Dawn Furlong for a spectacular week sailing the Galápagos Islands.

There are a choice of tours:- a 12-day holiday featuring a full week voyaging the Galápagos Islands plus a short stay in Ecuador's coastal city of Guayaquil, or a 20-day tour combining the 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.

Visit "our inside track" or more information and take a look at our guest testimonials too.

For more details follow the various tour information links shown above.

Furlongs Travel supports the work of the Galapagos Conservation Trust. The GCT helps fund the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora, as well as supporting island restoration, marine protection and local education projects. For more information visit the GCT website: click here (opens new window). Better still, join us in supporting the vital work of the GCT by making a donation via our Just Giving page: click here (opens new window).

Photo credits: Frigate © Lindblad, Sullivan Bay and Pinnacle Rock © Nigel Watson (Guest in 2009), Sunset © John Chardine (Guest in 2006), Lava Gull © John Chardine (Guest in 2006), Panama hats in Cuenca © Nigel Watson (Guest in 2009).

Our Inside Track

Richard and Dawn Furlong have personally escorted tours since 1986. Prior to launching their Galápagos programme, Richard undertook an extensive research trip, carefully checking more than 20 ships and inspecting numerous hotels and attractions on Ecuador's mainland. From this first-hand research we designed our 12-day and 20-day itineraries, and chose the mid-sized MS National Geographic Islander as our partner in Galápagos. Ships in Galápagos vary greatly in terms of size, facilities, service quality and itinerary, and we feel these factors are critical when you come to choose your voyage.

Smaller vessels tend to accommodate 12 to 16 guests. Naturally accommodation on board is quite compact and often private facilities are shared. There's generally only one Galápagos Park Guide on board. This can be restrictive because all shore visits must be escorted and with only one guide, there's no choice of activity. Even more important, the smaller boats have limited sailing speed so often only access what we call the 'central zone' of the archipelago. Wildlife is varied from island to island, so can you miss a lot if your itinerary is restricted.

At the other end of the scale are the larger vessels, some ships carrying 100 or more guests. These tend to be more spacious and luxurious but, from our viewpoint, are too large for visiting the Galápagos Islands. In practical terms it takes some time to transfer everyone ashore and back again, and some of the best landing sites are, in any case, off limits to the bigger ships. 

Our personal choice is the medium size vessel, MS National Geographic Islander. The Islander is a luxury ship, offering very comfortable accommodation. There are 24 spacious cabins, each with private facilities and quality furnishings. The ship is well appointed, the food excellent, and the crew and expedition team are outstanding. Four National Park Guides accompany us. Not only does this give a wonderful breadth of knowledge, it also means we go ashore in smaller, more personal groups and can schedule a choice of activities, perhaps a longer walk for more active guests and a slower, shorter walk for those seeking a more leisurely excursion. Since choosing the Islander we've kept up to date with new and refurbished ships that have entered service in Galápagos and we always take the opportunity of inspecting other vessels when we visit the islands. To date, nothing has come close to the Islander.

For 2012 we're delighted to announce a brand new sailing itinerary. We'll start in San Cristóbal, then visit two of the oldest islands, Española and Floreana. Next stop is Santa Cruz to visit the Charles Darwin Research centre and explore the central highlands in search for giant tortoise in the wild. In South Plaza we view the endemic Galapagos Land Iguana, and at Santa Fe we enjoy walking, snorkelling and kayak opportunities. Sullivan Bay on Santiago and Chinese Hat island follow, and we conclude at Genovesa Island. This is one of the most spectacular in the Galápagos Archipelago. 

The same care and attention that went into selecting our expedition ship also applied to the design of our Ecuador mainland tour. Richard visited many different locations and inspected numerous hotels before devising the programme in Quito, Cuenca and Guayaquil. As usual we've chosen the better accommodations and included quality excursions. 

First-hand research and experience is invaluable. But don't just take our word for it, read some testimonials.
 

New Itinerary

From January 2012, all tourist ships in Galápagos must adopt new sailing itineraries featuring different daily visitor sites over a two week cycle. This new Galápagos National Park regulation will help spread out landings and reduce potential wear and tear on individual visitor sites. Our ship, the MS National Geographic Islander, negotiated new routes early and has an excellent new itinerary. The Islander also secured permission to commence the new sailings early and we've already experienced the itinerary at first hand in 2011, so we know how good it is! We now visit more islands than before and include Genovesa, widely recognised as one of the highlights of the archipelago and home to red-footed boobies and great frigate birds, as well as yellow-crowned night herons, swallow-tail and lava gulls, Nasca boobies, storm petrels and short-eared owls!

2013 Tour Dates

20-day tour: Galapagos and Ecuador: 
Thursday 31st October to Tuesday 19th November 2013.

12-day tour: Galapagos and Guayaquil:
Friday 8th November to Tuesday 19th November 2013.

Our 2013 tours are fully booked, but there is always the possibility of a cancellation so please email us and we'll keep you popsted, without obligation.

2014 Tours - Advance Register Now

20-day tour: Galapagos and Ecuador: 
Thursday 16th October to Tuesday 4th November 2014.

12-day tour: Galapagos and Guayaquil:
Friday 24th October to Tuesday 4th November 2014.

20-day tour: Galapagos and Ecuador: 
Thursday 13th November to Tuesday 2nd December 2014.

12-day tour: Galapagos and Guayaquil:
Friday 24th November to Tuesday 2nd December 2014.

Please note, the 7-night Galapagos sailing itinerary shown below is applicable for our 2013 tour and for the October/November 2014 tour. The Galapagos sailing itinerary for our extra November/December 2014 tour will be different. Equally amazing of course, but we'll visit different landing sites and some different islands. Further details will be posted online shortly. In all other respects, these tour itineraries are identical.

Itinerary – 20 days, Galápagos & 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.

Day 1 - Thu, UK to Ecuador
We fly from London Heathrow via Madrid to Quito in Ecuador. Flight connections to Heathrow from numerous UK 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 at the hotel. (D)

Day 2 - Fri, Quito City Tour
A leisurely day in Quito's old town, the first World Heritage City declared by UNESCO. Included is a half-day WALKING TOUR visiting Plaza de la Independencia with its Cathedral, Presidential Palace, and City Hall. Dinner included at the highly renowned Theatrum Restaurant. (B,D)

Day 3 - Sat, Equator
Included half-day excursion to the EQUATOR MONUMENT at La Mitad del Mundo, situated around 20 kms north of Quito. Lunch at EL CRATER RESTAURANT, strategically built on the edge of the Pululahua Volcano! Dinner included at our hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 4 - Sun, Cotopaxi
Excursion included to COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK, a protected area containing one of the world's highest active volcanoes. If we're lucky we'll spot Condors, Ibis and other birds and, possible, the snowy peak of Cotopaxi. We'll lunch at LA CIENEGA, one of the oldest and most splendid colonial style haciendas in Ecuador. Dinner at the Patio Andaluz Hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 5 - Mon, Quito/Cuenca
Some free time in Quito before an early afternoon flight (45 minutes duration) to the beautiful city of Cuenca, for a 4-night stay at the 4-star El Dorado Hotel. Dinner at the hotel. (B,D)

Day 6 - Tue, Cuenca
Included half-day CUENCA CITY TOUR visiting the Panama Hat Company, central market, Modern Art Museum, and the magnificent viewpoint at Turi Hill. Dinner at the magnificent Mansión Alcázar. (B,D)

Day 7 - Wed, Ingapirca
Full day 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 Incapirca's importance. Lunch included at POSADA INGAPIRICA. Dinner included at a secret locaton. (B,L,D)

Day 8 - Thu, Artisans
Included full day excursion to the GUALACEO region, an area famous for IKAT weaving, textiles, hat and basket making, pottery, embroidery and jewellery. Today's excursion includes a visit to a local market and a leisurely lunch at the stunning Hosteria Ushupud. Dinner included at another secret location! (B,L,D)

Day 9 - Fri, Cuenca to Guayaquil
Departing Cuenca we enjoy a spectacular drive through cloud and rain forest down to agricultural plains. 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. Picnic lunch on route. In Guayaquil we stay at the 5-star Hilton Colon Hotel for 2 nights. Here, we'll meet up with guests arriving for the 12-day holiday. (B,L,D)

Days 10 to 20
As per the Galápagos 12-day itinerary from 'day two' onwards, see below.

Itinerary – 12 days, Galápagos & 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. 

Day 1 - Fri, UK to Ecuador
We fly from London Heathrow via Madrid to Guayaquil in Ecuador. UK connections to Heathrow 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)

Day 2 - Sat, Guayaquil
Buffet breakfast before our included half-day GUAYAQUIL CITY TOUR, featuring visits to the impressive Malecón Riverfront, the Rotunda Monument, Cathedral and to Las Peñas, Guayaquil's oldest neighbourhood. Free afternoon. Dinner included at the hotel. (B,D)
 

Day 3 - Sun, Guayaquil to Galápagos
A 90-minute flight to San Cristóbal in the Galápagos to embark the National Geographic Islander. Lunch on board as we sail to CERRO BRUJO for our first landing, a beautiful white sandy beach, home to sea lions, blue-footed boobies, waders and marine iguanas. (B,L,D)

Day 4 - Mon, Española
A leisurely morning on GARDNER BEACH to swim, walk or simply relax. Snorkelling and kayak opportunities too. 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, hopefully, the waved ­albatross, exclusive to this island. (B,L,D)

Day 5 - Tue, Floreana
We visit CHAMPION ISLAND to search for the Floreana mocking bird and land at PUNTA CORMORANT to search for flamingos, pintail ducks and ­various shorebirds. We walk to a lovely white sand beach, a favourite nesting site for sea turtles. This afternoon we visit historic POST OFFICE BAY. (B,L,D)

Day 6 - Wed, Santa Cruz
This morning we visit the CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH CENTRE to learn about the highly successful Giant Tortoise captive breeding programmes. We'll hopefully see "Lonesome Goerge" too! Later, we'll travel up to the central highlands to search for Giant Tortoises in the wild. Lunch is included at EL CHATO RESERVE and we also have an opportunity to walk through a LAVA TUNNEL. (B,L,D)

Day 7 - Thu, South Plaza and Santa Fe
The island of SOUTH PLAZA boasts a healthy population of endemic Galapagos Land Iguanas, plus a wonderful collection of seabirds including swallow-tailed gulls, red-billed tropic birds, and frigates. This afternoon we drop anchor at SANTA FE for walking, snorkeling and kayaking activities. (B,L,D)

Day 8 - Fri, Santiago
We visit SOMBRERO CHINO this morning, a small volcanic cinder cone islet with a crown like a Chinese hat, hence the name. Our visit provides an excellent ­opportunity for the interpretation of ­geological features such as lava tubes and lava flows, and we also hope to see marine ­iguanas, sea lions, sally ­lightfoot crabs, and penguins. Our afternoon landing, SULLIVAN BAY, is also of great ­geological interest. The area is covered by undulating Pahoehoe lava flows, formed by the movement of fluid lava under a ­congealing surface crust. (B,L,D)

Day 9 - Sat, Genovesa
The island of GENOVESA is one of the most ­spectacular in the Galápagos Archipelago. This morning we land at DARWIN BAY and along our trail we hope to see yellow-crowned night herons, pintail ducks, ­swallow-tailed and lava gulls, great frigate birds and red-footed and Nazca boobies. This afternoon we take a zodiac ride to spot for reclusive fur seals and then make a landing at PRINCE PHILIP'S STEPS for an inland trail through a palo santo forest to see red-footed and Nazca boobies, storm petrels and, hopefully, elusive short-eared owls. (B,L,D)

Day 10 - Sun, 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)

Day 11 - Mon, Depart Guayaquil
Enjoy a free day in Guayaquil before our mid-evening flight departure. Afternoon tea is included. (B,L)

Day 12 - Tue, Arrive back in the 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.

Photo credits: Hacienda Antisana © Alan Aikman (guest in 2008), Ingapirca © Ecuador Tourist Board, Galápagos Giant Tortoise © Lindblad, Naturalist and guests © Lindblad, Sea lion and guest © Lindblad.

The MS National Geographic Islander

Privately chartered by Furlongs Travel for the week long voyage in the Galápagos Islands, the MS National Geographic Islander is widely accepted as the best in its class. It offers better facilities, more staff and more living space than smaller yachts, yet it’s nimble and able to visit sites off limits to the bigger vessels.

The ship has the atmosphere of a friendly country house hotel. Maximum capacity is 47 guests in 24 outside cabins. Accommodation is spacious, cabins featuring two lower single beds, most of which can convert to a double. Each cabin has private facilities of shower, toilet and wash basin, a window and individual ­climate controls. Cabins feature quality fabrics and bedding, and fine furniture and fittings. Cabins 305 and 306 have a sofa bed and can accommodate 3 people. Cabins on the upper deck, 401 to 408, each have a private glassed-in terrace with additional seating.

The Islander is air-conditioned, has a lounge with facilities for films and lectures, a bar, library, ­covered and outside decks, and a small gift shop. Meals are served in one seating in the restaurant and menus are international with an Ecuadorian flair. The standard of food and service is excellent.

Special features on board include rigid Zodiac landing craft, kayaks, snorkelling gear, guest e-mail station, video ­microscope and underwater camera. A ship’s doctor, a masseuse, a Video Chronicler and an Undersea Specialist will be on board.  

The Islander has three cabin decks - main, bridge and upper.  More detailed cabin information is shown below.

Detailed Cabin Information

Main Deck, Cabins 201 to 210

Cabins 201 to 206: Window overlooks exterior corridor. 2 single beds (will convert to a double). 9 inch clearance under each bed for luggage storage. Large double closet with large mirror on the outside. 3 shelves with storage cabinet below. Desk and chair. Corner shelf. Cabin size: 124 sq ft.

Cabins 207 to 210: Window overlooks interior corridor to exterior windows. 2 single beds (will convert to a double). 9 inch clearance under each bed for luggage storage. Large double closet with large mirror on the outside. 3 shelves with storage cabinet below. Desk and chair. Corner shelf. Cabin size: 124 sq ft.

Bridge Deck, Cabins 301 to 306

Cabins 301 and 302: Window overlooks interior corridor to exterior windows. 2 single beds (cannot convert to a double). 9 inch clearance under each bed for luggage storage. Large double closet with large mirror on the outside. 3 shelves with storage cabinet below. Desk and chair. Corner shelf. Cabin size: 111 sq ft.

Cabin 303: Window overlooks email station / interior corridor to exterior windows. 2 single beds (will convert to a double). 9 inch clearance under each bed for luggage storage. Large double closet with large mirror on the outside. 3 shelves with storage cabinet below. Desk with 4 drawers, wide shelf overhead and chair. 2 bedside tables with 3 drawers. Large shelf. Cabin size: 128 sq ft.

Cabin 304: Window overlooks library / interior corridor to exterior windows. 2 single beds (will convert to a double). 9 inch clearance under each bed for luggage storage. Large double closet with large mirror on the outside. 3 shelves with storage cabinet below. Desk with 4 drawers, wide shelf overhead and chair. 2 bedside tables with 3 drawers. Large shelf. Cabin size: 128 sq ft.

Cabin 305: Window overlooks email station / interior corridor to exterior windows. 2 single beds (will convert to a double). 9 inch clearance under each bed for luggage storage. Sofa bed. Large double closet with large mirror on the outside. 3 shelves with storage cabinet below. Desk with 4 drawers, wide shelf overhead and chair. 2 bedside tables with 3 drawers. Large shelf. Cabin size: 142 sq ft.

Cabin 306: Window overlooks library / interior corridor to exterior windows. 2 single beds (will convert to a double). 9 inch clearance under each bed for luggage storage. Sofa bed. Large double closet with large mirror on the outside. 3 shelves with storage cabinet below. Desk with 4 drawers, wide shelf overhead and chair. 2 bedside tables with 3 drawers. Large shelf. Cabin size: 142 sq ft.

Upper Deck, Cabins 403 to 408

Cabins 403 and 404: Window. Double bed. 9 inch clearance under bed for luggage storage. Large double closet with large mirror on the outside. 3 shelves with storage cabinet below. Desk with 4 drawers, wide shelf overhead and chair. Bedside table with 3 drawers. Large shelf. Glassed-in terrace with seating. Cabin size: 114 sq ft plus terrace area.

Cabins 405 to 408: Window. 2 single beds (will convert to a double). 9 inch clearance under bed for luggage storage. Large double closet with large mirror on the outside. 3 shelves with storage cabinet below. Desk with 4 drawers, wide shelf overhead and chair. Bedside table with 3 drawers. Large shelf. Glassed-in terrace with seating. Cabin size: 126 sq ft plus terrace area.

Upper Deck, Cabins 401 to 402

At approximately 200 sq ft (plus terrace), cabins 401 and 402 are the largest onboard. They have wrap around windows looking forward and to the side and feature a small glassed-in terrace with seating. Both cabins feature two lower single beds which can convert to a double (the beds are slighter narrower than other singles / doubles but perfectly adequate!). There is no clearance under the bed for storage but there are storage cabinets under the windows. Cabins 401 and 402 boast a large shower, plus washbasin and WC. Large triple closet with large mirror on the outside. Table with chairs. Desk and chair. 2 bedside tables with 4 drawers. Wide shelf around the window. Cabin size: 199 sq ft plus terrace area.  

Our hand-picked Ecuador hotels

The 12-day escorted tour of Galápagos and Ecuador includes accommodation at the 5-star Hilton Colon Hotel in Ecuador's coastal city of Guayaquil. The 20-day tour features the Hilton Colon in Guayaquil, plus the Patio Andaluz Hotel in Quito and the El Dorado Hotel in Cuenca. 

Guayaquil

The 5-star Hilton Colón is located in Guayaquil's booming shopping and business centre, just a short drive to the downtown area and Guayaquil airport. The Hilton Colón is a large, modern hotel with nearly 300 en-suite bedrooms, a choice of restaurants and bars, a large outdoor swimming pool and fully equipped Health Club. All bedrooms have air conditioning with individual control, plasma TVs, desk, answer machine, broadband and wireless internet, hair dryer, mini bar, and safe deposit box. A fully equipped Business Centre offers Internet access for a small charge. The Hilton Colón offers a comfortable and relaxing stay before and after our Galápagos visit.

Quito

Our personal favourite in Quito is the Hotel Patio Andaluz located in the heart of the historic old town district called “Quito Antiguo”. This area was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978 and features many churches, museums and national monuments. The hotel building is an official National Treasure and was part of the original buildings that constituted the city of San Francisco de Quito at the time of its foundation. The Patio Andaluz now has around 30 bedrooms, each with private facilities. Rooms are located on the ground, first and second floors and most face into patios and courtyards. The hotel restaurant is on a ground floor courtyard, and there is also a bar and a small library with complimentary tea and coffee. There is one computer for guest use with (rather slow) Internet. You will enjoy the character of this 'boutique style' hotel.

Cuenca

The El Dorado Hotel in Cuenca is perfectly situated right in the centre of the city and offers comfortable accommodations, great food and excellent service. Bedrooms all have private bathrooms with bath tub or shower, washbasin and WC. The ground floor restaurant provides an excellent hot and cold buffet breakfast, plus optional lunch and dinner service. Our private dinners are held in a spacious first-floor banquet room. The hotel has a complimentary Internet service with 2 or 3 computers and relatively speedy Internet, plus free Wi-Fi throughout most of the property. There is also a small Spa and Fitness Centre with a sauna and cardio-vascular equipment.

SAVE £500 per couple NOW!

Subject to availability, you may save £500 per couple (or £250 per person if booking a single) from the advertised prices shown below!

What's Included

Hidden extras can add literally hundreds of pounds to your holiday costs so due diligence is a very good idea. Our inclusive pricing covers just about everything you need plus some things you won't expect. Uniquely, we include the $100 per person Galapagos National Park fees, the Immigration Transit charges and ALL TIPS, including the expected tips for the ship crew. There's no charge for snorkeling or kayak equipment and we include ALL landings in Galápagos and a comprehensive excursion programme in Ecuador. Given our choice of superior hotels and restaurants, our privately chartered first-class ship, English commentary throughout, and Richard and Dawn Furlong looking after you almost door-to-door, you are in very good hands.

Holiday costs, shown below, are dependent upon tour duration and choice of ship cabin. 

The 12-day escorted tour includes ...

• Flights from Heathrow to Ecuador and return in economy class.
• Flights Ecuador to Galápagos and return in economy class.
• 3-night hotel stay in Guayaquil with breakfasts and dinners.
• Guayaquil half-day City Tour.
• 7-night Galápagos ­voyage on board the MS National Geographic Islander.
• Landings with Expedition leader and Naturalist guides.
• National Park fees. **
• Galápagos Transit Card.  **
• Tea/Coffee, fruit, biscuits and snacks on board.
• Breakfasts, lunches, dinners on board.
• All soft drinks on board.
• Use of kayaks and snorkelling equipment.
• Port charges. **
• All transfers.
• Current airport and prepaid air taxes. **
• Tips and Gratuities (including ship crew).
• Comprehensive travel tickets.
• Personally escorted by the Furlongs Travel proprietors.

Flights included are scheduled services in economy class. Business class upgrades, at extra cost, are subject to availability.

The 20-day escorted tour includes ...

• Flights from Heathrow to Ecuador and return in economy class.
• Flight from Quito to Cuenca in economy class.
• Flights Ecuador to Galápagos and return in economy class.
• 4-nights hotel in Quito.
• 4-nights hotel in Cuenca.
• 3-nights hotel in Guayaquil.
• Breakfasts and dinners in Ecuador.
• 4 lunches in Ecuador.
• Quito half-day City Tour.
• Cuenca half-day City Tour.
• Guayaquil half-day City Tour.
• Equator Monument day excursion.
• Cotopaxi full day excursion.
• Ingapirca full day excursion.
• Gualaceo full day excursion.
• 7-night Galápagos voyage on board the MS National Geographic Islander.
• Landings with Expedition leader and Naturalist guides.
• National Park fees. **
• Galápagos Transit Card. **
• Tea/Coffee, fruit, biscuits and snacks on board.
• Breakfasts, lunches, dinners on board.
• All soft drinks on board.
• Use of kayaks and snorkelling equipment.
• Port charges. **
• All transfers.
• Current airport and prepaid air taxes. **
• Tips and Gratuities (including ship crew).
• Comprehensive travel tickets.
• Personally escorted by the Furlongs Travel proprietors.

Flights included are scheduled services in economy class. Business class upgrades, at extra cost, are subject to availability. ** Galápagos National Park fees are set by the Ecuadorian authorities. The current rate of US$100 per person is INCLUDED in your tour cost. With regret, we must pass on any subsequent increase in park and transit fees, port charges, airport or flight taxes.

12-Day Tour Prices for 2013

Main Deck Cabins 
201-202: £5,098 per person in twin, £6,799 sole occupancy.
203-206: £5,425 per person in twin, £7,258 sole occupancy.
207-210: £5,556 per person in twin, £7,519 sole occupancy.

Bridge Deck Cabins
301-302: £5,818 per person in twin, £7,895 sole occupancy.
303-304: £5,949 per person in twin.
305-306: £6,276 per person in twin.

Upper Deck Cabins
403-404: £6,341 per person in twin.
405-408: £6,473 per person in twin.
401-402: £6,734 per person in twin.

20-Day Tour Prices for 2013

Main Deck Cabins
201-202: £5,948 per person in twin, £7,914 sole occupancy.
203-206: £6,276 per person in twin, £8,372 sole occupancy.
207-210: £6,407 per person in twin, £8,633 sole occupancy.

Bridge Deck Cabins
301-302: £6,668 per person in twin, £9,009 sole occupancy.
303-304: £6,799 per person in twin.
305-306: £7,127 per person in twin.

Upper Deck Cabins
403-404: £7,192 per person in twin.
405-408: £7,323 per person in twin.
401-402: £7,585 per person in twin.

Save £500 per couple, subject to availability *

Subject to availability, you may SAVE £500 per couple from the prices shown above (*or £250 per person if booking single accommodation). Please note, however, we have strictly limited spaces for this tour.

2014 Advance Registration

While final holiday details for the October/November 2014 tour won’t be fixed until late 2013, we recommend you advance register if you’re potentially interested in joining us. Our tours often sell out well in advance so its best to secure your place as early as possible. Simply email, telephone or register online and we’ll hold your places as a priority. We'll happily reserve your preferred cabin number subject to availability. A £50 per person refundable deposit is payable to hold your place. When final tour details and prices are circulated you decide whether you wish to confirm your booking. You may cancel at any time during the advance registration period and you will receive a full refund of your deposit. In the meantime your payment is fully protected by our ATOL, number 3710. Advance registration is an easy way to secure tour places without obligation or financial risk. To advance register now, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

This A-to-Z section gives you useful travel information including health advice, passport requirements and details of our airport services. More detailed "advance holiday information" is provided to all guests prior to travel. If you have any questions not covered here, please don't hesitate to contact us. Richard and Dawn will be delighted to pass on their first hand knowledge.

Departure service

For this tour you may join us at London Heathrow or at our office near Tenterden in Kent. We will operate a complimentary private coach transfer from our office to Heathrow at the beginning of the holiday, and from Heathrow Airport back to our office at the end of the holiday. You may park your car at our office for the duration of the holiday (parking at no cost but at your own risk). Coach transfer times will be confirmed once the flight schedule is finalised (see Heathrow hotel option, below).

Deposit and Payment Terms: 2013 Tour

For the 2013 Galapagos tour an initial deposit of £1,000 per person is payable when you first make a reservation. A second deposit of £1,000 per person is payable on 1st March 2013. If you book on or after 1st March 2013, the combined deposit of £2,000 per person is payable. The holiday balance is due 90 days prior to departure. If you make a booking 90 days or less before departure the full holiday cost is payable at the time of booking.

Deposit and Payment Terms: 2014 Tour

If you wish to advance register for the 2014 Galapagos tour, the registration deposit is £50 per person. This is fully refundable at any stage and you are under no obligation when you advance register. When final tour details are circulated (probably in December 2013) you may confirm your place or cancel and receive a full refund. 

Financial Protection

These flight-inclusive tours are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you make a booking and pay your first deposit or the full amount, you will be supplied with a Booking Confirmation and an ATOL Certificate*. Please check to ensure that everything you booked is listed on these documents. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking. For further information visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk. * ATOL Certificates became a legal requirement for bookings made as and from 1st October 2012 and therefore if you booked prior to this date a certificate is not applicable. However, you still enjoy the same financial protection! For further details about ATOL Certificates please visit www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate.

Flights

Included are economy class scheduled flights with Iberia Airlines from London Heathrow. Connections from other UK airports to Heathrow may be possible, please enquire for further details. Business Class upgrades may also be available subject to extra cost, please ask for details. Flights transit via Madrid not the USA. Our typical Heathrow flight schedule ...

• Departs Heathrow at 06.20 hrs.
• Returns to Heathrow at 16.45 hrs.

Health / Altitude

A trip to the Galápagos is an active holiday that calls for good health. Some of the shore ­excursions involve walking on rocky trails and sometimes on uneven and slippery terrain. However, ­options will be offered such as a choice of easy or more strenuous walks.

The 12-day holiday itinerary visits the coastal city of Guayaquil and the Galápagos Islands, i.e. essentially at sea level apart from a brief flight touchdown in Quito enroute to Guayaquil on day one. The 20-day itinerary includes a hotel stay in Quito (2,850 m), and in Cuenca (2,500 m), and visits various destinations from sea level to over 4,000 m in altitude. Naturally we don't rush to higher altitudes. We deliberately take things easy and acclimatise. 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.

Please consult your GP or local travel clinic for appropriate health information and vaccination advice for Ecuador and Galápagos. Our local clinic ­recommends immunisations/boosters for Tetanus, Diphtheria, Hepatitis A and Typhoid, with low to no risk precautions for Malaria, but please remember we are a travel company and not experts in health advice so we recommend you consult your local GP or health clinic, show them the holiday brochure and indicate the places you will be visiting. Your GP is most familiar with your personal medical history and is best qualified to determine your particular needs.

For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you may care to visit the websites of the NaTHNaC (National Travel Health Network and Centre) and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office website http://www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo also publishes essential travel tips and up-to-date information about travelling abroad. You may 'phone them on 0870 6060290.

Heathrow hotel option

On the day of departure our flight is scheduled to take-off from London Heathrow at 6.20am. This means an early check-in and guests may prefer to travel to Heathrow and stay at an airport hotel the night before departure. We therefore negotiate a special rate for accommodation, usually at the Premier Inn, Bath Road. This recent build 3-star hotel offers modern and spacious accommodations and is conveniently situated immediately adjacent to the airport. Bedrooms are double or twin bedded and also available for sole occupancy. All rooms have private bathroom facilities, hair dryer, a tea/coffee maker, and TV/radio. There is a hotel restaurant for dinner and a bar for drinks and snacks. We include a private coach transfer from the Premier Inn to the airport terminal on the morning of departure. This coach will be exclusively for our holiday group and will be provided by Furlongs Travel on a complimentary basis.

Insurance

It is a condition of booking that you have comprehensive and adequate travel insurance for this tour. We recommend "Holiday Extras Travel Insurance" which is underwritten by Mapfre, but 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 click here.

Meals

On board the MS Islander, breakfasts and lunches are buffet style, and evening meals are served with a choice of menu. In our Ecuador hotels, breakfasts will be buffet style and our dinners and any lunches included will be a buffet or a served menu. We are happy to provide vegetarian meals and can cater for most special dietary requirements if you let us know well in advance.

Money

The local currency in Ecuador is the US dollar. Major credit cards are useful in mainland Ecuador for paying hotel sundries and for shopping at larger stores. Otherwise, use US dollars in small denominations. There are ATM machines (MasterCard, Maestro and Visa) in Guayaquil, Cuenca and Quito. If you plan to use an ATM machine, please check with your bank to find out if your card can be used ­overseas. While in the Galápagos, it is ­convenient to have US dollars in small denominations for miscellaneous purchases, though shopping opportunities are limited. Furlongs Travel offer a commission free currency service for US dollars and full details will be circulated to all guests. 

Passports and Visas

To visit Ecuador as a tourist all you need is a valid passport, a return flight ticket, and proof of sufficient funds during your stay. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months after your return date. On arrival in Ecuador, authorities issue a free Tourist Visa valid for the length of your holiday. You are given a copy of the visa form on entry and this should be kept safely because it is needed when you leave Ecuador.

For travel to the Galápagos Islands each visitor must pay Galápagos National Park fees and requires a Transit Card. Unlike most tour operators, there is no need for you to budget this separately because it is included in our prices.  We organise Galápagos National Park entries in advance and your Transit Cards will be handed to you on the day we fly from Ecuador mainland to the islands. 

Singles/Twin Shares

Cabins and hotel rooms for sole occupancy are subject to availability and applicable tour prices. If you are travelling alone but happy to share twin accommodation we will be delighted to try to find you a sharer. Please contact us, we often have guests looking to share. The majority of the extra price for single occupancy is the cost of the ship cabin so another suggestion is to share a twin cabin on board ship, but enjoy single rooms at the hotels. If this interests you, please ask for more details.

Terms and Conditions

Reservations are subject to our standard terms and conditions.

Water

Tap water is treated and deemed safe to drink in Ecuador, but we recommend you drink bottled water at all times. Drinking water on the MS Islander is produced on board ship and considered perfectly safe.