Discover the Galapagos Islands on a Unique Cruise with Discover.Travel Group

Oct. 21, 2009 - PRLog -- Thrust from the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, the combination of varied landscapes and accessible, curious wildlife create an unparalleled environment for those who love nature — the Galapagos Islands. Set against a contrasting landscape of deserts, lush highland forests, lava fields and beautiful beaches, travelers who are cruising the Galapagos Islands with Intelligent Leisure Solutions and the Discover.Travel Group on the M/V Evolution find themselves just inches away from giant tortoises, comical blue-footed boobies, sea lions, penguins or iguanas. The rich environment of Galapagos is home to the most prolific indigenous populations of land mammals, birds and marine life in the world.
With this luxury cruise, you have the perfect way to explore: aboard the 32-guest Evolution. She is the ideal ship, with spacious cabins and public areas — highly comfortable and intimate at the same time.
Blessed with ample time to explore the islands in a variety of ways, you’ll be amazed at all that you see and learn on this fascinating adventure.

Intelligent Leisure Solutions and the Discover.Travel Group and the M/V Evolution created this unique cruise itinerary to the most varied and beautiful islands of the Galapagos archipelago in Ecuador:

Day 1 Fly to Guayaquil and transfer to our hotel. (Meals provided during flights)
Day 2 Fly to the Galapagos Islands and board the M/V Evolution. Sail out to Kicker Rock before visiting Cerro Brujo, where we’ll likely see blue-footed boobies, yellow warblers and finches. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
Day 3 Wade ashore to Punta Suarez through a sea lion colony. Walk along the cliffs looking for Galapagos doves, Galapagos hawks, Hood mockingbirds and the red-colored race of marine iguana en route to Española’s blowhole, where waves spout 90 feet into the air. In the afternoon, we can swim and snorkel in Gardner Bay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
Day 4 Learn about the vital work being done to study and preserve wildlife at the Charles Darwin Research Station before heading into the lush forested highlands to look for giant tortoises. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
Day 5 Santiago is an excellent place to spot finches, doves, hawks, iguanas and sea lions. In the afternoon visit Bartolomé Island, with a panorama of lava flows, neighboring islands and the jagged Pinnacle Rock. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
Day 6 Genovesa Island contains one of the most diverse bird populations in the Galapagos, including red-footed boobies and short-eared owls. We climb Prince Philip’s Steps before visiting Darwin Bay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
Day 7 Explore the lava fields of Punta Espinosa, where we are apt to spot flightless cormorants. Sail to Isabela Island and explore Tagus Cove, then enjoy a view of Darwin’s Lake or a panga ride along the cliffs. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
Day 8 Visit North Seymour Island, a good nesting site for frigatebirds. Blue-footed boobies perform their comical courtship dance in the open areas. We take a panga ride through Black Turtle Cove, drifting silently through this area of mangroves. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner aboard the Evolution. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
Day 9 We return to San Cristóbal, and visit the Interpretation Center. Fly to Guayaquil, with time to relax. (Breakfast, Lunch provided during flights)
Day 10 Fly to the U.S. and connect with flights home. (Breakfast, Lunch provided during flights)

For this 10-day Galapagos Voyage Intelligent Leisure Solutions and the Discover.Travel Group have selected the M/V Evolution, a fine way to explore this archipelago that is so rich in wildlife. Accommodating just 32 guests, the Evolution has ample public space and plenty of comfort. There is an observation deck, a canopied bar on the roof deck and an infirmary. Two-person kayaks also are available and a doctor is aboard on every voyage. Meals are served in one seating in the dining room, and weather permitting, there may be one or more meals served outdoors.
Because there is an “open bridge” policy, the Discover.Travel Group’s clients are welcome to visit the captain and crew and learn all about the ship’s operation and navigation. Each day the naturalist guides will give talks and briefings on the day’s events and about the natural and human history of the Galapagos. They will help travelers understand the context of what they have seen and help prepare them for the next day’s activities.

Luxury Travel Packages for this Galapagos Cruise booked through Intelligent Leisure Solutions and the Discover.Travel Group include: Galapagos National Park tax and transit fees, accommodations, meals as indicated, transportation by land and ship, guides, transfers for group flights, and tips to porters and to waiters for included meals.
Confirmed 2009 departure dates are: October 23rd 2009, November 20th 2009 and December 18th 2009.
As a Special Offer, ILS3 and the Discover.Travel Group give a discount on the cruise value for the October and November 2009 departures: Save US$ 1.100 per person when booking your unforgettable luxury Galapagos Cruise!

For the M/V Evolution’s Galapagos Cruise Departures 2010 and further information on additional travel destinations, services, hotels and contact with a specialized travel consultant please visit the Discover.Travel Group’s websites http://www.Discover.Travel, http://www.DiscoverBrazil.com, www.DiscoverSouthAmerica.Travel and http://www.DiscoverCentralAmerica.Travel.

Recent accomplishments by Intelligent Leisure Solutions and the Discover.Travel Group:
•         2008 Ulysses Award for Innovation in Tourism Enterprises from the UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization),
•         World Travel Award 2008 for South America’s Leading Travel Management Company,
•         World Travel Award 2008 for Central America’s Leading Travel Agency,
•         Managing Partner Robert Phillips was elected ASTA Chapter President for Brazil.
•         Selected by the Brazilian Ministry of Tourism as an Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization.  
•         Authenticated by the Tralliance Corporation and the .Travel Registry.

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For information on travel destinations and contact with a specialized travel consultant visit the Discover.Travel Group’s websites www.Discover.Travel, www.DiscoverBrazil.com, www.DiscoverSouthAmerica.Travel and www.DiscoverCentralAmerica.Travel.