People ask is A&K the same company as Abercrombie and Kent? The answer is yes. Geoffrey Kent founded Abercrombie and Kent in Africa in 1962. The Kent family introduced luxury African Safari travel then over the years then expanded to all seven continents. A&K now offers luxury Expedition Cruising, Private Jet Travel Around the World, outstanding African expeditions to the last Continent of Antarctica. Pavlus Travel is a leader in providing the lowest prices for all A & K travel Worldwide travel be it a Tanzania Safari or any of their luxury European tours.
Day 1 - Guayaquil, Ecuador
Arrive in Guayaquil, where you are met and transferred to
your hotel.
Day 2 - The Galápagos
Fly to Baltra in the remote Galápagos Islands, a haven for
the diversity of wildlife that first led naturalist Charles
Darwin to propose that species evolved in response to
their environment. You are met by your naturalist guide
and escorted to ‘La Pinta,’ your home for a six-night cruise
through the Galápagos’ western islands, a route that offers
a higher number of endemic species than other island
groupings. After an introductory briefing followed by
lunch, cruise to North Seymour Island for your first shore
excursion. Walk along the coast and the interior of this beautiful flat island, observing numerous bird colonies as
well as sea lion and land iguana. You may also opt to explore
just offshore by dinghy. This evening, return to ‘La Pinta’
for a welcome cocktail and dinner. Each evening, your
time is your own: Attend a lecture presented by one of your
affable guides, who recaps the day and gives a sneak peek at
tomorrow’s itinerary; explore the mysteries of the night sky
with a fascinating astronomy talk; peruse the ship’s library
for further insight into a species you encountered; or gather
in the lounge to cap off a day of extraordinary discoveries.
Drift asleep in your air-conditioned cabin to the rise and fall
of gentle ocean swells.
Day 3 - The Galápagos
Today, begin at Isabela Island (Punta Vicente Roca). Since there
is no landing site at this location, explore the coast by skiff
while your naturalist guide explains the dramatic geology of
the area, such as the remains of lava flows and tuff rock layers.
Watch for the island’s abundant wildlife and snorkel along
the cliffs, possibly in the company of a green sea turtle. This
afternoon, visit the youngest and most pristine island of the
archipelago, Fernandina (Punta Espinoza), to go ashore and
view its combination of barrenness and abundant wildlife.
Watch for species such as hawk, penguin and flightless
cormorant as you take in the astounding views of the
surrounding volcanic landscapes.
Day 4 - The Galápagos
Disembark at Urbina Bay, on the western side of Isabela
Island, to view corals, shells and large, colorful Galápagos
land iguana. You may also sight giant tortoise further inland.
Cruise up to secluded Tagus Cove on the island’s northwest coast, once a favorite anchorage for pirates and whalers. Go
ashore for a hike to saltwater-filled Darwin Crater. Opt to
snorkel or kayak if you wish before your hike. Return to the
ship for a Scenic Sundowner and dinner.
Day 5 - The Galápagos
Go ashore on Rábida Island’s beach to view marine iguana,
mockingbird, yellow warbler and several species of Darwin’s
finch. This is a great place to snorkel from the beach.
Non-snorkelers may opt to explore via glass-bottom boat.
Proceed to the north shore of Santa Cruz Island to view the fascinating landscapes of Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill). Circle
a lagoon frequented by sea birds, such as red-footed booby,
and trek inland to sight land iguana.
Day 6 - The Galápagos
Continue your explorations on Santa Cruz with a visit to
Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station. Get
up close to the examples of giant tortoise living on site in
a prickly pear cactus forest. Learn from about their latest
conservation efforts, and then head to the highlands for
lunch. Afterward, view the exuberant vegetation where giant tortoise roam in the wild, perhaps spotting one of the iconic,
lumbering reptiles yourself.
Day 7 - The Galápagos
After breakfast, Ride like a Local by panga (small boat) along
channels on the north shore of Floreana Island, continuing to
Baroness Cove with its breathtaking views. Then, land at Post
Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has been serving
as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries.
Return to the ship to proceed to Punta Cormorant. Before
disembarking, snorkel or ride by glass-bottom boat, viewing
life beneath the waves. Cruise along the coast of an extinct
volcanic cone called Champion Islet. Later, go ashore at
Punta Cormorant for an easy walk beside a brackish water
lagoon where the greater flamingo may be observed. Venture
to the other side of the island to find a white-sand beach
where sea turtle come to nest at night.
Day 8 - Guayaquil
Disembark in Baltra and fly back to Guayaquil. Enjoy time
to relax before gathering for a Chef's Table Experience in the
form of a cocktail class before a farewell dinner at your hotel’s
restaurant.
Day 9 - Guayaquil
After breakfast, transfer to the
airport to board your flight home.