Escorted Tours 2022-23 Brochure - Mercury Holidays

Congress of Blue-footed Boobies Day 1: UK to Quito Depart the UK on your flight to Quito, via Bogota, Colombia. Day 2: Quito On arrival in Quito, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Take in the breath-taking mountain backdrop of the highest capital city in the world as you enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Day 3: Quito B/L Tour Quito’s well-preserved old town, experience the colonial charm of the buildings which line Independence Square and wander the churches of La Compañia and San Francisco, before taking in the views from Panecillo Hill. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure or take an optional trip to the equator monument. Day 4: Quito to Galapagos Islands B/L/D (San Cristobal Island) Fly to the Galapagos Islands for four nights of cruising around this archipelago, known for its unrivalled number of endemic animal species. An afternoon excursion takes you to the Galapagos Interpretation Centre, where you will learn more about the islands’ history. A walk up nearby Tijeretas Hill offers magnificent views. Return to the yacht for the night. Day 5: Galapagos Islands B/L/D (Española Island) Visit the white coral beaches of Española Island and watch the sea lions, marine iguanas and birds on the shore. Swim or snorkel in these warm waters for the chance to spot manta rays, reef sharks and other marine life. In the afternoon, spot endemic wildlife on a hike to Suarez Point and “Soplador”, a seaward blowhole. Return to the yacht for the night. Day 6: Galapagos Islands B/L/D (Floreana Island) Visit Floreana Island, where a wooden barrel installed in the 1700s serves as an informal post office. Drop off a postcard in the hopes that some other traveller will deliver it to its destination, then enjoy a morning of swimming and snorkelling on the beach. This afternoon, hike to a flamingo-filled lagoon and a large sea turtle nesting site. Return to the beach for some swimming and snorkelling before boarding the yacht again. Day 7: Galapagos Islands B/L/D (Santa Cruz Island) Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn more about its giant tortoise breeding program then wander the town of Puerto Ayora and shop for souvenirs. A drive through the surrounding highlands takes you from the coast to dense, humid forests, giving you ample opportunity to spot wildlife and birds. Later, visit the stunning sand cove of Ballena Bay for time to relax on the beach. Day 8: Galapagos Islands to Guayaquil B This morning transfer for your flight to Guayaquil. Day 9: Guayaquil B Tour the picturesque port city of Guayaquil, strolling along the Malecon 2000 boardwalk to the colourful hillside neighbourhood of Las Peñas. Continue on to Parque Bolivar, known locally as Iguana Park for the many iguanas that bask on its lawns. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure or take an optional excursion to Parque Historico, a thematic open-air park. Day 10: Guayaquil to the UK B Enjoy a free morning before transferring for your overnight return flight, via Bogota, or continue on to your chosen extension. Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands Tour highlights ✔ Fascinating tours of Quito and the picturesque port city of Guayaquil ✔ Embark on a cruise through the spectacular Galapagos Islands ✔ Enjoy snorkelling trips to swim with sea life ✔ On-land excursions to observe the Islands’ flora and fauna ✔ Visit Darwin Lake and the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre Tour includes • 8 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 4 dinners • 4 H accommodation: Quito-Dann Carlton Hotel, Galapagos- Legend Yacht, Guayaquil-Unipark Hotel • Upgrade to a Junior Suite from £299 • Flights from London Heathrow with Avianca (via Bogota) Tour pace: Challenging Experience the wildlife encounters that inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution as you tour Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Get unusually close to sunbathing iguanas and playful sea lions as your yacht sails the isles of this archipelago. Extend your tour Santa Elena beach stay, 4 nights, 4 H All-Inclusive from £569 Machu Picchu experience, 4 nights, 3 H B&B from £999 < < Galapagos islands Ecuador Quito Guayaquil Santa Elena       Boat Air Cruise Tour Departures & from prices 16 May 22 £4,549 6 Mar 23 £4,399 30 May 22 £4,549 15 May 23 £4,649 22 Aug 22 £4,799 29 May 23 £4,649 5 Sep 22 £4,549 21 Aug 23 £4,879 3 Oct 22 £4,519 4 Sep 23 £4,649 14 Nov 22 £4,489 2 Oct 23 £4,599 9 Jan 23 £4,599 13 Nov 23 £4,499 20 Feb 23 £4,299 • A single supplement starts from just £1,429 South America 120 Visit our website or call 0800 954 9329 for further details