The Galápagos Islands

Transcription

1 The Galápagos Islands A Place Like No Other Aboard the Santa Cruz II March 14 21, 2017 Optional extensions to Quito & the Andean Highlands and Machu Picchu

2 Dear Texas Ex, Follow Darwin s footsteps in the Galápagos Islands, one of the world s greatest ecological wonderlands. Few places on earth offer such close access to wildlife or such unique animal diversity. Explore the volcanic islands varied terrain of lava fields, verdant highland vegetation and sandy beaches. Among these spectacular geological features, we encounter Giant Galápagos tortoises, flocks of frigate birds and Blue-footed Boobies, Darwin s Finches and Galápagos Penguins, colonies of Marine Iguanas and sea lions, along with other fascinating sea life. Your home in the Galápagos Islands is the M/V Santa Cruz II which embarked on its maiden voyage in the fall of 2015, and has been delighting passengers with the beautiful vistas of the enchanted islands. The M/V Santa Cruz II is the ideal expedition ship that combines comfortable cruising with several recreational options. Aboard the vessel, a superb staff of local naturalists offer their knowledge and love of the islands. An optional pre-trip extension in the city of Quito you will discover the country s rich colonial heritage as you stroll its cobblestone streets. Savor the palpable culture and history of the Andean Highlands, a breathtaking land of snow-capped mountains, sweeping plains and small artisan villages. Tour a rose plantation and visit indigenous markets where the customs and rhythm of life have changed little over the centuries. Blue-Footed Booby An optional post-trip extension is available to the mysterious Incan ruins at Machu Picchu; this option includes visits to Cusco, the capital city of the Inca Empire, and the lovely town of Yucay in the Urubamba Valley. Every traveler s participation in the Texas Exes Flying Longhorns travel program helps to further the Association s core purpose: to be an independent voice that champions The University of Texas at Austin and to organize alumni and friends into a formidable network. The Association is recognized as indispensable to the UT family, connecting and engaging supporters with each other and UT. We do so through a wide array of programs among which are scholarships to deserving UT students; student leadership development; and worldwide networking. Please contact Shelley Norton at or , or shelley.norton@texasexes.org with questions or to make a reservation. Or you may fax the reservation form to her at Best regards, Leslie Cedar BS 89, MBA 98 CEO and Executive Director Texas Exes

3 Snorkeling with sea lions Flamingo Hiking across a lava rock beach GalÁpagos Tortoise

4 Marchena PUNTA VICENTE ROCA PUNTA ESPINOZA Fernandina TAGUS COVE URBINA BAY Santiago N Sey Pinzón Giant Tortois Preserve Isabela Marine Iguana POST OFFICE BAY Floreana Daily Itinerary Tuesday, March 14 U.S. / Guayaquil Depart the U.S. on a flight to Guayaquil, Ecuador and transfer to the hotel upon arrival. Hilton Colón Guayaquil (Meals Aloft) Wednesday, March 15 Guayaquil / Galápagos Islands / Baltra Island / North Seymour Island Fly this morning to Baltra Island in the center of the Galápagos Archipelago and board the M/V Santa Cruz II. Welcome introductory briefing and lunch. In the afternoon disembark on North Seymour Island for a great introduction to the Galápagos. This island is full of colonies of Blue-footed Boobies, two species of frigate birds, Swallow Tailed Gulls, as well as sea lions and marine iguanas. In the evening, join the captain for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner. M/V Santa Cruz II (B, L, D) Thursday, March 16 Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela Island) / Fernandina Island This morning, explore Punta Vicente Roca, one of the most fascinating marine sites in the Galápagos. A dinghy ride along the coast provides the opportunity to observe Galápagos Penguins, Flightless Cormorants, green sea turtles, Noddy Terns, Bluefooted Boobies, Magnificent Frigate birds, sea lions and fur seals. The afternoon is dedicated to explore the youngest and most volcanically active islands in the archipelago. Fernandina Island has only indigenous mammals and, is one of the only places on earth to see the Flightless Cormorant. The island is also known for the highest population of marine iguanas. M/V Santa Cruz II (B, L, D) Friday, March 17 Tagus Cove (Isabela Island) / Urbina Bay Morning anchorage at Tagus Cove, once frequented by whalers and pirates. An uphill hike takes us to the dramatic viewpoint to see the beautifully symmetrical Darwin Crater, filled with salt water. Take a dinghy ride to spot wildlife. Conditions permitting, the adventurous among us will snorkel along the cliffs in areas rich in marine life, especially green sea turtles. After lunch disembark at Urbina Bay at the foot of Alcedo Volcano. The area is home to colorful Galápagos land iguanas, Darwin s Finches and occasionally to giant tortoises. M/V Santa Cruz II (B, L, D) Saturday, March 18 Puerto Ayora / Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz Island) Sail to the town of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island to visit the Charles Darwin Research station staffed with international scientists conducting biological research and conservation projects. Observe and photograph the giant tortoises that are part of the breeding program to release them into the wild. This afternoon board our motor coach to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, home of the famous Giant Tortoise Reserve. See these amazing creatures and look for some unique land birds, such as the rare Woodpecker Finch, one of the world s few tool-using species. M/V Santa Cruz II (B, L, D) Sunday, March 19 Post Office Bay (Floreana Island) Visit Post Office Bay where in 1793 British navigators placed a barrel so that mail could be left for guests from other vessels to be hand-delivered to its destination. Explore the north shore of Floreana along narrow channels teeming with life. In the afternoon,

5 Pacific Ocean Flight from Guayaquil, Ecuador orth mour Flight to Guayaquil, Ecuador Baltra Sally Lightfoot Crab e Santa Cruz PUERTO AYORA Santa Fe PUNTA CORMORANT/ CHAMPION ISLET Galápagos Penguin Masked Booby explore the underwater wonders around Champion Islet, an extinct shield volcano, regarded as one of the best snorkeling spots in the archipelago. Disembark at Cormorant Point on an olivine-crystal beach to observe many bird species such as Greater Flamingos, Pintail Ducks, Common Stilts, herons, sandpipers, and others. Snorkeling is also available here just off the beach. M/V Santa Cruz II (B, L, D) Monday, March 20 Baltra Island / Guayaquil After breakfast disembark at Baltra Island and transfer to the airport for a flight back to Guayaquil. Gather tonight for a farewell dinner.* Hilton Colón Guayaquil (B, D) *Passengers have the option of flying home later this evening to Miami and connecting home or flying home the following day (March 21st) to the U.S. The hotel room at the Hilton Colón Guayaquil is included in the program cost for the night of March 20 and passengers may choose to use it until their flight home in the evening or stay the night and depart in the morning on the 21st. Other flight schedules may become available in Tuesday, March 21 Arrive U.S. Arrive in U.S. to catch connecting flights back home. IMPORTANT NOTE: The itinerary and program are subject to change without prior notice, due mainly to adjustments in the policies and regulations of the Galápagos National Park. Pre -Trip Extension to Quito & The Andean Highlands March 11 14, 2017 Visit Quito, one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Latin America and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Drive north through dramatic Andean scenery to the Otavalo market which dates back to pre-incan times. Enjoy lunch at a historic hacienda and tour a rose plantation. Enjoy a city tour of Quito, appreciating its graceful plazas, arcades and beautiful baroque churches. The extension includes three nights accommodations in Quito and a flight from Quito to Guayaquil for the Galápagos cruise. An itinerary will be sent to confirmed travelers. Post-Trip Extension to Machu Picchu March 21 27, 2017 Discover the breathtaking Lost City of the Inca, Machu Picchu. Fly from Guayaquil to Lima, Peru where we will journey to Cusco, the capital city of the Inca Empire. From here transfer to the lovely town of Yucay in Urubamba Valley and overnight in Yucay. The next day take a dramatic train ride to the mystical site of Machu Picchu. Return to Cusco for further exploration of Incan architecture and archeology. This extension includes five nights accommodations and flights to from Lima to Cusco. Airfare from Guayaquil to Lima is not included. An itinerary will be sent to confirmed travelers.

6 Sky Deck EXPEDITION LOUNGE & LIBRARY expedition deck veranda Completely refurbished in 2015, the Santa Cruz II is a 90 passenger expedition vessel, ideally suited to cruising the Galápagos Islands. The ship boasts five spacious decks, with modern interiors with 50 cabins located across three decks: Horizon, Expedition and Panorama decks. Most cabins can accommodate either two twins or one double bed. Horizon Deck Explorer, Expedition Deck Explorer and Panorama Deck Explorer cabins each measure 163 square feet and the Panorama Deck Darwin Suite measures 325 square feet. Many cabins can be interconnected. A limited number of single (127 square feet) and triple cabins (192 square feet) are available. Guests can relax in the beautifully designed communal areas and viewing platforms, two lounge bars, a well-stocked library, two indulgent ocean-view hot tubs and a state of the art gym. Both indoor and outdoor dining options are available. The ship has a medical doctor aboard, with a fully equipped infirmary M/V Santa Cruz II PANORAMA BAR & LOUNGE INFIRMARY OUTDOOR TERRACE Explorer Twin PANORAMA DECK EXPEDITION DECK HORIZON DECK What to Expect This exclusive program for Texas Exes is designed for those who are interested exploring the natural and cultural histories of Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands. The Galápagos Islands are at sea level and temperatures range between the 70s and 90s F in the islands. In the Galápagos, walks are approximately one to two miles long (sometimes over uneven and rocky terrain) at a leisurely pace suitable for wildlife observation. There will be wet landings on many islands. Dinghy rides along the coast and shorter walks are available for participants as an alternative to longer and more challenging excursions. Daily activities vary, but include opportunities for kayaking, swimming and snorkeling, and talks by local naturalist guides. Travel on this program is by regularly scheduled commercial airlines, motor coach, air-conditioned ship, and Zodiac-style dinghies. LAND/CRUISE PROGRAM COSTS (Per person) Deck & Category DOUBLE SINGLE $7,790 Horizon Deck Explorer Twin/Double $9,390 Horizon Deck Voyager* Expedition Deck Explorer Twin/Double $7,990 $8,290 Panorama Deck Explorer Twin/Double $8,840 Panorama Deck Darwin Suite Horizon Deck Triple Occupancy cabin, $7,590 per person. Must be occupied by 3 persons or cost will be higher (Limited availability). *Please call for single occupancy availability. Singles are limited. SAMPLE AIRFARE DALLAS/GUAYAQUIL/DALLAS $738 (Coach Class as of March 2016 and subject to change without notice by the airlines). On the optional pre-trip extension to Quito and the Andean Highlands, Quito has a spring-like climate for most of the year due to its high altitude (9,350 feet). Average temperatures range from around 66 F during the day and 50 F during the evening. The tour has been planned to allow for gradual acclimatization when traveling to the Andean highlands. On the optional post-trip extension to Machu Picchu there is some stair climbing and at many ruins stairs do not have handrails. Travelers to Peru will spend several days at elevations from approximately 7,600 to 11,200 feet. Machu Picchu (7,970 feet) is located in a rainforest so expect some light rains. The average daytime temperature for Cusco and the surrounding area is 68 F. The Machu Picchu extension has been designed to allow for an easier acclimatization by first overnighting in the Urubamba Valley at approximately 8,000 feet. Lima, the capital city of Peru, is at sea level. OPTIONAL PRE-TRIP EXTENSION TO QUITO & THE ANDEAN HIGHLANDS March 11 14, 2017 per person, based on double occupancy $1,425 per person, based on Single Occupancy $1,795 Rates are based on a minimum of 10 guests. Flights from the U.S. to Quito are not included in the price of the extension. OPTIONAL POST-TRIP EXTENSION TO MACHU PICCHU March 21 27, 2017 per person, based on double occupancy $3,145 per person, based on Single Occupancy $3,735 Rates are based on a minimum of 10 guests. Flights from Guayaquil to Lima are not included in the price of the extension. SAMPLE AIRFARE GUAYAQUIL/LIMA $695 (Coach Class as of April 2015 and subject to change).

7 General Information PROGRAM COST INCLUDES: All accommodations as specified in the itinerary a 5-star hotel in Guayaquil; a 6 days/5 nights cruise aboard the deluxe M/V Santa Cruz II Airport/hotel/pier group transfers All meals throughout the Galápagos cruise and meals on the mainland as specified in the itinerary Internal roundtrip airfare to the Galápagos (Guayaquil/ Galápagos/Guayaquil) Galápagos National Park entrance fee Professional English-speaking guides throughout Taxes, service and porterage charges Basic gratuities to local guides and drivers Leadership Coordination and administration. PROGRAM COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: International airfare (quoted separately) Customary shipboard gratuities International departure tax from Ecuador Excess baggage charges Meals not specified in the itinerary Personal items such as wetsuit rental, laundry, fax or telephone calls Alcoholic beverages, dishes or beverages not included with meals Room service Visa and passport fees Individual transfers Medical expenses Travel insurance Optional extensions or deviations from the scheduled tour On the optional Machu Picchu post-trip extension, the flight from Guayaquil to Lima is not included Any increases in the in-tour airfare (included as part of the program cost), airport taxes, Security, or fuel surcharges imposed after the initial pricing of this program are not included Gratuity for the Tour Director is at the passenger s discretion. Reservation Form Enclosed is a deposit for $ ($1,000 deposit per person, plus $200 per person for pre-trip extension to Quito & the Andean Highlands, and/or $200 per person for the Machu Picchu post-trip extension) to hold place(s) on The Galápagos Islands: A Place Like No Other, March 14 21, Final Payment is due December 14, 2016 by check payable to Royal Adventures. Please make your deposit payment to reserve a space on this trip by calling Shelley Norton toll-free at or Or you may also complete and fax this form to (512) Name #1 (as on passport) Name #2 (as on passport) Name you prefer on Name Badge: Name #1 Name #2 Street Address Date of Birth Date of Birth City State Zip Code Terms & Conditions RESERVATIONS, DEPOSITS, AND FINAL PAYMENT: To reserve a space on this tour, please call with your authorization for a credit card payment for $1,000 per person, (plus $200 per person for each extension) to Shelley Norton at or or fax the reservation form to her at Reservations are acknowledged in order of receipt. Final payment is due December 14, 2016 and must be paid by check payable to Royal Adventures. Royal Adventures CST # CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS: All cancellations must be made in writing to The Texas Exes. Refunds, less a cancellation fee of $500 per person, are made if we are notified in writing on or before December 14, No refunds will be made after December 14, There are no refunds for unused meals, accommodations, or other trip features. MEMBERSHIP POLICY: Membership in The Texas Exes is a requirement for participation in the Flying Longhorns travel program. At least one membership is required from among each family traveling. Alumni, friends of the University, UT faculty and staff, and parents of current UT students are welcome to join. Our dues are 80% tax-deductible! TRAVEL INSURANCE: We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance. An application for travel insurance will be made available with your Texas Exes confirmation. QUESTIONS: Please contact Shelley Norton at (800) or or shelley.norton@ texasexes.org. RESPONSIBILITY: Royal Adventures, its owners and employees act only as agents for the various independent suppliers and contractors providing transportation, hotel accommodations, restaurant and other services connected with this tour. Such travel and services are subject to the terms and conditions under which such accommodations, services and transportation are offered or provided, and Texas Exes Flying Longhorns (Texas Exes) and Royal Adventures and their respective, employees, agents, representatives, and assigns, accept no liability therefore. Texas Exes and Royal Adventures assume no liability for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or other irregularity which may be caused by the defect of any aircraft or vehicle or the negligence or default of any company or person engaged in carrying out or performing any of the services involved. Additionally, responsibility is not accepted for losses, injury, damages or expenses of any kind due to sickness, weather, strikes, local laws, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, and acts of nature or other such causes. All services and accommodations are subject to the laws of the country in which they are provided. Texas Exes and Royal Adventures reserve the right to make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in their sole judgment, conditions warrant, or if they deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience or safety of the tour participants. They reserve the right to withdraw this tour without penalty. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the tour, or to substitute another qualified leader or special guest. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the owners at all times. The price of the program is given in good faith based on current tariffs and rates, and is subject to change. Any tariff, exchange rate, airfare, or fuel increases will be passed onto participants. Neither Texas Exes nor Royal Adventures accept the liability for any airline cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable airline ticket or expenses incurred in preparation for this tour. The air ticket when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the passenger and the airline concerned. As part of the consideration and right to participate in this tour, each participant will be asked to sign a liability release. Photo Credits: Cover, Hiking across beach, Snorkeling with Sea Lions, Flamingo, Marine Iguana, Penguins, Sally Lightfoot Crab, Masked Booby, and Zodiac with guests Metropolitan Touring Blue-footed Boobies Jeff Torquemada Giant Tortoise wcpmedia/shutterstock. com Quito Extension Hugo Villamil/ istockphoto.com Machu Picchu Peruvian Tourist Board Frigate Bird Royal Adventures. Home Phone CELL business Phone Payment OPTIONS Pay by check made payable to Royal Adventures OR Please charge my deposit of $ per person to: MasterCard VISA American Express Card # Exp. DATE Signature as it appears on the card Sec. Code Cabin Preferences: Please indicate 1st and 2nd cabin preference by marking desired 1 or 2 next to the cabin categories and mark bedding configuration. Horizon Deck Explorer Expedition Deck Explorer Panorama Deck Explorer Panorama Deck Darwin Suite Twin Double Twin Double Twin Double Twin Double Single Travelers I wish to have a single cabin (limited availabilityplease call). I will share accommodations with: Pre- & Post-Tour Extensions I/we wish to join the Quito & the Andean Highlands optional extension at an additional cost of $1,425 per person, double occupancy or $1,795 single occupancy. I/we wish to join the Machu Picchu optional extension at an additional cost of $3,145 per person, double occupancy or $3,735 single occupancy. I/We want you to book my/our flights from: Economy Business I/We will take care of my/our own international flight arrangements I/We have carefully read the Terms and Conditions and Responsibility sections of this brochure and agree to the terms on behalf of myself and the members of my party named above. Signature Signature Date Date

8 P.O. Box 7278 Austin, TX PRST STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT No. 379 OAKLAND, CA The Galápagos Islands A Place Like No Other Aboard the Santa Cruz II March 14 21, 2017 Optional extensions to Quito & the Andean Highlands and Machu Picchu HIGHLIGHTS Explore the Galápagos Islands for 6 days with expert naturalists aboard the newly refurbished M/V Santa Cruz II. Photograph close-up nestling sea birds, salt-encrusted marine iguanas and colorful Sally Lightfoot crabs. Snorkel alongside sea lions, sea turtles and Galápagos Penguins. Marvel at the Giant Galápagos Tortoises, Blue-footed Boobies, and frigate birds. Learn about the conservation successes and challenges at the Charles Darwin Research Center.