Unravel the evolutionary marvels of the Galapagos on this expedition cruise. See geology, ecology and biology intersect in a marvelous way. Take walks on islands covered in hardened lava, looking for land iguanas, giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, or flightless cormorants. Walk along beaches home to sea lion colonies, or breeding sea turtles. Take zodiac excursions over rays, white-tipped reef sharks, marine iguanas, and schools of vibrant fish. Discover the splendor found by Charles Darwin during his Voyage of the Beagle. Discover Galapagos.

Available Cruise Departure Dates (2012):
(B) 14 port Itinerary: May 20, Jun 3 & 17, Jul 1, 15 & 29, Aug 12 & 26, Oct 21, Nov 4, Dec 8, 22
(A) 13 port Itinerary: May 13 & 27, Jun 10 & 24, Jul 8 & 22, Aug 5 & 19, Sep 2, Oct 28, Nov 11, Dec 15, 29

Available Cruise Departure Dates (2013):
(B) 14 port Itinerary: Jan 6, 20, Feb 3, 17.
(A) 13 port Itinerary: Jan 13, 27, Feb 10, 24.

Quito is Ecuador’s capital and has a setting of great natural beauty, overshadowed by the volcano Pichincha with its twin peaks of Ruco and Guagua. Quito is located at 2850m (9348 ft) above sea level, so some visitors may suffer from altitude sickness during the first hours after arrival. The city has preserved much of its Spanish colonial character, the cathedral in the Plaza de la Independencia (the oldest church in South America) and the many old churches and monasteries being among the most notable instances. Also in the plaza are the Municipal Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace and the Palacio Presidencial. Many of the city’s famous churches and monasteries contain priceless examples of Spanish art and sculpture, particularly the Monasterio de San Francisco and the Jesuit church of La Compañía. Most of Quito’s colonial churches are located in the Old Town, parts of which have been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with a professional driver.

The Hotel Patio Andaluz Quito, located in the heart of historic “Quito Antiguo” and surrounded by churches, museums and national monuments, was declared Cultural Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO in 1978. The Hotel is an official National Treasure and holds centuries of history within its walls. It was part of the original Solaris (original building sites) that constituted the City of San Francisco of Quito at the time of its foundation. The hotel has a maximum capacity of a 63 guests with only 32 suites, and has fully equipped amenities throughout the hotel without sacrificing  its traditional colonial style.

Overnight at Patio Andaluz.

Explore the bustling streets and squares of the largest historical centre in the Americas; visit some of its most important churches such as the majestic La Compañía and iconic San Francisco, guardians of a stunning multi-ethnic artistic and cultural heritage. Drive through the traditional neighborhood of San Juan. Finish the morning at the "Panecillo" hillside with its breathtaking views of the old and modern city. At a distance of approximately 11miles (18 km) north of Quito is the "Middle of the World City" complex. Visit the monument of the equatorial line or parallel 0, latitude 0° 0’0”. Afterwards enjoy a delicious lunch (Included) in a typical restaurant where flavors from across the country can be savoured.

Overnight at Patio Andaluz.

Cruise the same South Pacific waters of the Galapagos once sailed by the British naturalist, Charles Darwin, on an expedition which provided the foundation for Darwin's theory of evolution. Explore this biological marine reserve and revel in the discovery of such a unique place on earth. Rich with endemic species, an expedition cruise of the Galapagos offers paradise to wildlife and nature lovers.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with a professional driver.

Take your flight from Quito to Galapagos via Guayaquil today. The flight duration is approximately 4 hours.
Please note: Flight rates and availability are subject to change until booking.

Enjoy a private Galapagos airport transfer with professional driver.

Welcome aboard! Take some time to get settled in to your stateroom, and explore the facilities of your cruiseliner. Tonight's welcome dinner will offer an opportunity to meet some of your fellow cruisemates.

After two and a half hours of cruising, you'll arrive at your first destination, Daphne Island. Daphne is a satellite volcanic cone located north of Santa Cruz island. The crater floor is an important breeding site for the blue-footed boobies. This island is famous for the scientific investigation lead by Peter and Rosemary Grant on the finches' population, one of the most important studies on the field that support Charles Darwin's theory. The cliff shore of the island is home to sea lions, pelicans, blue-footed booies and tropical birds. In addition, large schools of fish can be observed from the zodiac rides.

Port charges are included in your itinerary.

After two and a half hours of cruising, you'll arrive at your first destination, Daphne Island. Daphne is a satellite volcanic cone located north of Santa Cruz island. The crater floor is an important breeding site for the blue-footed boobies. This island is famous for the scientific investigation lead by Peter and Rosemary Grant on the finches' population, one of the most important studies on the field that support Charles Darwin's theory. The cliff shore of the island is home to sea lions, pelicans, blue-footed booies and tropical birds. In addition, large schools of fish can be observed from the zodiac rides.

Only Celebrity Xpedition offers the perfect combination of explorer's voyage and cosmopolitan bliss. Stylish detail meets intimate ambiance. Travel to one of the last uninhabited places on earth – the legendary Galápagos Islands. Where untamed wildlife outnumbers the pampered travelers. Sip morning mimosas as giant tortoises sunbathe on the shore outside your window. Enjoy a rejuvenating massage as Galápagos Sea Lions doze on the beach just off the port bow. Make moonlight toasts under the stars that led sailors and scientists alike to this extraordinary archipelago. An adventuresome alternative, Celebrity Xpedition accommodates 92 guests. Step aboard and become part of an ardent community of travelers. Experience the untamed wilderness from a ship that offers unexpected indulgences. Take comfort knowing its environmentally sound design helps preserve the pristine islands it explores. It's a journey like no other.

Overnight at Celebrity Xpedition (7N).

A long white sand beach and clear blue waters make Gardner Bay an ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling or just relaxing on the beach. In the water, sea turtles, rays, colourful tropical fish, and maybe even a white-tip reef shark may be seen. It is also home to a colony of sea lions. Excursion options include beach walks, swimming, or a deepwater snorkel for experienced snorkelers.

Espanola is the oldest island in the Galapagos and is home to an abundance of wildlife. At Suarez Point, visitors can expect to see sea lions, Galapagos hawks, marine iguanas, and both blue-footed and Nazca boobies. And between late March to the following January, the Waved albatross come here to mate and raise their young. Excursion options include a long, rocky walk to look for albatross and observe an impressive blowhole that spews water like a towering geyser.

Overnight at Celebrity Xpedition (7N).

Floreana was the first capital of the Galapagos and where Charles Darwin met the islands' Governer. Its small brackish lagoon is often home to flamingos, stilts, and white-cheeked pintail ducks, and one of its beaches is a highly used nesting site for sea turtles. Check out the green-hued sand where you land. Excursion options include a relatively short walk to the lagoon and sea turtle nesting beach, and optional snorkeling and swimming at the landing beach. In addition, for experienced snorkelers only, a deep water snorkel at nearby Champion Island is offered.

Rich in history, Post Office Bay is home to the post office barrel established in about 1793, where whalers and others could leave their mail to be picked up by outbound ships. Continue the tradition and during your short visit, post your own letter or post card at this early mail stop.

Overnight at Celebrity Xpedition (7N).

Along the beautiful rocky shore of Moreno Point, a field of hardened black lava flows is pockmarked by shallow pools, which are home to shorebirds and flamingos. The mangrove-lined shore also provides a chance to see marine iguanas, sea turtles, stingrays, sharks, penguins, and the flightless comorant. Excursion options include a long walk and zodiac ride, or an extended zodiac ride.

At Urvina Bay, you'll see large land iguanas, finches, and if lucky, a giant tortoise or two. In 1954, the intrusion of magma below one of the island's volcanoes caused part of the bay to be uplifted some 6 meters, and today you can walk through the remains of what was once a thriving underwater reef. Excursion options include a long, faster-paced hike with some rock climbing required, followed by an optional snorkel (if conditions allow), or a short walk and optional snorkel.

Overnight at Celebrity Xpedition (7N).

The half-collapsed remains of an ancient volcano make for a spectacular setting at Vicente Roca Point. Awe-inspiring cliffs, blue waters, and wildlife create a zodiac ride to remember as you search for sea turtles, penguins, fur seals, the flightless cormorant, marine iguanas, marine mammals, and the oddly shaped form of the elusive sunfish.

Espinoza Point is on Fernandina Island, the youngest island in the Galapagos, and as Darwin wrote, it is "covered with immense deluges of black naked lava." Along with its extraordinary black lava rocks, this point of land hosts the largest colony of marine iguanas in th eArchipelago, along with sea lions and a nesting site for flightless cormorants. Excursion options here include a long walk, a zodiac ride and a short walk, as well as a deepwater snorkel for experienced snorkelers.

Overnight at Celebrity Xpedition (7N).

One of two twin islands off Santa Cruz, South Plaza was born of upheaval, uplifted during a geologic event. The rocky island is strewn with prickly pear cactus and home to land iguanas, marine iguanas, and a colony of sea lions. You'll have a short walk on the island to view wildlife, flora and geology.

Southeast of Santa Cruz, Santa Fe island is dotted with cactus and home to some of the largest land iguanas in the islands. Lava lizards, sea lions, Galapagos hawks, finches, and the Galapagos Mockingbird may be seen. Excursion options include a short walk, and an optional deepwater snorkel.

Overnight at Celebrity Xpedition (7N).

Puerto Ayora is the main population center of the islands, and home to the National Park Service tortoise breeding center, and the Charles Darwin Research Station. You will be able to visit the tortoise breeding center and hopefully say hello to one of the island's most famous residents, Lonesome George, and walk through the Charles Darwin Station. You will also have the opportunity to take a bus ride to the Highlands to observe giant tortoises in the wild and walk through a lava tunnel. There will also be free time for shopping.

Overnight at Celebrity Xpedition (7N).

Quito is Ecuador’s capital and has a setting of great natural beauty, overshadowed by the volcano Pichincha with its twin peaks of Ruco and Guagua. Quito is located at 2850m (9348 ft) above sea level, so some visitors may suffer from altitude sickness during the first hours after arrival. The city has preserved much of its Spanish colonial character, the cathedral in the Plaza de la Independencia (the oldest church in South America) and the many old churches and monasteries being among the most notable instances. Also in the plaza are the Municipal Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace and the Palacio Presidencial. Many of the city’s famous churches and monasteries contain priceless examples of Spanish art and sculpture, particularly the Monasterio de San Francisco and the Jesuit church of La Compañía. Most of Quito’s colonial churches are located in the Old Town, parts of which have been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

After breakfast this morning, you'll bid farewell to your fellow cruisemates and disembark from your ship, as your cruise journey has concluded.

Enjoy a private Galapagos airport transfer with professional driver.

Fly from Galapagos to Quito via Guayaquil on Tame Airlines. The flight duration is approximately 3 hours.
Please note: Flight rates and availability are subject to change until booking.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with a professional driver.

Overnight at Patio Andaluz.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with a professional driver.

A departure tax must be paid upon departing Ecuador through the Quito airport. The payment must be made in cash and the cost is of USD$44.30 per person. Subject to change without notice.

 End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart .