Galapagos
Cruise
Island
March 2-13, 2018
Described by many travelers as “the trip of a
lifetime,” FRIENDS CLUB is once again planning a
memorable journey for our adventurous
travelers! Fly to Quito, Ecuador, and then on to
the Galapagos Islands to cruise from island to
island aboard the 100-passenger luxury
CELEBRITY XPEDITION. You’ll marvel at the
strangeness of the Galapagos creatures on these
desolate volcanic isles much like Charles Darwin
did nearly two centuries ago! With your
Galapagos naturalist at your side, land on
beaches in a specially designed Zodiac to watch
giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, and Sally
Lightfoot crabs, walk over lounging iguanas,
laugh at tiny penguins as they dart through the
surrounding waters, and much more!
DAY 1
FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2018
FLIGHT TO QUITO, ECUADOR
(IN FLIGHT MEALS)
We depart from our designated Friends Club locations to Chicago O’Hare for our international flight to Quito, Ecuador. We arrive in the evening and transfer to the Quito
Marriott (or similar accommodations) for a two night stay.
DAY 2
SATURDAY, MARCH 3
QUITO, ECUADOR
(BLD)
During a guided tour of the capital of Ecuador situated at an altitude of 9,350 feet, we’ll stand on the equatorial line at the Middle of the World Park and Museum,
and marvel at the monastery of San Francisco and Las Compañia Church. Our tour guide will escort us throughout our Quito stay and serve as our personal concierge.
Lunch will be served against a spectacular view of the city and we’ll also enjoy a welcome dinner at a local gourmet restaurant.
DAY 3
SUNDAY, MARCH 4
BALTRA - DAPHNE ISLAND
(BLD)
Baltra (Depart at 2:30 PM)
During World War II, Baltra served as a U.S. military base protecting the Panama Canal from enemy attack. Now the cactus-strewn landscapes of Baltra are home to
the Galapagos Islands’ main airport, where we will meet our cruise ship, the Celebrity Xpedition. After a short bus and Zodiac boat ride, we will be aboard the
Xpedition, a 296-foot mega-yacht that will be our home for the next 7 days.
Daphne Island ( 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM)
As we begin cruising, our first stop is Daphne Island. Daphne is a satellite volcanic core located north of Santa Cruz Island, and the crater floor is an important
breeding site for blue-footed boobies. This island is famous for the scientific investigation led by Peter and Rosemary Grant on the finch population, one of the most
important studies in the field that supports Charles Darwin’s theory. The cliff shore of the island is home to sea lions, pelicans, blue-footed boobies, and tropical
birds. In addition, large schools of fish can be observed on Zodiac rides.
DAY 4
MONDAY, MARCH 5
GARDNER BAY - PUNTA SUAREZ
(BLD)
Gardner Bay (7:00 AM - 2:00 PM)
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,
stingrays, colorful tropical fish, and even a white-tip reef shark may be seen. It is also home to a colony of sea lions. Included in the trip pricing, excursion options
include beach walking, swimming, or a deepwater snorkel for experienced snorkelers.
Punta Suarez ( 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM)
Punta Suarez is located on the island of Espanola, the oldest island in the Galapagos and home to an abundance of wildlife. At this site visitors can expect to see sea lions,
Galapagos hawks, marine iguanas, and both blue-footed and Nazca boobies. Between March and 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. A short,
easier walk to observe much of this island's amazing wildlife is also offered.
DAY 5
TUESDAY, MARCH 6
CORMORANT POINT - POST OFFICE
(BLD)
Cormorant Point (7:00 AM - 1:00 PM)
Our first stop today is Cormorant Point on Floreana. Floreana was the first capital of the Galapagos and where Charles Darwin met the islands' Governor. 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. Be sure to
check out the green-hued sand where we 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. For experienced snorkelers only, we offer a deepwater snorkel at nearby Champion Island.
Post Office ( 1:30 PM - 8:00 PM)
Sailing on to Post Office, we’ll discover a spot rich in history. This site is home to the post office barrel established around 1793 so whalers and others could leave
their mail to be picked up by outbound ships. We will continue the tradition during our short visit and have the opportunity to post our own letter or postcards at
this historic mail stop.
DAY 6
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7
PUNTA MORENO - URVINA BAY
(BLD)
Punta Moreno (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Along this beautiful rocky shore on Isabela Island, a field of hardened black lava flows is pockmarked by shallow pools which are home to shorebirds and flamingos.
The mangrove-lined shore allows a walk to the edge of the lava, where you can look straight down to the inhabitants of the crystal clear pools, including marine
iguanas, sea turtles, stingrays, white-tipped reef sharks, puffer fish, penguins, and the flightless cormorant. Excursion options include a long walk, Zodiac ride, or an
extended Zodiac ride.
Urvina Bay ( 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM)
At this stop on Isabela Island, we’ll discover the water is noticeably colder than other parts of the Galapagos due to currents and upwelling. In 1954, part of this
area along Isabela’s coast was uplifted 12–15 feet just prior to an eruption, and the remains of a coral reef raised during the uplift can still be found at Urvina Bay. On
a long hike, we can ramble through the now high-and-dry corals of this once thriving reef or stick to a shorter version of the same hike and look for land iguanas,
finches, and if luck holds, giant tortoises. Depending on weather conditions, the black sand beach of Urvina Bay offers a chance for swimming and snorkeling,
where we may see sea turtles and diving cormorants.
DAY 7
THURSDAY, MARCH 8
ESPINOZA POINT - VICENTE ROCA POINT
(BLD)
Espinoza Point (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Fernandina is 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 the archipelago, along with sea lions and a nesting site for flightless cormorants.
Excursion options include a long or short walk, as well as a deepwater snorkel for experienced snorkelers.
Vincente Roca Point ( 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM)
The half-collapsed remains of an ancient volcano make for a spectacular setting at this site. Awe-inspiring cliffs, blue waters, and wildlife create a Zodiac ride to
remember as we search for sea turtles, penguins, fur seals, the flightless cormorant, marine iguanas, marine mammals, and the oddly shaped form of the elusive sunfish.
DAY 8
FRIDAY, MARCH 9
SOUTH PLAZA - DRAGON HILL
(BLD)
South Plaza (7:00 AM - 11:00 PM)
Discover a small uplifted island just off the northeast coast of Santa Cruz. The island’s low-lying landscape is covered with colorful saltbush, scrub, and giant prickly
pear cactus. A subspecies of land iguana is found on the island in plentiful abundance and sometimes can be seen munching on the cactus. The southern cliffs are
steep and rocky, and home to numerous seabirds as well as a bachelor colony of sea lions. Looking down into the clear blue waters, schools of surgeonfish swim by
as birds shoot in and out of the holes in the cliff. A short hike and Zodiac ride provide ample opportunity to observe the beauty and wildlife of the island.
Dragon Hill ( 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM)
Dragon Hill or "Cerro Dragon," is named after its population of land iguanas. The site offers a beautiful view of the landscape and two small brackish lagoons where
flamingos and other shore birds occasionally feed. Along the trail, we'll cross a beautiful "white forest" of Palo Santo (incense) trees and Galapagos cotton plants.
Excursion options include a high-intensity hike with swimming/snorkeling at the beach, high intensity snorkeling from a Zodiac followed by a short walk, and a lowintensity Zodiac ride along the coastline with optional dry landing for animal observation.
DAY 9
SATURDAY, MARCH 10
PUERTO AYORA
(BLD)
Located on the island of Santa Cruz is the main population center of the islands, the National Park Service tortoise-breeding center, and the Charles Darwin
Research Station. We 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. We 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 available to do some shopping.
DAY 10 SUNDAY, MARCH 11
BALTRA
(BLD)
Today we return to Baltra and say farewell to the enchanted islands. We’ll board our flight from the Galapagos Islands, giving you one last glimpse of the world’s
most treasured archipelago. After arriving back in Quito, we’ll settle into our luxury hotel and enjoy an afternoon excursion to a local craft market. Dinner this
evening will be enjoyed together at the hotel.
DAY 11 MONDAY, MARCH 12
QUITO, ECUADOR
(BD)
Following breakfast at the hotel, the day is ours to enjoy free time on our own or join an optional tour in the area. We’ll come back together for a farewell dinner at
the hotel before departing on a late evening flight home.
DAY 12 TUESDAY, MARCH 13
HOME
We arrive back in the United States and transfer home with beautiful photographs and wonderful memories in tow!
Your Journey
Celebrity xpedition
Inclusions
• Round Trip Transfers to
Chicago Airport
• Round Trip Air From Chicago
to Quito, Ecuador
• Round Trip Air From Quito
to the Galapagos Islands
• All Ground Transportation in
Ecuador & the Galapagos
• Admission to Attractions as
Stated in the Itinerary
• 3 Nights’ Accommodations in
Quito (2 Pre-Cruise, 1 Post-Cruise)
• Breakfast Daily, 1 Lunch,
2 Dinners in Quito
• 7 Night Cruise
• All Cruise Meals
• Select Beer, Wine,
Spirits, Water, Coffee & Tea
• Professional Tour Manager
• Gratuities for
Driver/Staff/Guides
• Porter Service of One Bag
Per Person at Hotel/Cruise
• Taxes, Fees & Gratuities for
Included Services
• All Shore Excursions (Choose
From Up to 4 Per Day)
• All Snorkeling Equipment,
Binoculars & Walking Sticks
• Onboard & Onshore
Naturalist Guides
• Travel Protection Insurance
Not included in the price of this tour: meals/beverages other than those listed on the itinerary,
certain onboard premium beverages, items of a personal nature/souvenirs, onboard internet
access, personal services onboard such as spa or hair-styling, phone calls and faxes from hotels,
and current baggage fees at the airport as assessed by the airline.
All-Inclusive Program!
Tour Pricing
Per Person
Double Occupancy
Cat. XP
Premium Oceanview Stateroom
$9,899
No Single Supplement is available. Single cost is $18,698.
Travel insurance is included in your trip cost (pp Double: $532, Single: $1,217)
You may choose to opt out.
A $1,500 deposit per person is required with your registration form.
($500 is non-refundable)
FINAL PAYMENT IS DUE: SEPTEMBER 1, 2017
For further information or questions, please call:
Karissa Wikert
(866) 866-8901 or (319) 358-2230
or email: [email protected]
Custom designed
tour by
DOCUMENTATION: A valid U.S. passport is required for this tour. Each U.S. citizen must have a valid passport. The expiration date of all passports should be at least 6 months after the return date of the tour. If you don't have a passport,
call our office and we'll tell you how to apply for one. Holders of non-U.S. passports have different entry requirements. Please NOTE: Due to airline security measures, your passport name must match your airline ticket name and your
tour reservation name or you may be denied aircraft boarding.
BASIC TRAVEL INSURANCE INCLUDED: Included insurance is being purchased on your behalf by Hills Bank. Travel Protection means passengers are covered when unforeseen medical circumstances arise which may force you to
cancel or interrupt your vacation. Coverage is as follows: Accidental Death and Dismemberment ($25,000), Emergency Medical Expense/Emergency Assistance (Emergency Accident and Sickness Medical Expense - $50,000 /
Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation - $250,000), Trip Cancellation (Trip Cost), Trip Interruption (150% of Trip Cost), Missed Connection ($1,000), Trip Delay $750 (up to $150 per day), Baggage and Personal Effects ($2,500),
Baggage Delay ($250). A brochure with full details is available.
CANCELLATION: Full refund of all monies is made if cancellation is received in writing to Hills Bank prior to final payment. A 100% fee is charged if the cancellation occurs between final payment and departure. If the reason for
cancellation is due to a medical or other reason that is covered by Travel Protection Insurance, you may be eligible for reimbursement for such fees from your travel insurance provider.
TRAVELERS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS: You must advise Star Destinations, Inc. (SDI) at the time of registration of any disability requiring special attention. SDI will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the special needs of
travelers. The American with Disabilities Act is applicable only in the U.S. and accommodations outside the U.S. may be more limited. Travelers requiring assistance are required to be accompanied by a companion who is capable of and
totally responsible for providing the assistance. SDI personnel or its suppliers may not lift or physically assist with traveler's special needs including but not limited to walking, dining, or other routine activities. Travelers thinking they may
need assistance should call SDI to determine what accommodations may reasonably be provided. Arrangements at an additional cost are the financial responsibility of the traveler.
TERMS & CONDITIONS: Star Destinations, Inc. (SDI) acts as an agent for and makes arrangements with airlines, hotels, railroads, bus lines, cruise lines, adventure companies and other independent parties to provide you with the
travel services and accommodations. Although great care is taken in choosing suppliers, we are unable to directly control them and therefore cannot be held responsible or liable for their acts or omissions. The travel services are
subject to the conditions imposed by these suppliers and their liability may be limited by their tariffs, conditions of carriage, and international conventions and agreements. Should for any reason beyond our control, the hotel or
establishment described in the attached itinerary may not be available, SDI and its agents reserve the right to lodge travelers in another hotel of similar or superior category. SDI cannot assume responsibility for any claims, losses,
damages, costs or expenses arising out of injury, accident or death, damage, loss or delay of baggage or other property, or delay, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment, upset, disappointment, distress or frustration, whether physical or
mental, resulting from a) mechanical breakdowns, dangers inherent to the sea, fire, theft, civil disturbances, strikes, government actions, weather and other factors and causes beyond our control. b) passenger's failure to follow
instructions of SDI or its representatives. c) any other cause beyond the control of SDI. In addition, SDI reserves the right to vary the Tour Price advertised or printed to cover any increase in air fare, fuel price, Government taxes and
charges, exchange rate fluctuations, or other Tour related tariffs and costs subject to price guarantee. If you request a variation or change to your booking, SDI may choose to accept or reject that request at its sole discretion. If SDI
accepts your request, you must pay the variation fee and any costs associated with it.