Depart on a late evening flight from Miami to Lima, then on to Cuzco. When you arrive on Day 2, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Urubamba in the Sacred Valley. That evening, you’ll join your Program Manager for a Welcome Briefing and Dinner. On Day 3, enjoy a full-day tour that takes you to the villages of Ollantaytambo and Pisac. You’ll explore the great Inca fortress that rises above the town. Cultural Connection: Then visit a typical chicheria, a store in a local home that sells chicha, the local maize beer, which you’ll have a chance to taste. Then enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. Continue to Pisac for a visit to the Pisac Market, a bustling meeting place for local people. The evening is at leisure.

On Day 5, more vistas unfold as you return by Vistadome train to Ollanta, then continue to Cuzco by motorcoach.  Cultural Connections:  During a stop at a local pottery studio, enjoy a talk on ceramics and a chance to make a piece of your own. Enjoy a traditional Andes dinner at a local restaurant with folkloric show. On Day 6, explore Cuzco on a tour that encompasses the Incan Temple of Sun, as well as fine Spanish-baroque architecture. You’ll also visit the San Blas artisans district.  Cultural Connection:  Afterwards, join a local family in their home for lunch. Then visit the ruins of Tambomachay and the Sacsayhuaman fortress. Plus, we’ll stop for a brief lecture on weaving.

Transfer to the airport on Day 12 for your 90-minute flight to the Galapagos Islands, the Pacific archipelago that inspired Charles Darwin after his 1835 visit. Upon landing, you’ll transfer to the M/V Galapagos Legend, exclusively built for Galapagos cruising.
Cultural Connections: Over the next four days, you’ll hear informative lectures, and make nine naturalist-led guided excursions, as follows:

(Day 12) Bartolome Island: See volcanic formations and enjoy a snorkeling opportunity. Look for Galapagos penguins, sea turtles, and white-tipped sharks.

(Day 13) Isabela & Fernandina Island: After a wet landing on Urbina Bay (Isabela), you’ll see the fossil beach and coral area. Perhaps you’ll see giant tortoises, land iguanas, and flightless cormorants. In Espinosa (Fernandina), you’ll make a dry landing to see the largest colony of marine iguanas as well as Sally Lightfoot crabs. You’ll also see Galapagos penguins, hawks, and sea lions, and flora and volcanic formations such as the brachycereus cactus, “pa-hoe-hoe” lava, and other unusual lava formations.

(Day 14) La Rabida Island: Land at a beach of red volcanic sand frequented by sea lions. Enjoy a boat ride over reefs, with an opportunity for snorkeling. On Santiago Island, visit the dark sands at Puerto Egas. Observe hunting herons, great blue herons, oyster catchers, and more.

(Day 15) Santa Cruz Island: You’ll stop at Puerto Ayora for a chance to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. You can also see giant tortoises here and many land birds, followed by free time in the town to shop for souvenirs. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Santa Cruz Highlands, where you’ll observe more giant tortoises, and walk in dormant lava tubes.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The above day-by-day itineraries are preliminary and therefore subject to change. If any major changes occur in advance of your departure, you will be notified in writing by Vantage Deluxe World Travel. If changes occur while on tour, you will be notified by your Vantage Program Manager or local representatives at the destination.

The Galapagos Islands portion of this itinerary is subject to change based on requirements of the National Park Authorities and the order of site visits can be different than as outlined above. This is to preserve the environment and limit any impact by tourists.