DAY 1: UK - Quito.
Fly to Quito where you will be met and transferred to your hotel for two nights.

DAY 2: Quito.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Ecuadorean capital, Quito is a surprisingly eclectic city featuring both a well-preserved colonial old town and a cosmopolitan modern district of commercial blocks and shopping streets. Revel in the area's rich history on an included tour of the city's fascinating treasures. See the Legislative Palace's historic stone murals, admire grand Independence Plaza, witness the 16th century San Francisco Monastery and gaze at the lavish golden altars of the Jesuits' La Compania Church, before heading to the Equatorial Monument, which marks the centre of the world. (B, D)

DAY 3: Quito - Baltra.
Today begins with a morning flight to the spectacular Galápagos Island of Baltra where you'll board your cruise ship, La Pinta, and embark on your seven-night cruise. Each day from now, you'll cruise between these magnificent islands and be taken ashore by an expert naturalist who will introduce you to the unique wildlife, flora and fauna. (B, L, D)

DAY 4-9: Cruising. Galápagos Islands.
Sprinkled across the Equatorial Line in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, the Galápagos archipelago is one of the world's most unique natural wonders. Their remote location and unrivalled volcanic terrain embody an incredibly rare biodiversity that inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. Depending on the Galápagos National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions and seasonal changes, the ship's itinerary will vary to ensure that regardless of the time of year you visit, the very best of the distinctive seasonal flora and fauna will be available to you. Every cruise visits the impressive Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island, established to help conserve the islands' natural habitat and to provide environmental education to local island communities and visitors alike. As you cruise, you'll have the opportunity to visit several of the islands, some of which may include:
Española (Hood Island): The oldest and most southerly of the Galápagos Islands, Española is rich in birdlife, particularly colonies of beautiful Waved Albatrosses (between Apr-Dec), Hood Mockingbirds, and Blue-Footed Boobies. The island is also home to a famous blowhole and a large population of brightly coloured, rock-basking marine iguanas.
Floreana: One of the most southerly islands, Floreana is home to a secluded lagoon populated with pink flamingos and is an ideal nesting site for green sea turtles (Dec-May) and the famed, seafaring Galápagos Petrel. You can also enjoy great snorkelling amid the coral formations of the Devil's Crown volcanic cone.
Fernandina: The youngest and most pristine island of the Galápagos, Fernandina is brimming with wildlife, from marine iguanas and sealion colonies to colourful Sally Lightfoot crabs, hawks, penguins and flightless cormorants.
North Seymour: Comprising mainly flat terrain, North Seymour teems with an incredible selection of wildlife including nesting colonies of red-pouched frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, sealions and marine iguanas.
Genovesa (Tower): One of the most northerly islands, Genovesa is home to a diverse range of seabirds including storm petrels, red-footed boobies, frigate birds, nocturnal swallow-tailed gulls and Darwin's finches. There is also an unusual Palo Santo forest.
Isabela: Formed from a chain of six volcanoes, Isabela is the largest but one of the youngest islands, set directly on the equator. Featuring a wealth of wildlife and a beautifully mystical landscape, the island is home to Galápagos penguins, hawks and doves, Palo Santo forests, flightless cormorants, the waterfilled cone of Darwin's Crater, land iguanas, pelicans, and the famed Giant Tortoises. There is also Tagus Cove, a favourite anchor for pirates in centuries past.
Bartolomé: Home to Pinnacle Rock, one of the most photographed views of the Galápagos Islands, San Bartolomé is a small islet with a blissful coastline, ideal for swimming and snorkelling amongst schools of tropical fish, sealions, rays, sea turtles and Galápagos penguins.
(B, L, D)

DAY 10: Baltra - Guayaquil.
Disembark La Pinta in Baltra and fly to charismatic Guayaquil, the largest city in Ecuador. The afternoon is free for you to relax in your hotel or to explore the city, perhaps taking a stroll along the Malecón 2000, a newly-developed, two-mile stretch of lively boardwalk along the banks of the Rio Guayas, featuring historical monuments, gardens, shopping malls, and a large selection of restaurants. (B)

DAY 11: Guayaquil - UK.
Enjoy free time in this historical city today, perhaps visiting Santa Ana Hill, home to the colourfully ramshackle Las Peñas neighbourhood. Wander amongst the winding streets and admire the brightly painted houses, aromatic restaurants, parks and galleries, and excellent hilltop views over the city. Alternatively, head to the downtown area for historical churches and the Seminario Park, famed for its tame iguanas. This evening, transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)

DAY 12: Home landing in the UK.