Quito and Galapagos Islands Cruise - A Family Adventure
August 2-13, 2002 (Note: date changed from August 9-19)
August 12-19 Optional Extension in Peru
Sweet Briar College President Elisabeth Muhlenfeld will join us on a family adventure in the enchanted
Galapagos Islands, an archipelago 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador.
On this program, designed to appeal to all ages, we journey through a
"living laboratory," following in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, observing
species of marine, animal, and bird life found nowhere else on earth.
During our 7-night cruise Ecuadorean naturalist guides give daily onboard
briefings and accompany us in small groups ashore exploring landscapes
ranging from tropical forests, to crater lakes, to lava formations. Nature
lovers, birders, and adventurous spirits will enjoy this opportunity to
visit the islands which provided Darwin with numerous observations for
his theory of evolution.
The antics of sea lions, fur seals, and other
wildlife totally without fear of humans will delight photographers--and
the opportunity to swim alongside these animals is the experience of a
lifetime.
Our exclusively chartered ship, the recently refurbished, fully
air-conditioned M. V. Santa Cruz, offers comfortable cabins and spacious
public rooms.
Dining is excellent, a good mix of continental cuisine and
Ecuadorean specialties.
The 90-passenger expedition ship is equipped with
Zodiac landing craft for easy travel among the islands.
While the Galapagos
Islands alone are worth the trip to the equator, we'll also spend 3 nights
in Quito, Ecuador's lovely historic capital, before setting sail. A tour
of the carefully-preserved Old City, with its many 18th-century Baroque
buildings, and an excursion to the colorful Otavalo Indian Market highlight
our stay.
Those who wish may extend their explorations in South America
with an optional week in Peru. The 6-night program includes Lima, Cuzco
and a train ride through the mountains to the awe-inspiring ruins at Machu
Picchu.
All dates and itineraries are subject to change.
Tel: (434) 381-6317, fax: (434) 381-6132, e-mail: Melissa Coffey:
Tel: (434) 381-6243; fax: (434) 381- 6132; e-mail: mcoffey@sbc.edu
our travel coordinator in the Alumnae Office.
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