Paragon Travel » Featured Travel

Cuban Splendour Coach Tour

nicole — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:11:36 +0000

Cuban Splendour Coach Tour - 8 Days – 7 Nights from Toronto

Guaranteed departures from January to April, 2012. ONLY $799 plus $276 txs/fees

Coach Tour Includes: round trip airfare from Toronto, round trip transfers between airport and hotel, air conditioned coach and professional English speaking tour guide. 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners. 7 nights’ accomodation in 3 – 4 star hotels with private facilities. All highlighted attractions are included!

Itinerary:

DAY 1: Canada – Varadero – Upon arrival in Varadero, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Varadero. (AI)

DAY 2: Varadero – Havana – After breakfast, travel to the capital for a sightseeing tour through Old Havana, part of UNESCO’S

World Heritage since 1982. Visit the Rum Museum and the City Museum. Lunch at a local restaurant. Enjoy a panoramic tour of modern Havana before arriving at the hotel. After dinner, attend the Cannon Ceremony at Morro Fortress. Overnight in Havana. (B, L, D)

DAY 3: Havana – Cienfuegos – After breakfast, visit a cigar factory in Old Havana. Afterwards, time at leisure before heading to Cienfuegos, known as the Pearl of the South. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Overnight and dinner at your hotel in Cienfuegos.

(B, L, D)

DAY 4: Cienfuegos – Trinidad (Playa Ancon ) – Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Cienfuegos and marvel at this historic city settled byFrench immigrants. Admire Cienfuegos Boulevard, Marti Square, Terry Theatre, Palacio del Valle and the Botanical Garden. Continue on to Playa Ancon, just south of Trinidad. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the beach. Overnight in Playa Ancon. (B, L, AI)

DAY 5: Trinidad – San Luis Valley – Santa Clara Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Trinidad, a colonial town founded in 1514, and a visit to the Romantic Museum, which features furniture and other decorative arts. Later, sample a typical drink at Bar Canchánchara before lunch at a local restaurant. Continue on to Santa Clara. En route, you will pass Sugar Mill Valley, known as Valle de San Luis, the most important sugar-producing region in the 19th century. Overnight in Santa Clara. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Santa Clara – Varadero -(2 nights) Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Santa Clara. Visit the Ernesto Che Guevara Monument andMemorial and Tren Blindado (Armoured Train) Museum. Next, on to Varadero with a stop for lunch at the beautiful Parque Josone. Overnight in Varadero. (B, L, AI)

DAY 7: Varadero – A full day at leisure to enjoy the beach or take part in optional excursions ($). Overnight in Varadero. (AI)

DAY 8: Varadero – Canada – Time to transfer to the airport for your return flight to Canada.

Included Feature Activities:

Sightseeing tour of Old Havana
Visit the Havana Rum Museum
Visit the Havana City Museum
Panoramic tour of modern Havana
See the cannon firing ceremony at El Morro fortress
Visit a cigar factory in Havana
Sightseeing tour of Cienfuegos
Sightseeing tour of Trinidad
Visit the Romantic Museum in Trinidad
Scenic drive in Valle de San Luis
Visit the Ernesto Che Guevara Monument and Memorial
Visit the Tren Blindado (Armoured Train) Museum

Contact a Paragon Travel agent today toll free at 1-888-461-0231 or locally at 416.461.0231

Alternatively, you may complete the form below to reach an agent by email

[contact-form]

Toronto departures. Flights via Air Transat or Canjet. Prices shown are per person, based on double occupancy in lead room category. Taxes are extra and noted above. Space & prices are subject to availabilityat time of booking and subject to change without notice. For full descriptions and terms and conditions refer to the Nolitours 2011-2012 Sun brochure. Nolitours is a division of Transat ToursCanada Inc., and is registered as a travel wholesaler in Ontario (Ont reg # 50009488) with offices at 191 The West Mall, Suite 800 Etobicoke, ON M9C 5K8. January 19, 2012.

Great Deals on A Golf Lover’s Dream Vacation – Winter 2012

nicole — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:34:36 +0000

Enjoy a golf lover’s dream vacation with Paragon Travel and Transat Holidays

Toronto Departures – 7 Nights All Inclusive

This winter, escape the cold and snow and venture south for a great golf vacation. Many resorts offer unlimited golf and golf lessons for their guests. Here are some great deals for resorts who offer golf on top of your typical all inclusive amenities!

Ocean Breeze Riviera Maya - This boutique hotel offers access to the Mayan Palace facilities!

4 star resort - Only $579 for a deluxe room, plus taxes of $343

Departing from Toronto on Tuesday January 24th, 2012

GOLF INCLUDED! unlimited golf at the Manglar golf course, golf cart mandatory ($)

Grand Bay Hotel Isla Navidad Resort in Manzanillo – This resort is located on the golf course overlooking the marina and only a two minute boat ride from Barra de Navidad.

5 star resort – Only $679 for a deluxe room, plus taxes of $343

Departing from Toronto on January 30th, 2012

SPA/GOLF PACKAGES! Three 50 minute treatments and three rounds of golf per room/week!

Gran Bahia Principe Sian Ka’an Don Pablo Collection – All suite hotel, offering access to the services, facilities and activities of the nearby Gran Bahia Principe properties.

4.5 star resort – Only $699 for a junior suite, plus taxes of $343

Departing from Toronto on January 26th, 2012

GOLF INCLUDED! Unlimited golf, reservations required, subject to availability, golf cart mandatory ($)

Almond Beach Village – Barbados – This hotel offers access to all the services and facilities at the nearby Almond Beach resorts.

4 star resort – Only $1,799 for a hotel room, plus taxes of $307

Departing from Toronto on February 19th, 2012

GOLF INCLUDED! Par three, 9-hole, executive golf course with unlimited green fees, golf lessons and club rentals ($)

Please contact a Paragon Travel agent soon to reserve your mid-winter golf escape today!

Locally at 416-461-0231 or toll free at 1-888-461-0231

Alternatively, you may complete the form below to be contacted by an agent via email:

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Flights are from Toronto via Air Transat or Canjet. Prices are shown per person, based on double occupancy in lead room categories. Space and pricing are subject to availability at the time of booking and subject to change without notice. Price available at ad deadline. Taxes and fees are extra and noted above. For complete details and terms and conditions refer to the Transat Holidays 2011-2012 Sun brochure. Transat Holidays is a division of Transat tours Canada and is registered as a travel wholesaler in Ontario (REG# 50009486) with offices at 191 The West Mall, suite 800, Etobicoke, ON M9C 5K8 – January 17, 2012.

Balcony Bonus Sale with Princess Cruises! Reduced deposits! Book by January 31, 2012

nicole — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:03:31 +0000

Paragon Travel and Princess Cruises are offering our clients who book select Princess Cruises before January 31, 2012 a Free Balcony Upgrade** & up to $1,000 USD Savings per stateroom*!

Plus… Reservations made between Jan 8 – 24, 2012 receive a reduced deposit of only $100 CAD per person and a shipwide value coupon booklet valued at $325 USD per person***.

These savings are available for a limited time only, so book your voyage while they last. And soon, you’ll be setting sail on a spectacular Princess ship, bound for one of the world’s great destinations – and enjoying the superb dining, exciting entertainment, array of activities and warm, welcoming service for which Princess is known.

Contact a Paragon Travel agent for more information: This promotion is not combinable with past passenger offers. Not all fares are eligible for this offer — once you have selected your category, your fare will be calculated and your Onboard Credit, if any, will be displayed if the category is eligible for this offer.

Contact a Paragon Travel agent today toll free at 1-888-461-0231 or locally at 416.461.0231

Alternatively, you may complete the form below to reach an agent by email

[contact-form]

Terms & Conditions *Save up to $1,000 per stateroom is based on a per person discount off applicable launch fares on a space available basis at time of booking on select Europe and Alaska cruises and cruisetours. Launch fares are offering fares and may not have been in effect for the past 90 days or resulted in actual sales in all categories. Intermediate discounts may have been taken and fares may remain at discounted levels after this promotion. Fares apply to minimum lead-in categories on a space-available basis at time of booking on Crown Princess 5/12/12 sailing and Diamond Princess 9/15/12 cruisetour only. Fares for other categories, sailings and cruisetours may vary. Oceanview stateroom may have an obstructed view. Fares are per person, non-air, cruise- or cruisetour-only, based on double occupancy and apply to the first two passengers in a stateroom. These fares do not apply to singles or third/fourth-berth passengers. Government fees and taxes of up to $265 are additional and subject to change. Princess reserves the right to impose a fuel supplement of up to $9 per person per day on all passengers if the NYMEX oil price exceeds $70 per barrel, even if fares have been paid in full. This offer is capacity controlled and may not be combinable with any other public, group or past passenger discount, including shipboard credits. Offer is available to residents of the 50 United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico and the District of Columbia who are 21 years of age or older and receive this offer. Fares quoted in U.S. dollars. Please refer to the applicable Princess Cruises brochure or princess.com for terms, conditions and definitions that apply to all bookings. Reference promotion code: RGA/RGB/RTZ. Offer expires: January 31, 2012. © 2011 Princess Cruises. Ships of Bermudan registry.

**Free Balcony Upgrade refers to reserving a balcony stateroom for the price of an oceanview stateroom.

*** Cruise sale – Promotion applies to new bookings made between Jan. 8 – 24, 2012 will receive one coupon book per passenger, maximum of two per stateroom, extending up to $325 USD in onboard savings. Savings coupons have no cash value, are non-transferable and non-refundable. The promotion includes a reduced deposit of $100 which applies to first two passengers in a stateroom. Offer not available on full World Cruises and 45+ day World Cruise Segment voyages.

6 Night Summer Sizzler Singles Cruise from Miami – July 2012

nicole — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 20:32:49 +0000

Make your summer sparkle on our singles only Fourth of July celebration cruise! Celebrate your holiday long weekend with a large group of singles from across the country as we island hop through Key West, FL; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; and Ocho Rios, Jamaica. We’ll get the party started in Miami where we’ll board the Carnival Valor® on July 1, 2012.

When you join our singles group on this amazing vacation, you will experience all the fabulous amenities of the Carnival Valor® PLUS a special invitation to all the exclusive singles activities we will be throwing onboard!

Singles Ages: All Ages Welcome!

Itinerary:

Sunday - July 1, 2012 4:00pm Miami, Florida

The Carnival Valor® departs Miami, Florida (arrive early, boarding is from 1:30PM to 3:30PM). Join all the fun-loving singles group passengers at the welcome aboard orientation mixer!

Monday - July 2, 2012 8:00am – 5:00pm Key West, Florida

Home to modern-day adventurers, artists and poets, the island’s charming Old Town teems with restaurants, bars and unique shops. Add pristine coral reefs, coconut palms and a laid-back attitude that’s truly contagious, and it’s easy to see why so many visitors to Key West never leave.

Tuesday - July 3, 2012 All Day at Sea

Enjoy a Fun Day at Sea and all the exciting singles group exclusive activities.

Wednesday - July 4, 2012 7:00am – 4:00pm Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Grand Cayman, kissed by sparkling, turquoise waters, is a dream come true for water sports enthusiasts. You can snorkel with stingrays, go scuba diving, sail a catamaran, take in some sport fishing, or just mellow out along the powder-soft sand of the magnificent Seven Mile Beach. While you’re there, don’t forget to visit Hell, which is devilishly popular with senders of postcards.

Thursday - July 5, 2012 7:00am – 3:30pm Ocho Rios, Jamaica

The Spanish originally called it ‘Los Chorreos,’ but nowadays many call Ocho Rios, a former banana and fishing port, the cruise ship capital of Jamaica. Dunn’s River Falls is both a 600-foot natural staircase of cascading water, and the most famous attraction in Ocho Rios. Looking for sheer natural beauty? Look no further than Shaw Park Botanical Gardens, which offers 32 acres of indigenous trees, flowers and shrubs, and even picturesque streams and waterfalls. In addition, you’ll also find plenty of opportunities for diving, sailing and golfing.

Friday - July 6, 2012 All Day at Sea

Enjoy a Fun Day at Sea and all the exciting singles group exclusive activities.

Saturday - July 7, 2012 8:00am Miami, Florida

The Carnival Valor® and all of our singles group guests arrive back in Miami, Florida. After an exciting week full of fun, the cruise has finally come to an end. The memories and all your new found friendships will last a lifetime!

Pricing:

Private Balcony: Enjoy the scenic views from your own private balcony. Most balcony staterooms also have a separate sittingarea. Price includes government fees and taxes. (Prices subject to change, based on availability).

Single – Your Own Cabin Available $2,185.97 Deposit $300.00

Double – Share a Cabin Available $1,136.97 Deposit $300.00

Ocean View: The large picture window will delight you and provides an excellent view of the ocean and each destination! Priceincludes government fees and taxes. (Prices subject to change, based on availability).

Single – Your Own Cabin Available $1,885.97 Deposit $300.00

Double – Share a Cabin Available $986.97 Deposit $300.00

Interior Cabin: Interior staterooms are an excellent value. These spacious staterooms have no window which is great if you like to sleep late! Price includes government fees and taxes. (Prices subject to change, based on availability).

Single – Your Own Cabin Available $1,685.97 Deposit $300.00

Double – Share a Cabin Available $886.97 Deposit $300.00

* Carnival reserves the right to re-instate the fuel supplement for all guests at up to $9 per person per day if the NYMEX oil price exceeds $70 per barrel.

What’s Included?

As part of your singles cruise vacation, you will enjoy complimentary fabulous meals and snacks every day, 24 hour room service, spectacular entertainment and all the ship’s amenities PLUS these EXCLUSIVE singles group activities:

Complimentary cocktail parties
Costume/Theme Nights
Private dance lessons
Speed meeting and mingling
Cabin crawls
Pool parties
Karaoke parties and more!

Our singles cruises fill up fast!

Book your cabin today by calling us at 1-888-461-0231 or email us by filling out the form below.

[contact-form]

Egypt & Jordan Adventure with G Adventures

tennille — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 20:51:23 +0000

17 DAYS,CAIRO TO AMMAN

Discovering ancient civilizations and architectural wonders, relaxing at the Red Sea, overnight felucca journey with support boat, bargaining in bazaars, camping in a Bedouin tent.

A wide-ranging adventure showcasing the region’s natural wonders and fascinating cultures, offering the perfect combination of guided excursions and free time to explore at your own pace. Our expert local leaders will share with you the archeological and historical secrets of the ancient sites of Petra, Luxor and the Great Pyramids of Giza. Whether it’s haggling in Cairo’s bustling bazaars or snapping a desert sunset, Egypt and Jordan will forever be etched into your memory—like a hieroglyph.

What’s Included

Admission and guided tour of the Pyramids and the Sphinx, Admission and guided tour of the Egyptian Museum, Overnight sleeper train Cairo to Aswan, Nubian Village walk and traditional dinner, Felucca overnight sailing trip, Visit to the Colossi of Memnon, Donkey ride, admission and guided visit to the Valley of the Kings and Temple of Hatshepsut, meal with local family in Luxor, Overnight sleeper train Luxor to Cairo, Guided walking tour of Islamic Cairo,Admission to the Cairo Citadel, Visit to Khan al Khalili bazaar, Mt Sinai guided climb, Wadi Rum desert camping with traditional dinner, Petra entrance and guided tour, Madaba mosaics entrance and guided tour.
16 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners (Allow USD285-375 for meals not included)
Hotel (12 nts), sleeper train (2 nts), felucca (1 nt), desert camping (1 nt)
Private air-con van, train, felucca, donkey, ferry, 4×4
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout
Small group experience; Max 15, avg 10

Other dates are available. Please call us at 1.888.461.0231 for more information and pricing.

Itinerary

Day 1 Cairo

Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Cairo, Overnight Train (B,D)

Guided tour of the pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Overnight sleeper train to Aswan.

Days 3-5 Aswan (3B,1L,2D)

Visit a Nubian village and enjoy a home-cooked dinner with the locals, felucca overnight sailing trip. Option to visit the temples of Abu Simbel.

Days 6-7 Luxor, Overnight Train (2B,1L,1D)

Guided tour of the Valley of the Kings and Temple of Hatshepsut. Option to visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Museum. Overnight sleeper train to Cairo.

Day 8 Cairo (B)

Guided tour of Islamic Cairo, visit to Khan al Khalili bazaar and Egyptian Museum.

Day 9 Mt Sinai (B)

Option to climb to summit of Mt Sinai.

Day 10 Nuweiba (B)

Visit the Monastery of St Catherine. Option to snorkel in the Red Sea or relax on the beach.

Day 11 Aqaba (B)

Ferry from Nuweiba to Aqaba.

Day 12 Wadi Rum (B,D)

Wadi Rum desert camping with traditional dinner.

Days 13-14 Petra (2B)

Guided tour of Petra.

Day 15 Madaba (B)

Visit Shobak and Kerak Castles, guided tour of Madaba Mosaics.

Day 16 Amman (B)

Optional swim in the Dead Sea, option to explore highlights of Amman.

Day 17 Amman (B)

Depart at any time

For a full itinerary or to reserve your spot on this tour. Call us at 1.888.461.0231 or fill out the form below.

[contact-form]

In Search of Iguassu – Buenos Aires to Rio with G Adventures

tennille — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 20:23:55 +0000

17 DAYS,BUENOS AIRES TO RIO DE JANEIRO

Sampling the food, wine and culture of Buenos Aires, discovering Uruguay’s charm, marvelling at Iguassu Falls, sipping on a caipirinha on the beach, wandering colonial Paraty, revelling in Rio.

Kick off your adventure in vibrant Buenos Aires then pass colonial towns and thermal baths into the interior and marvel at the majesty of Iguassu Falls. Finishing in Rio, you’re free to explore the carnival atmosphere.

What’s Included

Entrance and visit to both the Argentine and Brazilian sides of Iguassu Falls
No meals included. (Allow USD480-520 for meals not included.)
Simple hotels (14 nts), overnight buses (2 nts).
Public bus, mini-van, taxis, ferry, walking.
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.
Small group experience; Max 16, Avg 10

Other dates are available year round. For more information on dates and accommodations contact us at 1.888.461.0231

Itinerary

Day 1 Buenos Aires

Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Buenos Aires

Free day to take an optional city tour for individual exploration of the many attractions and museums. Optional tango show and dinner.

Days 3-5 Colonia/Montevideo

Cross the Rio de la Plata by ferry to Colonia, Uruguay. Free time to explore the area and relax at a streetside cafe. Continue by bus to Montevideo. Optional city tour, visit the Carnival museum or eat at the Port Market.

Days 6-7 Salto

Travel by bus to Salto. Optional visit to nearby hot springs.

Days 8-10 Iguassu Falls

Arrive to the Iguassu area by overnight bus. Explore both the Argentinean and Brazilian sides of the falls with an optional boat ride near the base of the falls, or visit the nearby bird park.

Days 11-12 Paraty

Arrive by overnight bus to colonial Paraty. Optional cachaça distillery visit or boat tour of the bay and nearby beaches.

Days 13-15 Ilha Grande

Travel by bus and ferry to Ilha Grande. Free time for hikes and walks around the island to explore the beaches or take an optional boat tour.

Day 16 Rio de Janeiro

Travel to Rio de Janeiro by ferry and bus for free time to explore the city using our centrally-located hotel in Copacabana as a base. Optional city tour.

Day 17 Rio de Janeiro

Depart at any time.

For detailed itinerary and more information or to book this tour, call us at 1.888.461.0231 or fill out the form below

[contact-form]

Essential Vietnam & Cambodia with G Adventures

tennille — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 20:04:51 +0000

17 DAYS,HANOI TO BANGKOK

Thriving Hanoi and Bangkok, sail a junk through Halong Bay, citadels and pagodas, Hoi An’s shops, wartime tunnels, sip coffee in Saigon, journey the Mekong Delta, colonial Phnom Penh, sunrise over amazing Angkor.

A wide-ranging adventure showcasing the region’s natural wonders and fascinating cultures. This 17-day trip offers a combination of guided excursions and free time to explore beaches and ruins, urban culture and awe-inspiring landscapes. Cruise the Mekong overnight on a traditional sailing junk in Halong Bay. Witness the heights of Cambodia’s past at Angkor Wat and contemplate its lows walking the infamous Killing Fields. Although many activities are included, there is still plenty of time to explore on your own and create the ultimate adventure.

What’s Included

Entrance to Halong Bay caves, Halong Bay boat trip and with lunch and seafood dinner, Imperial Citadel and tomb, Cu Chi tunnels, Mekong Delta day trip, Phnom Penh cyclo tour, Entrance to Tuol Sleng and ‘Killing Fields’, Entrance and guide to Angkor Wat temple complex including Sunrise Tour.
13 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner. (Allow USD325-375 for meals not included.)
Hotels (14 nts), sleeper train (1 nt), junk boat (1 nt).
Train, local bus, aircon bus, plane, walking, cyclo, boat.
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides
Small group experience; Max 15, Avg 10

Other dates are available year round. Please call us at 1.888.461.0231 for more information on dates and accommodations available for this tour.

Itinerary

Day 1 Hanoi

Arrive at any time.

Days 2-3 Halong Bay/Hanoi (2B,1L,1D)

Halong Bay cruise, cave visit and island lookout. Seafood lunch and dinner. Overnight train to Hue on Day 3.

Day 4 Hue

Guided tour of Imperial Citadel, Royal Tomb and Tien Mu Pagoda. Optional countryside motorbike tour.

Days 5-7 Hoi An (3B)

Hai Van Pass. Optional cooking school, riverboat trip, bike riding, beach, visit the tailors or My Son ruins.

Days 8-9 Ho Chi Minh City (B)

Flight from Da Nang (Hoi An) to HCMC on Day 8. Guided tour of Cu Chi tunnels. Option to visit War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, Ben Thanh Market.

Please Note: the January 24th and 26th departures will be taking an overnight train on Day 8 from Danang to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 10 Mekong Delta Day Trip (B)

Guided day trip to Mekong Delta, boat cruise and visit to traditional candy factories.

Days 11-12 Phnom Penh (2B)

Travel from HCMC–Phnom Penh on Day 11. Guided tour of Tuol Sleng Prison and Choeung Ek (Killing Fields). Cyclo tour of the colonial district. Option to visit National Museum and Royal Palace, shop at Central or Russian Market.

Days 13-15 Siem Reap (2B)

Guided tour of Angkor Wat temple complex. Optional visit to Tonle Sap floating village, Angkor National Museum.

Day 16 Bangkok (B)

Travel Day. Border crossing into Thailand.

Day 17 Bangkok (B)

Depart at any time.

15 day Absolute Turkey Tour from Istanbul

tennille — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:43:14 +0000

Discovering historic cities, ancient ruins and extraordinary scenery, enjoying dinner in a local family home, relaxing on an overnight boat trip, staying in a local village.

This comprehensive tour of Turkey combines history and beaches, man-made wonders and natural phenomena, as well as a vibrant and welcoming culture. Begin your trip roaming the palaces and mosques of Istanbul before journeying into the bizarre as you explore otherworldly Cappadocia. From amazing white cliff waterfalls to bustling bazaars, our local CEOs will show you the region’s hidden gems and make sure your trip burns brightly in your memory long after you’ve left this crossroads of Asia and Europe.

What’s Included

Istanbul city walking tour, overnight sleeper train, Dinner with local family in Cappadocia, Ihlara Valley entrance and guided walk, Derinkuyu underground city entrance and tour, Overnight boat trip to Kekova Island, Guided walk and entrance to Simena Castle of Kalekoy, Entrance and guided tour of Pamukkale formations and Hierapolis ruins, Guided tour and entrance to Ephesus ruins, Guided tour and entrance to Troy, Guided walk and entrance to to Gallipoli sites.
13 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners (Allow USD285-375 for meals not included)
Hotels (11 nts), sleeper train (1 nt), simple village homestay (1 nt), boat (1 nt, multi-share/Nov-Apr spent in a hotel)
Private air-con van, overnight train, boat.
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout
Small group experience; Max 15, avg 10

Other dates are available between March and October, please call 1.888.461.0231 for more information and availability

Itinerary

Day 1 Istanbul

Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Istanbul, Night Train (B)

Istanbul city orientation walk, overnight sleeper train to Ankara.

Days 3-5 Cappadocia (2B,1D)

Enjoy a home-cooked dinner with a local family. Option to visit the Goreme Open Air Museum and hike in the Rose Valley.

Day 6 Konya, local village stay (B,D)

Explore the underground city of Derinkuyu, view painted cave churches in the beautiful Ihlara Valley. Explore Konya before spending the night in a local Turkish village.

Day 7 Antalya (B)

Explore the lovely seaside town of Antalya.

Day 8 Overnight boat excursion (B,D)

Enjoy a freshly cooked dinner before sleeping aboard our boat under the stars of the Aegean Sea.

Day 9 Kas (B,L)

Enjoy a full day of swimming and relaxing, as well as enjoying a local lunch aboard your boat.

Day 10 Pamukkale (B)

Guided walk of ancient city of Hierapolis and Pamukkale.

Day 11 Selçuk (B)

Explore ancient Ephesus. Optional visits to the Ephesus Museum, St John’s Basilica and the mosque of Isa Bey, as well as the nearby picturesque village of Sirence.

Day 12 Ayvalik (B)

Spend the night in a converted Ottoman mansion. Optional boat trips and visits to swimming beaches.

Day 13 Troy, Çanakkale (B)

Visit to the ancient city of Troy.

Day 14 Gallipoli, Istanbul (B)

Guided tour of Gallipoli, including ANZAC Cove, the war cemeteries and Lone Pine.

Day 15 Istanbul (B)

Depart at any time.

For full itinerary or to book this tour, call us at 1.888.461.0231 or fill out the form below.

[contact-form]

Galapagos on a Shoestring with G Adventures

tennille — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:40:01 +0000

This nine-day adventure is perfect for those who want to experience the incredible wildlife and scenery of the Galapagos Islands but prefer to sleep on shore—so your time on the water is limited to commuting between islands. Go ashore at the lesser-visited island of Isabela and spend your days with playful sea lions, giant manta rays and the Galapagos giant tortoise. With fewer inclusions but plenty of options, you can choose which activities are right for you and experience one of the natural wonders of the world on a budget.

What’s Included

Flights to and from the Galapagos Islands, Visit to the Interpretation Centre on San Cristóbal, Hike to “Las Tijeretas,” Visit to Charles Darwin Research Station, Visit to the “Muro de las Lagrimas” and Tortoise breeding centre on Isabela Island, Opportunities for snorkelling and swimming, Incredible wildlife encounters.
2 Breakfasts (Allow USD255-340 for meals not included. You must pay a USD10 Tourist Transit card fee at the Quito airport and a USD100 (cash) Galapagos park entry fee immediately upon arrival to the Islands (subject to increase).USD 5 for the Isabela Municipal tax.)
Simple hotels (5 nts), camping (1 nt), homestay (2 nts).
Plane, speed boat, van, pick-up truck, local buses, zodiacs, public bus.
Local naturalist guide for included activities in the Galapagos Islands (certified by the Galapagos National Park), local tour leader, Chief Experience Officer (CEO) in Quito.
Small group experience; Max 16, Avg 10

Other dates are available, please call us at 1.888.461.0231 for more information.

Day 1 Arrive Quito

Arrive in Quito at any time. There are no planned activities, so check into our hotel and enjoy the city. A G Adventures representative will greet you at the hotel and brief you on the various aspects of the tour. If you are not able to attend the welcome meeting, our representative will leave all important information at your hotel’s reception indicating what time to be ready on Day 2 of your trip. If there is any confusion on arrival, please do not hesitate to call the contact number listed in this dossier.

Located 2850m (9348 ft) above sea level, the Ecuadorian capital of Quito enjoys a wonderful spring-like climate, despite the fact that it is only 22 km (14 miles) south of the Equator. Nestled in a valley flanked by mountains, on a clear day several snow-capped volcanoes, including nearby Pichincha, are visible from the city centre. Add to its beautiful location a rich history and well-preserved colonial district, and you begin to understand Quito’s appeal to thousands of tourists every year.

In 1978 UNESCO declared Quito a World Heritage site, and any new development in Quito’s old town is now strictly controlled. Life in Quito tends to be peaceful, though the drivers are fond of using their car horns! There are approximately 2,000,000 inhabitants in the metropolitan area, but the pace is relaxed and the residents hospitable.

Since pre-Columbian times, the site of Quito has been inhabited by the Quitus, the Shyris and the Puruhas. The Inca reached this city before the Spaniards, but levelled it to the ground rather than give it up to the Spanish. The present capital was founded by the Spanish on December 6th, 1534. Quito is separated into two basic sections, the old and the new cities. The old city is full of historical buildings and churches. One of the more noteworthy is the Catedral de Quito, located on the Plaza de la Independencia. Built between 1550 and 1562, it was one of the first neoclassical works in Quito. La Compañía de Jésus Church is considered one of the most beautiful in the Americas. The decorations in the Compañía contain approximately one and one-half tons of gold, and construction of the church took 170 years (1605-1775).

There are several excellent museums scattered throughout the city. The Casa de la Cultura Ecuadoriana has an interesting display of traditional musical instruments and Ecuadorian traditional dress, a large art collection, and a small natural history museum. For archaeology the best museum to visit is the Museo del Banco Central with its well displayed pottery, gold ornaments, skulls showing deformities and early surgical methods, a mummy and many other objects of interest. The small, rounded hill dominating the old town is El Panecillo or ‘the Little Bread Loaf,’ a major Quito landmark. From here there are marvellous panoramic views of the entire city and surrounding volcanoes. You can easily take a trolley (streetcar) or a cab between the Old Town and New Town.

Quito’s large foreign population and steady stream of travellers have given it a varied and vibrant nightlife, and salsotecas and other dance clubs abound. For a real Ecuadorian experience though, be sure and drop by a peña if you can; these are great places for meeting locals and dancing, as well as enjoying local cooking.

Just a couple of hours south of Quito is Parque National Cotopaxi, home to Cotopaxi Volcano (5897 m/19342 ft). the beautiful cone-shaped, snow covered volcano is Ecuador’s second highest peak and the highest active volcano in the world. This is a great spot for a days hiking (up to the refuge on the glacier’s edge) or mountain biking (downhill all the way). True enthusiasts attempt the climb to the summit (overnight excursion). Allow yourself an extra day or two in Quito, before or after your trip, if you want to conquer Cotopaxi.

Warning: Please take care when wandering about the city on your own, as pick pockets and purse-snatchers are common, particularly in the Old Town. Be safe and leave your passport, credit cards, traveller’s cheques and cash you don’t need in the hotel’s safety deposit box. Most Quiteños are honest and genuinely helpful and friendly, but be safe and enjoy the city!

Days 2-3 San Cristóbal

Fly to the Galapagos and the island of San Cristóbal, and transfer to your family homestay located in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the Galapagos Islands. Learn about the cultural and natural history of the Galapagos Islands at the Interpretation Centre in town and enjoy an included hike to the lookout point of “Las Tijeretas” for some fantastic bird spotting. There will be plenty of free time for optional activities like enjoying nearby beaches and shopping.

San Cristóbal is the easternmost island of Galapagos and one of the oldest. The Galapagos Islands are located about 1000 km (620 miles) off the Pacific coast of South America. The archipelago is comprised of 13 major islands and scores of islets that served as a living laboratory for Charles Darwin, the renowned evolution theorist. Long before Darwin arrived in the Galapagos, seafarers knew these isolated islands as home to some of the strangest and most wonderful wildlife imaginable, including birds that could swim but no longer fly, aquatic iguanas, dragon-like lizards left over from prehistoric times, and the giant Galapagos tortoises for which the islands were named.

Covering nearly 5000 square km (3100 square miles), the Galapagos Islands are now a National Park. The Galapagos National Park is the institution that controls the preservation of this environment, assisted by the Charles Darwin Research Station. Inaugurated in 1964 and based in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, the Charles Darwin Research Station is the one place where visitors can easily see the famous Galapagos Tortoises, which may live up to two hundred years. This is also the training centre for naturalist guides who accompany all visitors landing at more than 40 approved sites on the islands, and members of the international scientific community often come to study at the station.

The National Park charges a visitor fee of $100 USD, payable on arrival, which funds Park maintenance and supervision in the Galapagos, as well as ecological study, conservation and infrastructure development in Ecuador’s other National Parks. Entry fees and the funds they generate for the National Park System are among measures taken by the Ecuadorian government to protect its natural heritage.

Day 4 Santa Cruz

Travel in the morning by speedboat to the island of Santa Cruz and the town of Puerto Ayora, the largest settlement in the Galapagos Islands. Visit the world-famous Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about and get up close and personal with the fascinating Giant Galapagos Land Tortoise. Optional activities abound from Santa Cruz, including fabulous beaches, a visit to the highlands, and diving or snorkelling trips to name just a few.

Santa Cruz is the second largest in the island group and also boasts the most varied of the islands’ vegetation zones: coastal, transition, scalesia, miconia and pampa. The Charles Darwin Research Station is a 10 minute walk from the centre of the town. Here, an exhibition centre displays photos of recent volcanic eruptions, charts outlining geological formations and drawings of the evolutionary development of endemic species. A corral houses adult Galapagos Tortoises, and a nursery cares for young tortoises until they are about three years old, when their shells have hardened enough to resist attack from feral dogs.

Days 5-7 Isabela

Another speedboat trip brings us to Isabela Island, the largest and one of the most volcanically active in the Galapagos. Shaped like a seahorse, Isabela stretches over 100 kms long and is extremely narrow. Six active volcanoes dominate the island – Alcedo, Cerro Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra and Wolf. All of these volcanoes except Ecuador are still active, and two of them are over 1,700 metres high – Wolf and Cerro Azul.

We include visits to the local attractions of the Giant Tortoise breeding centre and the “Muro de las Lagrimas,” and offer lots of free time for individual exploration and optional activities, of which there are plenty!

One optional day tour on Isabela Island could be a trip up the Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in Galapagos boasting the second largest crater in the world. Either hiking or on horseback (optional), you can experience a birds-eye view of this magical landscape.

Another option could be to visit the “Tintoreras“ Shark Alley to observe the white tip reef sharks found swimming in the channels between the rocks. Get a close-up view of pelicans, frigate birds and diving blue footed boobies. Watch for manta rays and rare Galapagos penguins, of which only 800 pairs exist.

Isabela also boasts some beautiful, long, sandy beaches for those who just want to relax under the palm trees, take a swim, or try your hand at surfing.

1 night will be spent camping, which will be sure to leave lasting memories and to offer a unique and special experience that most visitors to the Galapagos miss. Please note that bedding will be provided for the camping.

Day 8 Santa Cruz/Quito

Travel by speedboat back to Puerto Ayora and transfer across the island by public bus to Baltra for the flight back to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito, transfer to the hotel for one last night on the town. Our representative in Quito will be able to advise you and help with some of the many day tours available in and around Quito.

Day 9 Depart Quito

If you have questions about this trip or would like to make a reservation, call us at 1.888.461.0231 or fill out the form below.

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