2017 - APT South America

52 Uncover the spirit of Cuba as you explore the historic streets of Havana in a vintage car Day 26. Quito. Tour Quito and discover its colonial splendour before afternoon tea at your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to wander the World Heritage-listed Old Town. BL Day 27. Quito, Santa Cruz Island, Embark Galápagos Islands Cruise. Fly to Baltra Island and take a ferry to Santa Cruz Island, the most developed island of the archipelago. Meet giant tortoises in the wild at El Chato Reserve, before transferring to your luxurious ship. Four Night Cruise: Yacht La Pinta. BLD Day 28. Galápagos Islands Cruise, Santa Cruz Island. Take a Zodiac to Eden Islet where you can observe blue-footed boobies, reef sharks and frigatebirds. Later, on Sombrero Chino Islet, look out for wildlife including white-tipped reef sharks and Galápagos penguins. BLD Day 29. Galápagos Islands Cruise, Bartolomé Island. Zodiacs will take you to Bartolomé Island where you can explore the red volcanic landscapes. Continue to Pinnacle Rock, then explore Sullivan Bay. Here, join your naturalist guide for a walk. BLD Day 30. Galápagos Islands Cruise, Genovesa Island. Explore Genovesa Island today, beginning with a gentle walk at Darwin Bay. Later, explore the other side of the island to glimpse large colonies of Nazca boobies, frigatebirds and storm petrels. BLD Day 31. Baltra Island, Disembark Galápagos Islands Cruise, Guayaquil. Disembark at Baltra Island and fly to Guayaquil. Stay: Guayaquil, Hilton Hotel. BD Day 32. Guayaquil, Panama City (Panama). Board a flight to Panama City today. On arrival, set out to explore this sprawling tropical metropolis, set at the crossroads of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Begin with a wander through the cobblestone streets of the historical district, the Spanish colonial Casco Viejo, brilliantly contrasted against Panama Bay and its modern skyline. Then, visit a jewellery workshop and watch as pre-Columbian era pieces are recreated using an age-old wax casting method. Appreciate local cuisine this evening with dinner at a neighbourhood restaurant. Three Night Stay: Panama City, Waldorf Astoria Panama. BD Day 33. Panama City, Panama Canal Railway, Colón, Portobelo. Join the Panama Canal Railway for a spectacular journey through the verdant jungle that fringes the Panama Canal. Disembark in Colón and travel to the World Heritage-listed city of Portobelo on the Caribbean coast. See the Iglesia de San Felipe and spend some time at the local museum, followed by lunch at a nearby beach and a short tour of Colón. BL Day 34. Panama City, Panama Canal. Set out to explore the evocative archaeological remains of Panama's original city, Panamá Viejo. Founded in 1519, this was the first European settlement in the Pacific coast of the Americas. Continue to the flamboyant, Frank Gehry-designed BioMuseo at the Pacific entrance to the canal and browse the eight galleries depicting the history of the isthmus. Then, watch ships being raised and lowered as they pass through the Miraflores Lock, and spend time at the Miraflores Visitors Center. BLD Day 35. Panama City, Havana (Cuba). From one tropical capital to the next, farewell Panama today as you fly to Havana, the illustrious capital of Cuba. This city is known for its rich history, lively music, grand architecture, famous cigars, sweet cocktails and of course, classic old American cars. Enjoy a welcome cocktail at your hotel before dinner at a charming local paladar. Four Night Stay: Havana, Hotel Iberostar Park Central. BD Day 36. Havana. Take a ride in a classic American car and feel the rhythm of the city during a guided tour. Later, explore the city by foot and learn about its historical and colonial past in Old Havana. Visit Cathedral Square, San Francisco de Asis Square and the magnificent Arms Square. All the while, delight in the street theatre and commotion of everyday life along Havana's busy walkways – often the ultimate highlight. BL Day 37. Havana, Freedom of Choice. Personalise your day with the choice of three activities this morning. Follow in the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway throughout Havana. Visit the author's house at Finca de la Vigia, the fishing port of Cojimar and some of his favourite hangouts. Perhaps embark on an Afro-Cuban heritage tour and discover the renowned Callejon de Hamel, where the Cuban artist www.aptouring.com.au

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