Galapagos - South America - Panama

Day 1 — Istanbul - Bogota

Meeting at Istanbul Airport at 06:30. Following passport control and check-in procedures, departure for Colombia's capital, Bogotá, on Turkish Airlines flight TK 801 at 09:40. Following a flight of approximately 13 hours and 25 minutes, arrival in Bogotá at 15:05 local time. Transfer to our hotel by our private vehicle waiting for us at the airport. In the evening, departure from the hotel for dinner, arranged with transfers included. Return to the hotel after dinner. Overnight stay at our hotel. Included: Airport transfer and dinner.

Day 2 — Bogota

Breakfast included

Following breakfast, we set out on our comprehensive city tour to explore Bogotá and Colombia up close. We will visit the most significant landmarks reflecting the city's historical, cultural, and social fabric. Monserrate Hill and Sanctuary We will ascend Monserrate, situated approximately 3.150 metres above sea level, by funicular or cable car. At the summit, we will see the sanctuary, the statue of "El Señor Caído de Monserrate", and panoramic vistas of Bogotá. La Candelaria & Bolívar Square In the historic centre where Bogotá originated, we will discover colonial architecture and the surroundings of the Botero Museum, Casa de la Moneda, Luis Ángel Arango Library, and the Gabriel García Márquez Cultural Centre. Afterwards, we will visit Bolívar Square, one of the country's primary administrative and political centres. Gold Museum • International Centre • Teusaquillo • Coffee Workshop We will visit the Gold Museum, home to more than 35.000 pre-Columbian artefacts. When the museum is closed on Mondays, the itinerary will be replaced with the Emerald Museum. During the day, the International Centre, the Teusaquillo district, and a local coffee workshop are also included in our itinerary. Following the tour, dinner and transfer to our hotel. Overnight stay at our hotel. Included: Lunch, dinner, and dining transfers.

Day 3 — Bogota

Breakfast included

Following breakfast, we depart for the Middle of the World Monument (Mitad del Mundo) located in San Antonio de Pichincha. We will have the opportunity to stand on the Equator line, take photographs, and learn about Ecuador's geographical location and cultural traditions. We will then visit the Intiñan Museum to discover the solar- and nature-related traditions of the Andean indigenous peoples. We will take part in interactive demonstrations, such as the egg-balancing experiment on the Equator line and demonstrations showing the flow of water in different directions. Entrance fees included: Mitad del Mundo and Intiñan Museum. Meals: Breakfast, lunch at a local restaurant, dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Quito.

Day 4 — Bogota - Quito

Breakfast included

Morning transfer to Bogotá Airport and flight to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito, meet and greet by our guide and transfer to our hotel. Following check-in procedures, we drop off our luggage at the hotel and begin our city tour. Quito: History, Culture & Heritage Located approximately 2.800 metres above sea level, Ecuador's capital, Quito, was declared a UNESCO "Cultural Heritage of Humanity" site in 1978. Known as the "Light of America", the city boasts one of the best-preserved historic centres in Latin America. On our tour, we will see significant religious structures such as La Compañía de Jesús, the Basílica del Voto Nacional, the Church of San Francisco, and the Cathedral. Colonial paintings and sculptures spanning from the 16th century to the 20th century reflect the rich heritage of the renowned Quito School of Art. Independence Square is also among our stops. El Panecillo - Virgen de Quito From El Panecillo hill, home to the Virgen de Quito statue—one of the city's iconic landmarks—we will take in sweeping views stretching across Quito. Return to our hotel following the tour. Entrances included: La Basílica, Cathedral, La Compañía de Jesús, San Francisco, and El Panecillo. Meals: Lunch at a local restaurant, dinner at the hotel. Overnight stay in Quito.

Day 5 — Quito

Breakfast included

Following breakfast, we depart for the Middle of the World Monument (Mitad del Mundo) located in San Antonio de Pichincha. We will have the opportunity to stand on the Equator line, take photographs, and learn about Ecuador's geographical location and cultural traditions. We will then visit the Intiñan Museum to discover the solar- and nature-related traditions of the Andean indigenous peoples. We will take part in interactive demonstrations, such as the egg-balancing experiment on the Equator line and demonstrations showing the flow of water in different directions. Entrance fees included: Mitad del Mundo and Intiñan Museum. Meals: Breakfast, lunch at a local restaurant, dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Quito.

Day 6 — Quito - Galapagos

Breakfast included

Following breakfast, transfer to Quito Airport. Departure for the Galápagos at 11:10 aboard an Avianca Airlines flight. Arrival at 12:00 local time. Following Galápagos entry formalities, we will cross the Itabaca Channel and transfer to Santa Cruz Island. During the journey of approximately 45 minutes, our first stop will be the Twin Craters, which are sinkhole craters situated on both sides of the road. Santa Cruz Highlands - Lava Tunnels - Giant Tortoises Walking through natural lava tunnels in the highlands of Santa Cruz, we will observe the volcanic formations of the archipelago up close. Afterwards, we will visit the reserve where we can observe giant Galápagos tortoises in their natural habitat. The region's birdlife and endemic flora will also form key highlights of our visit. Puerto Ayora & Charles Darwin Research Station Following our tour, we continue to Puerto Ayora, the main settlement on Santa Cruz Island. By visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station, we will learn about the scientific work carried out for the conservation of the Galápagos ecosystem and the future of endemic species. Meals: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch at a private ranch, dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay: Puerto Ayora - Santa Cruz Island.

Day 7 — Galapagos

Breakfast included

Following an early breakfast, depending on the availability of the day, we will embark on a full-day boat tour with one of the four options below. The tour will start in the early morning hours and conclude around 17:00. Bartolomé Island Offering one of the most impressive panoramic views of the Galápagos, Bartolomé is famous for its extinct volcanic structures and volcanic formations in orange, green, red, and black hues. It is also an important spot for snorkelling. Sea lions, marine iguanas, sea turtles, stingrays, and tropical fish can be observed. North Seymour Island Land iguanas, magnificent frigatebirds, the courtship dances of blue-footed boobies, and sea lions playing among the waves are the island's prominent wildlife. Gulls, pelicans, marine iguanas, white-tip reef sharks, and sea turtles can also be seen. South Plazas A small and uninhabited island; renowned for the striking contrast created by red, green, and blue colours, dramatic cliffs, and abundant wildlife. Land and marine iguanas, hybrid iguanas found only in the Galápagos, blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, and tropicbirds can be observed. Santa Fe One of the oldest islands in the Galápagos, Santa Fe stands out with its giant prickly pear cacti and rich wildlife. Following a wet landing at Barrington Bay, we will hike along trails where we can observe Santa Fe land iguanas, sea lions, lava lizards, and various marine creatures. Meals: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch on board, dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight: Puerto Ayora - Santa Cruz Island.

Day 8 — Galapagos

Breakfast included

Along the trail leading to Tortuga Bay, we will advance through arid-zone vegetation accompanied by rich birdlife. Our guide will introduce the region's species, particularly Darwin's finches. On the beach, famed for its white coral sands and turquoise waves, we will be able to observe marine iguanas in their natural habitat. Afternoon Bay Tour - Shared Service Departing Puerto Ayora by boat, we will head to Shark Channel, where we can see white-tip reef sharks, locally known as "Tintoreras". We will then visit Playa de los Perros, home to marine iguana nesting sites, and Las Grietas, ideal for snorkelling with its crystal-clear waters. Meals: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch and dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight: Puerto Ayora - Santa Cruz Island.

Day 9 — Galapagos - Panama

Breakfast included

Following breakfast, we depart from our hotel at the designated time and transfer to Baltra Airport. After our flight to Guayaquil, we will continue our travel itinerary for the next leg, connecting to Panama City. Airline and schedule details for the Guayaquil – Panama City flight will be added to the programme once confirmed. Meals: Breakfast. Upon arrival in Panama City around midday, we will be met at the airport by our team and transferred to our hotel by private vehicle. Following check-in procedures, free time to settle into our rooms and relax. Evening: Casco Antiguo Walking Tour Towards sunset, we set out to explore Casco Antiguo, Panama City's historic quarter and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking amidst its cobbled streets, elegant plazas, historic churches, and meticulously restored colonial buildings, we will learn about the founding stories of Panama and the transformation of this historic district into one of today’s most vibrant city centres. In the evening, we will experience a special atmosphere where historic architecture meets warm lighting, lively streets, and views of the modern Panama City skyline. Welcome Dinner at Lazotea Rooftop We will conclude the evening with a special welcome dinner hosted at Lazotea, one of Casco Antiguo's popular rooftop venues. We will make a delightful start to our itinerary with its stylish atmosphere and panoramic views stretching across the Panama City skyline. Meals: Lunch and Dinner. Overnight: Panama City.

Day 10 — Panama

Breakfast included

Today, we depart the city and travel deep into the tropical rainforest to the Chagres region, where we will enjoy an unforgettable cultural experience with the Emberá people, one of Panama's indigenous communities. After travelling through lush green nature, we will reach the Emberá community by traditional canoes. The community members will welcome us and share their ancestral traditions, culture, music, dances, handicrafts, and their bond with nature. This visit is not merely a tour; it is an opportunity to connect directly with a living culture and gain an intimate understanding of the community's daily life and customs. After spending time with the community members and experiencing local life, we will return to Panama City. Traditional Lunch A traditional lunch prepared by the Emberá community, consisting of fresh fish and fried plantains, along with refreshing drinks and tropical fruits, will be served. Meals: Breakfast, traditional lunch, and dinner Overnight: Panama City.

Day 11 — Panama – Istanbul

Breakfast included

Following breakfast, we set off to discover the Panama Canal, one of the world's greatest engineering achievements. Panama Canal Experience During our visit, we will learn about the construction of the canal, its operation, and its critical role in global maritime trade. We will have the opportunity to observe how ships are raised and lowered via the giant lock systems as they transit between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Amador Causeway Next, we continue to the Amador Causeway, extending into the Pacific Ocean and connecting several small islands. From here, we will admire impressive views of the Panama City skyline, the Pacific Ocean, and the entrance to the Panama Canal. Local Lunch & Free Time Following lunch at a local restaurant, return to the hotel. A late check-out has been arranged for the group, allowing our guests to rest, shower, and pack their luggage at leisure before the journey. At approximately 17:00, transfer by private vehicle to Tocumen International Airport. Arrival at the airport for the scheduled flight to Turkey at 20:00, marking the end of our tour. Meals: Breakfast and lunch at a local restaurant. Included: Private transfers, guiding, entrance fees, and activities specified in the itinerary.

Included services

• Economy class flight ticket with Turkish Airlines between Istanbul-Bogota / Panama-Istanbul
• Economy class flights between Bogota – Quito – Galapagos – Guayaquil – Panama
• All tours and transfers specified in the itinerary
• Experienced Turkish-speaking guiding service
• Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners
• 3 nights' accommodation at a 4* hotel in Bogota
• 2 nights accommodation at a 4* hotel in Quito
• 3 nights' accommodation at a 4* hotel in the Galapagos Islands
• 2 nights' accommodation at a 4* hotel in Panama City

Not included

• Domestic baggage fees in South and Central America (Varies between 40 USD and 85 USD per bag with a weight limit of 23 kg. An extra fee applies to any baggage exceeding the weight limit. On some flights, local airlines also charge a baggage fee for cabin bags that do not fit under the seat.)
• Personal expenses
• International departure tax (Can be paid at designated banks or at the tax office desk at the airport)