Day 1 & 2 - Quito

The JW Marriott is located in the heart of the capital city and about 25 miles from Quito International Airport. From the comfortable and safe La Mariscal District, the hotel is a quick cab ride or about a 20 minute walk to the central area. Here you'll find plenty of dining options offering delicious Ecuadorian food.

Day 2 - Breakfast is served at the hotel. During your guided tour of the capital of Ecuador, situated at an altitude of 9,350 feet, you'll stand on the equatorial line at the Middle of the World Park and Museum, and marvel at the monastery of San Francisco and la Compaia Church. Your Tour Director will escort you throughout your Quito stay, and serve as your personal concierge. Lunch with a spectacular view of the city, and enjoy a welcome dinner at a local gourmet restaurant.

Day 3 - Baltra & Black Turtle Cove

Cruise Embarkation, Baltra Island - Your flight from Ecuador lands on Baltra Island. During World War II, Baltra served as a U.S. military base protecting the Panama Canal. Now the cactus-strewn landscapes of Baltra are home to the region's main airport and where you will be greeted by staff from Celebrity. After just a short bus and zodiac ride you will be aboard the ship.

Black Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz Island - A Zodiac ride into Black Turtle Cove, one of the most beautiful sites in the Galapagos, takes us through a complex maze of tranquil saltwater inlets surrounded by mangroves. Once inside the cove, we'll quietly explore the area looking for sea turtles, several species of rays, and sharks. It is also a nesting site for brown pelicans, egrets, and herons. Excursion options: Zodiac.

Day 4 - Sullivan Bay & Bartolome Island

Sullivan Bay, Santiago Island - During a volcanic eruption in the early 1900's, this area of Santiago was covered with flowing lava. Today, the hardened fields of black rock create a geologic wonderland. There are two small beaches where turtles come for nesting. Take advantage of the cool of the early morning for a walk at this amazing site. Excursion options: Walk.

Bartolomé Island - Bartolomé Island offers one of the region's most photographed views, and is a spectacular geological setting. Its barren moon-like volcanic landscapes, spatter cones, and pinnacle rock make for a unique stop. It is also home to the endemic Galapagos penguin and provides an excellent opportunity for snorkeling. Marine turtles come ashore to nest here between January and March. Excursion options: hike up some 368 stairs "To the Top" of the volcano, a zodiac ride, and an optional beach swim or snorkel.

Day 5 - Urvina Bay & Tagus Cove, Isabela

Isabela Island (Isla Isabela) is the largest island in the Galapagos, is in the shape of a sea horse and was named by Christopher Columbus in honor of Queen Isabela of Spain. It is home to five active volcanoes. The Wolf Volcano erupted in May, 2015 after 33 years of inactivity.

Urvina Bay Here we will see large land iguanas, finches, and if lucky, a giant tortoise or two. In 1954, the intrusion of magma below one of the island's volcanoes caused part of the bay to be uplifted some 6 meters. Today, we can walk through the remains of what was once a thriving underwater reef. Excursion options include a long, faster-paced hike with some rock climbing required, followed by an optional snorkel (if conditions allow), a short walk, or swim. This is a wet landing.

Caleta Tagus (Tagus Cove), Isabela Historically an anchorage for pirates and whalers was named for the British naval vessel that moored here in 1814. The names of those old ships are carved into the rock above the landing. Tagus Point offers a breathtaking view of Isabela, its volcanoes, and a saltwater lagoon

The coves quiet waters make for an ideal zodiac ride beneath its sheltered cliffs, where blue-fitted boobies, brown noddies, pelicans and noddy terns make their nests, and flightless cormorants and penguins inhabit the lava ledges. Along the shore seabirds, penguins, sea lions, sea turtles and nesting flightless cormorants can often be found Excursion options include a scenic zodiac ride for wildlife viewing, a long, faster-paced walk, snorkeling, and kayak. This is a dry landing.

Day 6 - Espinoza Point & Vicente Roca Point

Punta Espinoza, Fernandina Island - Fernandina Island is the youngest Galapagos island due to its volcanic activity. As Darwin wrote, it is "covered with immense deluges of black naked lava." Along with its extraordinary black lava rocks, Punta Espinoza hosts the largest colony of marine iguanas in the Archipelago, along with sea lions and a nesting site for flightless cormorants. Excursion options: walk, deep water snorkel, or hike.

Vicente Roca Point, Isabela Island - The half-collapsed remains make for a spectacular setting at this site. Awe-inspiring cliffs, blue waters, and wildlife create a zodiac ride to remember as you search for sea turtles, penguins, fur seals, the flightless cormorant, marine iguanas, marine mammals, and the oddly shaped form of the elusive sunfish. Excursion options: zodiac, deep water snorkel.

Day 7 - Egas Point & Espumilla Beach, Santiago

Puerto Egas, Santiago With its sandy beach, black rocks, and blue-water grottos, Puerto Egas offers a taste of Galapagos geology, great snorkeling, and an opportunity to see shorebirds and Galapagos fur seals.

The wet landing on the dark sands here leads to one of the more rewarding visits in the Galapagos, the Fur Seal Grotto. Here one can get very close views of both fur seals and sea lions in a series of rocky pools. For many, this is the only opportunity to see the Galapagos fur seal, once thought to be on the verge of extinction. In addition to the fur seals. This site also offers the best opportunity for tide-pooling in the Galapagos.

Espumilla Beach, Santiago Island Located on the northern coast of Santiago Island in James Bay, this beach is a sea turtle nesting site. The favored attractions here are the Palo Santo forest, beach, and the lovely landscape. The trail passes a small seasonal lagoon where flamingos and white-cheeked pintail ducks are sometimes seen. Continuing on, the trail loops through the arid zone, where some of the tallest Palo Santo trees of the entire archipelago are found. Also, look out for the Galapagos Hawk as well as Darwin's finches. Excursion options: Walk.

Buccaneer Cove, Santiago Island Buccaneer Cove is a testament to the fact that Santiago Island was once a refuge for British buccaneers. These pirates would anchor in the protected bay to make repairs and stock up on tortoise meat among other things. The steep cliffs, where hundreds of seabirds perch in front of the dark red sand beach, are a magnificent site. Excursion options: Kayak, snorkel, zodiac.

Day 8 - Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz

Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island - This is the main population center of the islands, home to the National Park Tortoise Breeding Center and the Charles Darwin Research Station. After Darwin's studies and surveys, the Galapagos Archipelago remained untouched except for occasional landings for water and meager supplies mustered from the uninhabited islands. Many tortoises were taken for food and oil.

In 1930, an expedition from the US arrived to create a wildlife sanctuary for the entire archipelago, and finally, in 1935, the first laws were passed to protect these islands. In 1959, the Ecuadorian government declared the Galapagos a national park, the catalyst needed to promote scientific research, restoration, and preservation of the ecosystem.

You will have the opportunity to take a bus ride to the highlands to observe giant tortoises in the wild and walk through a lava tunnel. Optional time for shopping will be available. Excursion options: Tortoise-breeding Center/Charles Darwin Center, Highlands.

Day 9 - El Barranco & Darwin Bay, Genovesa

El Barranco, Genovesa Island - Also known as Prince Philip's Steps, El Barranco was named for Prince Philip, who visited Galapagos in 1965 and again in 1981. The steep stairway leads up through a seabird colony full of Nazca and Red-footed Boobies. Once visitors reach the plateau, the trail continues inland and passes more nesting booby colonies in the thin Palo Santo forest. You will see Nazca boobies, Galapagos doves, mockingbirds and storm petrels. Lucky visitors with keen eyes may catch a glimpse of a Short-eared lava owl stalking petrel along the island's eastern cliffs. Excursion options: Hike, zodiac, deep water snorkel.

Darwin Bay, Genovesa Island - Darwin Bay's soft white sand is only the beginning of a spectacular excursion. A trail from the beach takes you into lush mangroves where red-footed boobies nest. Other local wildlife includes sea lions, swallow-tailed gulls, frigate birds, and more. Snorkeling is a must here, as the nutrient-rich water attracts all types of marine life, including sharks, sea lions, sea turtles, and the occasional manta ray. Excursion options: Walk, swim, snorkel and kayak.

Day 10 - North Seymour, Baltra Island & Lima

North Seymour (Isla Seymour) is a small island just north of Baltra. It is home to the largest colony of frigate birds in the Galapagos. While keeping an eye out for male frigates trying to impress potential mates with an inflated red neck pouch, you may also see blue-footed boobies dancing in a timeless courtship ritual. Sea lions and large land iguanas also roam about this rocky terrain. Excursion options include a short easy walk. This is a dry landing.

Baltra Debarkation and Flight to Quito After a short zodiac and bus ride, you'll arrive at the Baltra airport for your flight to Quito International Airport and then on to Lima, Peru. A Celebrity Cruises representative will assist with your transfer to the International Departure lounge in Quito. Detailed information is provided prior to debarkation.

Arrival in Lima, Peru You will be greeted by a Celebrity Cruises representative at the airport, your guide and personal concierge for the Peru portion of the trip. Overnight at the Westin Lima hotel. A detail schedule of events, and departure times will be provided upon arrival in Lima.

Day 10 - Baltra, Quito, Lima

From Baltra, you'll fly to Quito, and then on to Lima, Peru. A Celebrity representative will be on hand to assist with all your transfers. You'll overnight stay at the Westin Lima Hotel (or similar). A detail schedule of events, and departure times will be provided upon arrival in Lima.

Day 11 - Lima

Enjoy the morning on your own. Around noon, your guide will pick you up to start the afternoon tour with a culinary twist. You will visit Surquillo, the local food market, enjoy lunch at one of Lima's gourmet restaurants, and visit the Bohemian district of Barranco. After lunch, learn how to make traditional cocktails at a mixology class in a trendy Lima spot. Arrive back at the hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the Westin Lima.

Day 12 - Lima, Cusco, The Sacred Valley

After breakfast at the hotel, your guide will pick you up and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Cusco. Lunch is served at Casa Hacienda Orihuela in The Sacred Valley, where the Orihuelas, a family of great art collectors, will be your hosts. Dinner and overnight at the Tambo del Inca Luxury Collection hotel in The Sacred Valley.

Day 13 - The Sacred Valley

Experience the Urubamba Valley, The Sacred Valley of the Incas. Explore the impressive ruins, featuring hillside terraces and a crowning temple designed for worship and astronomical observation. You'll tour Ollantaytambo and the Pablo Seminario workshop, then lunch at Wayra Ranch - a feast led by the prominent Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino and Nacho Solis. During your meal, delight in stunning equestrian Peruvian Paso horse entertainment and marinera music. Dine and overnight at Tambo del Inca Luxury Collection.

The small village of Ollantaytambo is one of the best surviving examples of Inca city planning and layout. The narrow cobblestone streets have been continuously inhabited since the 13th century. Looming over the village is the Fortress of Ollantaytambo, spectacular Inca ruins that mark one of the few places where the Spanish conquistadors lost a major battle. As a highly effective fortress, Ollantaytambo also served as a ceremonial center at the top of terracing. Walls here, like at Sacsayhuaman, were precisely cut and laid.

Day 14 - Machu Picchu, Cusco

After a morning breakfast at the hotel, you'll depart for Machu Picchu on the Vistadome train from the Tambo del Inca station. Lunch will be served at the Sanctuary Lodge in Machu Picchu.

Highlights of Machu Picchu not to be missed include:

• The Guardhouse - Marking the original entrance to Machu Piccu from the Inca Trail, this is the perfect spot for beautiful panoramic views of the citadel, Huayna Picchu and the surrounding Andes.
• The Temple of the Three Windows - on the Sacred Plaza, Hiram Bingham believed that the three windows symbolized the place where the Incas originated.
• Temple of the Sun -located near the center of Machu Piccu, this one of the most iconic buildings within the citadel. Constructed on top of a naturally formed rock, this is one of the few buildings in the entire Inca Empire to feature a curved wall.
• Royal Tomb - A small natural cave formed by a large rock, the tomb is some of the finest masonry work in Machu Picchu.

After your day at Machu Picchu, enjoy welcoming aperitifs, dinner, and an excellent selection of wines while relaxing on the Belmond Hiram Bingham luxury train back to Cusco for an evening of local music, dancing, and Pisco sours. Overnight at Hotel Monasterio in Cusco.

Day 15 - Cusco

After a morning breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a scenic tour at the Koricancha, also known as the "Temple of the Sun," before touring the Sacsayhuamn fortress and the Cathedral, one of the most splendid Spanish colonial churches in America, housing about 400 works of art. Lunch is served at Limo Restaurant, with dinner being served at the Hotel Monasterio.

Koricancha - This extraordinarily crafted Temple of the Sun was the most sumptuous temple in the Inca Empire. Some 4,000 priests and their attendants once lived within its confines. Coricancha also served as the main astronomical observatory for the Incas.

Sacsayhuaman - These amazingly well preserved ruins overlooking Cucso, a testament to Incan architectural skill. Compiled of massive stones, the largest of which may weigh as much as 200 tons, the walls were cut and placed together with incredible precision and without a single drop of mortar to hold them in place.

Day 16 & 17 - Cusco, Lima

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight back to Lima. Once in Lima you will visit Lima's historical downtown, where lunch is served at a local gourmet restaurant. You will enjoy Peru's Capital and its 2000 years of history and colonial wealth. Experience the artistic and contemporary traditions of its residents, making a stop at Saint Francis' Convent, a masterpiece of colonial architecture to visit its beautiful courtyards and catacombs.

After your tour, you'll be taken to the Westin Lima Hotel where you'll enjoy dinner. If you're flight home leaves that evening, you'll be provided a day room to relax in until it's time for you to be taken to the airport. If your flight leaves the next day, you'll be provided a room at the hotel to spend the night.

16-Night Galapagos Northern Loop and Machu Picchu