Ecuador and Galapagos : Drive & Discover
Ecuador and Galapagos : Drive & Discover
Ecuador and Galapagos : Drive & Discover
15 Days Starting in Quito and ending in Guayaquil
Visiting: Quito, Church Of The Jesuits, Mitad Del Mundo, Catedral Metropolitana, Plaza Grande, Centro Histórico, Iglesia San Francisco, Limpiopungo, Cotopaxi, Otavalo, Cayambe, Imbabura, Ruminahui, Andean Village Of Papallacta, Rio Napo, Ahuano, Riobamba, Puyo, Ruta Las Cascadas, Tungurahua, Tarabita Manto De La Novia, Site Archéologique Inca D'ingarpica, Cuenca, Primera Iglesia Católica Del Ecuador (1534) María Natividad De Balbanera, Museo De Las Culturas Aborígenes, Centro Histórico De Cuenca, Parc National Cajas, Guayaquil, Malecón 2000, Parque Seminario, Santa Cruz, Pozas Verde, Puerto Ayora, Bartolome, Pinnacle Rock, Santa Fé Island, Playa Escondida Ecuador Esmeraldas
Tour operator:
Tour code:
34843
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 4
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Discover Ecuador from the Andes to the Galapagos. From land to sea, let yourself be carried away by the colonial architecture and the numerous endemic species you will encounter. Enchanting landscapes and both terrestrial and marine life will shape your days of exploration.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival In Ecuador
Location: Quito
Accommodation Name: Ikala
Welcome to Ecuador !
Although it is the smallest of the Andean countries - half the size of France - Ecuador is a megadiverse country that has everything it takes to offer its travellers superb experiences, as varied as they are unforgettable, from the Andes to the Amazon, from the Pacific coast to the mythical Galapagos archipelago.
The country's greatest asset remains its people : welcoming, jovial, proud of their country's natural and cultural treasures, and eager to share their know-how, knowledge, traditions and gastronomy.
You will be met at the airport by your guide, who will welcome you to his country and accompany you to your hotel in the La Mariscal district.
MEAL : /
Day 2 : Historic Center Of Quito
Location: Church Of The Jesuits, Quito, Mitad Del Mundo, Catedral Metropolitana, Plaza Grande, Centro Histórico, Iglesia San Francisco
Accommodation Name: Ikala
To fully appreciate the beauty of the historic center of Quito, the largest and best preserved in Latin America, there is nothing like walking it ! During your walk through the pedestrian streets, you will admire the wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, starting with the lively Plaza de la Independencia with its imposing Metropolitan Cathedral and then the impressive Church of La CompañÃa de Jesús, before reaching the place where the Church of San Francisco and its convent are located.
The city of Quito is perched at an altitude of 2,800 m, making it the 2nd highest capital in the world. Renowned for its colonial architecture, the capital's natural environment is not to be outdone: bordered by the eastern and western ranges of the Andes, the city was founded on the slopes of the Pichincha volcano.
You will also visit the National Museum. It houses one of the country's most important collections of Ecuadorian art, with magnificent pre-Hispanic and colonial works.
In the afternoon, you'll make your way to the Mitad del Mundo, on the equinoctial line, where you can test the veracity of the various properties attributed to the equator. Try balancing an egg on clove and ask to have your photo taken with a foot in each hemisphere.
MEAL : Breakfast
Day 3 : Ree Day With Otavalo Or Cotopaxi Option
Location: Quito, Limpiopungo, Cotopaxi, Otavalo, Cayambe, Imbabura, Ruminahui
Accommodation Name: Ikala
Today, it's up to you! In the morning, a transfer will take you from your hotel to the rental agency to pick up your rental car and start your autotour. You can choose between a free day in Quito to enjoy the city's attractions on your own, or the option of spending the day in Otavalo, the Andean region's famous craft market. If you're more in the mood for nature, opt for the Cotopaxi option and discover the national park.
MEAL : Breakfast
Day 4 : Getaway To The Edge Of The Amazon
Location: Andean Village Of Papallacta, Rio Napo, Ahuano
Accommodation Name: Casa del Suizo
This day presenting a total change of landscape is the perfect example to show the great diversity of the country.
Before leaving the Andes, you will take a break to benefit from the many virtues of the thermal waters of the town of Papallacta.
Then you will leave the Sierra mountains to reach the exuberant vegetation and the wide rivers of the East, on the edge of the Amazon.
After lunch, you set off for the Amazon. This route offers a complete change of scenery, and is the perfect example of the country's great diversity. You'll cross the Andes to reach the lush vegetation and wide rivers of the Oriente, on the edge of Amazonia.
In the afternoon you will arrive at the town of Ahuano and take a motorized canoe to reach the lodge. This first trip will be an opportunity to enjoy the panorama and observe the gold searchers in the distance.
You will have the rest of the afternoon to rest from the trip, spend some time by the river, take a dip in the pool or even have a cocktail on the terrace overlooking the forest.
In the afternoon, aboard a safe boat, you will go out in search of alligators. Your guide will attract you with some meat so that you can observe up to fifteen individuals; huge adults and babies of a few weeks.
MEALS : Breakfast | Dinner
Day 5 : Excursion In Tropical Forest
Location: Rio Napo, Ahuano, Ahuano
Accommodation Name: Casa del Suizo
Your local guide, an expert in jungle and medicinal plants, will suggest activities adapted to your group and the climate so that you can feel the jungle, bathe in its rivers, walk the trails and reserves of the primary forest, discover the animals, meet the locals, their way of life, gastronomy, crafts, and customs...
Vous Your local guide, an expert in jungle and medicinal plants, will suggest activities adapted to your group and the climate so that you can feel the jungle, bathe in its rivers, walk the trails and reserves of the primary forest, discover the animals, meet the locals, their way of life, gastronomy, crafts, and customs...
MEALS : Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 6 : Handicraft With Tagua, Pailon Del Diablo Waterfall And Distillery
Location: Riobamba, Riobamba, Puyo, Ruta Las Cascadas, Tungurahua, Tarabita Manto De La Novia
Accommodation Name: Casa Real
After lunch, you set off for the Amazon. This route offers a complete change of scenery and is the perfect example of the country's great diversity. You'll cross the Andes to reach the lush vegetation and wide rivers of the Oriente, on the edge of Amazon.
You'll take a path leading to the impressive "Pailón del Diablo" waterfall, then cross the river in tarabita at the Manto de la Novia waterfall.
Finally, you'll reach the town of Riobamba, with its pretty parks and churches, and superb views of the surrounding mountains.
Riobamba is the combination of the Spanish word for river (rÃo) and the Kichwa word for valley (bamba), which perfectly illustrates the region's topography and rich mix of cultures. The Chimborazo region has one of the highest concentrations of indigenous population in the country.
MEAL : Breakfast
Day 7 : Ingapirca Ruins And Panama Hat Factory
Location: Site Archéologique Inca D'ingarpica, Cuenca, Primera Iglesia Católica Del Ecuador (1534) María Natividad De Balbanera
Accommodation Name: Raymipampa
After passing through the Church of Balbanera, the first Catholic church built in the country during colonization, you will discover the best-preserved archaeological site in Ecuador : Ingapirca.
This place, originally used as an observatory by the Cañaris, later conquered by the Incas in the 15th century, still preserves, among other things, the ruins of a temple and the residence of virgins dedicated to ritual sacrifice. You will also discover a hut, the traditional houses of the time.
Then you will continue your trip to Cuenca and visit a factory of the famous toquilla straw hats, the panamas. You will learn about the process of making the straw hat and have the opportunity to buy one as a souvenir!
MEAL : Breakfast
Day 8 : Discovery Of The Colonial City Of Cuenca And Pumapungo Park
Location: Museo De Las Culturas Aborígenes, Centro Histórico De Cuenca, Cuenca
Accommodation Name: Raymipampa
This day will be dedicated to the magnificent colonial city of Cuenca. Its historic center, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is full of magnificent churches and monuments that the Spanish built incorporating the remains of the Cañari and Inca cultures.
Cuenca is the country's 3rd-largest city, after Quito, with a bohemian ambience, fine cuisine and churches and architecture in its historic center, a World Heritage Site. Cuenca is remarkably well-preserved, and its cobbled streets lined with houses with flower-filled balconies are a delight to stroll along.
After stopping off for a curious tasting in the flower market square, you'll see that the town's inhabitants are keeping craft traditions alive by continuing to work with ceramics, silver and, of course, weaving the straw hat known the world over as the Panama hat.
In the afternoon, you'll immerse yourself in the various pre-Columbian cultures represented in the Museum of Aboriginal Cultures. You'll learn more about the different cultures that have populated the territory over the last 15,000 years.
MEALS : Breakfast
Day 9 : Départure To Guayaquil City
Location: Parc National Cajas, Guayaquil, Malecón 2000, Parque Seminario
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Guayaquil
As you leave the Andean region, you'll have a breathtaking view of the El Cajas national park and its unique landscapes, which you'll cross to reach the coastal plain where banana plantations and rice paddies abound. You'll make several photo stops at different viewpoints to take full advantage of one of the country's most beautiful panoramas, particularly of the wide expanses of Andean páramo. You will have lunch in a typical Hacienda and learn about the cocoa-making process..
You will arrive in Guayaquil, the country's largest city, nicknamed the "Pearl of the Pacific", and visit the city with your guide.With the country's largest port, Guayaquil is Ecuador's main commercial city. Destroyed several times by pirate attacks in past centuries, the city is an example of how to rebuild and develop spaces, as demonstrated by the Malecón along the river, with its promenade dotted with gardens and historic monuments.
Finally, you will stroll along the Malecón 2000 and can sunbathe with the iguanas at Seminario Park before returning your rental car and heading back to your hotel.
MEAL : Breakfast
Day 10 : Arrival On Santa Cruz Island
Location: Santa Cruz, Pozas Verde, Puerto Ayora
Accommodation Name: Ninfa
In the morning, a private transfer will be organized to Guayaquil airport for your flight (non included) to the Galapagos.
You should then have your luggage inspected in the Galapagos Biosafety Agency (GBA.) To prevent the unintentional introduction of invasive species that threaten the islands' biodiversity. This same action will be repeated on the docks before any transport between the different islands of the archipelago. Before landing, the aircraft cabin will be fumigated with a WHO-approved product, to eliminate any organisms that may have passed through despite previous inspections. Upon arrival in the archipelago you will have to pay for the entrance to the national park, of 200 USD/ person.
The Galapagos archipelago offers a wide range of experiences to make the most of this unforgettable region. The varied panoramas range from heavenly beaches to green mountains and impressive volcanic landscapes. The fauna of the islands is incredibly rich, whether on land, in the ocean or in the air : turtles, iguanas, sea lions, stingrays, sharks, penguins, blue-footed boobies and red-footed boobies, all of which you can observe at close quarters!
You'll be picked up at the airport by your guides. A short bus ride and you're aboard the M/V Coral Yacht.
Santa Cruz is the most visited island in the Galapagos archipelago, not least because most commercial flights from the mainland land here. It is the ideal hub for travel to the other islands of the archipelago. The main port is Puerto Ayora, a bustling town with many stores and restaurants. However, if you move a little further away from the city, you'll love the island's impressive natural attractions on the coast and in the highlands. The island abounds in beautiful beaches, reserves where giant tortoises roam free, massive volcanic craters and secluded natural pools where you can dive. Its wildlife is varied: land and sea iguanas, sea lions, blue-footed boobies and much more!
Your local guide will be waiting for you as you disembark the ferry for your first visit: the upper part of Santa Cruz.
You'll enjoy a delicious lunch on a ranch, then head to the "pozas" where you can see the emblematic giant Galapagos tortoises.
Afterwards, you'll take a short walk to the lava tunnel, then discover the various projects run by the ranch: a 60-year-old trapiche that extracts sugarcane juice to make molasses and brandy, as well as the entire coffee process, prepared in the rustic manner. Enjoy cane juice, alcohol and organic coffee!
Finally, you'll be driven to your hotel in Puerto Ayora, the island's main town.
MEALS : Breakfast | Lunch
Day 11 : Excursion Full Day Bartolome Island
Location: Bartolome, Santa Cruz, Pinnacle Rock
Accommodation Name: Ninfa
Bartolomé Island is the most famous in the archipelago, thanks to the breathtaking views it affords of Pinnacle Rock and Santiago Island. You can reach this superb viewpoint by climbing the wooden boardwalk.
It features an extinct volcano with a variety of red, orange, black and even green formations. You'll take a stairway to the top of the volcano (30-40 minutes), where you'll enjoy one of the best views of the islands. You'll also visit a small but beautiful beach, surrounded by the island's unique vegetation. It's the ideal spot for snorkeling and watching Galapagos penguins, as well as white-tip sharks and playful sea lions.
MEAL : Breakfast | Lunchbox
Day 12 : Free Day
Location: Santa Cruz
Accommodation Name: Ninfa
This day is free: you can choose one of our excursions from our catalog, or enjoy the hotel and the beach.
MEAL : Breakfast
Day 13 : Excursion Full Day Santa Fé
Location: Santa Cruz, Santa Fé Island, Playa Escondida Ecuador Esmeraldas
Accommodation Name: Ninfa
Located southeast of Santa Cruz, you'll reach a magnificent bay with crystal-clear waters surrounded by cactus and mangroves on the island of Santa Fe. From the boat, you'll see a white sand beach populated by sea lions and, in the distance, a small forest of giant cacti unique to Santa Fe. The island is renowned for its diversity of seabirds such as pelicans, gulls and blue-footed boobies, and you can also spot Tintoreras sharks resting on the shore.
After lunch, you'll reach Playa Escondida, a white-sand beach in the middle of a very quiet bay, where you'll disembark to relax and enjoy the sun and sea.
MEALS : Breakfast | Lunchbox
Day 14 : Free Day
Location: Santa Cruz
Accommodation Name: Ninfa
This day is free : you can choose one of our excursions from our catalog, or enjoy the hotel and the beach.
MEAL : Breakfast
Day 15 : Return To The Continent And International Flight
Location: Guayaquil, José Joaquín De Olmedo International Airport
This morning, a transfer will take you from your hotel to Santa Cruz airport, where you'll catch your return flight (non included) to the mainland. You'll wait at the airport for your return international flight (non included).
MEALS : /
What's Included
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Overnight accommodation
Overnight accommodation in the above-mentioned establishments.
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Transport by private vehicle and guide
Transport by private vehicle and English-speaking guide on days 1 and 2.
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Rental car
Rental car from day 3 to day 9. IFAR category vehicle (4x2) with unlimited mileage and CDW insurance, satellite vehicle location, 24/7 mechanical assistance, and airport drop-off.
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Meals mentioned
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Permanent assistance
Permanent assistance throughout the trip.
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Deposit for rental car
The rental agency will always ask for a valid credit card for the deposit. The amount is blocked on the credit card and released when the vehicle is returned.
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Overnight accommodation in the above-mentioned establishments
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Transport by private vehicle and English-speaking guide on days 1 and 2
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Rental car from day 3 to day 9. IFAR category vehicle (4x2) with unlimited mileage and CDW insurance / satellite vehicle location / 24/7 mechanical assistance and airport drop-off*
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Permanent assistance throughout the trip
What's Not Included
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International flight
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Galapagos flight
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Migration card
Migration card (TCT): $20 per person.
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Entry to Galapagos National Park
Entry to Galapagos National Park: $100 per person.
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Luggage allowance and tips
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Beverages and meals not included
Beverages and meals not indicated as included above.
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Insurance and extras
Insurance, extras, and any items not specifically mentioned as included in the program.
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Fuel and additional services for rental car
Fuel, vehicle insurance, and additional services offered by the rental agency (GPS, Wifi, baby seat, etc.
) are not included. -
Entry to Galapagos National Park (duplicate)
Entry to Galapagos National Park: $200 per person.
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Migration card (TCT): $20 / person
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Entry to Galapagos National Park : $200 / person
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Beverages and meals not indicated as included above
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Insurance / extras and any items not specifically mentioned as included in the program
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FOR AUTOTOUR : Fuel / vehicle insurance and additional services offered by the rental agency (GPS / Wifi / baby seat / etc.) **
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with private vehicle transfers, rental car from day 3 to day 9, and motorized canoe rides. Enjoy unlimited mileage and 24/7 mechanical assistance for a hassle-free journey.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at a variety of accommodations including Ikala in Quito, Casa del Suizo in Ahuano, Casa Real in Riobamba, Raymipampa in Cuenca, and Grand Hotel Guayaquil in Guayaquil. Enjoy the serene ambiance of Ninfa on Santa Cruz Island.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities can I expect during the excursion in the tropical forest?
Your local guide, an expert in jungle and medicinal plants, will suggest activities adapted to your group and the climate. You can expect to feel the jungle, bathe in its rivers, walk the trails and reserves of the primary forest, discover the animals, and meet the locals to learn about their way of life, gastronomy, crafts, and customs.
-
What will I experience on the day trip to Bartolomé Island?
On Bartolomé Island, you will enjoy breathtaking views of Pinnacle Rock and Santiago Island. You can climb a wooden boardwalk to reach a superb viewpoint. The island features an extinct volcano with various colorful formations. You will also visit a small but beautiful beach, ideal for snorkeling and watching Galapagos penguins, white-tip sharks, and playful sea lions.
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What can I do on the free days in Santa Cruz?
On the free days in Santa Cruz, you can choose one of the excursions from the catalog provided or enjoy the hotel and the beach at your leisure.
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What is included in the visit to the Ingapirca ruins?
At the Ingapirca ruins, you will discover the best-preserved archaeological site in Ecuador. Originally used as an observatory by the Cañaris and later conquered by the Incas, the site includes ruins of a temple, the residence of virgins dedicated to ritual sacrifice, and traditional houses of the time.
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What will I see during the visit to the colonial city of Cuenca?
In Cuenca, you will explore its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with magnificent churches and monuments. You will also visit the flower market square for a curious tasting, see local craft traditions, and immerse yourself in pre-Columbian cultures at the Museum of Aboriginal Cultures.
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What is the process for renting a car during the tour?
On the third day, a transfer will take you from your hotel to the rental agency to pick up your rental car. The rental car is available from day 3 to day 9 and includes an IFAR category vehicle (4x2) with unlimited mileage, CDW insurance, satellite vehicle location, 24/7 mechanical assistance, and airport drop-off. Note that the rental agency will ask for a valid credit card for the deposit, which will be blocked but not debited.
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on Santa Cruz Island?
On Santa Cruz Island, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including giant Galapagos tortoises, land and sea iguanas, sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and much more. The island also offers beautiful beaches, reserves, volcanic craters, and natural pools for diving.
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What is the significance of the Mitad del Mundo visit in Quito?
The Mitad del Mundo visit in Quito allows you to test the veracity of various properties attributed to the equator. You can try balancing an egg on a clove and have your photo taken with a foot in each hemisphere.
-
What will I experience during the visit to the Pailón del Diablo waterfall?
During the visit to the Pailón del Diablo waterfall, you will take a path leading to the impressive waterfall and then cross the river in a tarabita at the Manto de la Novia waterfall. You will also reach the town of Riobamba, known for its pretty parks, churches, and superb views of the surrounding mountains.
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What is included in the visit to the upper part of Santa Cruz?
In the upper part of Santa Cruz, you will enjoy a delicious lunch on a ranch, visit the 'pozas' to see giant Galapagos tortoises, take a short walk to the lava tunnel, and discover various projects run by the ranch, including a 60-year-old trapiche for extracting sugarcane juice and the entire coffee preparation process. You can also enjoy cane juice, alcohol, and organic coffee.
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How does Today Voyages work?
We are an Online Travel Agency, specialized in Group Vacations and Private Vacations. We have been in business for over 30 years through our sister company Go West Tours and, throughout the years, have developed an extensive network of trusted professionals around the world and a structured methodology to screen our suppliers. Today Voyages offers a selection of tours that are designed, managed and operated by our network of trusted Tour Operators and DMCs. Our database is connected with our partners so that when you make a booking with us this will immediately be received and processed by the Tour Operator.
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Where should I buy the flights to reach my destination?
Today Voyages does not sell flights directly. None of our tours come with flights included. Why? Because we prefer to give full flexibility to our valued customers to select the airlines and the booking platform they prefer. As soon as your flight is booked and confirmed, we invite you to update your flight plan within your Today Voyages booking confirmation page by entering your flight number, departure and arrival times, as well as your Passport information (if needed). None of these fields are mandatory but we highly encourage you to provide as much information as possible. This will allow us to provide you with the excellent service you are looking for.
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What is an additional excursion or tour optional?
Certain tours might show a selection of additional excursions/optional activities that you may want to add to our standard itinerary. These services are priced separately and can be added to the cart before completing the booking. We believe these optional services to contribute to making your vacation unforgettable; however, you are in no way obliged to purchase them. All our tours are awesome with our without optional services!
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What is the difference between Group Vacations and Private Vacations?
If you purchase one of our Group vacation packages, you will be escorted by a professional tour guide and will be traveling with other like-minded travelers you may not know. The group size depends on the tour you select. If you purchase one of our Private vacation packages, you will be traveling only within your group of friends. You may or may not be escorted by a professional tour guide; this depends on the type of private tour you are interested in.
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When and how will I receive the travel documents (vouchers)?
If you book one of our Group or Private tours, you will receive your travel documents via email approximately 20 days prior to travel date. If you reserve one of our Vacation Rentals, you will hear back from the property manager via email a few days prior to checking-in. We recommend checking your emails on a regular basis as this is our most reliable method of communication. If you have questions or need additional support, you can always chat with us or email us directly.
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What happens if a Group tour does not get confirmed?
It is very simple... you will be offered an alternative departure date or be refunded the full amount you pre-paid. No questions asked!
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What happens after I book?
The majority of our tours are confirmed at the time of booking. This means that, after submitting the payment online, you will receive an order confirmation email; make sure to save this email and to note down your confirmation number for any future communication with us. Some tours may be sold on a 'on request' basis. This means that for these tours we reserve the right to check the availability of your spot(s) with the Tour Operator before confirming the tour to you. As soon as you submit the payment online for a 'on request' tour you will receive an email notification that confirms your order request. Within 72 hours, you will receive either a confirmation email or a denial email. Do not worry... we will do everything we can to confirm your tour!
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Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Today Voyages allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 65 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Today Voyages requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of today voyages charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.