Bienvenidos! Welcome to Quito, one of South America’s most beautiful cities. When you arrive at Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airport (AKA Quito Airport), a representative will greet and assist you with transfer to your hotel. A welcome meeting will be held in the evening at either 5 pm or 6 pm in the hotel, where you can meet the other travellers on your cruise. After your welcome meeting, head out with your local leader and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Try some traditional flavours and get to know you group as you settle into the coming adventure. If you arrive with time to spare, why not visit the city's oldest street – Calle La Ronda – a cobblestone beauty that is vibrant both day and night.

Rise and shine! Please note the pick-up time for your transfer to the airport can be as early as 4.30 am (a boxed breakfast will be provided), as the airport is a one-hour drive away and you must allow for delays and check-in times. You'll be met in the arrival hall of the airport when you arrive, then you'll transfer to your base for the next few weeks – the Grand Queen Beatriz, anchored a short distance off the coast. Climb aboard, settle in to your assigned cabin and meet the crew for a welcome meeting and safety drill. With the formalities out of the way, sit down to lunch with your fellow travellers and your naturalist guide to get to know each other a little better.

Wake up on the south coast of Isla Isabela, the largest of the Galapagos archipelago. Isabela was formed by five giant volcanic craters, all of which are still considered active. The island sits in one of the youngest geological areas in the world, having formed less than 1 million years ago.

The island of Floreana is a highlight of any Galapagos trip, rich as it is in natural wonders and wildlife. Enjoy a Zodiac ride to observe marine iguanas, sea lions and crabs before taking a leisurely walk to Post Office Bay, where 18th-century whalers used a barrel as an unofficial mail drop. This custom continues to this day. Post one of your own or see if there are any you can deliver back home!

Welcome to the second-largest island in the Galapagos, Isla Santa Cruz. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. As well as undertaking vital conservation work, the station offers the best opportunities for close encounters with giant tortoises. Coo over baby tortoises and check out some marine iguanas, then head into the highlands for a change of scenery.

Spend some time today exploring gorgeous Isla Santa Fe, where the sea lions are especially eager for synchronised swimming partners! The island’s friendly furry inhabitants, plus the attractive coves and jade-green waters, make it ideal for snorkelling.

Wake up on Isla Espanola, the southernmost island of the Galapagos. Because of its remote location, this island has a large population of endemic fauna. It is also the breeding site for nearly all the 12,000 pairs of waved albatrosses on earth, plus home to colonies of blue-footed and Nazca boobies.

Make a morning visit to Punta Pitt on the eastern end of Isla San Cristobal. Walk to the top of the volcanic hill for expansive views of the sparsely vegetated area. A variety of seabirds nest here, including blue-footed boobies and frigates.

Visit San Cristobal Interpretation Center in the morning. This centre brings the history and geography of the archipelago to life, from its volcanic origins to the present day. The human history exhibit offers an insight into the discovery and colonisation of the Galapagos, and the problems facing the island today. Enjoy some free time for shopping before getting back on board for lunch.

Bartolome is one of the most spectacular volcanic landscapes in the Galapagos, full of parasitic spatter cones, lava flows, Galapagos penguins and lava lizards.

Visit Espumilla Beach, an important nesting site for marine turtles and great place to take a dip. Well known for its palo santo forest and some extraordinary lava formations, it’s also the ideal spot to see Galapagos hawks up close.

Today you will return to Isla Santa Cruz and get the chance to see the island from a different perspective on an exploration of love tunnels and hidden beaches. Take a short speed boat taxi, followed by a 15-minute walk, to Las Grietas (The Cracks). The clear water that fills this ‘crack’ in the earth offers a unique swimming opportunity.

Take a morning excursion to North Seymour and follow a trail inland, emerging on rocky coast. Along the way pass colonies of frigate birds. Along with their long wingspan and hooked beak, frigates are extremely fast and have excellent vision. The males are easiest to spot, announced by the bulbous red pouch attached to their necks. After the walk enjoy a spot of snorkelling, followed by lunch.

Take a Zodiac ride to Caleta Tortuga Negra (Black Turtle Cove) – a red mangrove wetland on the north shore of Isla Santa Cruz. Paddle among the cove’s peaceful waters looking for green turtles, golden cow-nose rays, eagle rays and Galapagos sharks. There is also abundant birdlife, such as the yellow warbler and lava heron, to keep an eye out for.

Sombrero Chino is a small islet located near the south-east coast of Santiago, so named because it’s shaped like conical hats worn in some parts of Asia. Approach Sombrero Chino via a crescent-shaped, sandy beach that is home to sea lions and Sally Lightfoot crabs. Follow the trail that circles the cove and pass through a sea lion colony, maybe stopping to snorkel.

Take an early morning excursion to Las Bachas, named after the barges abandoned on the beach by the American Navy in the 1940s. Made of decomposed coral, the sand here is white and soft, which makes it the perfect nesting site for the Pacific green turtle. A saltwater lagoon near the beach is home to flamingos and whimbrels, and you may be able to make a brief detour here (time depending).

There are no activities planned for today, but if you plan on staying in Quito there are plenty of activities on offer in the charming city. Perhaps get a crash course in this lofty town with an Urban Adventure. See urbanadventures.com/destination/Quito-tours more.