North & Central Galápagos on Silver Origin

Today you'll enjoy included airport lounge access before boarding your flight to Quito. Check in to your luxury accommodation, just a few kilometres from the city's historic centre.

Stay: JW Marriott, Quito

Today is free for you to explore Quito at your leisure. An ancient Incan city in the foothills of the Andes, it showcases a unique blend of architecture and history – a highlight is the magnificent 16th-century cathedral in the shadow of the Pichincha volcano. While you're here, sample a local delicacy – the quesedilla quiteña, filled with sweet queso and dipped in hot chocolate. Tonight, an included tour of Quito By Night features a guided drive by the Presidential Palace, Independence Plaza and San Francisco Church, illuminated by the twinkling city lights.

Stay: JW Marriott Quito

Transfer to the airport for your flight to San Cristóbal, which lies east of the archipelago, formed by dormant volcanoes and is one of the oldest islands in the group, rich with history. A statue of Charles Darwin which graces the harbour of Puerto Baquerizo, the island's capital, is likely where he first stepped ashore in the 1830s.

Today, however will be spent getting to know the ship, your luxury suite and its many amenities onboard, before a dinner prepared by the ships talented chefs with your fellow passengers. 

Stay: Silver Origin (Deluxe)

Arrive at Genovesa Island today via Darwin Bay, an ancient volcanic crater now overtaken by the sea. The island is often referred to as ''Bird Island'' and for good reason, as the number and variety of bird species, both land and seabirds is quite extraordinary. A guided walk inland will take you to the cliff of Genovesa with beautiful bay views and your first chance to spot Nazca Boobies nesting amongst the Palo Santo trees. On this walk discover Prince Philips step's before a short scramble up to the islands plateau, El Barranco, will see you spot Galápagos Mockingbirds and Galápagos finches in their natural habitats. However, the absolute highlight of the day will be your arrival on the windward side of the island, where huge numbers of Wedge-Rumped Storm Petrels and the predatory Short-eared Owl soar above a vast lava field.

Back in the bay, the white sandy beaches and turquoise coloured waters will offer a picturesque setting to snorkel, where you can see green sea turtles, rays, parrotfishes and moorish idols. And, if you are lucky you may even spot several species of reef sharks.

Stay: Silver Origin (Deluxe)

After a delicious breakfast on board, you'll have the chance to land at Seymour Island onto black lava rock. A short climb brings you to a plateau, home to nursing sea lions, yellow Conolophus land iguanas and nesting Frigatebirds. The land here is a patchwork of red-brown rocks and ancient volcanic lava, while the skies are dotted with female Magnificent Frigatebirds monitoring the males on the ground. This mornings activities include a choice of a zodiac cruise exploring the diverse marine life, hiking the island with an expert guide or snorkelling the deep blue sea off the island.

During lunchtime, you'll cruise to Santiago Island, to the lava fields at Sullivan Bay. This otherworldly terrain is scattered with bright red Sally Lightfoot crabs and some of the hardiest plant life. After enjoying the views onboard, you may like to join the experienced expedition team for a short island hike discovering the youngest lava fields of all the archipelago. Otherwise, head to a secluded bay to enjoy the beaches at leisure or head to waters and snorkel with Galapagos penguins, who frequent the area.

Stay: Silver Origin (Deluxe)

Spend this morning among the lava fields and mangroves of Fernandina Island. Keep eyes peeled for sea birds, shorebirds and land birds, all in the same place, as well as the marine species which have made their home among the network of mangrove roots, including sharks and green sea turtles. Take the chance to go snorkelling to see marine Iguanas feeding on algae, or flightless cormorants diving for their prey. Then, in the afternoon, you'll head on to Punta Moreno on the island of Isabela. Enjoy more incredible snorkelling here, watching penguins “flying” underwater and green sea turtles and marine iguanas feeding. During a guided walk, you'll experience the lava fields' glorious birdlife, including white-cheeked pintail ducks, black-necked stilts and even sometimes flamingos.

Stay: Silver Origin (Deluxe)

Rising to an altitude of 864 metres, the island of Santa Cruz creates its own microclimate and is crucial to the flora and fauna which are unique the highlands. The abundance of fresh water plays an important role in the cultivation of the island's crops, and is an ideal ecosystem for the famed giant tortoises of the Galápagos. On a guided walk, you'll explore the varied crops which grow on the island as well as the habitat which feed and sustain the tortoise population. And, if you keep a keen eye, you may even see one of these giants.

But, your day will not end there, you'll sail for the island of Santa Fé where a whole host of activities await. The zodiac cruise is not to be missed, where you'll explore the shorelines and cliffs of the island, spotting Galápagos sea lions, Galápagos hawks, Blue-Footed Boobies and the Santa Fé Land Iguana, which exist nowhere else in the world. For those who have already done a zodiac tour, the kayaking trip may be that unique perspective on marine life you've been looking for.

Stay: Silver Origin (Deluxe)

Begin today with a cruise past Isla Champion, a rocky outcrop surrounded by turquoise water. The clear visibility in the area makes this the perfect place to snorkel among Galápagos sea lions, reef sharks and Pacific green turtles. At lunchtime, you'll continue on to Punta Suárez, located at the western point of the oldest island in the Galápagos – Española. You'll have a good chance of spotting Swallow-tailed Gulls, Nazca Boobies and Blue-footed Boobies on the breeze in front of the sheer rock faces here, and between April and December, the largest of all the Galápagos birds, the Waved Albatross. Tonight, perhaps dine in the comfort of your suite – personal butler service is included.

Stay: Silver Origin (Deluxe)

Arrive in San Cristobal for a visit to the David Rodriguez Breeding Centre, whose purpose is to increase the island's population of giant tortoises. The centre has created a habitat which allows the tortoises to hatch, grow and feed in safety under the protective eye of the breeders. This is a fantastic opportunity to get up close to these giants, grabbing that perfect photo. 

You'll then head on to Cerro Brujo to take in the myriad seabirds, from brown pelicans to blue-footed boobies, before going for a snorkel or swim at one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galápagos. Here, between spotting sea lions and sally light-footed crabs, you'll have time to explore the rolling dunes before heading back aboard for a farewell dinner.

Stay: Silver Origin (Deluxe)

Tuck into a final breakfast onboard before leaving the ship in San Cristóbal and flying onwards to Guayaquil. If your onward flight to the UK departs after 10pm, you'll have access to a day room at Oro Verde Hotel before you head to the airport to catch your flight home, arriving the next day.