During our New Year's dinner, my husband and I tossed around ideas for our no-kids trip of 2007. We think we have it narrowed down to either Jordan or Ecuador. We would love to do a Galapagos cruise with naturalists and really learn and explore the islands. However, realistically, we can't do 10 days. That is too much time away from the kids and too exhausting for the grandparents. So, does anyone know of a terrific cruise that is true eco-tourism that is perhaps a little shorter than 10 days. While cost is always a factor, we tend to splurge a bit on our solo trips and so price isn't paramount as long as there is good value associated with the money spent.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Taitai

Hi Taitai

Do you mean a 10 day vacation or a 10 day cruise?

There are many 4/5/7 night cruises but with the transfer on and off Galapagos it adds a few days.

Also - you might want to repost under the heading "Galapagos cruise help"

We took a great 7 night cruise in February of this year on the Eclipse - highly recommend it.

Elizabeth:

Thanks for your reply. I reposted. I don't think we can do more than 4 or 5 days on a cruise as with the transfers and flights down and everything it will be too much time away.

I would appreciate any info you have on the Eclipse.

Thanks.
taitai

Here's a link to info about the Eclipse

http://www.galapagos-eclipse.com/

and here's a link to our blog - lots of photos on the boat and expeditions - happy to answer questions

http://lizandrichardsa.typepad.com/l...gos/index.html

Taitai - one good place to start for planning a trip to Galapagos is to get the book

"A Travelers Guide to the Galapagos" by Barry Boyce.

It really summarizes the various cruise options well, but size of boat, itinerary, interests, budget, etc - I found it invaluable in helping me choose a cruise.

Here's another option - the Floreana - friends of our took it in November and were very happy but it's very basic (bunks not beds) - I think their cruise was 4 nights - basically gone 7 nights in total from the States which included overnight in Quito.

We looked at the Floreana and met the owners (very nice local family) but the itinerary wasn't what we wanted.

http://www.yatefloreana.com/