Adventure Cruising UK

Luxury expedition cruise specialist Silversea has opened the books for its 2013 and 2014 Galápagos programme.

Its year-round schedule of 7-day expedition voyages aboard the 100-guest, all-suite Silver Galapagos will begin operating in late September 2013. The two voyages will be as follows:

Western Itinerary: Saturday to Saturday – round-trip from Baltra Island - Silver Galapagos will trace a path across the western, southern and eastern islands, including Santiago, Bartolomé, Isabela, Fernandina, Floreana, San Cristóbal, and Santa Cruz.

North Central Itinerary: Saturday to Saturday – round-trip from Baltra Island - Silver Galapagos will encompasses the northeast, central and southeast islands of Santa Cruz, Genovesa, Seymour Norte, San Cristóbal, Española, and Plazas Sur.

Fares start at £3,550 per person based on double occupancy.

This new schedule will offer adventurous travellers the chance to discover a wild, pristine paradise that has long been regarded as a natural laboratory of evolution. Through complimentary expeditions, guided by an experienced expedition team (certified by the Galápagos National Park Service), Silversea's guests will be able to experience up-close encounters with an abundance of wildlife including sun-basking land iguanas, giant tortoises, blue- and red-footed boobies, colorful marine iguanas, sea lions, penguins and Darwin's famous finches.

The programme will also offer guests the opportunity to swim and snorkel in tranquil clear waters, witness unique highland ecosystems, hike through lush mangrove forests and across volcanic fields, explore natural lava tunnels, watch for wild flamingos (in season), read cave inscriptions from the 1800s, and learn about conservation efforts at the Charles Darwin Research Station.

In true Silversea Expeditions style, the guests of Silver Galapagos will enjoy full-scale exploring from an enclave of luxury at sea including spacious, ocean-view suites, sumptuous gourmet cuisine, a personalised butler service and a selection of all-inclusive shipboard amenities, including complimentary beverages, wines and spirits served throughout the ship and all gratuities.

Please note all above itineraries are subject to change. www.silversea.com.