While (we hope!) the return to travel is on the horizon, it is fair to say that globe trotting as we know it is no more. With an increased demand for travellers wanting to remain within their ‘bubbles’ and avoid large crowds, the demand for ultra-travel private experiences has never been higher. New for 2021, Metropolitan Touring‘s land-based island hopping experience offers just that: a totally private itinerary in the Galapagos Islands allowing guests to experience the magic of these fabled isles in utmost privacy and style.
A dedicated private guide for the duration of the trip, outdoor dining experiences, yacht and light aircraft charter all ensure that guests will see the very best of this incredible destination while keeping to their own group of family or friends.
The Galapagos journey begins with three nights on Isabela Island at the luxurious Scalesia Lodge, where 16 safari-style tents are surrounded by lush forest and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. Private daily excursions will allow guests to explore many of Isabela’s more remote regions inaccessible to cruise passengers, including walking (carefully!) along the rim of the active Sierra Negra Volcano and exploring the Tintoreras Islets, where white tipped reef sharks bask in shallow water and Galapagos penguins nest in volcanic crevices.
A spectacular private light aircraft flight with a memorable birds-eye view of the archipelago’s scattered isles will whisk guests over to Santa Cruz Island, for three nights at the secluded Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel – the only beachfront property on the island.
Enjoy private charter excursions on board the hotel’s Sea Lion yacht, spotting colourful frigate birds and throngs of scaled iguanas on neighbouring isles; kayak through some of the region’s most remote bays; and walk with the Galapagos’ most famous inhabitant in the Santa Cruz highlands, the monolithic tortoise. Come night time, a range of private beachfront dining experiences await. The last evening will be spent on a private stargazing excursion, where guests will have the chance to spot stars, nebulae and galaxies in startling clarity thanks to the archipelago’s minimal light pollution.
