BALES WORLDWIDE SPECIAL LA PINTA CHARTER

Here at Bales Worldwide we already have had a taste of La Pinta with two members of staff returning from the luxury cruise ship. Rachel Worley, Marketing Executive describes her first hand experience of La Pinta.

"We raised our glasses to the inaugural sailing of La Pinta, a luxurious yacht that was once a distant dream for Metropolitan Touring was now set to sail from Guayaquil, and soon will tour the Galapagos, an archilapelago once described by Darwin as ‘a little world within itself’.

On the fore deck, as La Pinta left her moorings the sun began to set and Roque Sevilla, President of Metropolitan, popped open the champagne.  The saxophonist provided the perfect accompaniment to the cheer and laughter on board.  We felt truly privileged to join our local agents in this celebration.

Metropolitan Touring already own two other Galapagos cruise ships, the elegant Isabella II, and the M/V Santa Cruz which has gained recognition for its excellent service. Metropolitan have utilised their years of experience to identify what their guests really want, and now, some three years after collaborating all their thoughts, the project has finally come to fruition, and the result - a modern, fresh and stylish expedition vessel.

As you step on board the ship the staff warmly welcome you to new home for the week.With 32 crew and a maximum capacity of 48 passengers, nothing is too much trouble. When we asked what time the bar closes, Roque replied ‘when the last guest leaves!’ With such service, it leaves guests to relax and let their worries float away, whist simply taking in the pristine beauty of the surrounding islands.

Cabins are well facilities with telephones, permanent hot and cold water, hairdryers, both 110 and 220 voltage plugs and, if the background music isn’t to your taste, there is an MP3 player in each cabin so that you can choose what you listen to. It seems that Metropolitan have indeed thought of everything!

There really is an abundance of space on board. The three decks include a panoramic lounge bar as well as a sun deck bar; library internet conference room; dining room with capacity for all guests in one seating; boutique gift shop; ample sun deck with jacuzzi and a gym with cardio equipment facing out to the deep blue ocean."

Bales Charter

Bales are delighted to announce a very special charter on board yacht La Pinta, which will be escorted from the U.K. by a member of the Bales family. We shall be making this departure unique in more ways than one, as also on board the cruise will be a gourmet chef from one of Quito’s leading hotels or private clubs. We have also secured the services of a distinguished Naturalist Lecturer. English-speaking Naturalist Guides help you to make the most of your cruise with the use of state-of-the-art-expedition equipment.  Guest will also enjoy the Galapagos Marine Reserve the second largest in the world with various snorkelling outings, swimming, chances for whale and dolphin watching and kayaking.

Leaving the U.K. on Tuesday 28th October, 3 nights will be spent at the first class Swissotel in Quito. On your first full day in Quito, we have included a tour of the historic centre of the colonial quarter which is a dedicated World Heritage Site. Buildings of note that we shall see include the Independence Plaza which is flanked by the cathedral, Presidential Palace, Municipal Building and Archbishop’s Palace. Leaving the city we will then visit the Equatorial Monument, and then return to Quito stopping for lunch at the Pakakuna Gardens.

On our next day, we will see more of the beautiful and fascinating Ecuadorean countryside as we head north to Otavalo, to visit one of South America’s most famous markets. Stops will also be made at villages on the way that are renowned for their handicrafts. Lunch will be included at the beautiful setting of La Mirage Garden Hotel & Spa.

From Quito, we fly to the Galapagos Islands and embark on La Pinta for our 7 night cruise. We shall also meet our distinguished Naturalist Lecturer, Mr Greg Estes. During the cruise there will be a number of talks and briefings in addition to the full programme of shore visits and excursions. On the final evening of the cruise, there will be a special farewell dinner when you can reflect on the previous week with your fellow travellers. Upon disembarkation, you will return to Guayaquil, where you connect with your return flight to the U.K.

Our Latin America experts will happily reserve places for you on this very special departure, please call us today for a further details.