Silversea Galapagos Expeditions Offers South America Land Adventures

Silversea guests who have the opportunity to explore the remarkable natural wonders of the Galápagos Islands - from their base of luxury aboard Silver Galapagos -- may now enhance their expedition cruise experience with extraordinary journeys to South America.

"Because the Galápagos Islands are such a unique destination and on most everyone's list of must-see places, we wanted to make sure our pre- and post-cruise land programs would add as rich an experience," said Steve Odell, Silversea's President for Europe and Asia Pacific. "These land extensions have been carefully curated to showcase the breath-taking landscapes and intriguing cultures of the Andes and the Amazon, while delivering the signature comfort and style that Silversea guests expect."

The following land adventures feature deluxe accommodations, all transportation, transfers, guided sightseeing and some meals. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy.

Amazon Explorer -- Travellers on this unique journey to Peru's Amazon basin may witness pygmy marmosets, howler monkeys, colourful toucans and other exotic wildlife that inhabit the region's lowland forests. Participants will cruise the Amazon in all-suite luxury aboard m/v Aqua, dining on perhaps the finest Amazonian-Peruvian gourmet cuisine on the river. Expert naturalists will be on hand to share insights about this amazing and fragile ecosystem. This six-nights, post-cruise program departs from Lima and is priced from US$6,659 per person.

Puno & Lake Titicaca -- The magnificent Andes and Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, are the setting for this pre-cruise adventure from Lima. Highlights include a visit to the Sillustani tombs, a cruise to the floating reed islands of the Uros people with their centuries-old way of life, and a visit to Taquile Island to admire ancient weaving traditions. This four-night pre-cruise program is priced from US$3,699 per person.

Machu Picchu Explorer -- Set high in the Peruvian Andes, amid craggy peaks and billowing clouds, is the glorious Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu. In addition to exploring this spectacular monument of human achievement, participants will enjoy a scenic roundtrip journey in Peru's Vistadome train. Departing from Lima, the program is available as a pre- or post-cruise option of 3 or 4 nights. Prices start from US$3,599 per person.

Machu Picchu Grande Explorer -- Similar to Machu Picchu Explorer, this three- or four-night land program features a journey to Machu Picchu aboard the legendary Hiram Bingham, one of the world's top ten rail journeys. Travellers will enjoy brunch with live music as they journey through the dramatic Andean scenery. Also included is an overnight stay at the famed Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel just steps away from the ancient Inca citadel. Departing from Lima, the program is available as a pre- or post-cruise option. Prices start from US$4,589 per person.

Silver Galapagos sails Saturday to Saturday on seven-day roundtrip voyages from Baltra Island, following either a western or north central route. These expedition cruises offer adventurous travellers the life-enriching chance to discover a wild, pristine paradise that has long been regarded as a natural laboratory of evolution. On complimentary expeditions ashore guided by an experienced expedition team (certified by the Galápagos National Park Service), Silversea's guests may experience up-close encounters with an abundance of wildlife that includes sun-basking land iguanas, giant tortoises, blue- and red-footed boobies, colourful marine iguanas, sea lions, penguins and Darwin's famous finches.

More information: www.silversea.com