GalápagOs: A Family Adventure Celebrating

the Year Of DarwinAboard the Santa Cruz • June 14–23, 2009

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Dear Smith Alumnae & Friends, one of the most magical places on earth, Ecuador’s

galápagos Islands are home to rare and distinctive animals and birds, from land iguanas, sea lions, and blue-footed boobies to the variety of finches whose specialized beaks inspired Charles Darwin’s thinking on the evolution of species. In June 2009, the 200th anniversary of Darwin’s birth, join us on a family voyage to the famed islands of the galápagos aboard the comfortable expedition ship, Santa Cruz.

l. David Smith, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences at Smith, and Richard o. Prum, an ornithologist from yale, will offer lectures and discussions, while regional naturalists and youth coordinators will contribute to a rich educational program for children and adults alike. Travelers from yale will also join us on the journey. This commemorative family adventure is an extraordinary opportunity to learn firsthand about the remarkable species that so captivated Darwin, and to experience the crystal-clear waters, volcanic vistas, and intrepid wildlife of the galápagos.

Sincerely,

Carrie Brown, Ed.M. ’82Executive DirectorAlumnae Association of Smith College

P.S. Availability is limited on this program, so I encourage you to make your reservation right away. Please call liz Bigwood at Smith Travel, 800-225-2029, to book space today.

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•MARCHENA

SANTIAGO

BARTOLOMÉ

SAN CRISTOBAL

FLOREANA

FERNANDINA

ISABELA

GENOVESA

SANTA CRUZSANTA FE

ESPAÑOLA

NORTH SEYMOUR

PINTA

BALTRA

RABIDA

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•It ineraryU.S. / GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR SUNDAy, JUNE 14Depart the U.S. on the recommended group flight or independently. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel.hoTEl hIlToN ColÓN

GUAYAQUIL / BALTRA, GALáPAGOS ISLANDSMoNDAy, JUNE 15This morning fly to Baltra Island in the galápagos. Twelve large islands and dozens of smaller ones, all volcanic, combine to form an ecological niche with towering volcanoes, crater lakes, and stunning lava formations. Upon arrival, board the Santa Cruz, your home for the next seven nights. During a dinghy ride among mangrove-ringed inlets, observe the landscape and coastline, an area of dramatic volcanic activity. Watch for boobies, frigate birds, pelicans, marine iguanas, sea turtles, and rays. follow a trail to Dragon hill, a nesting site for land iguanas reintroduced to the area by staff of the Charles Darwin Research Station, and a rewarding location for sightings of Darwin’s finches, galápagos mockingbirds, endemic flycatchers, and yellow warblers. SANTA CRUZ (B, l, D)

BARTOLOMÉ AND SANTIAGO ISLANDSTUESDAy, JUNE 16, 2008Start the day with a hike to Bartolomé Island’s 600-foot summit for spectacular views of its fascinating volcanic topography. Ride in small local boats called pangas around colossal Pinnacle Rock, with time to enjoy the beach and snorkel with galápagos penguins. See marine iguanas graze on emerald-green algae beds, and watch seabirds forage along the pitch-black shoreline of Puerto Egas on Santiago Island. Take a guided walk to observe colonies of sea lions and fur seals filled with playful pups. on board the ship this evening, gaze at the equatorial night sky or join in lively talks on geology, evolution, and oceanography. SANTA CRUZ (B, l, D)

RABIDA AND NORTH SEYMOUR ISLANDSWEDNESDAy, JUNE 17Disembark at Rabida Island’s unusual rust-colored beach to see marine iguanas and a large colony of sea lions. Walk to a

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L. David Smith is Associate Professor of Biological Sciences and Director of the Environmental Science and Policy Program at Smith. his research interests focus on predator-prey relationships involving marine invertebrates, and the causes and ecological impacts of biological invasions in marine ecosystems. Smith will discuss the importance of predation over evolutionary and ecological time frames, and strategies to conserve marine biodiversity in the galápagos and elsewhere.

Richard O. Prum is the William Robertson Coe Professor of ornithology, Ecology, and Evolutionary Biology at the Peabody Museum of Natural history at yale University. his research on birds has taken him around the world, from Madagascar to China. Prum will discuss the fascinating differentiation of species in the birds of the galápagos.

The GalápagosIslands

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•nearby salt pond, where flamingos feed on brine shrimp and a large colony of pelicans make their nests. Snorkel or swim off the beach and see a vast array of underwater species. In the afternoon sail to North Seymour Island. one of the few islands in the galápagos uplifted from the ocean bed, North Seymour’s sandy shores teem with galápagos sea lions and marine iguanas. visit colonies of blue-footed boobies, magnificent frigate birds, and swallow-tailed gulls during an afternoon walk, taking in views of both the coast and the interior of the island.SANTA CRUZ (B, l, D)

SANTA CRUZ ISLAND ThURSDAy, JUNE 18This morning, sail to Santa Cruz Island to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and learn about a program devoted to rearing giant tortoises in captivity. See a forest of giant prickly pear cacti and visit the town of Puerto Ayoraride. Ride up to the lush Santa Cruz highlands to enjoy a special breakfast and see the giant daisy trees of the Scalesia forest. observe vermilion flycatchers, Darwin’s finches, and giant tortoises in their natural habitat. SANTA CRUZ (B, l, D)

SAN CRISTOBAL ISLANDfRIDAy, JUNE 19Disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreño on San Cristobal Island, the island where Charles Darwin first set foot in the galápagos in 1835. visit the tortoise-breeding center at Cerro Colorado and spot the island’s mockingbirds, lava lizards, and vermilion flycatchers. If time allows, stop at El Junco lagoon, the only permanent freshwater lagoon on the islands. Sail past kicker Rock, a spectacular volcanic formation off the coast of San Cristobal. In the afternoon, travel to Cerro Brujo to relax and walk on the white powder-soft sand beach or swim with sea lions in the turquoise water. SANTA CRUZ (B, l, D)

ESPAÑOLA / FLOREANA ISLANDSSATURDAy, JUNE 20After breakfast, disembark at Punta Suarez on Española (hood) Island to walk on lava terrain and visit unique seabird colonies including waved albatrosses and Nazca boobies. Those who choose not to walk the entire trail can take a dinghy ride along the island’s coastline, followed by a short walk under easy

conditions. During an afternoon excursion to floreana Island, take a hike to Punta Cormorant to visit a brackish water lagoon. After the hike, advanced snorkelers can explore the “Devil’s Crown” while others can take a ride in the glass-bottom boat. SANTA CRUZ (B, l, D)

FERNANDINA AND ISABELA ISLANDSSUNDAy, JUNE 21on fernandina, the youngest island in the galápagos, observe sea turtles and flightless cormorants at Punta Espinoza during a walk over great fields of lava rock. With no introduced mammals, fernandina has a unique environment with the islands’ highest density of marine iguanas, which coexist with sea lions, Sally lightfoot crabs, and hawks. In the afternoon, snorkel with sea turtles along the cliffs of the partly submerged Ecuador volcano on the northern tip of Isabela Island. Explore the coast by dinghy as naturalists discuss the dramatic geology of the area. Tonight, celebrate the voyage at an onboard farewell reception and dinner. SANTA CRUZ (B, l, D)

BALTRA ISLAND / GUAYAQUILMoNDAy, JUNE 22Return to Baltra for a flight to guayaquil. Enjoy free time at the hotel this evening. hoTEl hIlToN ColÓN (B)

GUAYAQUIL / U.S.TUESDAy, JUNE 23fly to the U.S. on the recommended flight itinerary, or independently. (B)

*Note: This itinerary describes highlights of this adventure; the exact

itinerary will be determined by galápagos National Park authorities.

What tO Expect •While the galápagos Islands straddle the equator, ocean breezes temper the daytime heat and cool off the nights. The ocean temperature is usually in the high 60s to low 70s fahrenheit.

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••••••••••••••••••••••••••LOcal Naturalists In addition to onboard study leaders who are experts in evolution, geology, and natural history, this adventure also includes a team of local naturalists who are galápagos National Park-trained experts on the unique flora and fauna of the Islands. These guides offer an in-depth understanding of the islands and their inhabitants, as well as a personal commitment to preserving this unique environment.

YOung Travelers Most children are fascinated by animals, and in the galápagos Islands most animals are fascinated by children! The absence of native land mammals here has produced many species that are unafraid of humans, so visitors to these islands enjoy unsurpassed opportunities to view wildlife in a natural setting. A special feature of this trip is a unique educational program designed for school-age kids, 7–17. Separate age-appropriate activities are designed to give kids of all ages a basic understanding of science and nature and an appreciation for this natural paradise. for safety reasons, adult caregivers are responsible for their children at all times, both on board the ship and during shore excursions.

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Program rates include Seven nights aboard the Santa Cruz • Two nights at the hotel hilton Colón in guayaquil, Ecuador • Meals as indicated in the itinerary • Round-trip airfare between guayaquil and the galápagos Islands • lecture program led by study leaders and naturalists • youth activity program led by youth leaders • onboard welcome reception and dinner, and farewell reception and dinner • All excursions, entrance fees, and National Park tax of $100 per person • gratuities for porters, drivers, ship’s crew, and naturalist guides • group transfers and baggage handling between airports, hotel, and ship • Complete packet of pre-departure information, including educational materials and reading list • Professional tour management throughout

rates do not include U.S. domestic and international airfare (airfare between guayaquil and the galápagos Islands is included) • Passport and visa fees • Immunization costs • Airport security fees imposed by the government or airline • Meals and beverages other than those specified as included • Excess baggage charges • Baggage and cancellation insurance • Transfers and baggage handling for those not participating in group flights • laundry, room service, telephone and fax calls, excess baggage charges, and other items of a purely personal nature

PoTENTIAl fUEl SURChARgE Every effort is made to keep program costs as low as possible, and rates do not include allowances to cover possible increases in fuel costs. Please be aware that the volatile nature of oil prices may make it necessary to assess a fuel surcharge. We appreciate your understanding.

AIRfARE U.S. domestic and international airfare is not included in the program rates. group flights will be offered from New york to guayaquil; as of July 2008, the cost of round-trip, economy-class airfare on lan Ecuador is estimated at $820 per person. This fare is subject to change. our tour operator is happy to assist you with your air travel arrangements.

Santa CruzIdeal for cruising the galápagos, the Santa Cruz carries 90 passengers in comfortable, air-conditioned cabins that can house families of all sizes. The ship features sun decks, a lounge, a large dining room that accommodates all passengers in a single seating, a reading room, observation decks, and pangas for landing small groups on the islands. The ship is equipped with snorkeling equipment for passengers and a glass-bottom boat.

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U11 U9 U7 U5 U3

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B17 B15 B11 B9

B8 B6 B4 B2

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M14 M12 M10 M8 M6 M4 M2

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RESTAURANT

PROGRAM RATES DOUBLE SINGLE

MAIN DECK Outside Quad $0 - LEAST EXPENSIVE

Outside Triple $0 -

Outside Twin $0 $0

UPPER DECK Outside Twin $0 $0

BOAT DECK Outside Triple $0 -

Outside Twin $0 -

Superior Twin $0 $0

Junior Suite $0 -

Master Suite (double bed) $0 - MOST EXPENSIVE

CHART PROVIDED FOR REFERENCE ONLY; OK TO REBUILD IN InDESIGN

LOUNGE

SUN DECKHOT TUB /

JACUZZI

RECEPTION

Outside Plus Twin $0 -

PrOgram Rates, per persOn

ThE SANTA CRUZ

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gAlÁPAgoS PENgUIN

MAin DeCk Outside Quad $5,790 $5,290 —

Outside Triple $6,090 $5,590 —

Outside Twin $6,490 $5,990 $9,735

Upper DeCk Outside Twin $6,790 $6,290 $10,185

BOAT DeCk Outside Triple $6,790 $6,290 —

Outside Twin $7,290 $6,790 $10,935

Superior Twin $7,390 $6,890 $11,085

Junior Suite $7,790 $7,290 —

Master Suite (double bed)

$8,490 $7,990 —

DoUBlE SINglEChIlD*

*Age 7–17

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Terms & COndit iOnsRESERvATIoNS AND PAyMENTS A deposit of

$1,000 per person is required to confirm all reservations. Please make

your deposit check payable to high Country Passage and send it, with

your completed reservation form, to Smith Travel, AASC, 33 Elm Street,

Northampton, MA 01063. If you prefer, you may fax the form to Smith

at 1-413-585-2015, or call 1-800-225-2029 to charge your MasterCard

or vISA. final payment is due by february 14, 2009, 120 days prior to

departure. All tour prices and airfares quoted in this brochure are based

on tariffs, costs, and exchange rates of the United States dollar that

were in effect at the time of publication. Consequently, prices herein

are subject to change. Due to fluctuations in oil prices, a fuel surcharge

may be added to your tour fee. Details and costs wills be advised prior

to your departure. The tour operator, high Country Passage, reserves

the right to accept or decline any person as a participant at any time.

CANCEllATIoNS AND REfUNDS Deposits

are fully refundable if a written notice of cancellation is received by

Smith Travel within 30 days of receipt of deposit; after that, they are

100% nonrefundable. Cancellations after final payment: 100% penalty.

Cancellation of program by high Country Passage will result in full

refund except for airline cancellation penalties incurred by purchasing

non-refundable air tickets. Refunds cannot be made to passengers

who do not complete the tour for any reason at all. high Country

Passage reserves the right, without penalty, to require any participant

to withdraw from a tour at any time at his/her own expense, when such

action is determined by tour staff to be in the best interest of the health,

safety, or general welfare of the tour group or the individual participant

subject only to the requirement that the recoverable portion of the total

amount paid that corresponds to the cost of unused services and

accommodations to be refunded, if any.

INSURANCE for your protection, cancellation/interruption

insurance is strongly recommended. Information about insurance will

be sent to you by Smith Travel.

hEAlTh All participants should be in good health and capable of

keeping up with an active group of travelers. By forwarding the deposit

for passage, the passenger certifies that he/she does not have any

physical or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for

him/herself or other passengers.

RESPoNSIBIlITy The Alumnae Association of Smith

College (AASC) is the sponsor of this tour. As the sponsor, AASC has

engaged independent tour operators to arrange the tours. Because

the AASC does not own, operate, manage, or control, and is not in a

partnership or joint venture with either the tour operators or with the

various independent companies and persons with which or whom the

tour operator has arranged to supply services to the tour, the AASC and

its officers, directors, trustees, agents, servants, employees, affiliates,

and assigns are not liable for any negligent or willful acts or omissions

of the tour operator or the various suppliers, including any acts or

omissions on their part that cause, without limitations, injury, death, theft,

damage to or loss of property, delay, inconvenience, or the cancellation,

substitution, overbooking or downgrading of accommodations,

transportation, or other services. Additional terms and conditions

may apply to our trip and will be sent to you with your registration

acknowledgement, which you must sign and return to Smith.

Printed on recycled paper

CST #2070901-40

Please send the completed reservation form, with your deposit check (payable to high Country Passage) or credit card instructions, to Smith Travel, AASC, 33 Elm Street, Northampton, MA 01063. you may also fax the reservation form to 413-585-2015. for more information, call liz Bigwood at Smith Travel, 800-225-2029.

___________________________________________ _______________NAME 1 (as it appears on passport) SMITh ClASS

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Payments❏ Enclosed is a check for $___________ ($1,000 per person, made payable to

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Galápagos: A Family Adventure

Celebrating the Year of DarwinAboard the Santa Cruz • June 14–23, 2009

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Picture yOur family in the

GalápagOs

100% K

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100C 57M 0Y 40K (pantone 295)0C 30M 100Y 0K (pantone 130)

Smith Travel, 33 Elm Street Northampton, MA 01063

PRSRT STDU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 173

Sunnyvale, CA

•GalápagOs: A Family Adventure Celebrating the Year Of Darwin

Aboard the Santa Cruz

June 14–23, 2009•

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RIghT: gAlÁPAgoS flAMINgo © S-dmit / Dreamstime.com

BoTToM: TRAvElERS AND SEA lIoN Brett Whysel

CovER: hAPPy TRAvElERS Marya Mcginn