DAY 1: UK - Lima.
Fly to Lima where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for two nights.
DAY 2: Lima.
Immerse yourself in this fascinating city on a morning tour of Lima's historic downtown, with visits to the splendid baroque monasteries of San Francisco and the beautiful Plaza de Armas and San Martin, before exploring the residential district of San Isidro and garden district of Miraflores. The afternoon is free to seek out further sights. (B)
DAY 3: Lima - Arequipa.
The day begins with an early morning flight to Peru's second largest city, situated in an exquisite valley in the lee of a snow-capped volcano. Bursting with fantastic 17th and 18th century architecture, Arequipa casts up many delights, for today's sightseeing. See the cathedral and Plaza de Armas square, old neighbourhoods of San Lazaro and Yanahuara, and the delightful Jesuit church of La Compania with its own exquisitely painted interior known as the 'Sistine Chapel of America'. Afterwards head to the famous 17th century Santa Catalina Convent. (B)
DAY 4: Arequipa - Colca Canyon - Chivay.
An early morning start taking the Yura Highway past the snow-capped volcanoes of Chachani, Ampatao and Misti en route to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. At 10,725 feet, it is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and home to the great Andean condor. After arriving in Chivay, the gateway to the canyon, visit the Amphitheatre of Ocolle and the hot springs of La Calera. (B, L, D)
DAY 5: Chivay - Colca Canyon - Puno.
A highlight of today is a chance to see the great Andean condor that inhabits the Colca Canyon. Travel to the Cruz del Condor observation point, which is a popular stop to view the condors as they soar gracefully on the rising thermals. Next stop is Puno, beautifully located on the famous Lake Titicaca and the greatest centre of Peruvian folklore. (B)
DAY 6: Puno.
Relax in the atmosphere of stunning Lake Titicaca, one of the world's highest navigable lakes, before your included visit to the much-photographed Uros Indian community, who live on floating reed islands in the lake. Continue to the town of Chimu, where locals make beds, boats, roofs and houses from 'totora' (Cyprus Escrypus). End the day with a visit to the historical town of Chucuito where you can see the pre-Inca ruins. (B)
DAY 7: Puno - Cuzco.
Experience a mesmerising journey by coach through the spectacular Andes to Cuzco, climbing to altitudes of 14,108 feet. En route you will visit the town of Andahuaylillas, the ruins of Racchi and the small town of Pucara. Note: You can replace your coach journey from Puno to Cuzco with a train journey (see 'Not to be missed' on page 119). B,L
DAY 8: Cuzco.
Cuzco was once the capital of the mighty Incan Empire and is also home to many beautiful Spanish colonial buildings. A tour of this fine city includes visits to the historic Plaza de Armas - the ceremonial square of the Incan Empire - and cathedral with its adjacent churches and former residential buildings of the old town. You will also visit some of the superb Inca ruins in the surrounding scenic countryside, including Sacsayhuaman, Tambo Machay, Kenko, a giant rock covered in strange carvings, and Puca Pucara. (B)
DAY 9: Cuzco.
A free day to soak up the unique atmosphere of Cuzco. How about exploring its baroque churches, museums and shops before dining in the splendid surroundings of a converted Conquistador's palace? (B)
DAY 10: Cuzco - Sacred Valley of the Incas and Pisac Market - Yucay.
A half day's sightseeing in the Sacred Valley of the Incas begins with a visit to the colourful Pisac Indian Market. All varieties of Peruvian handicrafts are displayed here, ranging from practical hand-woven sweaters to highly decorative jewellery and sculptures. Looking down on the town from a great height stands an impressively located Inca fortress. After strolling around the market, continue via some of the world's loveliest mountain scenery to the town of Yucay, located in the Urubamba Valley. The afternoon is free or you can join our optional excursion to Ollantaytambo. (B)
DAY 11: Yucay - Machu Picchu.
A once in a lifetime trip to legendary Machu Picchu. The day starts with a bus ride to Ollanta, then a train ride that climbs through narrow ravines up to Aguas Calientes at the foot of Machu Picchu. From here take the bus to the top of this stupendous mountain to marvel at its magical archaeological ruins. Machu Picchu is one of the great archaeological treasures of the world, whose purpose is still a mystery. There'll be plenty of time to enjoy the site and its awe-inspiring views before returning to Yucay. (B)
DAY 12: Yucay - Cuzco - Lima.
Journey to Cuzco for your flight to Lima and an overnight stay. (B)
DAY 13: Lima - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)
DAY 14: Home landing in the UK.
Maximum elevation on this tour is 15,748ft.
Inti Raymi Festival of the Sun
Special departure - 15 June
Join us and experience a pre-Hispanic ceremony to render homage to the sun. Enjoy this Incan festival packed with dances, parades, street fairs and concerts. The centrepiece of the festival is the all-day celebration (June 24, Cuzco area), which includes a procession and a stage show that re-enacts the ancient ceremony.
Note: You will overnight in Cuzco on days 10 and 11. The Pisac Indian Market visit will take place on day 8, and the Inti Raymi Festival will take place on day 10. All other inclusions remain the same.
Local Guide
As a minimum, you will have the services of a local driver/guide in each centre.
As an alternative to your bus journey from Puno to Cuzco on day 7, why not journey through the Andes on the world renowned Andean Explorer?
Don't miss out on a trip on this first class train which is decorated in the style of the great Pullman trains of the 1920's with an open air observation car offering unsurpassed views of the stunning Peruvian Andes.
See the Altiplano, the Huatnay River and the rolling Andean Plains; where Vicuna and Alpaca can be seen as well as a glimpse of local culture, from the comfort of your seat. The journey is broken by a scenic stop at La Raya whose picturesque snow-draped peaks are often shrouded by mist or fine rain.
To book this optional at a supplement, please call our reservations team. Supplement starts from £145 per person
View My Holiday Photos
