DAY 1 - UK/Lima
Depart on your scheduled flight to Lima, the capital of Peru. Late evening arrival at your hotel for a two night stay.
DAY 2 - Lima
Peru offers a wealth of landscapes, history and culture. The snow-capped peaks of the Andes, the architecture of the Incas and the vivid colours of the native Indians ensure a memorable visit. This morning we include a tour of Lima – the ‘City of Kings’. Much of the city’s colonial influence can still be seen today in the many beautiful squares, fine churches and mansions. You will see the cathedral, located in the Plaza Mayor, the Archbishop’s Palace and the Presidential Palace. The city is also home to many museums and you will have free time to visit them or explore further.
DAY 3 - Paracas
Depart Lima for the drive to Paracas, visiting the pyramid shaped ruins of Pachacamac temple en route, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The ruins date back to before the time of the Incas and consist of adobe walls, on which can be seen the remains of early frescoes.
DAY 4 - Nazca
Morning included tour by boat to the Ballestas Islands which are home to a wealth of wild animals, including pelicans, cormorants, Humboldt penguins and sea lions. Continue to Nazca for an overnight stay.
DAY 5 - Arequipa
Today you can join an optional flight over the incredible Nazca Lines. These amazing shapes, lines and figures etched into the ground have remained an unexplained mystery for centuries. This is a great opportunity to admire the lines from the air. Continue to Arequipa for a two night stay.
DAY 6 - Arequipa
Morning included city tour of Arequipa visiting Santa Catalina Convent and the Museum of Santuarios Andinos. Afternoon visit to the countryside and Sabandia Mill. You can also join our optional walking tour of Chilina, where you’ll find colonial houses and pretty, terraced slopes.
DAY 7 - Chivay
Early morning departure to visit the Colca Canyon. This spectacular canyon is thought to be even deeper than the Grand Canyon and is home to the famous bird of the Andes, the majestic condor. Lunch and dinner are included today. Overnight stay in Chivay.
DAY 8 - Puno
Depart Chivay for the drive to Puno, set on the shores of Lake Titicaca, for a two night stay. En route you will visit the burial site at Sillustani for a guided tour. These pre-Inca stone towers were used as graves for the high-born.
DAY 9 - Puno
Today we include a half day tour to the Uros Islands. These floating islands on Titicaca are actually made from totora reeds and are home to local Indians who have inhabited the area for centuries and still practise a traditional way of life.
DAY 10 - Cuzco
Transfer by road to Cuzco for a four night stay. The journey is a fascinating experience, giving a close-up view of rural life. Lunch is included today.
DAY 11 - Cuzco
Today you have the opportunity to join our optional tour of the market at Pisac and the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo. Here you can experience all the colour and traditions of an Indian market. You will have the opportunity to barter for goods such as rugs and alpaca sweaters. Lunch is included today. This afternoon you will visit Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The present town largely follows the original Inca plan and a number of Inca ruins remain.
DAY 12 - Cuzco
Morning free to explore. This afternoon join our included city tour of Cuzco and nearby Inca sites.
DAY 13 - Cuzco
Today you will visit Machu Picchu, a highlight of any visit to Peru. The ruined city was discovered by an American, Hiram Bingham, in 1911. Perched inaccessibly above a steep valley swathed in jungle, Machu Picchu is often referred to as the ‘Lost City’. The true reason why it was built remains a mystery. You will travel to Machu Picchu by narrow gauge railway. The last part of the journey is by bus and you will drive up to the mist-shrouded mountain tops where you will discover these fascinating ruins. Lunch is included today.
DAY 14 - Lima
Transfer to the airport for your connecting flight to Lima and on to the UK.
DAY 15 - UK
Arrive in the UK.