Luxury Peru & Andean Explorer - 12 days

Welcome to Peru and the beginning of your adventure. On arrival in Lima you’ll be transferred to your hotel where our representative will be there to assist you. Spend your first evening in the capital at leisure.

Today join a scheduled half-day tour of Lima - the “City of Kings”. Travelling to downtown Lima, explore the historical heart of the capital including the Plaza Mayor - a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage–listed square surrounded by important buildings such as Lima Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace, City Hall and the Government Palace, where you'll see the Changing of the Guard. Other highlights of the tour include the Convent of Santo Domingo, which is one of the best-preserved monasteries in Lima and the fascinating Bodega & Quadra Museum, where you will learn more about Lima's history and traditions.

Lima - Cusco - Sacred Valley. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cusco this morning. From Cusco travel on to the Sacred Valley, stopping en route at Awanacancha, “the palace of weaving” – an Andean textile centre that preserves the ancient Incan art and historical traditions of weaving. Here you will see the techniques used for hundreds of years in the weaving of these famous textiles and learn about the four different species of South American camelids - the Llama, Alpaca, Huanaco and Vicuna. Once you arrive at your hotel in the Sacred Valley, spend the rest of the day relaxing and adapting to the altitude.

Enjoy a scheduled full-day tour of the Sacred Valley today. The tour begins at the famous Inti Watana ruins at Pisac, which include the Temple of the Sun, baths, altars, water fountains, a ceremonial platform, and an inti watana - a volcanic ritual stone used as an astronomic clock or Inca calendar to define the change seasons. Continue to the bustling Pisac markets and barter with the local merchants for their colourful textiles and souvenirs.
The next stop is the famous Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo, constructed to protect the entrance of the valley from invading jungle tribes. The archaeological site includes a series of superimposed terraces and stunning finely carved stone blocks located on the upper terrace or Temple of the Sun. Explore the ruins and take a stroll through Ollantaytambo, which is known as a “live Inca town” because inhabitants still live according to customs and traditions inherited from their ancestors.

Sacred Valley - Aguas Calientes. Discover Peru's most famous site today. Travel in style aboard the famous Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu - the spectacular “Lost City” of the Incas. Relax on board, admire the incredible views and enjoy a traditional Pisco Sour cocktail with brunch as you pass through the Andean highlands and into the jungle. Arrive in the town of Aguas Calientes and take a short bus ride up the mountain to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. Your guided tour of the site will include the Main Plaza, the mysterious Sacred Sun Dial and the Temple of the Three Windows. Following your tour, enjoy tea at the luxurious Belmond Sanctuary Hotel before taking the bus back down to Aguas Calientes.

Aguas Calientes - Cusco. Spend this morning exploring Aguas Calientes at leisure - why not visit the local Hot Springs? If you wish, there's the option to return to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu for a second visit, you can also climb Huayna Picchu to enjoy spectacular views over the entire site from an even higher point (must be booked in advance). Later, board the luxurious Hiram Bingham train once again and return to Cusco, enjoying a gourmet dinner and a show on board.

Take in the highlights of Cusco on a scheduled half-day city tour today, including the famous Cusco Cathedral, the Santo Domingo church and the Plaza de Armas - formerly the heart of the Incan Empire. Then explore the impressive Sacsayhuaman Inca fortress, which offers a wonderful panoramic view of the city, and visit the ruins of the Qenqo Amphitheater, Tambomachay and Puka Pukara. After the tour spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Cusco - Lake Titicaca. Board the luxurious Andean Explorer train today and embark on an unforgettable 3 day, 2 night journey to Arequipa. The Andean Explorer is the first luxury sleeper train in South America and ensures you travel through the Peruvian countryside in style. Relax with a drink in the lounge car or watch the world pass by from the outside observation car. There's even an onboard spa for you to enjoy. Feast on a delicious lunch as we set off towards our first stop, the ancient Inca sanctuary of Raqchi, now a fantastically preserved archaeological site. Later, the train will stop at La Raya where you’ll enjoy the beautiful sunset over the La Raya mountains before returning to the Andean Explorer as it continues its journey. Spend the night onboard right next to Lake Titicaca - the highest navigable lake in the world.

Lake Titicaca - Arequipa. Rise early today and catch the sunrise over Lake Titicaca before you enjoy a half-day boat excursion on the lake. Visit the Uros Islands, man-made settlements that float on the surface of the lake and are constructed from Totora reeds. The Uros people also use the reeds to build their homes and boats, and they even eat them. Your tour will continue to Taquile Island where you’ll gaze up at the stunning agricultural terraces carved into the hillside. Enjoy lunch and traditional entertainment on Collata Island before returning to the Andean Explorer and continuing your journey towards Arequipa.

Enjoy an early breakfast today before exploring the rugged scenery of Lake Lagunillas and visiting the fascinating Sumbay Caves - home to more than 500 separate cave paintings, some of which date back 8,000 years. Then sit back and relax on the final leg of your Andean Explorer journey, which ends in Arequipa. Disembark and enjoy a tour of the city’s highlights before you're transferred to the hotel.

Enjoy a half-day excursion to the famous San Camilo market today. Browse the local ingredients on offer and learn about their uses from a local Peruvian chef. Our chef will then teach you how to make delicious local dishes including rocoto relleno - Peruvian stuffed peppers. To complement your meal, learn how to make a Pisco Sour cocktail from the bartender. The rest of the day is free to explore Arequipa at leisure.

Arequipa - Lima. Today your luxury Peruvian adventure comes to an end. A transfer to Arequipa Airport will be provided where there are a number of direct flights available to Lima.