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Escorted Group or Private Journey
Comprehensive Tour of Peru
5 Star/Best Available Hotels - Machu Picchu & Nazca Lines
Peru contains a wealth of spectacular sights including ancient archaeological wonders, colonial cities and scenery. This tour visits the Nazca Lines, the colonial city of Arequipa, the Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, the former Inca capital of Cuzco and the Indian market at Pisac. The journey concludes at Machu Picchu; perched on a saddle high in the Andes this is unquestionably one of the most dramatic sights in the world.
Day 1 to Lima: Fly from London to Lima, via Amsterdam/Madrid, with KLM/Iberia. Transfer to the Swissôtel/Miraflores Park (Ocean View Room) or similar for 2 nights. (No meals)
Day 2 Lima: Morning tour of the colonial heart of Lima, including the San Francisco Monastery, Convento de los Descalos, Casa Aliaga, the Jesuit Convent of San Pedro and San Marcus University, the first in the Americas. Private lunch at the 18th Century Mansion, Casa Diez Canseco. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 3 to Nazca: Early morning transfer along the desert ocean highway to Paracas. Take a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, one of the world's most important marine reserves, where sea birds and sea lions can be seen. Lunch at the Vista Alegre winery in Ica. Continue to Nazca to the Hacienda Cantayo Resort Hotel or similar for 2 nights. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 4 The Nazca Lines: Take a helicopter flight over the mysterious Nazca lines, etched into the desert thousands of years ago. A helicopter's larger windows are ideal for viewing the lines. Afternoon at leisure or optional tours. (Breakfast)
Day 5 To Arequipa: Drive into the Andes to Arequipa (approx 10 hours). Arequipa is an attractive city of beautiful white buildings and colonnaded plazas, surrounded by a dramatic landscape. Stay at the El Cabildo Hotel or similar for 2 nights. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 6 Arequipa: Morning tour of the city, including the Santa Teresa Monastery and the Juanita mummy museum. (Breakfast)
Day 7 To Colca: Morning visit to the Santa Catolina Monastery. Continue into the Andes towards the Colca Canyon (approximately 5 hours over unpaved roads) with stops en route. The scenery is spectacular across the altiplano (high plain) with snowy volcanic peaks, herds of llama and along the terraces of the Colca Valley. Stay 2 nights at the Colca Lodge (simple accommodation). (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8 Colca Canyon: Early morning tour to 'Condors Cross' where magnificent condors may be seen flying over the canyon. Visit the town of Maca, famed for its pre-Colombian textiles. Afternoon at leisure to perhaps take a walk in the canyon or relax in the natural hot springs. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 9 to Lake Titicaca: Depart by road to Puno and Lake Titicaca (approximately 7 hours). Transfer to the Casa Andina Private Collection Hotel, located on the shores of the lake, for 2 nights. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 10 Lake Titicaca: Visit the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, inhabited by the Uros Indians, Taquile Island with its parnormaic lake views, and the restored British-built steamer, the Yavari. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 11 To Cuzco: Travel by the de luxe, Orient Express-operated train to Cuzco (approximately 10 hours). Relax over lunch and enjoy a pisco sour and music in the observation car as you pass through magnificent scenery of high Andean peaks, mountain streams and rivers, cultivated terraces and small valley towns. Transfer to the Hotel Libertador/Monasterio (de luxe room) or similar for 3 nights. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 12 Cuzco: Morning at leisure in the Inca capital. Afternoon tour of the nearby ruins including Sacsayhuamán, San Blas district and Koricancha and conclude in Cuzco Cathedral to hear the daily Gregorian chants. (Breakfast)
Day 13 To The Sacred Valley: Full day visit to the Indian market at Pisac and the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo, an outstanding feat of construction and ingenuity. Stay overnight in the Sacred Valley at the Casa Andina Private Collection or similar. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 14 To Machu Picchu: Morning train journey to Machu Picchu. Discovered high in the Andes in 1911 by Hiram Bingham, Machu Picchu is an unusually intact Inca city and one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in the world. Morning tour of the ruins. Afternoon at leisure to explore on your own. Overnight at the Machu Picchu Pueblo/Sanctuary Lodge or similar. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 15 To Cuzco: Morning at leisure. Afternoon train journey to Cuzco. Transfer to the Hotel Libertador/Monasterio (de luxe room) or similar for 1 night. (Breakfast)
Day 16 To London:
Morning flight to Lima and transfer to the Swissôtel/Miraflores Park or similar where a day room is available. Evening flight to London, via Amsterdam/Madrid, with KLM/Iberia. (Breakfast)
Day 17 London Evening arrival. (No meals)
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