Day 1 London to Lima
Fly from London with Iberia Airlines via Madrid to Lima where on arrival you will be met and transferred to the Miraflores Park Plaza Hotel.

Day 2 Lima
Spend the afternoon sightseeing with your guide. Visit the Plaza Mayor; formerly known as the Plaza de Armas, this is the original site on which Lima was founded by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535. Continue on to the historic cathedral, the grand Presidential Palace and the church of San Francisco noted for its collection of fine paintings and frescoes. Finally visit the fascinating Archaeological Museum, depicting the progression of Peru’s various early civilizations – from the Chavin in 1000 BC to the Incas.

Day 3 Lima to Arequipa – by air
Morning flight to Arequipa, set in a beautiful valley in the shadow of the snow-capped El Misti volcano. In the afternoon visit the Santa Catalina convent – a miniature walled town within the centre of the city – with a maze of cobbled streets, flower filled plazas and brightly painted houses. Also visit the Jesuit Church of La Compania and the museum displaying the frozen Inca mummies found on Mount Ampato. Stay overnight at the Hotel Libertador Arequipa.

Day 4 Arequipa to Colca – 160kms
This morning set off with your guide on a scenic drive to Colca. A winding road leaves the city and crosses the slopes of the snow-capped Misti, Chachani and Ampato volcanoes to arrive at Colca Canyon, the world’s deepest canyon. Stay for two nights at Colca Lodge.

Day 5 Colca (3180m)
Early this morning visit Condor Cross, a location where you will hopefully have an opportunity to observe these magnificent birds gliding over the canyon and around the mountain peaks. Remainder of day at leisure.

Day 6 Colca to Puno – 330kms
Drive across spectacular Andean countryside to Puno visiting on the way the mysterious pre-Inca burial towers of Sillustani. Stay for two nights at the Hotel Libertador Isla Esteves.

Day 7 Puno (3820m)
Today explore by motorboat the azure waters of Lake Titicaca; at 3820 metres above sea level this is the highest navigable lake in the world. Visit the ‘floating islands’ of the Uros Indians whose homes, boats and island foundations are built from the tortura reeds which are found in abundance on the lake. Cruise to the island of Taquile where the islanders are noted for their traditional colourful dress – men in elegant waistcoats and floppy knit caps; women in layered skirts and embroidered blouses.

Day 8 Puno to Cusco – by train
Board the train for the spectacular 10 hour journey over the high plateau of the altiplano, reaching altitudes of 4300 metres, travelling past scattered villages and herds of llamas and vicunas to Cusco. Alternatively from Puno travel by car, allowing you to stop on the way at the superb Inca ruins of Raqchi and at the village of Andahuaylillas, noted for its beautifully decorated 17th century church. Stay for three nights at the Hotel Monasterio.

Day 9 Cusco (3400m)
Morning at leisure. In the afternoon enjoy a walking tour of Cusco to absorb its wonderful atmosphere and enjoy some of the finest colonial architecture in South America. Also visit some of the Inca sites that are situated in the hills surrounding Cusco such as Sacsayhuaman, Puka Pukara, Quego and Tambo Machay. At Sacsayhuaman you will see the remains of an Inca ceremonial centre: its massive interlocking stones are magnificent, as are the views over the terracotta roofs of the city below. In the evening take dinner at the
Pre-Colombian Art Museum, where you will also have the opportunity to view the fascinating exhibits.

Day 10 Cusco
Today visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas to see the colourful and traditional market of Pisac and the massive fortress of Ollantaytambo. Enjoy lunch at Huayocari Hacienda a private residence overlooking the mountains, offering one of the finest views of the valley below. After lunch continue on to Ollantaytambo; constructed of rose-coloured granite, this huge fortress was once a thriving complex of baths, temples and military barracks.

Day 11 Cusco to Machu Picchu – by train
This morning board your train bound for the legendary ‘Lost City’ of the Incas – Machu Picchu. Upon arrival at Aguas Calientes station, a 25 minute bus ride will bring you to the ruins of Machu Picchu. Accompanied by your guide, explore the ruins, and feel its pulse as you visualize the lives of the people who inhabited this remarkable citadel. Stay overnight at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge.

Day 12 Machu Picchu to Cusco – by train
Rise early to witness the sunrise over Machu Picchu. Later explore this magnificent citadel on your own or take a hike with your guide, perhaps to the famous Sun Gate for excellent views of the ruins, or up Huayna Picchu for a unique panorama of the ‘Lost City’. In the early afternoon return by train to Cusco and stay overnight at the Hotel Monasterio.

Day 13 Cusco to Lima – by air
Return by air to Lima where a short stay room will be reserved until your departure this evening on the Iberia Airlines flight via Madrid to London.

Day 14 Arrive London
Arrive London Heathrow in the evening.