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 historic cathedral, the grand Presidential Palace, the church of San Francisco and the Archaeological Museum.

Day 3 Lima to Cusco – by air
Morning flight to Cusco, the former ancient capital of the Inca Empire and take time to relax and acclimatize to the altitude. In the afternoon enjoy a walking tour of Cusco to absorb its wonderful atmosphere and colonial architecture. Take dinner at the Pre-Colombian Art Museum, where you will also have the opportunity to view the fascinating exhibits. Stay for two nights at the Hotel Monasterio.

Day 4 Cusco (3400m)
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 offering one of the finest views of the valley below. After lunch, continue on to the massive fortress of Ollantaytambo. Constructed of rosecoloured granite, this huge fortress was once a thriving complex of baths, temples and military barracks.

Day 5 Cusco to Machu Picchu – by train
This morning board your train bound to the legendary Machu Picchu. Accompanied by your guide, explore the ruins, and feel its pulse as you visualise the lives of the people who inhabited this remarkable citadel. Stay overnight at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge.

Day 6 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 7 Cusco to Quito via Lima – by air
This morning fly via Lima to Quito the stately capital of Ecuador and the second highest capital city in the world. Remainder of the day at leisure to rest and acclimatise. Stay for two nights at the Swissôtel Quito.

Day 8 Quito (2820m)
Today tour this fascinating city and UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at the city’s ornate churches, cathedral and baroque architecture, and experience the local culture in Quito’s ‘Old Town’.

Day 9 Quito to Galapagos Islands – by air
Fly via Guayaquil to Baltra Island in the Galapagos to board the Galapagos. The diversity of species on these fascinating islands, named after the local tortoises, inspired Darwin’s Theories on natural selection and ultimately the ‘Origin of Species’. Due to the strong conservationist efforts and strict regulations in the archipelago, the endemic wildlife and fauna Darwin noted in his studies remain unique to the area even today.

Day 10 to Day 15 – Galapagos Island
Enjoy six full days exploring these fascinating islands. Weather, water and wildlife conditions will affect your actual day-to-day itinerary throughout the week, but visits are planned for the main islands and their landmarks. On hand to advise and inform is a naturalist guide for every 12 guests. Most expeditions with your guide are by pangas – inflatable rubber crafts with outboard motors.

Day 16 Galapagos Islands to Quito – by air
This morning disembark and fly back to Guayaquil and on to Quito. Assistance on arrival and stay overnight at the Swissôtel Quito.

Day 17 Quito to London
This afternoon depart on the Iberia Airlines flight via Madrid to London.

Day 18 Arrive London
Arrive London Heathrow in the evening.