Machu Picchu & the Andes

Your holiday begins when you meet the Tour Manager and group at London Heathrow this morning for our incredible Peruvian adventure. After a short hop to Paris, we fly across the Atlantic Ocean to South America, arriving in Lima in the early evening.

On arrival, we transfer to our modern, four-star hotel in the Miraflores district of the Peruvian capital. Once known as the 'City of Kings', Lima is one of South America's most populous cities and holds the title of Latin America's trendiest food destination.

Close to the city and the beaches along the Pacific Ocean, there is plenty to see and do near our hotel. We convene this evening in the hotel restaurant for our first meal together.

• Dinner

Lima was founded in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro and his band of Spanish conquistadors in an area originally home to the Ichma people. After breakfast, we set out to discover Lima for ourselves.

At the city's historic heart are the colourful and well-preserved UNESCO-listed colonial buildings including the yellow façade of the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco - a prime example of Lima Baroque architecture. After exploring the courtyards, catacombs and Mudéjar ceilings of the cloisters, we walk to the nearby Casa de Aliaga, built in 1535 for one of Pizarro's fellow conquistadors. Richly painted, this is the oldest private house in the Americas and descendants of Aliaga still reside here.

Delving deeper into Liman history, we visit Huaca Pucllana, the remains of a pre-Incan pyramid that played a ceremonial role for the Lima culture. After lunch in the celebrated restaurant here, there is free time to get to know enthralling Lima further - or to relax by the Pacific shores.

This evening you are free to dine independently and there are plenty of interesting restaurants to choose from on the main strip.

• Breakfast, Lunch

This morning we take a short internal flight to the southern city of Arequipa. On the banks of the River Chili, Peru's second city is known as the 'White City' due to the striking volcanic stone - called sillar - that was used to construct many of its buildings.

After a lunch of regional cuisine at a local restaurant, we get a panoramic overview of this attractive city and its volcanic surroundings from the Carmen Alto viewpoint where we begin a sightseeing tour. In the charming neighbourhood of Yanahuara, we admire the 18th-century Church of St John the Baptist with its ornate mestizo Baroque façade. Arequipa's main square - Plaza de Armas - is one of the most beautiful in the country. Lined on three sides by white-stone buildings with split-level arcades, the focus is drawn to the huge 17th-century cathedral. The stunning Compañia de Jesús Church, built in 1590, displays an intricately carved façade.

The rest of your day is at leisure, to relax at our central hotel or stroll to a local restaurant for dinner.

• Breakfast, Lunch

We enter an oasis of calm today on a guided tour of the remarkable Santa Catalina Monastery. This enormous Dominican complex was founded in 1579 and has since been gracefully refurbished with period features. Its narrow streets, floral gardens and tranquil cloisters resemble a miniature walled colonial town in the centre of Arequipa and there is time to explore. Once populated by around 500 nuns who each had their own servants, Santa Catalina is now home to about 20 nuns who live a much more pious existence.

After exploring the monastery's beautiful alleys and colourful courtyards, the rest of your day is free to uncover Arequipa at leisure. Enjoy the graceful plazas of Peru's most beautiful city before indulging in popular local cuisine. From delicious fresh salads such as soltero de queso, the pork-based adobo stew and herbal ocopa sauce to highly-rated beers and the emblematic Pisco sour cocktail, Peruvian cuisine is making waves around the world - and Arequipa is a popular food destination even with Peruvians.

• Breakfast

An otherworldly coach journey into the mighty Andes awaits today, passing rugged hills and rocky ravines as we climb ever higher on our way to the Colca Valley. In the vast open wilderness of the pampas, we stop at the National Reserve of Pampa Cañahuas, where alpacas and llamas roam the volcanic grasslands inhabited by indigenous peoples.

The lunar-like landscape continues as we pass by the Nevado Chucura crater and, from the Mirador de los Andes and Mirador de Patapampa viewpoints, we can marvel at the string of volcanoes that surround Arequipa. We pause in the quaint village of Chivay which embraces its past with traditional stone buildings. There is the option to grab a bite to eat here, but we recommend purchasing supplies before departing Arequipa.

We reach Yanque, in the Colca Valley, our home for the next two nights. Our hotel is surrounded by stunning mountains and there is time to unwind in the hot springs and thermal spas before dinner tonight.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Waking up in the jaw-dropping surroundings of the outstanding Colca Canyon - the world's second-deepest canyon - on today's excursion we experience its stunning natural beauty.

We travel by coach through a landscape of pristine mountains encircling an emerald green valley of pre-Incan steeped terraces above the elemental Rio Colca. Our destination is the Mirador Cruz del Cóndor (Condor Cross Viewpoint). Here, we are likely to see majestic Andean condors soaring above dramatic scenery of mountains plunging into a deep ravine. These iconic creatures are the largest flying birds in the world with a wingspan of up to nine feet.

After time to explore we return on the southern edge of the canyon, in the foothills of volcanoes, for lunch in a traditional restaurant. Our excursion continues to the pre-Inca villages of Coporaque and the Colcas at Chininia, incredible constructions on natural vertical faces. From the vantage point of Ocolle we take a short walk to the ruins of ancient Uyo-Uyo.

On returning to our hotel, you are free to enjoy our hotel's spectacular location and facilities and to dine independently tonight.

• Breakfast, Lunch

Our Andean adventure continues today as we drive into the high plains of the magical Andean plateau. Reaching heights of up to 14,700ft above sea level, the air is much thinner than at lower altitudes, but this elevation provides fantastic views across the Andes.

Sweeping vistas of open plateau dotted with grazing alpacas and rolling hills accompany us on our journey through this mysterious landscape. A picnic lunch is provided and we make scenic stops to appreciate the stunning views. We pass volcanoes, petrified forests, and the sky-blue Lake Lagunillas (populated with white flamingos) before arriving at our destination of Puno this afternoon.

Considered to be Peru's 'folklore capital', Puno sits on the shores of Lake Titicaca. After checking in to our hotel overlooking the waters of South America's largest lake, there is a free evening to explore this enchanting town. Near our hotel, you can find numerous restaurants serving local cuisine including seafood.

• Breakfast, Lunch

A highlight of our Peruvian adventure awaits today as we set sail on Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake. Our first stop is the amazing floating island of the indigenous Uros people, a world away from the cities of Peru. This awe-inspiring settlement of man-made islands is constructed from totora reeds by the pre-Incan people who have lived here for 4,000 years. The pliable plant is also used to create homes and ornate boats.

Next, we sail to Taquile, where the residents speak Quechua - an indigenous language used by the Incans. The locals have established an autonomous society based around sustainable tourism and long-held craft traditions. This UNESCO-listed site is recognised for its handwoven textiles and clothing, and it is the male Taquileños who specialise in knitting while the women spin and dye the wool. We learn more about this fascinating island followed by lunch in a restaurant, before returning across Lake Titicaca to Puno for a free evening.

Our hotel's restaurant serves international and Peruvian cuisine, or head towards Puno, on foot or by taxi, to find a variety of eating places.

• Breakfast, Lunch

Today we embark on one of the world's most spectacular rail journeys on the PeruRail Titicaca train, from Puno to the Incan capital of Cusco. After breakfast, a full-day experience sees us pass a procession of amazing Andean scenes as we cross the Peruvian Highlands.

Equipped with numerous dining cars, a bar car and an observatory car with open-air viewing platform, the Titicaca train allows us to absorb the awe-inspiring Altiplano landscapes from the relaxing comfort of elegant 1920s Pullman-style carriages. Enroute, we are served a typical Andean lunch prepared with local ingredients, accompanied by a traditional music and dance show.

The train pauses at the highest point on route, the La Raya Pass, which sits more than 14,000 feet above sea level. Here we can view the small chapel or admire the jaw-dropping vistas of untouched, sublime nature.

Arriving in Cusco this evening, we transfer to our charming hotel set within a 17th-century colonial mansion, close to the main square. Dinner is independent and, besides the hotel, there are many restaurants to choose from in the surrounding hillsides.

• Breakfast, Lunch

As the historic capital of Peru, Cusco was once an empire which once included much of Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Chile. On a half day tour we discover the most important Inca and colonial sites of archaeological, religious and military significance.

The Incan Temple of the Sun (Qorikancha) was constructed in the 15th century and was the physical and spiritual heart of Cusco. Meaning 'golden courtyard' in Quechua, the temple was originally covered in 700 sheets of solid gold each weighing more than 4lbs, with more shimmering treasures inside. However, its gems were looted by Spanish conquistadors and much of the stone was used to construct the adjoining Santo Domingo convent.

A highlight of our tour is the astonishing Sacsayhuamán fortress, a citadel which stands high above Cusco, the largest structure built by the Incas. Its walls are constructed of megalithic rocks and, like Stonehenge, it remains a mystery how these colossal rocks were put in place.

After viewing Cusco's imposing cathedral, overlooking the Plaza de Armas, we have lunch at a nearby restaurant before a free afternoon and evening.

• Breakfast, Lunch

One of the most enchanting locations in the world, founded around 1450, Machu Picchu was abandoned in 1572 and 'lost' until explorer Hiram Bingham became the first non-Peruvian to rediscover it in 1911.

Our journey to this breathtaking citadel begins as we leave Cusco after breakfast, on the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes*. This scenic route winds through the remote Urubamba River valley - also known as the Sacred Valley. On arrival in Aguas Calientes, the doorstep to Macchu Pichu, we board a coach to the magnificent site, nestled on a saddle between two dramatic mountains. Travelling among beautiful scenery through the winding, sacred valley we reach the awe-inspiring 'Lost City of the Incas'. There, a local guide explains the origins of its most prominent landmarks such as the Main Square, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of Three Windows and the Sacred Sun Dial.

After driving back to Aguas Calientes there is time at leisure before we return by train to Ollantaytambo and on to our refined hotel in the Sacred Valley, set in a former colonial monastery in Yucay, where we have a three-course dinner tonight.

*Please note, the timing of our Machu Picchu excursion may vary today, depending on the entrance time we are given.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Our day begins with a coach excursion to Chinchero, an authentic Andean town with great views of the Sacred Valley - one of Peru's most important locations. Here we take a guided tour of the historic town, known for its archaeological remains, craft market, and the first Catholic church in Peru.

After lunch in a local restaurant, we return to Ollantaytambo for a guided tour of this town at the centre of the royal Incan estate. This archetypal Andean town exudes character as well as a long history. The ancient fortress, although in ruins, is a sight to behold with important features such as the Sun Temple and Princess Baths fountain. In the Old Town, we discover an Inca-era grid of cobblestoned streets and adobe buildings sheltered by the surrounding mountains rich with ancient ruins and sweeping views.

We transfer back to Yucay for an evening at leisure.

• Breakfast, Lunch

Today's tour follows the course of the Urubamba river through the Sacred Valley to explore the archaeological remains of Pisac. The largest complex of agricultural significance in the area, Pisac is known for its impressive terraces cut into the side of mountains. Look out for the Intihuatana, a ritual stone with astronomical significance believed to be a connection between the heavens and the earth.

The Inca citadel sits high above the village, and its expansive terraces are believed to represent the wings of a partridge, from where some historians believe that Pisac got its name. These masterpieces of agriculture allowed the Incans to cultivate crops in such a challenging landscape.

After exploring the ruins with our guide, we then explore Pisac's marketplace, where stalls selling everything from textiles to replicas of ancient Inca artifacts line the street. Soak up the colourful atmosphere before we depart Pisac and transfer to Cusco, where, upon checking into our hotel, you are free to find lunch locally, relax or get reacquainted with Cusco's sites. We have our final dinner this evening at our hotel.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After a morning at leisure to continue exploring this spectacular city or purchase some last-minute souvenirs of your Andean adventure, we transfer to Cusco airport for our internal flight back to the capital.

On arrival in Lima, we board our overnight flight to Paris.

• Breakfast

On this Peruvian adventure we have explored many magnificent Inca landmarks, from the jaw-dropping site of Machu Picchu and the mysterious Sacred Valley to stunning Cusco, the welcoming Inca capital. We have witnessed the splendour of condors soaring above the Colca Canyon, sailed to the wondrous floating islands of Lake Titicaca and discovered the thriving and historical cities of Lima and Arequipa.

Landing at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport in the early afternoon, we catch a short connecting flight back to London Heathrow, where our holiday draws to a close and you are free to make your way home.