Incas and Islands

Day 1 - Day of arrival - Lima

On arrival at Lima Airport you will take a private transfer to your hotel, the Holiday Inn Lima Miraflores.

Overnight at the Holiday Inn Lima Miraflores. (Bed & Breakfast)

Lima, Peru

Day 2 - Private guided half day city tour

Begin the visit of the city with an exploration of Colonial Lima. First, stop off at the Main Square, to explore it on foot and admire the exteriors of the Government Palace, the Cathedral, and the City Hall, all examples of Lima's still-present colonial architectural opulence. Visit the Cathedral; as walking through its numerous chapels, discover various architectural styles and learn about the religious history of Peru. Continue with a visit to Santo Domingo Convent a religious and architectural gem that houses holy paintings, images, and relics of Peruvian saints, as well as written accounts of the endeavours of the Dominican Order across the country.

Later, head to the Larco Museum, an eighteenth-century Viceregal mansion that houses more than 3,000 years of Peru's pre-Columbian history. The museum boasts a supremely fine collection of gold and silver jewellery and worship paraphernalia. The museum also contains a famous collection of erotic ceramic tomb art that gives insights into various aspects of pre-Columbian sexuality. Finally, begin a journey through the streets of modern Lima as head toward the most traditional of the residential zones of the capital: San Isidro, the heart of the city's financial district; and Miraflores, a perfect spot to enjoy wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean.

Overnight at the Holiday Inn Lima Miraflores. (Bed & Breakfast)

Lima, Peru

Day 3 - The Sacred Valley

Today you will fly to Cusco for your stay in the Sacred Valley. On arrival you will have a private transfer to your hotel.

The Sacred Valley is one of Peru's most beautiful and atmospheric places. The scenery is breathtaking and the region is well worth including in your itinerary. Between Cusco and Machu Picchu there are a number of interesting small towns and villages and historical sites. It is an ideal area for those considering self drive. The Sacred Valley follows the Urubamba River as it winds its way through Inca terraces, traditional villages, fields and rocky gorges towards Ollanta and Inca fortress, Ollantaytambo, an imposing Inca fortress with fabulous views of the valley. Urubamba village is charming and peaceful, It is situated close to the river and is particularly good for activities including walking, low level white water rafting and horse riding. Moray is remote but beautiful, with numerous agricultural terraces known locally as the green houses of the Incas. During the harvest months of May and June, the crops turn golden and Moray looks stunning against the snow capped mountains.

Overnight at Casa Andina Premium Sacred Valley. (Bed & Breakfast)

Sacred Valley

Day 4 - Private guided full day tour of the Sacred Valley

This morning, you will continue your trip toward the Sacred Valley; at 17,40 miles (28 km) away from Cusco, where you will find Chinchero village, with an altitude 12,375 feet above sea level (3,772 meters), famous for the extraordinary beauty and quality of its textiles, and for its Sunday fair, where local people dress in traditional colourful outfits and travel down from their villages to trade their goods. You will cross the Urubamba River and head towards the Salt Pans of Maras. The sight of this still-operating salt mine, in use since Incan times, will amaze as the stark white of the steeply descending salt pans juxtaposed against the green of the surrounding mountain slopes. The journey will continue on until you reach the archaeological site of Moray. Used as an agricultural testing ground, the site's system of circular terraces descends 490 feet (150 m), serving as a perfect testament to the level of advancement achieved by the Incas, who excelled at building masterful constructions in harmony with nature. Lunch is included at a local restaurant.

Overnight at Casa Andina Premium Sacred Valley. (Bed & Breakfast)

Salt Pans of Maras

Day 5 - Machu Picchu

Today you will take a private transfer from the hotel to the rail station to take the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes and from there, take a bus to the citadel of Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu is considered one of the seven wonders of the world. Its architectural beauty, spectacular natural setting, and the energy that radiates from its enigmatic buildings will take your breath away. We will follow in the footsteps of the ancient Incas as we take a tour of the magical citadel led by one of your guides. Afterwards you will enjoy a delicious lunch at Tinkuy restaurant.

Overnight at El Mapi Hotel by Inkaterra. (Half Board)

Machu Picchu

Day 6 - Cusco

This morning experience a second visit to the iconic citadel of Machu Picchu with entrance tickets and round-trip bus service included. Travel from Aguas Calientes to the site aboard the official shuttle bus, surrounded by lush Andean landscapes. This visit allows you to explore additional areas of the sanctuary at your own pace, revisit favourite viewpoints or discover corners you may have missed the first time. After your visit, you will take a private transfer from the rail station to your hotel in Cusco.

The Incas believed Cusco to be a dwelling place of the Gods and it is certainly one of the most interesting cities in the Peruvian Andes. The name in Quechua (the native tongue of the area) means 'navel of the world'. Its unique colonial architecture, set amongst the solid grandeur of Inca stonework, highlights the city's fascinating past, as do the city's museums. A wide range of handicrafts, including fine silverwork with Inca and colonial motifs, sculptures of holy figures, beautiful textiles and clothes made from alpaca, llama and vicuiia wool, are available from the many shops. The Plaza de Armas, San Blas and the Cathedral are well worth a visit, as well as the Museums of Reliqious Arts, History, Inca Culture, and Colonial Arts.

Overnight at Casa Andina Premium Cusco. (Bed & Breakfast)

Cusco

Day 7 - Private guided half day Cusco city tour

Today you will visit the Fortress of Sacsayhuama a colossal structure built with huge carved rocks jointed with absolute accuracy, this astounding sample of the Incan military architecture is, undoubtedly, the greatest architectonic work of the Tahuantinsuyo. You will make a short stop at Cristo Blanco, a large statue where we will enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Then, you will explore the San Pedro Market, Cusco's main street market, inundated with aromas, tastes, sights, and colours of the local products of the Cusco region. Afterwards, visit the Qoricancha (which means room of gold in Quechua), a temple dedicated to the Sun god. Legend has it that its inner walls were once completely lined with gold. Finally, head to Cusco Cathedral where you will take a guided tour to discover the mysteries and admire its lovely atria and priceless 17th and 18th century paintings of the Cusco school.

Overnight at Casa Andina Premium Cusco. (Bed & Breakfast)

Cusco

Day 8 - Quito

Today you will take a flight to Quito, Ecuador (via Lima). From the airport you will take a private transfer to your accommodation, the Mercure Hotel.

Overnight at Mercure Hotel, Quito. (Bed & Breakfast)

Quito

Day 9 - Private guided full day tour of Quito

Quito is home to one of the largest and best-preserved colonial centres in South America. You will have the chance to visit highlights including Independence Square or "Plaza Grande", the iconic La Compaiiia de Jesus church (considered one of the most beautiful churches in South America), the San Francisco Church and Monastery, and the Virgin of the Panecillo (which overlooks the entire city). As a unique experience, there will also be a stop at an artisanal chocolate shop, teaching you more about Ecuadorian Fine Aroma Cacao and the chocolate-making process. The Middle of the World can be found about 18 miles (30 km), north of Quito, where you can stand on the equatorial line that divides the northern and southern hemispheres. Visit the renowned main monument, as well as the lntiiian Museum which denotes the true equator and its phenomena.

Overnight at Mercure Hotel, Quito. (Bed & Breakfast)

The 'Middle of the World' equatorial line

Day 10 - 14 - Galapagos Islands - 4 Night Cruise

Today you will fly from Quito to Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos Islands for your 5 day cruise. The Anahi Galapagos Catamaran is a refined first-class sailing option that combines stable navigation, thoughtful design, and engaging wildlife experiences across the Galápagos Islands. Built for comfort and panoramic viewing, this 16-guest motor catamaran blends spacious cabins and well-appointed social areas with seamless indoor-outdoor spaces for scenic cruising and relaxation.

On the equator 600 miles off the Ecuadorian coast, the Galapagos Islands are like nowhere else on earth. Remote, harsh and profoundly volcanic, their human habitation is a very recent phenomenon. It is wildlife rather than people that distinguish these isolated outposts and for good reason the islands - either explored on a cruise or land based - have been described as a living museum and showcase of evolution. Charles Darwin, probably the Galapagos' most celebrated visitor, arrived in 1835 shortly after newly-independent Ecuador claimed the islands. It was here during a five-week stay the young Darwin noted aspects of the islands' geology and particularly their unique wildlife; ultimately these helped formulate his theories on evolution.

Overnight on the M/C Anahi. (Full Board)

Galapagos Islands

Day 15 - Quito

Today you will take a flight from the Galapagos Islands back to Quito. From the airport you will take a private transfer to your hotel.

Today will give you the opportunity to explore this beautiful city once again or spend time relaxing at your hotel. The Mercure Hotel is a five-star hotel located on Avenida Amazonas in the lively La Mariscal district of Quito, Ecuador. It features 144 comfortable rooms, an indoor/rooftop pool and the L'Essence Fitness & Spa.

Overnight at Mercure Hotel, Quito. (Bed & Breakfast)

Quito

Day 16 - Day of departure

Transfer to Quito Airport for your flight back to the UK (via Amsterdam).