Day 1 - USA – Lima (2 nights)
Board your overnight flight**Depending on your flight schedule you may arrive in Lima on Day 1 in the evening.
Day 2 - Lima, Peru
You will be met and transferred to your hotel, where your room is available for early check in. About noon, your Lima tour starts with lunch served at a favorite seafood restaurant set overlooking the ocean. Afterward, see the Plaza Mayor, with its Colonial era treasures – the Government Palace, the Cathedral and the Archbishop’s Palace. Next, on to the magnificent 16th century San Francisco Monastery, whose cloisters are adorned with tiles from Seville. Return to your hotel, where your evening is free. (Lunch) Hotel: Casa Andina Private Collection Miraflores or Doubletree Pardo
Day 3 - Lima – Cuzco – Sacred Valley
Fly to Cuzco this morning. Head into the scenic Sacred Valley and stop at the market in Pisac. There is time to bargain for Peruvian arts and crafts before driving across the Valley. This is one of the most beautiful areas found anywhere in the world. At Ollantaytambo, a walking tour introduces you to the quaint village. Just outside of town, admire the ruins of a mighty Inca fortress. Later, travel to your hotel in Urubamba. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner) Hotel: Casa Andina Private Collection Sacred Valley
Day 4 - Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu
Transfer to the train station for the Vistadome Valley train journey to Machu Picchu. There is time to explore the magnificent ruins of the “Lost City of the Incas” on your own after a guided walking tour. Enjoy lunch before making the short trip to your hotel in Aguas Calientes, at the foot of Machu Picchu. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner) Hotel: Sumaq Machu Picchu Note: On the train to Machu Picchu, only hand luggage can be taken. Your main suitcase will be transferred to Cuzco and stored.
Day 5 - Machu Picchu – Cuzco (2 nights)
Return to Machu Picchu with your local guide for the last impressions of this extraordinary monument. Hiking enthusiasts may want to climb Wayne Picchu. Later, by train and coach back to Cuzco, where the evening is free. (Breakfast / Lunch) Hotel: Novotel Cuzco
Day 6 - Cuzco
Cuzco is a city enveloped in myth and legend. Traces of its Incan and Spanish heritage can still be seen today. A morning city tour shows you the Plaza de Armas, and the Cathedral. Then, visit the San Blas district, with its historic church and its wealth of arts and crafts. Also, visit several Inca ruins including the fortresses of Sacsayhuaman and Tambomachay. The remainder of the day is free. Dinner tonight is at a popular local restaurant complete with Peruvian folkloric music. (Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 7 - Cuzco – Puno (2 nights)
A day of great scenery and history as you head to Lake Titicaca, the cradle of the Aymara civilization and the birthplace of the Inca Empire. Along the way visit the charming highland villages of Racchi, with its interesting archaeological complex, and Andahuaylillas, known for the 7th century church, considered the Sistine Chapel of the Americas. Your last stop is ancient Sillustani and its necropolis, where you can see the intriguing “chullpas” or burial towers of the Colla people. End the day in Puno, where your hotel overlooks Lake Titicaca. (Breakfast / Buffet Lunch / Dinner) Hotel: Jose Antonio Puno
Day 8 - Lake Titicaca Excursion
Set sail for a fascinating day on Lake Titicaca. First, visit one of the floating islands of the Uros. For hundreds of years the livelihood of this “water tribe” was based on the benefits of the totora reed. The reed is used to build their homes, boats, and the islands they live on. Next, travel to Taquile Island and meet the Quechua-speaking natives who are renowned for their hand-weaving techniques. After lunch, return to Puno, where your evening is free. (Breakfast / Lunch)
Day 9 - Puno – Lima - Ica (2 nights)
Depart from Puno this morning and fly to Lima. Then travel along the Pan American Highway, dotted with villages and vistas of the South Pacific, to historic Ica. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner) Hotel: Hotel Las Dunas
Day 10 - Ica – Nazca Lines Flight
Your first stop this morning is at the Ica Archaeological Museum with its collection of Nazca Indian artifacts. Then a highlight: board your aircraft for the flight over the Nazca Lines – a series of drawings of animals and geometric figures etched into the parched soil thousands of years ago, some up to 1,000 feet long. After this breathtaking experience, the rest of the day is free for independent exploration and to enjoy the resort facilities. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 11 - Ica – Ballestas Excursion – Lima
Board a motorboat and cruise to the Ballestas Islands, which are inhabited by a wide variety of sea mammals and exotic birds, including sea lions, boobies, and Humboldt penguins. The bay’s beautiful red and white flamingos supposedly inspired General San Martin to design the independence flag for Peru. The huge Candelabro, a candelabra-shaped etching on the Paracas cliffside, can also be seen as you cruise back to shore. Leave Ica, stopping at Hacienda Caravedo, a traditional Pisco winery. Enjoy lunch and a tour, and sample some Pisco, a typical Peruvian brandy made from grapes. Later, return to Lima for a Farewell Dinner. (Breakfast / Lunch / Farewell Dinner)
Day 12 - Depart Lima – USA
Transfer to the airport for your daytime flight home. (Breakfast).(Depending on your homebound destination and connection, some guests will transfer to Lima airport in the late evening of Day 11 for an overnight flight back to the USA. Arrival in the USA will be the early morning of Day 12.)
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