SOUTH AMERICA - PERU

Here you have 2 schedules to choose from, both for 14 days, with train to Machu Picchu and excursions, and one which includes a helicopter flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines.

TRAIN TO MACHU PICCHU (LUXURY)

INCLUDING HELICOPTER FLIGHT - 17 days/15 nights

In Machu Picchu, Peru has perhaps the most breathtaking archaeological site in the world. Yet Peru also offers a wealth of other magnificent sights, colonial cities and dramatic scenery and scenic.

Staying in hotels of great character, with some free time to relax, this tour reveals Peru’s many wonders including the Nazca Lines, the Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca and, of course, Machu Picchu.

Escorted Group 17 Days/15 Nights

This tour visits the Nazca Lines, the colonial city of Arequipa, the Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca and the former Inca capital of Cuzco.

The journey concludes at Machu Picchu; perched high in the Andes this is unquestionably one of the most breathtaking sights in the world. On these luxury departures two hotels will be upgraded to Peru's finest properties, the superb Orient-Express owned Monasterio in Cuzco and Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge.

This luxury tour also includes special gourmet lunches and dinners in colonial houses.

DAY 1 TO LIMA

Fly from London to Lima, via Amsterdam with KLM OR via Madrid, with Iberia. Transfer to the Swissôtel/Miraflores Park (ocean view room) for 2 nights. (N)

DAY 2 LIMA

Morning tour of the colonial heart of Lima, including the San Fransisco Monastery, Convento de los Descalos, Casa Aliaga, the Jesuit Convent of San Pedro and San Marcus University, the first in the Americas.

Founded in 1535 by Pizarro, the colonial influence is still apparent. Enjoy dinner at the 18th century mansion, Casa Diez Canseco. (B, D)

DAY 3 TO NAZCA

Early morning departure along the desert ocean highway to Paracas. Take a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, one of the world’s most important marine reserves, where sea birds and sea lions may be seen. Lunch at eh Vista Alegre winery in Ica. Continue to Nazca and stay 2 nights at the Hacienda Cantayo. (B, L)

DAY 4 THE NAZCA LINES

Take a helicopter flight over the Nazca lines, etched into the desert thousands of years ago.

A helicopter’s larger windows are ideal for viewing the amazing geometric patterns and designs cut into the desert, and it offers a smoother ride than a small plane. Afternoon at leisure or optional tours. (B).

DAY 5 TO AREQUIPA

Drive along the desert Pacific coastline and up into the Andes to Arequipa (approximately 10 hours).

Arequipa is an attractive city of beautiful white buildings and colonnaded plazas, surrounded by a dramatic landscape. Stay at the El Cabildo Hotel for 2 nights. (B, L)

DAY 6 AREQUIPA

Morning tour of the city, including the Santa Teresa Monastery and the Juanita museum. (B)

DAY 7 TO COLCA

Morning visit to the beautiful Santa Catalina Monastery. Continue into the Andes towards the he Colca Canyon (approximately 5 hours on some unpaved roads) with stops en route.

The scenery is spectacular across the snowy volcanic peaks, herds of llama and the terraces of the Colca Valley. Stay 1 night at the Colca Lodge. (B, L, D)

DAY 8 COLCA CANYON

Early morning tour to 'Condors Cross', where the magnificent condors may be seen flying over the canyon. Visit the town of Maca, famed for its pre-Columbian textiles. Afternoon at leisure to perhaps take a walk in the canyon or relax in the natural hot springs. (B, D)

DAY 9 LAKE TITICACA

Depart by road to Puno and Lake Titicaca (approximately 7 hours). Transfer to the Casa Andina Private Collection hotel, located on the shores of the lake, for 2 nights. (B, L)

DAY 10 LAKE TITICACA

Visit the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, inhabited by the Uros Indians, Taquile Island, with its panoramic lake views, and the restored British–built steamer, the Yavari. (B, L)

DAY 11 TO CUZCO

Travel by the de luxe Orient Express-operated train to Cuzco, through magnificent scenery of wooded canyons, rivers and cultivated hillside terraces (approximately 10 hours). Relax over lunch and enjoy a pisco sour and music in the observation car as you pass high Andean peaks, mountain streams and rivers, cultivated terraces and small valley towns. Transfer to the Hotel Libertador/Monasterio (de-luxe room) for 3 nights. (B, L)

DAY 12 CUZCO

Morning at leisure in the Inca capital. Afternoon tour of Cuzco and the nearby Inca site of Sacsayhuamán, San Blasdistrict and Koricancha and conclude in Cuzco Cathedral to hear the daily Gregorian chants. (B)

DAY 13 TO THE SACRED VALLEY

Full day visit to the Indian market at Pisac and the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo, an astounding feat of construction and ingenuity. Stay overnight at the Casa Andina Private Collection. (B, L)

DAY 14 TO MACHU PICCHU

Morning train journey to Machu Picchu and take a morning tour of the ruins. Discovered high in the Andes in 1911 by Hiram Bingham, Machu Picchu is an unusually intact Inca city and one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in the world. Afternoon at leisure to explore this magnificent site on your own. Overnight at the Machu Picchu Pueblo/Sanctuary Lodge. (B, L, D)

DAY 15 TO CUZCO

Morning at leisure. Afternoon train journey to Cuzco. Transfer to the Hotel Libertador/Monasterio(de-lexe room) for 1 night. (B)

DAY 16 TO LIMA

Morning flight to Lima and transfer to the Swissôtel/Miraflores Park+ where a day room is available. Evening flight to London, via Amsterdam/Madrid, with KLM/Iberia. (B)

DAY 17 LONDON

Evening arrival. (N)

NOTE: This tour is fully escorted from Lima to Lima. The itinerary is designed to optimise your time in Peru, whilst allowing you time to adjust to the altitude. There are some early morning starts and long drives.

MEALS: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner, (N) = No Meals

There is also a very similar tour but with a plan flight, rather than helicopter, and staying at standard hotels with a slightly different itinerary. Please ask for details f you do not fancy the helicopter ride.

HOLIDAY ADDITIONS - EXTEND YOUR STAY

We can arrange extensions to your holiday in Peru, to the following places.

AMAZON (IQUITOS) – 3 NIGHTS

This pre-tour offers the opportunity to explore the mighty Amazon river and its tributaries while staying in the comfort of Ceiba Tops Lodge.

RAINFOREST (PUERTO MALDONALDO) – 3 NIGHTS

The Peruvian rainforest has extraordinary bio-diversity and the area around Puerto Maldoado is an excellent place to see wildlife, birds and flora from the excellent Reserve Amazonica Lodge.

NORTHERN PERU - 3 NIGHTS

Northern Peru contains a wealth of pre-Inca archaeological sites and this pre-tour combines the most important with a visit to the colonial city of Trujillo.

NEW YORK – 4 NIGHTS

Break your journey home with a stopover in New York city. The days have been left free for you to enjoy the city’s sights, shops, museums or restaurants, as you prefer.

BONAIRE – 4 NIGHTS

The Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire, with its turquoise waters and excellent diving and snorkelling, offers a perfect stopover on the way home. Stay at the 21 room Harbour Village, designed in a colonial plantation style.

GALAPAGOS –6 NIGHTS

This extension offers the chance to explore the natural wonders of the Galapagos Islands, a habitat for unique species of animals, birds, plants and marine life.

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