Peru in Style 2012/2013

Luxury Holiday Peru - 19-day escorted tour

For me, the highlight of the entire trip was the moment the undergrowth fell away, the sun broke through the clouds, and Machu Picchu suddenly revealed itself. It was one of those moments that you feel through every fibre of your body.

Tour highlights

• Staying in some of Peru's stylish and characterful Orient Express hotels
• Touring the cities of Lima, Arequipa and Cusco
• Strolling through the peaceful grounds at Santa Catalina Monastery
• Driving to the Colca Canyon, with stunning views of El Misti Volcano
• Watching Andean condors glide the thermals over the Colca Canyon
• Cruising the sparkling waters of Lake Titicaca to Taquile Island
• Travelling through spectacular landscapes on the Andean Explorer
• Making an exclusive visit to the remote village of Willoq to experience the age-old traditions of the Quechua community
• Seeing the ancient ruins of the Inca Empire in the Sacred Valley and exploring Machu Picchu
• Witnessing the Inti Raymi Festival of the Sun in Cusco, on our June 2013 departure

Extend Your Holiday
If you don’t want the adventure to end just yet, book a tour extension. We’ve arranged two options while you’re in Peru. You can either retreat to the rainforest, arriving at your luxury lodge via a boat trip on the Madre de Dios River, a tributary of the Amazon, and discover the beautiful and diverse natural world in the jungle and rivers. Or, you can head to the Pacific coast and relax at a wonderful resort, explore the islands and discover yet another ancient marvel.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Depart London Heathrow
Relax in the executive lounge at Heathrow and meet your Tour Manager before your flight.
Meals: In-flight.

Day 2 Arrive in Lima
Settle into your hotel by the ocean in the Miraflores area before this evening’s welcome drinks party and dinner.
Meals: In-flight, Dinner.
Hotel: Miraflores Park.

Day 3 Lima
This morning, your tour of ‘The City of Kings’ takes in some of Lima’s many monasteries and churches, dating back to the early 16th century. The Cathedral and San Francisco Monastery stand proud in Plaza Mayor, the historical centre; elaborate examples of early South American architecture. You’ll also make an exclusive visit to Casa de Aliaga, both a home and museum, which has been in the Aliaga family for 17 generations. Finally, we’ll whisk you to the marvellous El Senorio de Sulco for a gastronomic treat; a Peruvian cookery demonstration and lunch overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel: Miraflores Park.

Day 4 Lima to Arequipa
Today you’ll fly to Arequipa for another fascinating tour. Aptly named ‘The White City’, Arequipa’s glistening buildings are built from sillar, a white volcanic stone. Blending Spanish and indigenous cultures, this lively city also has quieter corners. Strolling through the peaceful grounds of the Convento de Santa Catalina, a 16th century convent, evokes a sense of serenity and quiet intrigue. You’ll continue on to the Catholic University and the Juanita mummy, also known as ‘The Ice Maiden’; the remarkably preserved body of an Inca girl believed to have been sacrificed more than 500 years ago.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Libertador Ciudad Blanca.

Day 5 Arequipa
Your morning tour starts at the Plaza des Armas; considered the most beautiful in Peru. You’ll view the impressive twin-towered Cathedral, founded in 1612, and the exquisite Baroque Jesuit Church before continuing on to the Santa Teresa Monastery, which exhibits important wall paintings, sculptures and artistic possessions. At the lively San Camillo Market, wander past colourful displays of produce and try the famous ice cream made from cheese. Your tour ends in the pleasant courtyard at Sol De Mayo restaurant for a relaxing lunch of South Peruvian specialities.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel: Libertador Ciudad Blanca.

Day 6 Arequipa to the Colca Canyon
Today’s drive to the Colca Canyon winds through the steep, scenic Andean peaks and the Aguada Blancas National Park, with stunning views of the mountains and El Misti Volcano. You might be able to see herds of vicuñas and llamas en route. Descending into the Colca Canyon, you’ll stop for lunch before arriving at Colca Lodge. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at this wonderful retreat, maybe going for an open-air hot spring bath on the riverbank, before joining your travel companions for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Hotel: Colca Lodge.

Day 7 Colca Canyon
Colca Canyon is one of the deepest ravines in the world. From the observation points, including the famous Condor’s Cross, you can marvel at the vastness of the area, the rugged beauty, the lofty agricultural terraces that have been farmed for hundreds of years and the Andean condors, circling the skies in all their splendour.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Hotel: Colca Lodge.

Day 8 Colca Canyon to Puno
Journeying through scenic mountains, you’ll arrive in the city of Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca, by late afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch.
Hotel: Libertador Isla Esteves

Day 9 Puno
On a wonderful boat trip across Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, you’ll visit the Uros Islands on the way to the peaceful and charming Taquile Island. Dotted with small farms and cultivated fields, the island has excellent views across the vast lake to the mountains of Bolivia beyond. The hospitable islanders will serve lunch and demonstrate their distinct cultural traditions and customs.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel: Libertador Isla Esteves.

Day 10 Puno to Cusco
The stylish Andean Explorer will carry you across the high plains of the Andes on one of the world’s great train journeys, past remote villages, high snowcapped peaks and endless horizons. Lunch is served en route, and you might also like to indulge in a pisco sour cocktail in the bar and observatory carriage before arriving in the former Inca capital. The style and luxury continues at your hotel; the historic Monasterio which evokes an atmosphere of colonial times.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel: Monasterio.

Day 11 Cusco
Rich in Inca heritage and Spanish colonial history, Cusco was declared a World Heritage Site in 1983 and is often referred to as the archaeological capital of the Americas. Your afternoon tour begins with a visit to Sacsayhuaman, an Inca ceremonial site on the hills above Cusco, with unbelievably precise stonework. In the San Blas neighbourhood, you can explore quaint cobblestone streets scattered with handicraft shops and tiny art galleries, before moving on to the 16th century centre to stroll around the Koricancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun, the Santo Domingo Monastery and the Cathedral.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Monasterio.

Day 12 Cusco to Sacred Valley
Today you’ll travel into the Urubamba valley, better known as The Sacred Valley of Incas, to explore the ruins of the Inca Empire. After a picnic lunch in Chinchero we continue to  Moray,  where  the  Incas  used greenhouse terraces to  study  and  improve their  farming techniques.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel: Sol y Luna.

Day 13 Sacred Valley
An exclusive visit to a small Quechua village takes you well off the usual tourist route. In Willoc, high above the town of Ollantaytambo, you’re able to absorb and embrace Andean traditions, to give you a rich understanding of the community’s history and cultural legacies. Some of the region’s best textiles are produced here, so you’ll also visit their weaving workshops. Your day continues with an unforgettable visit to the ruins of an impressive Inca fortress and temple towering above Ollantaytambo. Lunch is served at the wonderful Wayra Ranch, named after Peruvian paso horses, where good food, music and a stunning equestrian demonstration make for a charming afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel: Sol y Luna.

Day 14 Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu
At Ollanta station you board a train towards Machu Picchu; a dramatic and mysterious remnant of a lost Empire, set high in a dramatic mountain location. After a guided tour of the citadel, followed by lunch, you’ll have chance to explore the terraces and ramps for yourself after most of the crowds have departed.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Hotel: Inkaterra Machu Picchu.

Day 15 Machu Picchu to Cusco
A morning visit to the ancient temple and ruins is a magical and uplifting experience, as the rising sun casts its light over the cloud forest and surrounding peaks. In the afternoon, you’ll return to Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Monasterio.

Day 16 Cusco
Today, you’re free to explore this captivating city in your own way. You might like to see the historic artefacts at one of the wonderful museums, visit one of the ornate churches or venture to other Inca ruins.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Monasterio.

Day 17 Cusco to Lima
After a flight back to Lima, you can spend the rest of the day exploring or simply relaxing. This evening you’re invited to a farewell dinner at the Casa Luna, an exquisite house which is full of charm and displays Peruvian art over the centuries to the present day.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Hotel: Miraflores Park.

Day 18 Depart Lima
There’s time for a bit of last minute souvenir shopping before your flight home via Madrid.
Meals: Breakfast, In-flight.

Day 19 Arrive London Heathrow
Home in body, but perhaps not in spirit.
Meals: In-flight.

Any questions? Chat to your Personal Travel Advisor on 0161 491 7616