Panoramic Peru

Fly to Lima, Peru's historical capital. Later enjoy your first taste of Peruvian cuisine at a local restaurant.

Originally named the City of the Kings, Lima is rich in heritage, which you’ll see for yourself today. Start in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre to admire the colonial magnificence. Explore the 17th-century San Francisco Monastery. Visit Casa Aliaga, a beautifully-preserved colonial mansion, and finish the day at Huaca Pucilana archaeological centre.

Fly to Cusco and transfer to the Sacred Valley. Spend the afternoon in Manos de la Cominidad, learning about the traditional crafts of weaving, pottery and jewelry making from local artisans. You will have the opportunity to join a hands-on workshop, giving you a glimpse of the authentic cultural heritage and traditions of the community. Afterwards, make your way to the Pisac archaeological site before transferring to your hotel.

Today, journey to Moray, the Inca agricultural laboratory that boasts impressive circular terraces. Continue to Maras, where you will witness the marvelous salt evaporation ponds most famous for producing the pink table salt we all recognise today. Afterwards, go on to Ollantaytambo where we’ll visit the preserved Incan houses and explore the old fortress, offering a glimpse into ancient Andean civilization.

Leaving the Sacred Valley today, board the panoramic Vistadome train for your journey to Aguas Calientes, gateway to the world-famous Macchu Pichu. Transfer into a bus for your journey to the ruins. One of the world’s great archaeological discoveries, Machu Picchu sits on a mountain ridge 2430 metres above the Sacred Valley. Built around 1450, it was abandoned about 100 years later, and left ‘undiscovered’ (the local people knew of it) until 1911 when it was brought to international attention.

Enjoy the morning at leisure or choose one of these optional tours: take the challenging hike up to Huayna Picchu, a viewpoint overlooking Machu Picchu; Aguas Calientes’ thermal baths for a relaxing soak; or a second entrance to Machu Picchu for further explorations - perhaps even venturing up to the Intipunku or Sun Gate. This afternoon, return to Aguas Calientes and take the train to Cusco.

After breakfast, embark on a full-day tour of Cusco, the Imperial Capital of the Incas. Start at Koricancha and the Santo Domingo Church, where you’ll discover the sacred site once adorned with gold and life-size golden statues. Next, visit the Cusco Cathedral, home to stunning Cusco School paintings and intricate gold and silver reliefs. Participate in a traditional Quechua ritual with a Shaman, offering thanks to Pachamama (Mother Earth). This evening enjoy a vibrant folklore show featuring traditional music and dancing.

Today take a train from Cusco to Puno. Journey through amazing Andean landscapes to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca, passing through the spectacular Peruvian highlands. The train has 4 dining cars, a bar car and an observation car. Along the way you will enjoy a gourmet lunch prepared with exquisite Andean ingredients and there will be music and dance shows on board.

Journey by boat across Lake Titicaca to the floating islands of Uros, which are constructed entirely from reeds. Spend some time exploring and meeting the local Uros people before continuing to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Taquile. Once a stronghold of the Inca, you'll find wonderful textiles here. After your tour of the island, head back to Puno.

Today travel to Colca, approximately a 5 to 6 hour drive, passing through Lagunillas and Tocra along the way. Keep your eyes peeled for flamingos, Andean ducks and llamas. Reach Pata Pampa at 4,820 metres altitude, where you can admire the volcanoes Ampato, Sabancaya, Hualca-Hualca and Mismi (the source of the Amazon River), as well as views of the Cordillera de Chila. Once in Chivay, enjoy the view of the terraces of the Colca Valley before time to bathe in the natural hot springs.

After an early breakfast, depart Colca and travel to Arequipa. En route, stop at Condor Cross for a picturesque view of the canyon, and hopefully a few sightings of the native condors gliding on the thermals. Hopping back in the bus, you’ll also visit the remote Andean villages of Maca and Yanque.

With interesting colonial architecture and being surrounded by volcanoes, Arequipa is quite a site. Head to the Carmen Alto viewpoint, visit Yanahuara Quarter and admire the UNESCO-listed Plaza de Armas and the Monastery of Santa Catalina. Continue on to the San Camilo market to buy ingredients with which you’ll cook a traditional dish with a local family and then dine together. Fly from Arequipa to Lima this afternoon, with a farewell dinner in Lima.

Fly to the UK, arriving home the following day.