Discover the heart and soul of one of the most fascinating civilisations in the Americas, the Incas. Explore Cusco, capital of the Inca Empire; the Sacred Valley, a setting of picturesque communities, impressive terraces and some important archaeological sites and the ultimate Inca site, Machu Picchu.

Day 1 - Lima to Cusco.
Fly by scheduled flight from Lima. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel and after checking in, enjoy lunch before departing on an afternoon city tour. This half a day will allow us to enjoy and appreciate the mestizo characteristics of the city through a visit to its beautiful and most representative buildings, such as Koricancha, or Temple of the Sun; the Incan street Loreto, where you can admire the famous 12 sided stone; Ahuajpinta street, along which sit the remains of impressive Incan palaces and old colonial buildings such as the Cathedral; and the Museum of Colonial Art. We will than heard towards the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman and the ruins of Kenqo, Tambomachay (also known as the Incan Baths) and the Tambo de Puca Pukara. The remainder of the day will be at leisure before a transfer this evening to a local restaurant for dinner and folklore show.

Day 2 - Sacred Valley.
After breakfast at the hotel we will have a full day tour to the Sacred Valley and the Pisac archeological complex, formed by a collection of remains of Incan dwellings, temples, and terracing, all of which combine perfectly with the majestic landscape of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We will then have a walk around the colourful Pisac Market, where we will have the chance to interact with the local folk and even barter with the merchants. After lunch, we will end the day with a visit to the Fortress and Citadel of Ollantaytambo. This Fortress was built to protect the entrance of this part the Valley and prevent the possible invasions of tribes from the jungle lowlands. Ollantaytambo was later the scene of Incan resistance in 1537, when Manco Inca’s forces faced Hernando Pizarro’s troops. Return to the Hotel in Cusco where we will have dinner this evening.

Day 3 - Machu Picchu.
For our full day visit to Machu Pichu, we will take an early train to the town of Aguas Calientes. Along the way, enjoy the changing landscape as we travel from Andean highlands to the beginnings of the jungle (“eyebrow of the jungle”), before finally arriving at the town of Aguas Calientes. From here we will board the bus that will take us to the citadel of Machu Picchu, or Lost City of the Incas, which sits upon the summit bearing the same name, and is one of the most representative and recognised examples of Incan architecture. We will walk through the different areas of the city: the agriculture and urban zone, featuring temples and dwellings; and the Intihuatana, or sun dial, finely carved out of stone. When we finish exploring we will return to the town for lunch and then take the returning train to the city of Cusco.

Day 4 - Cusco to Lima.
Transfer to the airport after breakfast and return to Lima by scheduled flight.

Here is a marvellous opportunity to join an optional tour to the Atacama which is often called a “perfect” desert ; some coastal stations have never recorded measurable rainfall. Experience Atacama’s natural environment, and the sites of pre-Columbian, colonial and contemporary cultures.

Full details available approximately 12 weeks before departure.