DAY 1: UK - Lima.
Fly to Lima where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for two nights.

DAY 2: Lima. Included sightseeing.
Immerse yourself in this fascinating city on a morning tour of Lima's historic downtown, with visits to the splendid baroque monasteries of San Francisco and the beautiful Plaza de Armas and San Martin, before exploring the residential district of San Isidro and garden district of Miraflores. The afternoon is free to seek out further sights and perhaps hunt for bargains in the elegant Miraflores shopping district. (B)

DAY 3: Lima - Arequipa. Included sightseeing.
The day begins with an early morning flight to Peru's second largest city, situated in an exquisite valley in the lee of a snow-capped volcano. Bursting with fantastic 17th and 18th century architecture, Arequipa casts up many delights, which we are going to see on today's sightseeing tour. See Arequipa's cathedral and Plaza de Armas square, old neighbourhoods of San Lazaro and Yanahuara, and the delightful Jesuit church of La Compania with its own exquisitely painted interior known as the 'Sistine Chapel of America'. Afterwards we head to the famous 17th century Santa Catalina Convent. (B)

DAY 4: Arequipa - Colca Canyon - Chivay.
An early morning start taking the Yura Highway past the snow capped volcanoes of Chachani, Ampatao and Misti en route to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world (10,725 ft). The canyon is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and is home to the great Andean condor. Before we arrive in Chivay, the gateway to the canyon we visit the Amphitheatre of Ocolle and the hot springs of La Calera. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: Chivay - Colca Canyon - Puno.
A highlight of today's trip is a chance to see the great Andean condor that inhabits the Colca Canyon. We travel to the Cruz del Condor observation point which is a popular stop to view the condors, as they soar gracefully on the rising thermals occurring as the air warms. Our next stop is Puno, beautifully located on the famous Lake Titicaca and the greatest centre of Peruvian folklore. (B)

DAY 6: Puno. Excursion to Uros island by boat and Chimu/Chucuito visit.
Relax in the atmosphere of stunning Lake Titicaca, one of the world's highest navigable lakes. After visiting the much-photographed Uros Indian community, who live on floating reed islands in the lake, we continue to the town of Chimu, where locals make beds, boats, roofs and houses from 'totora' (Cyprus Escrypus). We end the day with a visit to the historical town of Chucuito where you can see the pre-Inca ruins. (B)

DAY 7: Puno - Cuzco. Andean Explorer railway journey.
Experience a mesmerising train journey through the spectacular Andes aboard the Orient Express (Andean Explorer service) to Cuzco, climbing to altitudes of 14,108 ft on the way. (B, L)

DAY 8: Cuzco. Included sightseeing.
Cuzco was once the capital of the mighty Incan Empire and is surrounded by fascinating Inca ruins and sites. It is also home to many beautiful Spanish colonial buildings. A tour of this fine city includes visits to the historic Plaza de Armas - the ceremonial square of the Incan Empire - and cathedral with its adjacent churches and former residential buildings of the old town. Before heading out of town gaze at some of the superb Inca ruins in the surrounding scenic countryside, including Sacsayhuaman, Tambo Machay and Kenko, a giant rock covered in strange carvings. (B)

DAY 9: Cuzco.
A free day to soak up the unique atmosphere of Cuzco. How about exploring its baroque churches, museums and shops before dining in the splendid surroundings of a converted Conquistador's palace? (B)

DAY 10: Cuzco - Sacred Valley of the Incas and Pisac Market - Yucay.
A half day's sightseeing in the Sacred Valley of the Incas begins with a visit to the colourful Pisac Indian Market. All varieties of Peruvian handicrafts are attractively displayed here, ranging from practical hand-woven sweaters to highly decorative jewellery and sculptures. Looking down on the town from a great height stands an impressively located Inca fortress. After strolling around the market, continue via some of the world's loveliest mountain scenery to the town of Yucay, located in the Urubamba Valley. The afternoon is free or you can join our optional excursion to the former fortified Inca town and citadel of Ollantaytambo. (B)

DAY 11: Yucay - Machu Picchu. Included sightseeing.
A once in a lifetime trip to legendary Machu Picchu. The day starts with a bus ride to Ollanta where we take a train ride that climbs through narrow ravines up to Aguas Calientes at the foot of Machu Picchu. From here we take the bus to the top of this stupendous mountain to marvel at its magical archaeological ruins. Machu Picchu is one of the great archaeological treasures of the world, whose purpose is still a mystery. There'll be plenty of time to enjoy the site and its awe-inspiring views before returning to Yucay for the night. (B)

DAY 12: Yucay - Cuzco - Lima.
Today we journey to Cuzco for your flight to Lima and an overnight stay. (B)

DAY 13: Lima - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)

DAY 14: Home landing in the UK.