Luxury Peru & Atacama Tour - Civilizations and Deserts

As you arrive into Lima airport and exit customs and baggage, you will be warmly welcomed by our guide. You will be assisted with your luggage before escorted to your hotel in a private vehicle. Your hotel in Lima will be the 5 star deluxe Miraflores Park Hotel complete with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. At check-in you will receive a welcome drink before being shown to your junior suite. Free evening.

Miraflores Park Hotel

After a delicious breakfast at the observatory restaurant with spectacular views of both Lima and the Pacific Ocean, you will be met again by your guide Monica as you start your private visit of colonial and modern Lima, starting in the centre of this vibrant, metropolis. The tour will include a visit of the cathedral, dating from 1654 which still houses the remains of the conquistador Pizarro in the foyer; the Main Square, with the original bronze fountain built in 1650, the Government Palace where the President has his official residence and the San Francisco Convent, with its famous catacombs. Lima, known as the city of the kings, was founded in 1535 by Pizarro and after several devastating earthquakes was rebuilt in 1991; the same year that UNESCO declared Lima a world heritage site. One of the very few South American cities that preserve the colonial past, Lima was home to the Spanish viceroy during the time of the Spanish colonial power. The tour will continue with a visit to the residential areas of San Isidro and Miraflores, before stopping at La Rosa Nautica for a delicious lunch. This seafood restaurant is popular with affluent Limenos as well as international visitors but may be substituted for any other restaurant of your choice. After lunch, you shall enjoy a private visit to the Larco Herrera Museum, one of the finest private museums in Peru. With a fabulous collection of artefacts of the northern cultures particularly of the Mochica culture. The museum was founded in 1926 in Trujillo but was transferred in the 1950's to Lima. There is a room of mummies, textiles (including a Paracas cloak over 2000 years old), and several gold and silver vaults. Return to your hotel. Free evening.

Meals: B & L

After breakfast, with boarding passes in hand, you will be driven to the airport for your quick-check-in and brief one hour flight to Cuzco, the ancient Inca capital of the Incas. In Cuzco, you will be warmly welcomed and assisted with your luggage before your private transfer to the Rio Sagrado and accommodation in a villa. Lunch at your hotel. Free evening.

Rio Sagrado Hotel  |   Meals: B & L

After breakfast at your hotel, your guide will again meet with you for the start of a full-day's excursion to the beautiful Urubamba, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, situated between Pisac and Ollantaytambo. It is an exceptionally fertile valley that was and remains the larder of Cuzco. You will visit the village of Pisac, founded during colonial times, and set at the foot of a hill crowned by the remains of an ancient Inca city. On Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, you will witness Indians bartering their products in the main square and artisans from around the area sell their woven alpaca wool blankets and ponchos, engraved gourds, antique reproductions, jewellery, etc. Lunch will be at the splendid Huayoccari Hacienda, overlooking the Sacred Valley and which dates back to the seventeenth century. The hacienda is owned by one of the most prominent landowners in the Sacred Valley and is home to beautiful gardens producing native ingredients that are used in the restaurant's kitchen. These include corn, quinoa, fruit and aromatic herbs. Enjoy a set meal in this marvellous country residence before continuing your trip to Ollantaytambo, the only Inca town that was not defeated by the Spanish with an opportunity to explore the ruins which tower above. You will then return to your hotel. Free evening.

Meals: B & L

Today you will have an early start and enjoy breakfast before your private chauffeur will take you to the Railway Station in time for the boarding of the Luxury Hiram Bingham train (not on Sundays)to Aguas Calientes. The train will depart at 09.00am for the 3 ½ hour journey and you will enjoy the company of fellow travellers and your own private guide onboard this luxury train complete with 1920s styled Pullman carriages. Each carriage has been furnished in polished wood and brass with large comfortable armchairs. The bar car is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail accompanied by live Peruvian music. On the way to Machu Picchu, the bartender will show you how to make a traditional Pisco Sour. The observation car is furnished with large cushioned seats, making it the perfect place to sit, relax and watch the Peruvian landscape unfold as you gently ride towards Machu Picchu. A hearty brunch will be served on-board before you arrive to Aguas Calientes train station, gateway to the lost city of the Incas. As you disembark, you will be assisted with your luggage and welcomed to take the short walk to the bus terminal where a private bus will be waiting for all Hiram Bingham passengers. The short ride up to Machu Picchu will meander through breathtaking mountain scenery up to the ancient Inca citadel. At the very entrance to Machu Picchu, your hotel, the Sanctuary Lodge hotel is located. Welcome and check in to your room. Shortly after, your guide will again lead you on a private guided tour of Machu Picchu, the most spectacular ancient city in the world. Built by the Inca Pachacutec, and comprising stone blocks fitted with masterful precision, Machu Picchu harmoniously blends into the mountain landscape. There are many theories as to the origins behind Machu Picchu but three of the most popular ideas include a temple to the sun, a fortress against the jungle inhabitants or a sanctuary for the Incas. This fabulous city has houses, temples, warehouses, a large central square, all connected by narrow roads and steps, and is surrounded by terraces cut into the mountain side which were used for agriculture. Dinner and accommodation at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge.

Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge Hotel  |   Meals: B, L & D

Today you will enjoy a free day in Machu Picchu with an opportunity to see the site at sunrise. Time for some private reflection before returning for breakfast. Today your guide will be on hand to visit other parts of the site, trek up to Wayna Picchu or walk down to the Inca's bridge. Return to your hotel for lunch. Afternoon tea will be served before taking the private Hiram Bingham bus down to Aguas Calientes in time for the return Luxury Hiram Bingham train to Cuzco (not on Sundays). You will enjoy dinner and cocktails onboard before arriving back to Cuzco. Welcome and private drive back to your hotel, the exclusive deluxe five star Casona Inkaterra Hotel.

Casona Inkaterra Hotel   |   Meals: B, L & D

After breakfast, you will be met by your guide for an incredible tour of Cuzco including the Qoricancha temple or temple of the Sun, the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman overlooking Cuzco city, Qenko, Tambomachay and Puka Pukara. Your private driver will be with you at all times as you visit each part of this fascinating and ancient city. Return to the hotel in time for lunch at the Gourmet MapCafe restaurant a short walk from your hotel.

Meals: B & L

Free day at leisure.

Meals: B & L