Treasures of the Incas

Day 1 Lima        
Arrive into Lima and transfer to your luxurious hotel in Miraflores. This evening, meet your fellow travellers and tour director for a welcome dinner at MAYTA with Chef Jamie Pesaque.        

Day 2 Lima  
With a local expert, explore Lima's mix of high rises and ancient temples and delve into the history of this fascinating 'City of Kings'. See the cathedral and visit the Monastery of San Francisco before enjoying lunch in the trendy Bohemian district Barranco. Later, visit the workshop of one of Peru's leading artists, Victor Delfin.        

Day 3 Lima to Sacred Valley  
This morning, fly to Cusco and continue to Sacred Valley. Visit the colourful market town of Chinchero before meeting Nilda Callanaupa Alvarez, president of the Centre for Traditional Textiles of Cusco. Learn of her mission to preserve traditional weaving techniques and how she has succeeded in bringing this skill back to the forefront of the community.        

Day 4 Sacred Valley  
Meet with a local family in Maras to learn of their salt mining techniques before visiting the spectacular terraced salt pans  to participate in this ancient tradition. Dine like a local as you feast on a typical Peruvian meal for lunch and witness a private Pachamama Ceremony, a centuries old ritual performed by a local shaman.

Day 5 Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu
Visit the national archaeological sight of Ollantaytambo to board your first-class seats on the Vistadome Train which will take you on a scenic journey to Machu Picchu Village. After lunch at the resort, embark on a guided exploration of the surrounding nature trails and fascinating cloud forest ecosystem. This afternoon, visit a working tea plantation and see the world's largest private collection of indigenous orchids. In the evening, learn how to blend the perfect Pisco Sour before dinner.        

Day 6 Machu Picchu        
Rise early to see this UNESCO World Heritage Site before the crowds with a local expert. Embark on a guided exploration of this enigmatic 'Lost City' of the Incas to see the Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plaza and the Intihuatana, believe to be an ancient sun clock. The afternoon is at leisure to explore this wondrous sight further, or to head back to town and relax in the serenity of your tranquil hotel.  

Day 7 Machu Picchu to Cusco        
Re-board the train to head back to Cusco. En route, stop for a traditional lunch of Peruvian cuisine that has been cooked underground and get up close to llamas, guanacos and alpacas before continuing to your hotel at Plaza de Armas.  

Day 8 Cusco  
Join a local expert to explore this colonial city, visiting sights such as the Temple of the Sun at Korikancha, the cathedral and the citadel of Sacssayhuaman. Later, spend some free time to shop like the locals at the San Blas artisan centre and on the Plaza de Armas. This evening, enjoy a candlelit dinner at one of the city's most prominent culinary scenes, the MAP Restaurant in the central Museum of Pre-Colombian Art.    

Day 9 Cusco to Lake Titicaca    
Board a flight south to Juliaca and head to Sillustani to explore the impressive burial grounds. After, continue to Puno which is nestled against the shores of Lake Titicaca and settle into your peaceful, lakeside hotel.

Day 10 Lake Titicaca        
Cruise Lake Titicaca to the Uros Floating Islands, where locals use the reeds from the lake to build platforms, houses and canoes. On Amantaní Island, join the local community for lunch of regional delicacies and to discover some of their local handicrafts.        

Day 11 Lake Titicaca to Lima        
Depart for the airport and fly back to Lima. This evening, savour a delicious dinner at Matria where Chef Arlette Eulert Checa creates seasonal dishes.    

Day 12 Lima      
Your Peruvian adventure comes to an end after breakfast.