Itinerary
Day 1 Lima
Upon arrival in Lima, we are met and transferred to our hotel. Lima, the City of the Kings ("Ciudad de los Reyes"), proudly preserves the colonial convents and mansions, which are symbols of their ancient and noble traditions. Overnight at selected hotel.

Day 2 Cusco
After an early breakfast, we are transferred to the airport for flight to Cusco. On arrival, transfer to hotel. Rest of the morning for repose and adjust to altitude. Cusco is set at the south highlands of Peru. The cultural coalition Inca-Hispanic has set very special characteristics in its architecture and population. This afternoon we tour the colonial Cusco visiting the cathedral, Koricancha Temple, and the surrounding ruins of Sacsayhuamn, Kenko Pucapucara and Tampu Machay. Overnight at selected hotel. (B)

Day 3 Sacred Valley
After breakfast, we start our way out of the city of Cusco through a sucession of picturesque towns, agricultural terraces, and many archaeological sites to the Urubamba Valley. The first stop will be at the attractive town of Pisac and its colorful market where natives trade their goods and handicrafts. After lunch, we visit Ollantaytambo, considered an architectural wonder, with a series of superimposed terraces of carved stones accessed by long staircases. Overnight at selected hotel. (B,L)

Day 4 Machu Picchu
Today, we will witness another encounter with a glorious past. We are transferred to the Ollanta Railway Station for a journey to Aguas Calientes. On arrival, a bus will take us to the top of the mountain for a guided tour of Machu Picchu, known as the "The Lost City of the Incas". It is probably the best known, yet least understood of all Incan sites. The surprising perfection and beauty of Machu Picchu’s walls, built by joining stone to stone without using any cement or adhesive whatsoever, has led to many myths shaped around how the city was constructed. The quality of the stonework and the abundance of ornamental sites indicate that Machu Picchu must have been an important ceremonial center. Overnight at selected hotel. (B,L)

Day 5 Machu Picchu/Cusco
This morning before the crowds arrive, enjoy a second visit to the ruins on your own, or simply explore the small town of Aguas Calientes. Mid- afternoon return to Cusco. On arrival, transfer to hotel. Balance of the day to spend at leisure. Overnight at selected hotel. (B)

Day 6 Cusco
Day at leisure to explore Cusco on your own. Stroll along Cusco’s bustling, central streets filled with Quechua-speaking Incan descendants. Local artisans line the streets to make and sell their handicrafts (bargaining is expected). Retail shops sell everything from leather to pre-colonial ceramic reproductions. Overnight at selected hotel. (B)

Day 7 Puno
After an early breakfast transfer to the bus/train station for a ride to Puno. This is a wonderful journey through small villages and amazing landscape through the Andean Mountains. On arrival, we are met and transferred to our hotel. Overnight at selected hotel. (B,L)

Day 8 Uros and Taquile Island at Lake Titicaca
Full day tour to Uros and Taquile Islands. The Uro Indians build their homes on “floating islands”, which are forty entirely artificial islands made with totora reeds, moored with stakes avoiding the drifts, and whose surface varies from few tens to a few hundreds of square meters. Each week, a new layer of reeds is added. Following, you will visit Taquile Island. The Taquile natives keep the strong community ties and cooperative life-style; they still wear their traditional dresses. The women spin wool onto wooden spindles and the men knit the bonnets, stocking, gloves and scarves, which are sold by the co-operative. The landscape from the summit of the island is beautiful, surrounded by Bolivian snowy peaks. Afternoon return to Puno and transfer to hotel. Overnight at selected hotel. (B,L)

Day 9 Puno/Lima
Transfer to the airport of Juliaca for flight back to Lima. En route, you will visit the Sillustani Tombs, the burial grounds of the Lords of the Colla, one of the great Lake Kingdoms of the Altiplano. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel. Balance of the day at leisure. Enjoy the excellent Peruvian cuisine (list of restaurants available upon request). Overnight at selected hotel. (B)

Day 10 Departure
Morning at leisure. Afternoon tour of the colonial center visiting the Cathedral at the Main Plaza, San Francisco Church and catacombs, and the modern districts of San Isidro and Miraflores. Drive though the stylish suburb of San Isidro and watch the surf of the Pacific Ocean pound the dry cliffs of the shoreline. Following, we visit the Gold Museum. Transfer to the airport for flight back to the USA. (B)

Meal Code: B= Breakfast L=Lunch D= Dinner