Luxurious Peru Multi City Vacation

Upon arrival, meet your driver for a private transfer to your selected hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore.

Meet your guide at your hotel to begin your private tour of the city's main avenues, boulevards, and squares. The tour will begin with an exploration of Colonial Lima. First, we will stop off at the Main Square, to get a chance to explore on foot and admire the exteriors of the Government Palace, the Cathedral of Lima, and the City Hall, all examples of Lima's still-present colonial architectural opulence. Later, visit Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion that currently holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited private residence in the Southern Hemisphere. Afterwards, we will head to the Pueblo Libre District and visit the Larco Museum, an eighteenth-century Viceregal mansion that houses more than 3,000 years of Peru's pre-Columbian history. Stop for lunch at Café del Museo and then complete your tour of Lima with a visit to the Bohemian neighborhood of Barranco, an area called home by countless artists, photographers, and authors. (B,L)

This morning, following breakfast at your hotel, meet your driver for a private transfer to Lima airport for your flight to Cusco (not included). Upon arrival, continue the trip toward Pisac, a beautiful place where Incan and Colonial influences have reached a perfect balance and created the unique way of life for the local inhabitants. You will get a chance to explore this quaint town, famous for its artisan markets where you can find extraordinarily fine jewelry, ceramic and textile craftwork. Take some time for lunch at Hacienda Huayoccari and then continue with a visit to the workshop of the renowned ceramic artist, Pablo Seminario, where you will learn about some of the techniques and designs used by ancient Peruvian cultures. (B,L)

This morning, continue the trip toward the archaeological site of Moray. Used as an agricultural testing ground, the site's system of circular terraces descends 490 feet (150 m) from where you stand, serving as a perfect testament to the level of advancement achieved by the Incas. Next, reach the Salt Pans of Maras; this still-operating salt mine, in use since Incan times, will amaze you the stark white of the steeply descending salt pans juxtaposed against the green of the surrounding mountain slopes. Enjoy lunch at Iskay restaurant and continue the trip toward Chinchero village, with an altitude of 12,375 feet above sea level (3,772 meters). Chinchero is famous for the extraordinary beauty and quality of its textiles and for its Sunday fair, where local people dress in traditional outfits and travel down from their villages to trade their goods. Walk along its traditional alleyways, and visit the weavers’ workshop of Nilda Callañaupa, who, 28 years ago, decided to bring together like-minded women who shared her passion for weaving, and, in time, was able to motivate younger women to learn from their elders and connect once more with this ancestral art. (B,L)

Today, continue toward Ollantaytambo, which was once fiercely guarded by a massive fortress. Discover the large archaeological complex of what used to serve as a wayside inn for royal delegations on long journeys. Afterwards you will visit the historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Aboard the comfortable VISTADOME train (ticket included), you will depart for the Aguas Calientes train station, enjoying a spectacular view along the way. Upon arrival, you will board a bus that will take you to the entrance gate of the Machu Picchu citadel. Have a quick lunch at Tinkuy restaurant before stepping into the Citadel of Machu Picchu, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Its architectural beauty, spectacular natural landscapes and the energy held in its enigmatic structures will take your breath away. Follow in the footsteps of the ancient Incas as you explore this magical citadel along with the tour guide. At the scheduled time, you will return to the town of Aguas Calientes. Tonight, enjoy dinner at your hotel. (B,L,D)

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy some free time to explore the town. At the scheduled time, an assistant will take you to meet your return Vistadome train to Cusco (ticket included). Upon the arrival at the station, your private transfer service will be waiting to take you to your hotel. The remainder of the evening is at your leisure to explore and enjoy dinner on your own. (B)

Begin the tour with a visit to the nearby Fortress of Sacsayhuaman, a colossal structure built with huge carved rocks jointed with absolute accuracy, this astounding sample of the Incan military architecture is, undoubtedly, the greatest architectonic work of the Tahuantinsuyo. You will then enjoy the best view of the city of Cusco from atop Cerro Pukamoqo (Red Peak), a natural scenic overlook from which the outstretched arms of Cristo Blanco, a massive white statue of Christ, embrace the city in a benevolent gesture. As you return to the lower part of the city, stop off at the San Pedro Market, which, being the city’s main street market, will give you an opportunity to get to know the products of Cusco, overwhelming you with the sights, aromas, tastes, and colors of the region. Just a few blocks away, discover one of the most impressive buildings of Incan Cusco – the Qoricancha (the Golden Temple), a temple dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, whose interior walls were said to have been covered in gold. Complete the day with a stroll through the Main Square, where you will visit the Cathedral and admire its exquisite vestibules and priceless paintings from the Cusco School of the 17th and 18th centuries. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure to explore the city of Cusco on your own. (B)

You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred by private car to the airport to continue on to your next destination. (B)