Day 3
This morning we'll fly to the beautiful city of Arequipa. Set beside the Chile River beneath three snow-capped volcanoes, Arequipa is known as the White City because of its buildings of pearly volcanic rock. Visit the Monasterio Santa Catalina to discover the convent's fascinating religious art and architecture, and a guided tour of the city, with its elegant Plaza de Armas and great cathedral.
Day 4
Early this morning we'll journey up through the startling, scenic landscape of the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, past herds of vicunas and alpaca, and the Inca farming terraces that are still worked today, into the giant chasm of the Colca Canyon, where you will stay overnight.
Day 5
We'll have an early start today, as we drive to the viewpoint at Cruz del Condor. Here, with luck, you'll catch sight of the enormous, majestic condors that make the Colca Canyon their home gliding on the swirling winds and thermals.
Leaving the Colca Canyon behind, we'll head through the altiplano landscape to the Peruvian border town of Puno, on the shore of Lake Titicaca, where you'll stay for the next two nights.
Day 6
Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world, and the birthplace, in myth, of the Inca civilisation. Explore its waters as you travel by boat to the floating-island homes of the Uros people, stepping aboard their man-made islands, built with tightly bound reeds, to learn how they maintain their traditions and way of life. Cruise to Taquile Island, where a fairly strenuous walk will be rewarded time to explore some local craft shops, enjoy a traditional Taquile lunch and learn about the local cultures.
Day 7
Re-board your coach and relax as you take a scenic trip through the Andean highlands and across the altiplano plateau to Cuzco, for a two-night stay in the archaeological capital of South America.
Day 8
This morning, we'll discover how the varied and fascinating activities of guinea-pig breeding, beekeeping, ceramics, coffee-growing and handmade chocolate production have developed to support local communities where agriculture and livestock are the main sources of income. Try your hand at the different activities with the guidance of local workers, before we return to Cuzco.
The Incas called Cuzco the 'Navel of the World', and its citadel (reputedly shaped like a puma) was an intricate maze of palaces and gilded temples upon which the conquering Spanish built their colonial city. This afternoon, a guided tour will reveal Cuzco's fascinating history and most important landmarks, including the Santo Domingo monastery, built on the site of the Inca Temple of the Sun, and the magnificent Cathedral and the elegant Plaza de Armas.
Day 9
Today sees you travel into the terraces and rocky gorges of the Sacred Valley. We'll visit the Awanacancha textile centre, which preserves Inca art and fabric-dyeing techniques, and the village and Inca ruins at Pisac, and explore the incredible fortress at Ollantaytambo. Once a key Inca stronghold.
You'll spend the night in the Valley, in preparation for tomorrow's extraordinary day.
Day 10
Whatever has gone before, today is sure to be the pinnacle of your holiday as you travel by narrow-gauge railway to the spa town of Aguas Calientes, then on by bus to Machu Picchu, the breath-taking Lost City of the Incas.
This extraordinary mountaintop citadel is an absolutely unforgettable place. During your visit, your guide will explain the citadel's layout and the supposed significance of buildings such as the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Three Windows and the Sunken Plaza, all magnificently set in the heart of the Andes.
Afterwards we'll head back to Aguas Calientes, where you'll stay overnight.
Day 11
Rise early, this morning, for the chance to see the unforgettable sight of sunrise over Machu Picchu and to explore the site before the bulk of visitors arrive. Afterwards we'll return to Cuzco by train.
This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your travelling companions at the end of your unforgettable tour of Peru.
Day 12
Today we'll fly back to Lima where you'll check in for your overnight flight home via Amsterdam.
Day 13
Arrive home, today, after an extraordinary Peruvian adventure.