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SOUTH & CENTRAL AMERICA
Freephone: 0800 988 5822
Perus Legacy of the Incas
13 days from £1699
Including the Orient Express train from Lake Titicaca to Cuzco
In a land of contrasts Peru has it all - from the bustling city of Lima and the colourful markets of Ollantaytambo to the tranquil turquoise blue waters of Lake Titicaca. This exciting itinerary allows you to discover the country's outstanding natural beauty while at the same time offering free time to relax and explore at your own pace. A highlight for many surely must be the awe-inspiring beauty that is 'The Lost City' of Machu Picchu for a guided tour. Add to this a journey on the Orient Express train from Juliaca to Cuzco and you have a unique insight into the ancient Indian civilisations in the company of expert local guides. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
" Full day visit to Uros Indians & Taquile Island on Lake Titicaca " Visit Machu Picchu by train " Orient Express train ride Puno - Cuzco " Excellent centrally located hotels ITINERARY - DAY 1 Depart London Heathrow on scheduled Iberia flight to Madrid and connecting flight to Lima. Transfer to the Hotel Boulevard for a two-night stay. DAY 2 Depart for a morning city tour of colonial Lima including the Cathedral, the main square, residential areas, garden districts and passing by the Government Palace. (B) DAY 3 Transfer to Lima Airport for flight to Arequipa and a tour of this so called "White City" - dominated by its neighbouring three volcanoes. Discover the beautiful landscape of the Carmen Alto district, the Cathedral and tranquil "Plaza de Armas". Visit to the Monastery of Santa Catalina showing four centuries of outstanding architecture, art and delicate tapestries. Transfer to the Hotel Casa Andina Arequipa for one night. (B) DAY 4 Head for Chivay passing many volcanoes to the Observatory of Cordillera Occidental en route to the Hotel Casa Andina Colca for a one night stay. Boxed lunch included. Afterwards visit the Amphitheatre of Ocolle and hot springs of La Calera. (B,L,D) DAY 5 Early departure to the lookouts at Colca Canyon for stunning views of this magnificent gorge said to be deeper than the Grand Canyon. Perhaps glimpse the majestic condors flying close by. Transfer to Puno, which is located on the shores of Lake Titicaca and the Hotel Sonesta Posada Del Inca for two nights. (B) DAY 6 Depart for a wonderful full day boat ride to visit the floating reed islands of the Uros Indians on the turquoise blue waters of Lake Titicaca. At Taquile island visitors can view the homes, customs and traditions of these fascinating people. (B) DAY 7 Board the Andean Explorer (Orient Express train) for a days journey from Puno to Cuzco through the Peruvian highland along snow-covered peaks. Stay at the Los Andes de America Hotel for three nights. (B,L) DAY 8 Depart for a morning tour to the exact centre of the Inca empire - the Plaza de Armas. Here is the cathedral built on the ruins of the ancient Inca Palace and many magnificent colonial buildings close by. At Sacsayhuaman you can enjoy a fabulous view of Cuzco before stopping at other important Inca sites such as Tambo Machay, Kenko and Puca Pucara. (B) DAY 9 Free to relax. Perhaps explore Cuzco or take one of several optional excursions available. (B) DAY 10 Depart for a half day tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas including the Indian market in the town of Pisac with its traditional market of woven goods, sculptures and jewellery. Continue to Yucay and the Hotel Sonesta Del Inca Yucay for a two-night stay. Optional afternoon visit to Ollantaytambo for brief tour of the town of shrines, series of steps and niches carved into the cliff. (B) DAY 11 Embark on one of the highlights of this tour as we take the train to climb the mountain slopes to Aguas Calientes. From here small buses drive up the steep mountain to Machu Picchu - also known as the "Lost City of the Incas". (B) DAY 12 Transfer to Cuzco Airport for flight to Lima and connecting flight to Madrid. (B) DAY 13 Arrive Madrid for connecting flight to London Heathrow. Alternatively take an excursion package to Northern Peru, the Nazca Lines, Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado - please call for details.
Inti Raymi, Cuzco Machu Picchu
Yucay (2) Lima (2) Cuzco (3) Lake Puno (2) Titicaca Chivay (1) Arequipa (1)
BOLIVIA
DATES AND PRICES
Tuesdays - per person based on two people sharing a standard twin room in 3 & 4 star hotels. 2008 Feb 12 Mar 11 Apr 22 May 20 Jun 17* Jul 15 Aug 19 Price £1699 £1799 £1799 £1849 £1999 £2099 £1849 2008 Sep 16 Oct 21 Nov 11 2009 Jan 13 Feb 10 Mar 10 Price £1849 £1849 £1849 Price £1799 £1849 £1849
Supplement: per person Single: £249 (Jun 17), £199 (Others) 4 & 5 star hotel option: please call for details.
PRICE INCLUDES
Scheduled international flights, domestic flights, taxes, transfers, local English speaking guides (who do not accompany clients on flights), 11 nights in hotel as specified (or similar), 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner and excursions as described. Not included: Travel insurance, optional local excursions, tips, Lima international departure tax (approx $31) payable locally.
INTI RAYMI FESTIVAL
*Our 17 Jun 2008 departure includes the Inti Raymi festival where thousands of actors enact an extensive ceremony carefully scripted by Cuzco professors, archaeologists and historians giving thanks to the sun god, Inti. This fascinating celebration of the Winter Solstice and the local harvests evokes the splendid Inca rituals of ancient times. Please note that this tour is not suitable for anyone with mobility problems and involves ascending to high altitudes, which may affect some clients with high blood pressure or respiratory problems. If in doubt we strongly suggest you consult your doctor. It is also possible that some clients may suffer from altitude sickness. Clients from other countries may be part of your group but the narration will be totally in English. Optional excursions bookable locally. Booking reference: PLI
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