Machu Picchu & the Andes

Arrival in the Peruvian capital, Lima

Holiday begins at London Heathrow, meeting the Tour Manager and group ahead of the flight to Lima. After a short stop in Madrid, fly across the Atlantic Ocean to South America, arriving in Lima in the early evening. Transfer to a modern four-star hotel in the Miraflores district. Convene in the hotel restaurant for the first meal together.

Meals: Dinner

Discover Lima, the city of conquistadors

Guided tour of Lima's historic heart, discovering UNESCO-listed colonial buildings including the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco. Visit Casa de Aliaga (built 1535) and Huaca Pucllana pre-Incan pyramid. Lunch at the on-site restaurant. Free time to explore Lima or relax by the Pacific shores. Free evening to dine independently.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

To the 'White City' of Arequipa

Short internal flight to Arequipa after breakfast. Lunch of regional cuisine at a local restaurant. Panoramic view from Carmen Alto viewpoint, sightseeing tour including the Church of St John the Baptist in Yanahuara, Plaza de Armas and the Compañia de Jesús Church. Rest of day at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Santa Catalina Monastery and Arequipa at leisure

Guided tour of the remarkable Santa Catalina Monastery, founded in 1579. Rest of the day free to explore Arequipa at leisure. Evening free to enjoy the city's celebrated culinary scene.

Meals: Breakfast

Crossing the pampas to the Colca Canyon

Coach journey into the Andes, passing through the National Reserve of Pampa Cañahuas with alpacas and llamas. Pass the Nevado Chucura crater and viewpoints Mirador de los Andes and Mirador de Patapampa. Stop in the village of Chivay. Arrive at Yanque in the Colca Valley. Time to unwind in hot springs and thermal spas before dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Admiring the condors of Colca Canyon

Excursion to the Colca Canyon, the world's second-deepest canyon. Travel to Mirador Cruz del Cóndor to watch Andean condors soaring above dramatic scenery. Continue along the southern edge of the canyon for lunch in a traditional restaurant. Visit pre-Inca villages of Coporaque and the Colcas at Chininia. Short walk to ruins of ancient Uyo-Uyo from Ocolle viewpoint. Free evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Into the high plains to Lake Titicaca

Drive into the high plains of the Andean plateau, reaching heights of up to 14,700ft above sea level. Picnic lunch provided with scenic stops. Pass volcanoes, forests and sky-blue Lake Lagunillas with white flamingos. Arrive at Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Free evening to explore.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Sailing to the floating islands of Titicaca

Set sail on Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake. Visit the floating Uros Islands constructed from totora reeds by the pre-Incan Uru people. Sail to UNESCO-listed Taquile island, known for handwoven textiles. Lunch in a restaurant on Taquile. Return to Puno for a free evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

An Andean journey on the Titicaca train

Full-day rail journey on the PeruRail Titicaca Train from Puno to Cusco, crossing the Peruvian Highlands in elegant 1920s Pullman-style carriages with dining cars, bar car and observatory car with open-air viewing platform. Typical Andean lunch served on board with traditional music and dance show. Train pauses at La Raya Pass (14,000+ feet). Arrive in Cusco and transfer to a charming hotel in a 17th-century colonial mansion near the main square. Independent dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Sacsayhuamán and the capital of the Inca Empire

Half-day tour of Cusco. Visit the Incan Temple of the Sun (Qorikancha) and the astonishing Sacsayhuamán fortress. View Cusco's impressive cathedral overlooking the Plaza de Armas. Lunch at a nearby restaurant. Free afternoon and evening to explore Cusco at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Lost city of Machu Picchu by rail

Depart Cusco after breakfast on the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes through the Urubamba River valley (Sacred Valley). Coach to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the 'Lost City of the Incas' including the Main Square, Royal Quarters, Temple of Three Windows and Sacred Sundial. Return to Aguas Calientes, then travel by train to Ollantaytambo and on to the hotel in Yucay (a former colonial monastery). Three-course dinner tonight.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Into the Sacred Valley

Coach excursion to Chinchero for a guided tour of the historic town with archaeological remains, craft market and the first Catholic church in Peru. Lunch in a local restaurant. Return to Ollantaytambo for a guided tour of the ancient fortress including the Sun Temple and Princess Baths fountain, and the Inca-era cobblestoned Old Town. Transfer back to hotel in Yucay. Free evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

From the Sacred Valley to Cusco via Pisac

Explore the archaeological remains of Pisac, including impressive mountain terraces and the Intihuatana ritual stone. Depart Pisac and transfer to Cusco airport for a short flight back to Lima. Check in to hotel for the night.

Meals: Breakfast

Homeward bound

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to Madrid.

Meals: Breakfast

Landing at London Heathrow

Arriving at Madrid airport in the early morning, catch a short connecting flight back to London Heathrow where the holiday draws to a close.