The Empire of the Incas

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off towards Cuzco, with the opportunity to enjoy the optional Sacred Valley excursion along the way, to experience the best of the region.* Arrive in Cuzco and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, enjoying the lively plazas at night. Overnight stay in Cuzco.

* Optional Essence of the Sacred Valley Excursion: Discover the millenary history and vibrant culture of the Sacred Valley. Begin in Chinchero, visiting the Parwa Cultural Center to learn about traditional textiles and their symbolism. Observe the artisans in action, from the extraction of natural dyes to the weaving techniques passed down through generations. Explore the archaeological complex of Chinchero, an ancient agricultural and livestock center of the Tahuantinsuyo, and admire the Nuestra Señora de Monserrat church, an example of the fusion between Andean and Spanish cultures. Then, visit Moray, a fascinating archaeological site with concentric terraces that functioned as an Incan agricultural laboratory. Enjoy a local lunch before heading to Ollantaytambo, an ancient military, religious, and agricultural center. Tour its impressive stone fortress and main temple while enjoying unparalleled views of the town, which still retains its original Incan urban design. Stroll through its stone streets, visit the market, and immerse yourself in the authentic spirit of the Andes.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on a fascinating half-day tour of Cuzco. Begin in the iconic Plaza de Armas, and visit the Cathedral. From here, walk to the Koricancha Temple, an impressive ancient Inca palace, in honour of the Sun God. Today, a Dominican church stands on the site. Finally, visit the lively San Blas neighbourhood, known for its artists, shops and artisan workshops. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, soaking up the atmosphere of the city and sampling the local cuisine. Overnight stay in Cuzco.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Cuzco bus station to catch the bus to Puno. Leave the station and start your journey on the bus to Puno and enjoy the marvellous landscapes of the South Valley of Cuzco. Discover Andahuaylas, a beautiful 17th-century church, featuring an impressive organ decorated with angels and cherubs. Continue on the road and visit the ruins of Racqui, also known as the ´Temple of the God Wiracocha. After lunch, discover La Raya, the highest point on the highway between Cuzco and Puno for amazing views of the landscape. Visit the historic town of Pucara, once an important centre of the Inca civilisation. Arrive in Puno, home of Lake Titicaca, and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Puno.

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off on an unforgettable excursion to the islands of Lake Titicaca. Depart by boat to Taquile island, which dates back to pre-Inca times. The Islanders are famous for their beautiful clothing, their incredible knits, and textile industry. Next, visit the community of Huayllano, on the same island, where the locals show their traditional crafts and agriculture. Enjoy a traditional lunch. Afterwards, visit the island of Uros situated in the middle of the national reserve of Lake Titicaca. Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Puno.

Breakfast at the hotel. Say goodbye to the Andean highlands as you transfer to Juliaca airport for a flight back to Lima. Arrive in Lime and spend your last evening in Peru soaking up the ambience of the city's plazas and the cool sea breeze of its picturesque coastline. Overnight stay in Lima.

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the UK.* Night on board.

* If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.