Day 1 Lima, Peru – Tour Begins
Touch down in Lima, the “City of Kings.” Across ancient lands and earthly legends, experience the mysticism of the Peruvian Andes. Stay: Casa Andina Premium Miraflores
Day 2 Lima
Become fascinated by Lima’s history on a tour through the historic center, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Amid an abundance of colonial architecture, the elegant Cathedral at Plaza de Armas stands out alongside the Government Center. Do as the Limeños do in the fashionable suburbs of Miraflores and San Isidro, and feel the surge of colonial and republican life at the former home of a conquistador. Get to know new friends tonight over a menu of artful Peruvian dishes at a welcome dinner that’s only a stone’s throw from the beach. But first, get the fire started with a private salsa class!
Day 3 Lima – Cuzco – Sacred Valley of the Incas
Soar over the concave bend of the Peruvian Andes to Cuzco – the heart of the Inca civilization. Follow the trails of this Andean paradise to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. In the agricultural center of their grand empire, learn and see centuries-old methods of creating traditional textiles at Awana Kancha – “palace of weaving.” Stop in Pisac village and browse a handicraft market of many colors. Eat, drink, enjoy, and discover why Peru has consistently been named the world’s top food travel destination during a fun-filled interactive cooking class. Settle in to your hotel nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley. Take the rest of the evening to relax in the calming surround of the Andes.
Stay: Casa Andina Premium Sacred Valley
Day 4 Sacred Valley of the Incas-Ollantaytambo-Sacred Valley of the Incas
Visit the spectacular ruins of terraced Ollantaytambo, the only Incan settlement that’s remained continually inhabited since its inception. At the ceramic studio of the internationally-renowned artist Pablo Seminario, see firsthand the intricate techniques and designs inspired by ancient Peruvian cultures. Mix with a nearby community and delve deep into the cultures of modern Andean people. Learn traditional methods of growing, harvesting and weaving, listen to their music and learn their dances before settling down to a farm-to-table meal of local specialties.
Day 5 Sacred Valley of the Incas – Machu Picchu
Climb aboard the Machu Picchu Vistadome train, where views of the Andes astound through domed windows as you snake toward the “Lost City of the Incas.” At the meeting point between the Peruvian Andes and the Amazon Basin, surrounded by majestic ruins, uncover the mysteries of this “Lost City.” Wrapped inside a semi-tropical jungle and hidden by mountains, Machu Picchu or “La Ciudadela,” (the Citadel), is one of the world’s most spectacular archaeological sites. Let it cast its spell on you tonight as you relax at your resort, located at its base. First, though, in the embrace of your Andean paradise, witness an exclusive culinary demonstration and an eclectic tasting from an award-winning menu.
Stay: Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel
Day 6 Machu Picchu – Cuzco
Enjoy some leisure time this morning. You may opt to return to Machu Picchu at sunrise or explore the local markets before boarding the Vistadome back to the Sacred Valley. Continue to Cuzco and immerse yourself in Peru’s heart and soul during a special community dining experience tonight.
Stay: Casa Andina Premium (2 Nights)
Day 7 Cuzco
Dive in to Cuzco, the former capital of the Incan Empire. Discover the central market, where all of Peru’s color and culture exist in a single space. Pick up a stylish chompa and do some serious people-watching in your brand new alpaca sweater. Uncover the sacred Incan ruins of Sacsayhuaman fortress. Then it’s your choice! Envelop yourself in the colonial influences of the Cathedral, Santo Domingo, and Plaza de Armas on a comprehensive city tour -OR- explore the neighborhood of San Blas, an artisanal conglomerate of charming cobblestone streets showcasing local crafts.
Day 8 Cuzco – Quito, Ecuador
This morning you fly to Ecuador’s stunning capital city, Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Stay: Mercure Grand Hotel Alameda
Day 9 Quito
A special feature of today’s city tour is the Children International community center, supported by the Collette Foundation. Meet some of the children who are thriving here, thanks to the group’s mission of healthy cooking and nutrition education. In Quito’s colonial center, tour the Presidential Palace. After lunch overlooking the Pululahua volcanic crater, stand at the “Middle of the World,” when you cross between hemispheres at the Equatorial Line Monument and Museum. Spend the rest of the day at leisure to discover Quito’s way of life.
Day 10 Quito – San Cristóbal Island, Galápagos – Embark Ship
Fly to the gateway of the Galápagos, San Cristóbal Island. Launch your eco-adventure aboard the m/v Galápagos Legend and arrive at the Port Baquerizo Moreno. Bring out the kid in you during an up-close look at the endangered tortoises at the Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve. Tonight, do some epic stargazing from your ship’s deck, and toast to the wonders of the Galápagos.
Stay Four Nights: M/V Galápagos Legend
Day 11 Española Island (Gardner Bay and Suarez Point)
Sail to Española Island in Gardner Bay on board a panga. Pass the guarding colony of sea lions and discover an unspoiled beach that’s home to Galápagos hawks and endemic finches. In cyan waters, swim and snorkel with manta rays and white-tipped sharks. Hike the volcanic terrain of Suarez Point on one of the Galápagos’ most memorable journeys. Try to count members of the world’s largest colony of Waved Albatross, and look out for the remarkable Galápagos Penguin and lava lizards that may join you on your nature walk. Finally, “Thar she blows!” at the incredible Soplador blowhole, where in a single, enormous gush, water shoots 75 feet into the air.
Day 12 Floreana Island (Post Office Bay and Cormorant Point)
Isolated Floreana Island greets you with its colorful shores. This is the site of the Galápagos Affair documentary and storied Post Office Bay, where whalers dropped letters for ships to intercept and deliver home to loved ones. Keep this centuries-long tradition afloat and leave a letter for somebody special. Seize the chance to snorkel alongside green sea turtles, or set out in search of Darwin’s finches before sailing the emerald green waters to the peridotite sands of Cormorant Point. Learn about the ecosystem’s unusual plants and perhaps spot some stingrays and reef sharks. Gaze at graceful flamingos, spot colonies of penguins, snorkel, swim and play along with the sea lions.
Day 13 Santa Cruz Island (Charles Darwin Research Station & Highlands)
Giant tortoises are in store at the world-famous Charles Darwin Research Station. These are the stars of the station’s breeding program, and on a trek through the Santa Cruz highlands to Cerro Chato, discover even more. Pep up and taste organic Galápagos coffee before setting out on a walk inside dormant lava tubes for a peek into how these primordial islands formed. Afterward, enjoy time on your own to explore Port Ayora.
Day 14 Carrion Point – Disembark Ship – Baltra Island – Quito
Marine iguanas, fur seals, and teetering crabs lock eyes with you from rocky shores as you circumnavigate Carrion Point. Leave the Galápagos filled with incredible pictures in your head before returning to the magnificent city of Quito. Tonight, on a panoramic tour of colonial Quito, fall in love with the lights that seem to dress the city just for you. Arrive at your farewell dinner and toast to a magnificent journey at one of the city’s most historic restaurants, where you’ll be treated to some of Ecuador’s finest cuisine.
Stay: Mercure Grand Hotel Alameda
Day 15 Quito – Tour Ends
Your tour ends today in Quito.
