DAY 1, Thursday - Depart for Peru, Arrive in Lima
Depart for Lima, Peru's vivacious and sophisticated capital. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel, in the city's San Isidro neighborhood
Overnight: Lima

DAY 2, Friday - Colonial Lima, Larco Herrera Museum, Welcome Reception
The discovery of the ancient colonial center of Lima begins at the splendid Plaza Mayor, the birthplace of the city, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. View the impressive Archbishop's Palace with its fine carved balconies, the opulent Government Palace and the stunning 16th-century Cathedral of Lima whose first stone was set by Fernando Pizarro. Spend the rest of the day exploring this endlessly fascinating city on your own. This evening, a specially arranged after-hours tour of the magnificent Larco Herrera Museum, housed in a restored 18th-century viceroy mansion. The acclaimed museum houses one of the world's greatest collections of pre-Columbian masterpieces and a priceless exhibition of gold and jewels. A Welcome Reception and Dinner of contemporary Peruvian cuisine at the museum celebrates your arrival in Peru
Overnight: Lima
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 3, Saturday - Cuzco, Sacred Valley
Depart by flight to Cuzco in the Peruvian Andes, once the capital of the Inca Empire, now known for its archaeological remains and Spanish colonial architecture. At an altitude of 11,000 feet above sea level, Cuzco is the gateway to the major Inca sites in the Sacred Valley and the mountain citadel of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, begin the drive to Urubamba, in the picturesque Sacred Valley of the Incas. After a delectable lunch of Peruvian specialties at a local restaurant, spend the afternoon at leisure. Tonight, attend a lecture at your hotel, that will enlighten your upcoming discovery of Machu Picchu followed by dinner of Peruvian delicacies at a local restaurant - a perfect opportunity to discover new flavors
Overnight: Sacred Valley ▲
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4, Sunday - Terraces of Moray, Saltpans of Maras, Barbecue and Paso Horse Show
At the unique archaeological site of Moray, in the southern highlands, view one of the most extraordinary examples of Inca landscaping. Intriguing agricultural terraces were built here that gradually reduce in size as they descend into a natural depression formed by the mountainside. Tour the Saltpans of Maras, where salt is still produced using the same methods as in the Pre-Inca period. Afterward, stop at a restaurant in the Sacred Valley, where a delicious barbecue lunch awaits you. Witness a lively Peruvian Paso horse demonstration, performed by "Chalanes" on horseback, dressed in their finest linen outfits. This authentic performance is a wonderful display of coordination, discipline, and passion that sheds light on the strong Spanish influence in the highlands. Return to your hotel with the balance of the day at leisure
Overnight: Sacred Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 5, Monday - Pisac, Andean Market, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes
This morning, drive to the vast Pisac complex, where the walking tour reveals a moon temple similar to the one found at Machu Picchu. Descending to the rustic Andean village of Pisac, follow the crowds to the traditional Andean market where stalls extend from the main plaza into the inclined streets leading to the foot of the mountain. Hundreds of vendors appear, with stalls engulfing the streets in a blanket of vivid colored crafts from hand-knit woolens to trinkets and alpaca clothing. After time at leisure in Pisac, visit the ruins of the Incan fortress in Ollantaytambo, last stand of the Incas in their defense against the Spanish conquistadors. This site, abandoned before completion, offered archaeologists a glimpse into the sophisticated engineering of the Incas. Next, at the Ollantaytambo train station, board the Vistadome train that travels along the scenic Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes, with spectacular panoramic views of the countryside. Check in to your hotel at the foot of Machu Picchu in a Garden of Eden setting amid orchids, waterfalls, and hummingbirds. Tonight, dinner is at the hotel
Overnight: Aguas Calientes
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 6, Tuesday - Explore Machu Picchu, Private Spiritual Ceremony
An unforgettable and exciting day exploring the crowning achievement of Inca ingenuity - the mystical ancient citadel of Machu Picchu*! Declared by UNESCO as one of the "New Seven Wonders of the World," Machu Picchu was virtually unknown to the western world until Hiram Bingham's rediscovery in 1911. View the majestic wonders of this 15th-century retreat, abandoned nearly 100 years later with the arrival of the conquistadors. See the highlights of the site including the imposing Temple of the Sun, the House of the Priest, the Sacred Plaza and the intricately carved rock likely used as a sundial by the ancient Incas. The images of this glorious monument to a lost civilization will truly be a lifelong memory. The rest of the day is yours to further explore the area, or just relax and surround yourself with the magic and tranquility. This evening, join a local Shaman for a private spiritual ceremony sharing the Andean ritual exalting Mother Earth
*Approximate time spent at the ruins of Machu Picchu is 3 hours
Overnight: Aguas Calientes
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Wednesday - Machu Picchu to Cuzco
A morning walk in the small town of Aguas Calientes (also called Machu Picchu Pueblo) takes you to the hot springs for which the town was originally named. Continue your walk (about one mile) to the Machu Picchu Museum, offering a deeper understanding of what is currently known, and still unknown, about Machu Picchu, one of the world's greatest wonders. After lunch at the hotel, the Vistadome train takes you back to the station in Ollantaytambo. Transfer to your hotel, a restored 16th-century convent in the heart of Cuzco. Tonight, perhaps stroll in Cuzco and enjoy the high-energy restaurants, cafes, and clubs
Overnight: Cuzco
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 8, Thursday - Puka Pukara, Qenqo, Sacsayhuaman
On this day of discovery, visit the ruins of Puka Pukara, a red Incan fortress that stands on a hill with views over the surrounding countryside and the Sacsayhuaman fortress, a superb example of Inca construction techniques. Here, using massive boulders, the walls were cut and placed together with incredible precision and amazingly without a single drop of mortar to hold them in place. Then to Qenqo, one of the finest examples of artfully carved rock displaying complex patterns of geometric reliefs and puma designs. On top of the rock, view the embedded zigzag channels which served to divert liquids or sacrificed llama blood for purposes of divination. With the afternoon at leisure, perhaps revisit some of Cuzco's interesting sights, or pamper yourself at the hotel
Overnight: Cuzco
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 9, Friday - "The Royal City" of Cuzco, Temple of the Sun
In Cuzco, often called "The Royal City,", take a walking tour to the top of San Blas Hill, the Bohemian district of the city where many artists live, alive with galleries and studios, accented by flower-laden balconies. On to the colonial section of the city, a UNESCO declared World Heritage Site, built in the 17th century atop existing Inca foundations, creating a one of a kind architecture. Visit the cathedral, the Santo Domingo church, built on top of the religious complex of Koricancha that once held the extraordinary Temple of the Sun, deemed the center of the Inca world dedicated to its highest Gods. This temple's walls and floors were allegedly once covered by sheets of solid gold. Afterward, visit the farmers market, to see the overwhelming variety of local goods, including flowers, crafts, and even witchcraft items. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. This evening, join the group for dinner
Overnight: Cuzco
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10, Saturday - Cuzco to Lima
Return to Lima by flight. The rest of the day is yours to rediscover some of Lima's fabulous treasures, or shop for handmade silver jewelry, knits and other local crafts. On the last evening in Peru, a glamorous Farewell Reception and Dinner at the world-famous La Rosa Nautica restaurant, a Victorian-style building perched over the Pacific. Share memories of your remarkable journey in Peru with your newfound friends
Overnight: Lima
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 11, Sunday - Depart Peru
Transfer from the hotel to the airport for your departure flight*
*Some flights depart shortly after midnight in the very early morning of Day 11 and will require a transfer on Day 10. Transfers depart the hotel approximately 4 hours prior to flight time.
Meals: Breakfast