Signature Peru & Galapagos

Lima (1nt) - Cusco (2nts) - Machu Picchu (1nt) - Cusco (2nts) - Quito (2nts) - Galapagos Cruise (7nts) - Quito (1nt)

Day 1 - London/Lima

Fly from London with British Airways or Iberia to Madrid then connect with the LAN Airlines flight to Lima. Arrive late in the evening and transfer to the Miraflores Park Hotel, an Orient Express property.

Day 2 - Lima/Cusco

Morning flight to Cusco, an Andean community and former capital of the Inca Empire. The rest of the morning is left free for you to relax and acclimatise, as you are now at 3,400 metres in altitude. Minimal activity and coca tea are recommended. In the afternoon, enjoy a tour of the city and surrounding Inca ruins including the Cathedral, Koricancha Temple and fortress of Sacsayhuaman. Your base is the Orient Express Hotel Monasterio, a beautiful converted monastery.

Day 3 - Urubamba Valley

Today, travel overland to the Urubamba Valley, heartland of the Inca culture. Enjoy the opportunity to visit the local market at Chinchero, bright with the colours of woven fabrics, a traditional Andean Textile Centre and the impressive fortress of Ollantaytambo. Lunch will be at the Huayoccari Hacienda, where the Lambarri-Orihuelas family will be your hosts.

Day 4 - Cusco/Machu Picchu

Early morning journey by the luxury Hiram Bingham Orient Express rail service into the Andes and to the lost city of Machu Picchu. Abandoned by the Incas, this great city was preserved from the Spanish colonists who never found it; it was rediscovered in 1911 by a wandering American archaeologist. In the afternoon, explore the ruins unhindered by other visitors as you stay overnight at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, close to the site.

Day 5 - Machu Picchu/Cusco

This morning, stand amidst one of the wonders of the world as dawn lightens the sky. There is the opportunity to walk to the famous Sun Gate and entry point for the Inca Trail or hike up the Huayna Picchu Mountain, the ruin’s highest mountain and location for many iconic images of the city. Afternoon return by the Hiram Bingham rail service and road to Cusco. Overnight at the Monasterio Hotel.

Day 6 - Cusco

At leisure to relax and enjoy Cusco.

Day 7 - Cusco/Quito

A flight takes you to Quito (via Lima), capital of Ecuador and on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites. Two nights at the JW Marriott Quito Hotel.

Day 8 - Quito

Morning guided visit of the capital. Marvel at the city’s ornate cathedrals and baroque architecture and experience a long history of local culture in Quito’s “Old Town”. Continue to Panecillo Hill for spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and city below. Finish at the Equatorial monument.

Day 9 - Quito/Galapagos

An early flight, via Guayaquil, takes you out across the Pacific Ocean to the Galapagos Islands where you will board Eclipse, your floating home for the next seven nights. This 64-metre cruise ship carries just 48 passengers in 27 air-conditioned cabins. She has all the amenities of a large ship, with a small dip pool, observation deck, an air-renewal system and an infirmary with a doctor on board at all times. Cabins are comfortable and spacious and alfresco dining for all 48 passengers ensures that mealtimes are fresh and convivial.

Days 10 to 15 - Galapagos Cruising

Enjoy five full days exploring these fascinating islands. On hand to advise and inform is a naturalist guide for every 12 guests. Most expeditions with your guide are by pangas - inflatable, rubber crafts with outboard motor. Snorkels are also available to enable you to explore the fascinating underwater world. There are 13 islands and countless smaller islets, each with a unique ecosystem all of its own. Only here will you see Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants and marine iguanas, as well as the giant tortoises that gave the archipelago its name. Landmark sights include Pinnacle Rock on Bartolomé Island, Gardner Bay on Isabela and the Charles Darwin Research Station.

Day 16 - Galapagos Cruising/Quito

Cruise into Santa Cruz for your flight back to Quito, via Guayaquil. Overnight at the JW Marriott Hotel.

Day 17 - Quito/London

Fly from Quito with an overnight LAN Airlines flight to Madrid connecting with a British Airways or Iberia flight to London, arriving day 18.