Discover the incredible ‘Lost City of the Incas’ and Peru’s iconic sights on a journey that reveals the rich history and scenic landscapes of the Andes

Your incredible holiday begins at London Heathrow, when you meet the Tour Manager and rest of the group ahead of our flight to the Peruvian capital. After a short stop in Madrid, we fly across the Atlantic Ocean to South America, arriving in Lima in the early evening.

On arrival, we transfer to our modern, four-star hotel in the Miraflores district of the capital city. Once known as the 'City of Kings', Lima is one of South America's most populous cities and holds the title of Latin America's trendiest food destination.

Close to the city and the beaches along the Pacific Ocean, there is plenty to see and do near our hotel. We convene this evening in the hotel restaurant for our first meal together.

After breakfast this morning, we begin our exploration of Lima on a guided tour. At the city's historic heart, we discover the colourful, well-preserved UNESCO-listed colonial buildings, including the yellow façade of the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco - a prime example of Lima Baroque architecture. After exploring the courtyards, catacombs and Mudéjar ceilings of the cloisters, we walk to the nearby Casa de Aliaga, built in 1535 for a conquistador. Richly painted, this is the oldest private house in the Americas and descendants of Aliaga still reside here.

Delving deeper into Liman history, we visit Huaca Pucllana, the remains of a pre-Incan pyramid that played a ceremonial role for the Lima culture. Lunch is served at the celebrated on-site restaurant and after, there is free time to continue exploring Lima further - or to relax by the Pacific shores.

This evening, you are free to dine independently at one of Lima's many inviting restaurants along the main strip.

We take a short internal flight to the southern city of Arequipa after breakfast this morning. Set on the banks of the River Chili, Peru's second city is known as the 'White City' due to the striking volcanic stone - called sillar - that was used to construct many of its buildings.

After a lunch of regional cuisine at a local restaurant, we get a panoramic view of this attractive city and its volcanic surroundings from the Carmen Alto viewpoint where we begin a sightseeing tour. In the charming neighbourhood of Yanahuara, we admire the 18th-century Church of St John the Baptist with its ornate mestizo Baroque façade. Returning to the centre, we explore Arequipa's main square, Plaza de Armas, which is lined on three sides by white-stone arcades and dominated by the impressive 17th-century cathedral. The stunning Compañia de Jesús Church, built in 1590, displays an intricately carved façade.

The rest of your day is at leisure, to relax at our central hotel or stroll to a local restaurant for dinner.

A guided tour of the remarkable Santa Catalina Monastery awaits after breakfast this morning. Founded in 1579, this vast Dominican complex is an oasis of calm in the heart of Arequipa and has been carefully restored, with its narrow streets, gardens and peaceful cloisters resembling a small walled colonial town. Once home to around 500 nuns who lived with servants, it is now inhabited by a much smaller community who live a much more pious existence.

After exploring the monastery's beautiful alleys and colourful courtyards, the rest of the day is free to uncover Arequipa at leisure, from its elegant plazas to its historic neighbourhoods.

This evening, enjoy the city's celebrated culinary scene. Arequipa is a renowned food destination, offering everything from fresh dishes such as soltero de queso and pork-based adobo to the herbal ocopa sauce, local craft beers and the iconic Pisco sour. Peruvian cuisine is making waves around the world - and Arequipa is a popular food destination even with Peruvians.

A coach journey into the mighty Andes awaits today, passing rugged hills and rocky ravines as we travel to the Colca Valley. In the vast wilderness of the pampas, we stop at the National Reserve of Pampa Cañahuas, where alpacas and llamas roam the volcanic grasslands inhabited by indigenous peoples.

The lunar-like landscape continues as we pass by the Nevado Chucura crater and, from the Mirador de los Andes and Mirador de Patapampa viewpoints, we can marvel at the string of volcanoes that surround Arequipa. We pause in the quaint village of Chivay which embraces its past with traditional stone buildings. There is the option to grab a bite to eat here, but we recommend purchasing supplies before departing Arequipa.

We reach Yanque, in the Colca Valley, our home for the next two nights. Our hotel is surrounded by stunning mountains and there is time to unwind in the hot springs and thermal spas before dinner tonight.

Waking to stunning surroundings, we begin our excursion to the remarkable Colca Canyon this morning, the world's second-deepest canyon. Travelling by coach through mountains and terraced valleys shaped long before the Incas, we follow the course of the Rio Colca to the Mirador Cruz del Cóndor. Here, we look out for Andean condors soaring above dramatic scenery and plunging into a deep ravine. These iconic creatures are the largest flying birds in the world with a wingspan of up to nine feet.

After time to explore we continue along the southern edge of the canyon, in the foothills of volcanoes, for lunch in a traditional restaurant. Next, we visit the pre-Inca villages of Coporaque and the Colcas at Chininia, incredible constructions on natural vertical faces. From the vantage point of Ocolle we take a short walk to the ruins of ancient Uyo-Uyo.

On returning to our hotel, you are free to enjoy our hotel's spectacular location and facilities before dining independently tonight.

Our exploration of the Andes continues today as we drive into the high plains of the magical Andean plateau. Reaching heights of up to 14,700ft above sea level, the air is much thinner than at lower altitudes, but this elevation provides fantastic views across the Andes.

Sweeping vistas of open plateau dotted with grazing alpacas and rolling hills accompany us on our journey through this mysterious landscape. A picnic lunch is provided and we make scenic stops to appreciate the stunning views. We pass volcanoes, forests and the sky-blue Lake Lagunillas, populated with white flamingos, before arriving at our destination of Puno this afternoon.

Considered to be Peru's 'folklore capital', Puno sits on the shores of Lake Titicaca. After checking in to our hotel overlooking the waters of South America's largest lake, there is a free evening to explore this enchanting town. Near our hotel, you can find numerous restaurants serving local cuisine including seafood.

A highlight of our Peruvian holiday awaits today as we set sail on Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake. Our first stop is the amazing floating island of the indigenous Uros people, a world away from the cities of Peru. This awe-inspiring settlement of man-made islands is constructed from totora reeds by the pre-Incan people who have lived here for 4,000 years. The pliable plant is also used to create homes and ornate boats.

Next, we sail to Taquile, where the residents speak Quechua - an indigenous language used by the Incans. The locals have established an autonomous society based around sustainable tourism and long-held craft traditions. This UNESCO-listed site is recognised for its handwoven textiles and clothing, and it is the male Taquileños who specialise in knitting while the women spin and dye the wool. We learn more about this fascinating island followed by lunch in a restaurant, before returning across Lake Titicaca to Puno for a free evening.

Our hotel's restaurant serves international and Peruvian cuisine, or head towards Puno, on foot or by taxi, to find a variety of eating places.

Today we embark on one of the world's most spectacular rail journeys on the PeruRail Titicaca train, from Puno to the Incan capital of Cusco. Setting off after breakfast, a full-day experience sees us pass a procession of amazing Andean scenes as we cross the Peruvian Highlands.

Equipped with numerous dining cars, a bar car and an observatory car with open-air viewing platform, the Titicaca train allows us to absorb the awe-inspiring Altiplano landscapes from the relaxing comfort of elegant 1920s Pullman-style carriages. Enroute, we are served a typical Andean lunch prepared with local ingredients, accompanied by a traditional music and dance show. The train pauses at the highest point on route, the La Raya Pass, which sits more than 14,000 feet above sea level. Here we can view the small chapel or admire the jaw-dropping vistas of untouched, sublime nature.

Arriving in Cusco this evening, we transfer to our charming hotel set within a 17th-century colonial mansion, close to the main square. Dinner is independent and, along with the hotel, there are many restaurants to choose from in the surrounding hillsides.

This morning after breakfast, we begin a half-day tour of Cusco, the historic capital of Peru and once the centre of an empire that stretched across much of western South America. Our morning introduces us to some of the most significant Inca and colonial sites, spanning archaeological, religious and military history.

We visit the Incan Temple of the Sun (Qorikancha), constructed in the 15th-century as the physical and spiritual heart of Cusco. Meaning 'golden courtyard' in Quechua, the temple was originally covered in 700 sheets of solid gold, before they were removed by Spanish conquistadors and much of the stone was used to construct the adjoining Santo Domingo convent. A highlight of our tour is the astonishing Sacsayhuamán fortress, the largest structure built by the Incas. Its walls are constructed of megalithic rocks, and like Stonehenge, it remains a mystery how these colossal rocks were put in place.

After viewing Cusco's impressive cathedral overlooking the Plaza de Armas, we have lunch at a nearby restaurant before a free afternoon and evening to explore Cusco at leisure.

One of the most enchanting locations in the world, founded around 1450, Machu Picchu was abandoned in 1572 and 'lost' until explorer Hiram Bingham became the first non-Peruvian to rediscover it in 1911.

Our journey to this breathtaking citadel begins as we leave Cusco after breakfast, on the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes*. This scenic route winds through the remote Urubamba River valley - also known as the Sacred Valley. On arrival in Aguas Calientes, the doorstep to Macchu Pichu, we board a coach to the magnificent site, nestled on a saddle between two dramatic mountains. Travelling among beautiful scenery through the winding, sacred valley we reach the awe-inspiring 'Lost City of the Incas'. Here, a local guide explains the origins of its most prominent landmarks such as the Main Square, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of Three Windows and the Sacred Sundial.

After driving back to Aguas Calientes there is time at leisure before we travel by train to Ollantaytambo and on to our refined hotel in the Sacred Valley, set in a former colonial monastery in Yucay, where we have a three-course dinner tonight.

*Please note, the timing of our Machu Picchu excursion may vary today, depending on the entrance time we are given.

Today begins with a coach excursion to Chinchero, an authentic Andean town with great views of the Sacred Valley - one of Peru's most important locations. Here, we take a guided tour of the historic town, known for its archaeological remains, craft market and the first Catholic church in Peru.

After lunch in a local restaurant, we return to Ollantaytambo for a guided tour of this town at the centre of the royal Incan estate. This archetypal Andean town exudes character as well as a long history. The ancient fortress, although in ruins, is a sight to behold with important features such as the Sun Temple and Princess Baths fountain. In the Old Town, we discover an Inca-era grid of cobblestoned streets and adobe buildings sheltered by the surrounding mountains rich with ancient ruins and sweeping views.

We transfer back to our hotel in Yucay after our tour for an evening at leisure, where you are free to unwind and dine independently.

Following the course of the Urubamba river through the Sacred Valley, we explore the archaeological remains of Pisac this morning. The largest complex of agricultural significance in the area, Pisac is known for its impressive terraces cut into the side of mountains. Look out for the Intihuatana, a ritual stone with astronomical significance believed to be a connection between the heavens and the earth.

The Inca citadel sits high above the village, and its expansive terraces are believed to represent the wings of a partridge, from where some historians believe that Pisac got its name. These masterpieces of agriculture allowed the Incans to cultivate crops in such a challenging landscape.

After exploring the ruins with our guide, we depart Pisac and transfer to Cusco airport, where we catch a short flight back to Lima and check in to our hotel for the night.

On this fascinating exploration of Peru, we have uncovered many Inca landmarks, from the jaw-dropping site of Machu Picchu and the mysterious Sacred Valley to stunning Cusco, the welcoming Inca capital. We have witnessed the splendour of condors soaring above the Colca Canyon, sailed to the floating islands of Lake Titicaca and discovered the thriving and historical cities of Lima and Arequipa.

This morning after breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Madrid.

Arriving at Madrid airport in the early morning, we then catch a short connecting flight back to London Heathrow, where your holiday draws to a close and you are free to make your way home.

Our Classic range is what we're known for. Enjoy curated moments with plenty of inclusions. Centrally located hotels, premium travel options and engaging group tours with a seasoned expert are included. You'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. *Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

Making its way through the Andes, one of the world's most dazzling mountain ranges, it is little wonder than this excellent Peruvian train is regular thought to be one of the finest rail journeys in South America. Running across the plains and under the peaks, the PeruRail Titicaca is dressed up in handsome blue, while the interiors echo the halcyon days of rail travel, with subtle wood finishes and comfortable seats. The train travels the incredible route between Cusco and Puno, brushing alongside the majestic Titicaca lake, an enormous stretch of water crossing the Peruvian and Bolivian Borders.

With an open-air observatory car allowing for excellent views, and excellent staff ready and on hand to serve your every need, luxury and class are key on board the PeruRail Titicaca. With the journey completed by sublime cuisine from Peru and around the world, this train truly offers one of the world's finest rail journeys.

There are very few better ways to discover the ancient mountain of Machu Picchu than from the panoramic windows of the PeruRail Vistadome. This spectacular region is famous for its sumptuous green peaks and, on the Vistadome, these are on full show for all passengers onboard.

Beginning in Poroy station, the Vistadome train climbs up through the Peruvian Andes, winding between foothills and alongside forests and villages on its way to the final stop at Machu Picchu, more than 6,000 feet above sea level. From here, admire the unique beauty of these famed mountains, gazing across low lying clouds to the verdant greenery below.

Dressed in rich blues and yellows, the Vistadome train snakes its way beside mountains and alongside inlets. PeruRail provides modern and sleek carriages, with superb panoramic windows which stretch from the seats, up and over the tables and across the ceiling. These allow passengers to embrace the unparalleled beauty of the Peruvian Andes and the legendary sight of Machu Picchu.

The Colca Lodge Spa & Hot Springs stands in the heart of the Colca Valley, against a backdrop of steeply rising rows of agricultural terraces. Inspired by the architectural style of the ancient Incas, the thatched-roofed lodge buildings are built out of stone and mud bricks, meaning they not only have a charming, rustic feel, but have a minimal environmental impact on the valley. The Colca Lodge has a restaurant, bar, a lounge with a fireplace and a games room. There are no televisions or other modern distractions, and all the water is heated by solar power. Guests can enjoy the use of the lodge's hot springs (seasonal) and there is a spa offering a range of treatments and therapies (pay locally). The comfortably furnished rooms all feature ensuite facilities and an outdoor terrace from which guests can admire the stunning views.

This 4-Star hotel is housed in a converted 17th-century colonial mansion in the heart of Cusco's historic district, close to the main square and popular attractions including the central market, the cathedral and the Inca museum (Museo Inka). The hotel has a restaurant, a stone-vaulted bar and a courtyard area with seating. Guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, minibar, fridge, and a hairdryer.

Located in the Peruvian capital's upscale district of Miraflores, this 4-Star hotel is a short walk from the colourful and lively Parque John F Kennedy - a busy square with restaurants and street food and the Pacific coast. The hotel has a spacious restaurant, a bar and a garden rooftop, while the part-covered pool offers views across the city to the mountains and ocean. The stylish guest rooms are all equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, mini fridge, safe, tea and coffee-making facilities and hairdryer./p>

Located on the shores of Lake Titicaca on the edge of Puno, this tastefully decorated 4-Star hotel offers beautiful views of the lake and mountains. On-site facilities include a restaurant serving local and international cuisine, and a gift shop. Guest rooms are modern and equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, complimentary toiletries and hairdryer.

In the heart of the Sacred Valley amid spectacular peaks, this charming 3-Star hotel surrounded by beautiful gardens is popular with our customers. A former monastery, the hotel blends original colonial charm, local colour and modern amenities. On-site facilities include a restaurant and an outdoor terrace, while the contemporary guest rooms are rustically decorated and equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, telephone and hairdryer.

The 4-Star Hampton by Hilton Arequipa is a traditional building located in the old town, close to the main square, Plaza de Armas, and attractions such as the Santa Catalina de Siena Convent and the town's museum. The hotel features a fitness centre with a rooftop jacuzzi, a terrace, restaurant and bar. Air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

Flight upgrades are available. For information regarding the types of upgrades offered by the various airlines we use, call our expert team for details.

Spending a night in London before your tour can make such a difference to the first day of your holiday - you can arrive in the capital in good time, relaxed and ready to join your Tour Manager the next morning. You may even want to take in a show on the West End or dine in one of London's famous restaurants. Perhaps on your return to London, you would like to break your journey with an overnight stay before continuing home.

We can book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester Airport for the night before or after your holiday. If you require a quote for single occupancy at any of the hotels, please contact us on 01904 734 805.

Buying tickets for UK train services can be a tricky business - there are so many fares to choose from, each with different rules and restrictions. As you are connecting with an international departure, we strongly recommend that you book a fully flexible ticket to ensure that should the departure times for your holiday change, your rail ticket can allow for these changes.

We can book fully-flexible UK rail tickets from your local station to join your holiday whether this be a European holiday from St Pancras or a UK holiday. The prices are competitive and tickets are not restricted to a particular train or time of day, and in most cases offer you a free choice of routes.

For an up to date quote from your local station, please ask one of our Tour Advisors.