The highlight is June 24 when the Sapa Inca calls for the sun’s blessings in front of the Santo Domingo church. He is then carried on a golden throne through flowerbedecked streets to the fortress, attended by high priests, court officials and noblemen, dressed in all their finery, to the accompaniment of music, prayers and dancing. Speeches and rituals follow and, at sunset, straw bales are set alight for the crowds to dance around, before the procession returns for the final blessing in the square. You will see everything in the main tour, although the itinerary will be amended slightly to incorporate the festival.
DAY 1
Meet your travelling companions in the executive lounge prior to your scheduled flight to Lima. Late evening arrival for a two night stay.
DAY 2
Lima, the ‘City of Kings’, was founded in 1535 by the Spanish Conquistador, Francisco Pizarro and much of Spain’s colonial influence can still be seen. Beautiful squares, fine churches and mansions have changed little since the 17th century. Our included morning tour takes us to see the Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace and the Presidential Palace. Relax this afternoon or perhaps visit the fascinating pre-Inca and Inca artefacts in the city’s many museums. This evening enjoy a welcome drink before an included dinner at a local restaurant.
DAY 3
We fly to Cuzco for a four night stay.
DAY 4
The former Inca capital, Cuzco features a fascinating combination of Inca and colonial architecture in its mansions, churches, cobbled streets lined with Inca built stone walls, and ruined mighty stone Sacsayhuaman Fortress, set against the vibrant green of the mountains. We include a morning introductory tour of Cuzco and the surrounding Inca sites. Your afternoon is free to explore further.
DAY 5
Today we venture into the sacred valley of the Incas to Pisac to visit the colourful Indian markets and perhaps barter for traditional local products such as rugs, alpaca sweaters and handicrafts. After an included lunch, we continue to the impressive Inca ruins of the massive Ollantaytambo temple fortress.
DAY 6
We explore the famous ruined city of Machu Picchu, discovered by an American, Hiram Bingham in 1911, and the highlight of any visit to Peru. Perched inaccessibly above a steep valley swathed in dense jungle and known as the ‘Lost City’, the true reason it was built here remains a mystery. We travel to Machu Picchu by narrow gauge railway and take the bus up to mist-shrouded mountain tops and the captivating ruins. Lunch is included today.
DAY 7
A fascinating drive along the shores of Lake Titicaca takes us to Puno for a two night stay.
DAY 8
Covering a vast 3,500 square miles, Lake Titicaca forms the natural border between Bolivia and Peru. 12,500ft up in the mighty Andes, it’s the world’s highest navigable lake and the legendary birthplace of the Incas. We take a boat trip to the floating Uros Islands. Made from a thick type of reed called ‘totora’, which sprouts from the lake, they have been home to local Indians for centuries. After an included picnic lunch, we visit the pre-Inca burial site at Sillustani.
DAY 9
We fly back to Lima for an overnight stay and farewell get-together this evening. Dinner is included.
DAYS 10 & 11
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK and arrival next day.