Classic Peru

Day 1 - Lima

Touch down in Lima, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax and adjust before your Peruvian adventure begins.

Day 2 - Lima

This morning brings a panoramic tour through Lima's most captivating streets and squares. Begin in the seaside district of Miraflores at Parque del Amor, home to the striking sculpture The Kiss by Peruvian artist Víctor Delfín. From there, visit Huaca Pucllana, an ancient ceremonial site once at the centre of Lima's earliest culture. The tour continues into the historic centre, taking in the Plaza de Armas, the Government Palace and Lima Cathedral, before a stroll to the Convent of Santo Domingo, resting place of Saint Martin de Porres and Saint Rose of Lima.

Day 3 - Puerto Maldonado

Fly from Lima into the rainforest region of Puerto Maldonado. On arrival you will be transferred to your jungle lodge, keeping an eye out for wildlife as you go. Once settled in, choose from a range of included excursions such as a guided rainforest walk introducing you to the astonishing biodiversity of the Amazon Basin, or a River at Night boat trip along the Madre de Dios River, when the jungle's nocturnal residents begin to stir. In the evening, an informal talk on rainforest life and conservation rounds off the day.

Day 4 - The Amazon

Head out to beautiful Sandoval Lake, where giant river otters, caimans, piranhas and the mighty paiche fish share the water with an abundance of birds and monkeys. After lunch, take to the treetops on the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway, a series of suspension bridges linking eight platforms high above the forest floor, offering front row views of the canopy and its wildlife (and, with a little luck, a spectacular sunset). Round off the day with the Anaconda Walk, an elevated wooden trail across the Aguajales wetlands, home to amphibians, birds and, of course, the odd snake.

Day 5 - The Amazon

Glide gently along Gamitana Creek, spotting piranhas, caimans, turtles and a wealth of birdlife, before visiting Gamitana Farm to learn about sustainable Amazonian farming. In the afternoon, explore Hacienda Concepción and its collection of more than 200 plant species, then take to the water once more for a canoe excursion in search of turtles, herons and nightjars. After dinner, venture into the forest on a Night Rainforest walk, when a completely different side of the jungle comes to life.

Day 6 - The Sacred Valley

A scenic boat journey along the Madre de Dios River returns you to Puerto Maldonado, with time to visit the Butterfly House, home to examples of Peru's astonishing 3,700 recorded butterfly species. From here, fly to Cusco and transfer onward to your hotel in the Sacred Valley.

Day 7 - The Sacred Valley

Explore the colourful stalls of Pisac Market, with the chance to sample local delicacies such as oven baked empanadas. After lunch, continue to Ollantaytambo, one of the finest surviving Inca towns, where a striking archaeological complex of temples and fortifications tells the story of the Inca resistance against the Spanish. Dramatic mountain scenery makes this a wonderful spot for photographs.

Day 8 - Vistadome train to Machu Picchu

Board the scenic Vistadome train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, following the Urubamba River through a spectacular canyon. From the station, a shuttle bus climbs to the citadel itself. Machu Picchu, the legendary Lost City of the Incas, reveals its terraces, stairways and ceremonial plazas on a guided tour that captures the extraordinary atmosphere of this ancient site. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxed three course lunch at Café Inkaterra overlooking the Vilcanota River, a welcome escape from the crowds.

Overnight El Mapi Hotel By Inkaterra or similar

Day 9 - Cusco

Spend the morning at leisure in Aguas Calientes, with the option to revisit the citadel (entrance fee not included). Later, board the Vistadome train back to Poroy station before transferring to your hotel in Cusco.

Day 10 - Sacsayhuaman and Cusco's Inca sites

This afternoon takes you up to the Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park, an imposing fortress built from stones weighing many tonnes. Continue to Q'enqo, an ancient temple linked to the cougar, and Tambomachay, known as the sacred fountains, with a panoramic stop at the watchtower of Puca Pucara along the way. The tour concludes with a visit to Koricancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun, said once to have been lined entirely in gold, and Cusco Cathedral, home to remarkable colonial art.

Day 11 - Cusco

A day at leisure to discover Cusco at your own pace, from its cobbled streets and lively markets to its many cafes and viewpoints.

Day 12 - Homeward

Transfer to the airport for your homeward (or onward) flight.