Machu Picchu and the Andes

We gather this morning at London Heathrow, where we join our fellow travellers and Tour Manager for our incredible Peruvian adventure. After a short hop to Paris, we fly across the Atlantic Ocean to South America, arriving in Lima in the early evening (local time).

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

Set between the bustling John F Kennedy Park, renowned for its street vendors and resident cats, and the beaches along the Pacific Ocean, there is plenty to see and do near our hotel, even while lounging by the rooftop pool. We convene this evening in the hotel restaurant for our first meal together as a group.

Lima was founded in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro and his band of Spanish conquistadors in an area originally home to the Ichma people. After breakfast, we set out to discover Lima for ourselves.

At the city's historic heart is a remarkably well-preserved UNESCO-listed centre of colourful colonial buildings and the astounding yellow façade of the magnificent Basilica and Convent of San Francisco - the best example of Lima Baroque architecture. We explore the courtyards, catacombs and Mudéjar ceilings of the cloisters, made from Nicaraguan cedar. We walk to the nearby Casa de Aliaga, built in 1535 for one of Pizarro's fellow conquistadors. Richly painted, this is the oldest private house in the Americas and descendants of Aliaga still reside here.

Delving into Liman history before the arrival of the Spanish, we visit Huaca Pucllana, the remains of a pre-Incan pyramid that played a significant ceremonial role for the Lima Culture, and the astonishing Huaca Huallamarca pyramid. After lunch in a local restaurant, there is free time to continue exploring enthralling Lima - or relax by the Pacific shores near our hotel.

This morning we take a short internal flight to the southern city of Arequipa. 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 at a local restaurant, we get a panoramic overview 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 gorgeous 18th-century Church of St John the Baptist with a beautifully ornate mestizo Baroque façade. Arequipa's main square - Plaza de Armas - is one of the most beautiful in South America. Lined on three sides by white-stone buildings with split-level arcades, the focus is drawn to the huge 17th-century cathedral. The stunning Compañia de Jesús Church, built in 1590, displays an incredibly intricately carved façade.

The rest of the day is at leisure, and you can relax at our attractive and central four-star hotel or stroll to a local restaurant for dinner.

We enter an oasis of calm today on a guided tour of the remarkable Santa Catalina Monastery. This enormous Dominican complex was founded in 1579 and has since been gracefully refurbished with period features. There is time to explore the narrow streets, floral gardens and tranquil cloisters resembling a miniature walled colonial town in the centre of Arequipa. Once populated by up to 500 nuns who each had their own servants, Santa Catalina is now home to about 20 nuns who live a much more pious existence.

After exploring the monastery's beautiful alleys and colourful courtyards, there is a free day to uncover Arequipa at leisure. Enjoy the graceful plazas of Peru's most beautiful city before indulging in popular local cuisine. From delicious fresh salads such as soltero de queso, the pork-based adobo stew and herbal ocopa sauce to well-regarded beers and the emblematic Pisco sour cocktail, Peruvian cuisine is making waves around the world - and Arequipa is a popular food destination even with Peruvians.

An otherworldly coach journey into the mighty Andes awaits today, passing breathtaking rugged hills and rocky ravines as we climb ever higher. In the vast open 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 Churura 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 delightfully traditional stone buildings. A boxed lunch is provided which can be enjoyed in this attractive setting.

In nearby Yanque, we enter a small museum to learn about the history and costumes of the Colca Valley where we spend the night. Our hotel is surrounded by stunning mountains and there is time to unwind in the hot springs and thermal spas before a three-course dinner tonight.

We wake up in the jaw-dropping surroundings of the outstanding Colca Canyon - the world's second-deepest canyon.

The canyon's natural beauty is experienced today as we travel by coach through a landscape of pristine mountains encircling a verdant valley of pre-Incan steeped terraces above the elemental Rio Colca. Our destination is the tantalisingly named Mirador Cruz del Cóndor (Condor Cross Viewpoint). Here, we can look for majestic Andean condors soaring above the mountains and plunging into the deep ravines. These iconic creatures are the largest flying birds in the world and can have a wingspan of up to nine feet.

Descending to the valley floor, we explore some of the picturesque rural villages along the Colca River, which may include Pinchollo, Maca, Achoma, and Yanque. Then we travel up to the Antahuilque and Choquetico viewpoints to take in more breathtaking views of the majestic valley.

Travelling onward to Puno, we can admire the high plains, unique rock formations and impressive lagoons. Later, we arrive at our hotel in Puno for a relaxing evening.

A highlight of our exploration of Peru awaits today as we set sail on Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake. Our first port of call is the Uros Islands. Home to the enterprising Uros people, these manmade floating isles were made by stacking layers of totora roots and reeds together. This pliable plant is also used to make houses as well as ornate boats.

Next, we sail on to Taquile, where the residents speak Quechua - an indigenous language that was used by the Incans. The locals have established an almost economically autonomous society based around sustainable tourism and long-held craft traditions. The island has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site 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 and enjoy lunch in a restaurant, before returning across Lake Titicaca to Puno for a free evening.

We embark on one of the world's most spectacular rail journeys today on the PeruRail Lake Titicaca train as we travel from Puno to the Incan capital of Cusco. A full-day experience sees us pass through 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 enjoy a gourmet three-course lunch prepared with local ingredients and are further entertained with 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 in the evening, we transfer to our charming four-star hotel. Just a short walk from the main square, the hotel is set within an attractive 17th-century colonial mansion.

As one of the most important Incan cities, Cusco is regarded as the 'Archaeological Capital of the Americas'. Beautifully blending indigenous and colonial Spanish architecture, we enjoy a guided tour of this fascinating city.

The Incan Temple of the Sun (Qorikancha) was constructed in the 15th century and became the empire's most important temple. Meaning 'golden courtyard' in Quechua, it was originally covered in 700 sheets of solid gold each weighing more than 4lbs and contained more shimmering treasures inside. However, its gems were looted by Spanish conquistadors and much of the stone was used to construct the adjoining Santo Domingo convent. We also visit the astonishing Sacsayhuamán fortress - the largest structure built by the Incas - and the well-built walls of gargantuan, finely cut rocks so precisely hewn that there was no need for mortar. Like Stonehenge, there is plenty of mystery surrounding how these colossal rocks were put in place.

After viewing the grand colonial cathedral that took more than a century to build, we enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before the rest of the day is free.

One of the most enchanting locations in the world and 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 early this morning by train for Aguas Calientes. This scenic route winds through the remote Urubamba River valley - also known as the Sacred Valley. From Aguas Calientes we board a coach to magnificent Machu Picchu spectacularly nestled on a saddle between two dramatic mountains. We explore the mind-blowing 'lost city of the Incas' with a local guide who explains the origins of the approximately 200 buildings in this mountainous sanctuary. Along the way, we view the citadel, main square, royal quarters and Temple of Three Windows as well as the sacred sundial.

This evening we return by train to Ollantaytambo and continue to our hotel in the Sacred Valley, where we have a three-course dinner tonight.

Our day 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. Renowned for the preservation of traditional crafts as well as archaeological remains, we explore its market, observe a demonstration of Andean weaving and visit the first Catholic church in Peru on a guided tour of the town.

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 return to our hotel for an evening at leisure.

Today we follow the course of the Urubamba River through the Sacred Valley to mysterious and spiritual Pisac. Reputedly built to protect the valley's southern entrance, the dramatic Inti Watana complex nestles on the saddle of a hill above the town and appears like a smaller version of Machu Picchu. We explore this ancient Incan town with a guide, seeking out the ritualistic 'intihuatana' stone. Literally translated, 'intihuatana' means 'hitching post of the Sun' and the Incas used this stone as an astrological clock.

Pisac is also famed for its impressive terraces cut into the side of mountains. Believed to represent the wings of a partridge (from where it is suspected that Pisac gets its name) these are masterpieces of agriculture, allowing the Incans to cultivate crops in such a challenging landscape. In the colonial town, we visit the fabulous market and craft stalls selling textiles. There is time to have lunch independently before we transfer to Cusco and check in to our four-star hotel for the final two nights of our holiday.

Your final full day in Peru is free to explore Cusco, once capital of the Inca empire. Archaeological sites, marketplaces and museums are just a few of the attractions in this ancient city, surrounded by the imposing presence of the Andes. The Cusco Regional History Museum contains Incan relics and art from the Spanish colonisers, while the Inca Museum houses 3D models of Machu Pichu along with Inca artefacts.

The colonial hub of Cusco is the Plaza del Armas, overlooked by the imposing cathedral. Just above the centre is a pretty, bohemian area, named San Blas. This colourful quarter features characterful painted houses set among narrow streets. Here, you can sample local flavours at a variety of cafés, offering French, Italian, American and Andean cuisine. You could also visit the viewpoint where Cusco's smaller version of Rio's statue of Christ, Cristo Blanco, stands. Designed by local artist Francisco Olazo Allende as a symbol of protection, it was a gift from Cusco's Palestinian community, who took refuge here after World War Two.

This evening, we enjoy our final dinner at the hotel.

After a morning at leisure to continue exploring this spectacular city or purchase some last-minute souvenirs of your Andean adventure, we transfer to Cusco airport for our internal flight back to the capital.

On arrival in Lima, we board our overnight flight to Paris. Saying farewell to South America, we can relax and begin to look back on this spectacular holiday to wonderful Peru - a land of spellbinding beauty and mystical lost cities that glistened during the golden age of the Incas.

Landing at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport in the early afternoon (local time), we catch a short connecting flight back to London Heathrow, where our incredible adventure comes to an end.

Peru and the Andes have provided many unforgettable experiences that will live long in the memory. From the jaw-dropping majesty of Machu Picchu and the mysterious Sacred Valley to stunning Cusco, the welcoming capital of the evocative Incas. We have also explored the splendour of condors flying above the dramatic Colca Canyon, sailed to the reed islands of Lake Titicaca and discovered the thriving and historical cities of Lima and Arequipa.

At Heathrow, we say farewell to our Tour Manager and the fellow travellers with whom we have shared these remarkable highlights on our astounding journey of Andean discovery.