Arrive Lima from the UK and be met by your guide at the airport. A quick stop to drop bags at hotel and then off to visit the Larco museum - a perfect introduction to the Inka civilization, followed by a leisurely lunch at their lovely restaurant and browse their gift shop. Afternoon to rest or explore the city some more. Enjoy a delicious dinner at the gorgeous hotel overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Today you fly to Arequipa – just a 1.5 hour flight. Arequipa is known as the ‘White City’ due to the colour of its Sillar architecture. Private transfer to your hotel, with the afternoon to relax or maybe take a walking city tour of including a visit to the Santa Catalina Convent - a beautiful walled fortress within the city. Dinner at hotel or in one of the city’s many restaurants. Travel to the Colca Canyon by bus (around 3.5 hours) - this is a very scenic road journey, passing herds of grazing llama at altitudes over 4000 metres. In places the canyon’s sides are so steep that it is impossible to see the valley bottom, while the higher edges of Colca are dotted with some of the finest examples of pre-Inca terracing in Peru, attributed in the main to the Huari cultural era. You will have the chance to visit the Condor's Cross to look for the famous Andean Condors. Return to Arequipa. Craggy mountains, huge herds of llamas and traditionally dressed Andean people complete the experience. Enjoy the city of Arequipa at your own pace.

On day 6 after breakfast fly from Arequipa to Puno and onwards to visit Lake Titicaca, the highest navigate-able lake in the world, which borders Bolivia. This place is remote and spiritual, with most ages-old customs and traditions intact. You will take to the waters, where you will visit the fascinating people who live on floating islands made entirely of reeds, and the weaving and fishing communities on Uros and other Islands. This is a place for unwinding and connecting with the soul. Dinner will be served at the hotel.

Fly from Puno to Cusco. You’ll be met by your guide and take the 1.5 hour drive to your hotel in the Sacred Valley where you will spend 2 nights. This region has so many outdoor pursuits on offer, you’ll have trouble choosing! Visit the agricultural sites of Pisac and the market has many traditional objects and curios on offer. Have lunch at Muna restaurant and then explore the UNESCO heritage site of Ollantaytambo – one of the most remarkable Inca complexes still in use today. Visit one of the local textile sites to see how the alpaca and lama wool is harvested, dyed and worked into material. Or maybe you’d like to go horseback riding; there are beautiful trails to enjoy on a Peruvian Paso horse. Dinner and drinks at your hotel.

You have the morning at leisure at your hotel in the Sared Valley. This afternoon you will be met and transferred to the town of Ollantaytambo to board the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu Pueblo. This is a scenic 2.5 hour journey and when you arrive you will be briefed by our partner and there’s time for a late lunch at the lovely Inkaterra Café. You’ll check in at the stunning Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel and have the afternoon at leisure perhaps wonder through the lovely gardens, looking out for hummingbirds or go explore the town - it’s quite interesting! Have dinner in this bustling little town if you wish.

The next day get up early if you wish to catch one of the first busses up to Machu Picchu to enter through the Sun Gate or to avoid the crowds go late-morning to spend most of the day on this mystical site. You will be met by your private guide who will explain and help you discover the ancient culture of the people who built, lived and ultimately deserted this place. This evening enjoy a Pisco sour cocktail and a well-earned dinner at the hotel.

This morning after breakfast you have the option to visit Machu Picchu again or if you prefer join one of the many interesting excursions offered by the Inkaterra – an orchid walk, bird-watching, tea plantation, forest walks visit or go and see the conservation efforts to save the endangered Spectacle Bear. Or take it easy and have a treatment in the spa.

This afternoon, depart on the Vistadome back to Ollantaytambo and from there it is a 2 hour transfer to Cusco by car. Arrive at your luxury hotel and enjoy dinner. The next day let the customary fireworks wake you at dawn... you have time to explore this medieval city with your guide. Visit the glorious colonial Jesuis de Suit and Santa Domingo Churches on the Plaza de Armas, go walk the steps of Corichancha the ‘Temple of the Sun’ and the Red Fortress on the outskirts of town. Enjoy lunch at one of the many excellent restaurants and eateries in the city and walk the cobble streets up to San Blas to see contemporary Peruvian arts and crafts.

You have some time on the final morning to have a last breakfast in Peru and do some shopping. Say your farewell to this lovely place, off to the airport and your flight back to Lima and home.

On day 2 fly from Lima to Paracas - a 50 minute flight - to where the desert meets the sea in dramatic fashion. The Nazca lines have been declared a Cultural Heritage and it still remains a mystery as to how these drawings were created and why. The National Reserve of Paracas has 335,000 hectares and is inhabited by an enormous variety of birds, amongst which are Humboldt Penguins, Flamingoes and Pariguana. Stay at the sophisticated Hotel Paracas.