Cultural Peru & Amazon Riverboat Adventure

Arriving into Peru's bustling capital of Lima, the former home of the Spanish Inquisition during colonial times, you will be met and taken to your hotel, set in the cosmopolitan district of Miraflores, which is a great place to settle into the city and enjoy your first evening soaking up the atmosphere, bars, restaurants and markets of the district’s central plaza.

After breakfast you’ll transfer back to the airport for your flight towards the Andean highlands and one of the continent's great cities, Cuzco, the ancient Inca capital of Peru. On arrival you'll set off to the Sacred Valley. The first stop on your tour here is Pisac Market, where the main square is packed with stands selling traditional Peruvian products made by the local people. Here you’ll find alpaca textiles, musical instruments and paintings, as well as other potential souvenirs. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, after which you will continue to the far end of the Sacred Valley and the fortress of Ollantaytambo. Ollantaytambo was built to protect this part of the valley from invaders from the lowlands, and contains beautiful terraces and fine stonework. You'll then be taken to your beautiful lodge located at the heart of the Sacred Valley.

Your day will start with a buzz, as you contemplate the thrilling prospect of visiting one of the undisputed wonders of the world, Machu Picchu. You’ll embark on a scenic Vistadome train journey through the picturesque Sacred Valley and beyond, starting in the luscious Andean highlands and descending through the Sacred Valley until you arrive at Aguas Calientes, your gateway to this magnificent ancient Inca cultural site. Lost until its rediscovery by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911, this is the most famous of all Inca sites in South America, and justifiably so. It appears to have been carved out of the granite of the mountain upon which the citadel sits. During your tour of the citadel you will learn about the historical context and mystery that shrouds the site. You will stay tonight at the only hotel located adjacent to Machu Picchu, giving you unparalleled access to the site as well as stunning views, luxurious rooms and excellent service.

Overnight: Belmond Sanctuary Lodge(D)

Before you depart, make sure to take advantage of your proximity to Machu Picchu with an early-morning tour of this hilltop UNESCO World Heritage Site. While the Inca history is unwritten, its legend is one that has been handed down through generations, and learning about this while you explore the complex is a magical experience. After your tour you will have some free time for lunch and to continue exploring. Later this afternoon it will be time to board the train back to Ollantaytambo before being transferred back to Cuzco. You will fly this evening from Cuzco back to Lima so that you are ready to travel to the Amazon early next morning.

After an early breakfast, you’ll cross back to the airport for your short flight to Iquitos International Airport, where after collecting your luggage, you will board an air-conditioned bus to transfer you to the main port of Iquitos where your riverboat will be waiting. As you settle into your spacious room, the 16-suite Aria Amazon will begin her journey down the Yanayacu River, deep into the Peruvian Amazon. Built in 2010 and completely refurbished in 2015, the Aria was specially designed for luxury river cruising, and comes complete with outdoor Jacuzzi, outdoor lounge, massage room and observation deck. There will be a meeting on the upper deck to inform all passengers about safety on board, after which the captain and the guides will give a brief orientation talk about life on board, the places you'll go and what you will see on your Amazon journey. Then, enjoy a welcome dinner while watching the river and surrounding areas pass by outside the floor-to-ceiling windows. Before retiring for the evening, you can enjoy a cocktail on the upper deck under the stars.

Overnight: The Aria Amazon(D)

Wake up early to enjoy the beautiful view of the sunrise over the Amazon River. Over the next few days you will explore the black waters of the Yanallpa River, disembarking to walk deep into the Amazon rainforest and sail along the El Dorado River for a dusk excursion in search of exotic nocturnal wildlife, with extraordinary stargazing opportunities. You’ll enjoy a breakfast picnic accompanied by the symphony of the jungle before going fishing along the black waters of the Pacaya River, then skiff excursions down the Ucayali River alongside the boats laden with their rainforest produce making their way to the port of Requena. Make sure to keep an eye out for pink river dolphins along the way! While on board you can choose to go jungle walking, canoeing, kayaking or swimming on the waters of the Yarapa or Clavero Rivers, and you can also explore remote villages and meet the locals who live in this extraordinary part of the world.

Overnight: The Aria Amazon(B, L, D)

At the Bellavista Nanay morning market along the Nanay River, sample exotic snacks from the Peruvian Amazon like “suri” - caterpillars that are considered especially appetising. Return to the Aria for breakfast and to pack up your things. Before saying goodbye, you will make one last truly memorable stop at the Manatee Rescue Centre, a very special kind of animal orphanage for Amazonian manatees. We will also visit San Juan craft market en route to the airport for your flight back to Lima where you can check in to your hotel – the city will seem especially busy after the tranquillity of the Amazon!

After enjoying breakfast in the historic city of Lima, you will start a guided city tour, taking in Lima's colonial centre. Peru’s capital is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains some of the best-kept colonial architecture in South America. The Plaza Mayor is the historic centre, a sprawling green plaza where you can catch the changing of the guards and explore the cathedral and presidential palace, among other important buildings including convents and museums. Lima's charms definitely lie in the grandeur of her architecture. After visiting the old centre, you'll be taken to the modern districts of San Isidro and Miraflores, passing through the district of Pueblo Libre, as well as the picturesque El Olivar Park.

After enjoying your final morning and breakfast in Peru, you will be taken to the airport for your onward flight home. Please note that checkout is in the morning.