Majesty of Peru and Amazon Cruise

After breakfast, you’ll be collected from your hotel to discover the Peruvian capital’s captivating colonial history and heritage. A vital hub during the Spanish conquest of South America, Lima was the political, religious and economic capital of the Spanish Viceroyalty of Peru after being founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535.

First, you’ll visit the beautiful Metropolitan Cathedral of Lima which faces the lively Plaza Mayor. From the Plaza, you’ll also be able to see the ornate architecture of the Government Palace and the Municipal Hall before driving through the city’s old streets to glimpse traditional colonial-era mansions and charming Moorish-style balconies.

Afterwards, you’ll stop at Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion granted in 1535 by chief conquistador Francisco Pizarro to one of his captains, Jerónimo de Aliaga. In fact, this is the only residence in Lima that still belongs to the same family through all the centuries; seventeen generations of Aliagas have lived in Calle del Hierro Viejo since the city’s founding.

You’ll then stop for lunch at Mayta, a contemporary Peruvian restaurant and pisco bar, before continuing to the Gold Museum, where you’ll be immersed in a superb collection of gold artefacts from numerous pre-Hispanic Andean civilisations. After exploring the fascinating displays at the museum, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel before savouring a sumptuous dinner at Central restaurant, one of Lima’s most prized restaurants.


Accommodation: Casa Republica Barranco (or alternative hotel of equal standard)

Embark on a full day of exploring some of the treasures of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

You’ll begin in Chinchero, a quaint traditional village that is home to a weaving community. You’ll see a workshop where you’ll be given a presentation on how the local artisans use natural products including plants and minerals to produce the vivid colours synonymous with Peruvian textiles. You’ll also meet Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, whose organisation, El Centro de Textiles Tradicionales de Cusco, inspires young Peruvians to embrace their heritage weaving techniques as both modern art and a means of commerce.

Afterwards, you’ll head to the Maras Salt Mines, which have been used since long before the Incan era. The extraction method here involves using an ancient drying process: saltwater, flowing from an underground stream, is deposited into thousands of wells until it has evaporated, leaving behind only the salt.

Next, you’ll continue to Moray, a spectacular Inca-era archaeological site where enormous terraces form a circular depression in the hillside, constructed so that the temperature difference between the highest and lowest can be as much as 10 °C. Moray is believed to have been an Incan agricultural experiment to adapt crops to different microclimates, showcasing this advanced civilisation’s innovative agricultural methods.

You’ll then enjoy a meal at Mil*, a delicious restaurant serving flavoursome dishes prepared using authentic ingredients from across the surrounding Andean landscapes. Afterwards, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel to enjoy a restorative wellbeing experience.


Accommodation: Las Casitas Del Arco Iris (or alternative hotel of equal standard)


*Mil restaurant is not open on Mondays. This tasting menu lasts approximately 2 hours and does not include wine pairing

At a prearranged time, you’ll meet with your private guide in the morning and walk towards Huayna Picchu.

Located southwest of Machu Picchu at an elevation of 3,050 metres above sea level, during the walk you’ll be able to soak up incomparable views of Machu Picchu along with vistas of the dramatic mountain surrounds.

In the afternoon, you’ll reboard the Vistadome train to return towards Cusco, disembarking at the station in Poray and transferring the rest of the way by private vehicle.

Arriving in Cusco, you’ll check into your next hotel and spend the evening at leisure.


Accommodation: Antigua San Blas (or alternative hotel of equal standard)

At a prearranged time, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your scheduled flight to Iquitos in the Peruvian Amazon, stopping over at Lima on the way.

Once you arrive in Iquitos, which sits on the edge of the mighty Amazon River, you’ll be met by the Delfin III’s crew and transported into the evocative, mist-shrouded canopies of the Amazon Rainforest along the Marañón River - the largest tributary of the Amazon – aboard the luxurious Delfin III.

Back onboard Delfin III, you’ll be served by the boat’s attentive staff, who will introduce you to your comfortable suite, specially equipped with modern amenities.


Accommodation: Delfin III


Please note: High Water season is from January to June, Low Water season is from July to December. Flights in approx. 13:45, flights out approx. 14:20