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Friday Day 1: LIMA

Upon your arrival at Lima International Airport (most flights from the U.S. arrive at night), you will be greeted by your Heritage Tours in-country representative and transferred (about 30 minutes) to your hotel. Check into a magnificent señorial suite at Antigua Miraflores Hotel, quaint and simple family-run hotel, situated in the upscale neighborhood of Miraflores.

You may wish to upgrade to our Deluxe Hotel package, which includes a master suite at Lima's finest - the stately 5* Country Club Hotel. Situated in a gracious historic building dating from 1927, it was once the most exclusive private club in Lima. This hotel also houses selected pieces from the Osma collection of Peruvian antiquities and will welcome you with chilled champagne and orange juice.

Overnight: Lima.

Saturday Day 2: LIMA

Enjoy a plentiful breakfast at your hotel. After breakfast, you will be picked up by your expert Heritage Tours-qualified guide and driver to begin your full-day private tour of Lima.

You will spend the morning in the area of Lima that best demonstrates its Spanish colonial roots - the heart of historic Lima. The Plaza Mayor, the Great Square, is flanked by the monumental facades of the Cathedral on one side, and the Palace of the Spanish Empire on the other. Other highlights of colonial Peru include the 17th century church and cloister of San Francisco (a UNESCO world cultural heritage site). Suggested lunch at The Rosa Nautica Restaurant - fabulous setting on the Pacific Ocean.

Visit the Larco Herrera Museum, housed in an elegant whitewashed mansion with a lovely garden, this museum contains the largest private collection of Pre-Columbian pottery in Peru, with several tens of thousands of the finest ceramics from diverse Pre Hispanic cultures. There are a couple of rooms showing an important collection of textiles, and gold and silver objects. In a separate room the visitor can find the famous erotic pottery from the Moche culture (500AD).

If time allows, you might want to plan a short visit to Lima's so-called Bohemian district of Barranco. In addition to a handful of funky stores, galleries and cafes, this is a 19th century colonial district with some beautiful houses, many of which are in the process of being restored.

Lima has some excellent restaurants; we are happy to give you our suggestions and to make reservations for you.

Overnight: Lima.

Sunday Day 3: LIMA - CUZCO

Enjoy a plentiful breakfast at your hotel. After breakfast, you will be escorted to Lima airport for your nonstop flight to Cuzco - one of the loveliest cities in the Western hemisphere, dramatically sited in the heart of the Andes Mountains.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted and taken to the 4* Cuzco Novotel: an excellent four-star (don't let the name scare you!) hotel located in the heart of Cuzco's monumental district. You will be staying in the historic wing of the hotel, which was converted from a 16th century mansion.

You may wish to upgrade to our Deluxe Hotel package, which includes Cuzco's (and Peru's) finest hotel: the historic 5* Monasterio (an Orient Express property).

In the heart of Cuzco, The Monasterio was built as a 17th century Seminary and surrounds two cloisters. Its chapel contains some of the finest colonial paintings in Peru.

Note that Cuzco is at an altitude of 11,000 feet. Even those of us in the best of health have to take special precautions to allow our bodies to adjust. Detailed suggestions will be included in your information pack.

After you had time to refresh and relax, your expert guide will meet you to explore the heart of Cuzco on foot.

Your visit begins at the Inca Koricancha, or Temple of the Sun, where you can appreciate the incredible masonry of the Incas. From here, head towards the heart of the city: the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral with its carved woodworks, altars and paintings. Other sites include La Merced, San Francisco, the Jesuit church, and the ruins of Kenko.

Overnight: Cuzco.

Monday Day 4: CUZCO

Buffet breakfast at your hotel.

After breakfast, meet your guide and driver to embark on a morning visit to the indestructible double-walled Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman, with spectacular views overlooking Cuzco. The remarkable Inca masonry consists of stones up to 125 tons.

Nearby is the Inca shrine of Qenko, dedicated to the worship of Mother Earth. This stone shrine contains Inca drawings etched into its surface.From here, visit Puca Pucara at the entrance to the Sacred Valley.Your last stop this morning is the sacred Inca bathing place of Tambo Machay, with an extremely sophisticated engineering system. Continue to Cuzco for an afternoon at leisure.

Overnight: Cuzco.

Tuesday Day 5: CUZCO

Buffet breakfast at your hotel.

Today you will further explore Cuzco on your own. Today is a perfect day to do a bit of shopping (tremendous crafts can be found in Cuzco's shops, stalls and galleries) and to rest up for tomorrow's adventure.

We strongly suggest a visit to the newly-opened Pre-Columbian Art Museum (labels in English). This museum, one of the finest in Peru, is located in a historic building in the same square as the Monasterio.

For those of you in the deluxe package, we have arranged for dinner in the Terrace of this museum at its highly-rated bistro, considered one of the best places to eat in Cuzco for its Andean-fusion cuisine.

Overnight: Cuzco.

Wednesday Day 6: MACHU PICCHU

Today you will begin an experience that is truly a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage.

Very early pick up, around 5:15 AM, and transfer to the train station in Cuzco to board your Vistadome train to Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu is so remote that no roads lead there; access is only by the narrow-gage train track.

You may wish to upgrade to our Deluxe package, which includes the brand-new (inaugurated in 2003) ultra-deluxe Hiram Bingham train - an ?Orient Express? train - departing Cuzco at 9:00 AM.

Note that the new Hiram Bingham service includes a group guide for the Machu Picchu visit for all those booked in this train, but we suggest booking a private guide for your tour to accompany you.

As soon as your train journey starts, you will head to the Puna (High Andean Savannah), where the valley becomes a canyon. The cloud forest begins to appear as you reach the Machu Picchu Sanctuary.

Brunch will be served en route aboard Hiram Bingham.

Arrival in the base town of Aguas Calientes.

Check in at the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, a beautiful hotel nestled within a cloud forest beside the Vilcanota River at the foot of the mountains of Machu Picchu. This charming, sprawling hotel has a very homey atmosphere. It features lush gardens, bright rooms, and a swimming pool fed by a mountain spring. In order to reach the ruins you will take a winding road uphill and soon you will be at the Machu Picchu Citadel.

You may wish to upgrade to our Deluxe Hotel package, which includes the recently renovated Machu Picchu deluxe lodge. At 8,200 feet (2,400 m) above sea level, it is the only hotel located within the sanctuary of the Machu Picchu Inca citadel.

In the afternoon, you will be given an in-depth tour of the ruins and the various theories speculating as to the use of Machu Picchu.

You have the singular pleasure of remaining at this mythical place as the hordes of day-trippers depart to catch their return trains.

Dinner is served at your hotel (in the deluxe package, dinner is a la carte; non-alcoholic drinks are included.

Spend the remainder of the day, as you wish, exploring Machu Picchu.

Be sure to get a re-entry ticket before you leave the site.

For a $25 fee you can enter the sanctuary in the early hours of the night.

Overnight: Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes.

Thursday Day 7: MACHU PICCHU

Breakfast at your hotel.

Morning at leisure to return to Machu Picchu on your own and to savor again its unique (some say mystical) quality.

We suggest getting to the ruins as early as possible; you may find that if you come just after opening time you have the entire place virtually to yourself.

You may wish to hike to some of the surrounding vantage points (moderate hiking required) at higher elevations, so that you can have a spectacular aerial view of the ruins. The Sun Gate is a spectacular way of entering the complex, although this involves semi-rigorous mountain walking.

For those of you who upgrade to the Deluxe package, Lunch a la carte will be provided at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge.

After lunch, you will take a shuttle to the nearby town of Aguas Calientes (30-minute drive) to catch the Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo departing at 3:30 PM.

For those of you who upgrade to the Deluxe package, you will be served high tea at 5:00 PM and then head down to catch return Hiram Bingham, departing at 6:30 PM. Aboard your train, pre -dinner cocktails will be served in the bar accompanied by live entertainment.Afterwards, a four-course, a la carte dinner will be presented in the dining cars (wine included).

Upon your arrival in the town of Ollantaytambo, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Check in at the Sol y Luna, a few miles from the village of Urubamba (about 60 km from Cuzco), a very sweet and simple hotel with freestanding bungalows. For those of you who select the Deluxe Package, you will be staying in a suite.

Overnight: Sacred Valley.

Friday Day 8: SACRED VALLEY

Breakfast at your hotel.

When ready, meet your guide for a visit to the town and ruins of Chinchero which has an attractive church built on an Inca temple. On your way to Chinchero you will see the magnificent snow capped peaks of the Cordillera Vilcabamba. It is by far the most scenically impressive route in all the Valley.

Visit the ruins of Pisac, one of the most important Inca sites in the Urubamba valley, located above the valley with stunning terracing following the contours of the hill.

We suggest that you walk down from the ruins to the town below, as it is a beautiful way to approach the town. From here, you will have the vast- market spread out in front of you, full of indigenous crafts (yes, very touristy, but there happen to be some good quality items to be found!)

Once you can pull yourself away from this special little place, drive to the impressive ruins of Ollantaytambo. The nearby town of Ollantaytambo is the oldest continuously occupied settlement in the Americas. Its narrow streets and canals are believed to be unchanged since Inca times.

Return to your hotel.

Dinner will be served at the Sol y Luna.

Overnight: Sacred Valley.

Saturday Day 9: SACRED VALLEY - CUZCO - LIMA

Breakfast at your hotel.

After breakfast, you will be escorted to Cuzco Airport where you will board a nonstop flight to Lima Airport.

Upon arrival at Lima Airport, you will be assisted with your connection to your international flight back home. Most international flights depart around midnight.

Sunday Day 10: RETURN FLIGHT HOME

SELECT HOTEL PACKAGE CHOOSE YOUR OWN DATES (SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY).

$1198 per person based on four or more people in your party.
$1588 per person based on two or three in your party.
Single supplement $498.

DELUXE HOTEL PACKAGE CHOOSE YOUR OWN DATES (SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY).

$2095 per person based on four or more people in your party.
$2498 per person based on two or three in your party.
Single supplement $998

OPTIONAL UPGRADES (FOR DELUXE PACKAGE ONLY):

Country Club Lima (5*):

Gran Class Suite	$24 per person per night.
Gobernador Suite	$39 per person per night.

Orient Express Monasterio (5*):

Deluxe room with oxygen*	$39 per person per night.
Junior Suite	$90 per person per night.
Presidential Suite	$280 per person per night.

Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge:

Preferential View room	$50 per person per night.
Suite (preferential-view)	$120 per person per night.

Private guide for Orient Express Premier Hiram Bingham service**:
$240 per person based on 2 passengers.
$120 per person based on 4 passengers.

*recommended for those with sensitivity to high altitudes.
**recommended as we have no control over the group guides; this is an expert
Heritage Tours-qualified guide. He will be with you for both days you are at Machu Picchu.

ALL ARRANGEMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY.

Included in your 10-day, 8 night private tour:

Accommodation (double occupancy) in hotels and game lodges as noted:

• Our hand-picked SELECT HOTEL PACKAGE:
• Antigua Miraflores - upgrade to señorial suite.
• Novotel Cuzco - upgrade to historic wing.
• Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel.
• Sol y Luna.


• Our hand-picked DELUXE HOTEL PACKAGE - Peru's Finest:
• 5* Lima Country Club - Master Suite.
• 5* Orient Express Monasterio de Cuzco.
• Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge (at the ruins).
• Sol y Luna - suite.


• Full-day private sightseeing in Lima with expert Heritage Tours guide and private driver.
• Afternoon walking tour of Cuzco with expert Heritage Tours guide.
• Morning tour around Cuzco with expert Heritage Tours guide and private driver.
• Machu Picchu guided visit.
• Private full day tour of the Sacred Valley.
• Airport transfers and assistance for international flights.
• Transfers to and from hotels to and from domestic airports.
• Transfers to and from hotels to and from train stations.
• Breakfast daily.
• Dinner in the Sacred Valley.
• Round-trip tickets for Vistadome train (or Hiram Bingham for the Deluxe package).
• All admissions when with private guide.
• 19% hotel taxes (and mandatory service fees where included).
• Full services of our in-country office 24/7.

Deluxe package only:

• Round-trip tickets for Hiram Bingham.
• A la carte lunch, high tea and dinner at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge; non-alcoholic drinks are included.
• Brunch aboard Hiram Bingham.
• Cocktails and four-course dinner aboard Hiram Bingham return.
• Dinner on the patio of the new Pre-Columbian museum in Cuzco.

Not Included:

• Air (for domestic flights, see below).
• Meals not listed as included.
• Beverages (except where noted).
• Gratuities.
• Departure tax from Peru (payable at airport).

Domestic air:

Lima – Cuzco.
Cuzco – Lima.
$125 including taxes and fees per person per flight.

ALL ARRANGEMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY.

YOUR RESERVATIONS ARE PLACED AND CONFIRMED ONLY UPON RECEIPT OF A NON–REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT OF $500 PER PERSON AND THE RETURN OF YOUR FULLY COMPLETED RESERVATION APPLICATION FORM (ONE COPY PER PERSON).

MANY HOTELS FILL UP EARLY AND WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO SEND YOUR FORM AND DEPOSIT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

Payment is accepted by American Express, personal check or wire transfer. Payment within 30 days of departure must be by American Express, wire transfer or certified bank check in US funds.

Please note that all flights are subject to availability at contract fares and to schedule changes or the occasional cancellation by the airline. Flights are not guaranteed until ticketed. We strongly suggest that you allow our Lima office to arrange your domestic flights because in the case of any changes or cancellations, they are able to best handle it.

All clients should reconfirm 3 days prior to international flights and arrive at the airport with ample time.

Insurance:

We strongly recommend that all clients traveling to Peru purchase a comprehensive travel insurance package which includes trip cancellation protection and emergency medical evacuation. Such protection is available through Heritage Tours. Please call for details.

Important note re Travel in Peru:

Please be advised that travel in Peru is occasionally subject to disruptions due to circumstances beyond our control. These disruptions may affect your trip and may result in delays and changes of plans. Likewise, infrastructure is still precarious and limited in places and water and power shortages might occur as well as substandard service even in the best hotels. Therefore, and to enhance the enjoyment of your holiday, we STRONGLY ADVISE you to be understanding and patient as nobody can or will be held responsible for changes to your itinerary as a result of the above.

We are there, and we have a ground office in Lima, specifically to help you mitigate the hassle and rearrange activities wherever possible to suit your needs, but a number of these things are beyond our control. The upside is the privilege of visiting a largely unspoilt country and region, with a rich culture and delightful population.