Peru in Style

15 days Guided, Minimum 2 People, Seasonal Departures, 3 times weekly

Always dreamed of walking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu but found the thought of 'roughing it' at altitude too daunting? Due to the popularity of our 'Beyond the Inca Trail' tour, we have looked at ways of making this memorable trip more accessible. Thus we have devised this superb trip using top class accommodation (including larger tents whilst camping) and a gradual acclimatisation programme.

Enjoy several days in Cusco visiting the numerous ruins and soaking up the exciting atmosphere of this amazing Inca city before travelling to the Sacred Valley where you will be based in an exclusive rustic lodge with access to a variety of activities including walking, horse-riding, tennis, spa treatments and even paragliding! From here you embark along the world famous Inca Trail taking four days to enjoy this once in a lifetime experience arriving at Machu Picchu with time to visit this incredible site twice whilst overnighting just outside the ruins. Take the famous train over the altiplano to Lake Titicaca where a fast boat brings you to Taquile Island, famous for a culture and lifestyle unchanged over the centuries.

Using stylish accommodation throughout this is the ideal way to experience this eternally fascinating country with all its cultural sites and breathtaking mountain scenery.

Days 1 to 3. Outbound to Cusco

Fly to Lima and overnight before continuing on to Cusco for private tours of the city itself and surrounding Inca sites. Enjoy a leisurely few days here, gently acclimatising to 3300 metres at your colonial, first class hotel.

Days 4 and 5. Sacred Valley

Travel out to the wonders of the Sacred Valley, the preeminent cultural and adventure destination in South America and home to a huge number of sites including Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, Maras and the saltpans of Moray all of whom you will tour or walk to. The valley is lower than Cusco and enjoys a mild climate within a dramatic setting of mountains and meadows. From your enchanting resort you can follow in the footsteps of the Incas trekking high into the mountains, bike to ancient salt pans, drink some local corn beer with the villagers, raft down the Urubamba river, watch a dramatic theatre presentation at night or witness the dazzling variety of hummingbirds during the day.

Days 6 to 10. Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Embark on this famous trail, walking for six to seven hours a day, including time to explore the sites you pass through, enjoying sumptuous meals at your nightly campsites. Arrive at Machu Picchu after the crowds have left on the afternoon of day 9 then, after a memorable night spent just outside the gates, be one of the first to wander the site in the early morning light. Return to Cusco by train.

Days 11 and 12. Lake Titicaca

From your first class train carriage you will view the breathtaking landscapes of the altiplano on your journey from Cusco to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Here you will take a day trip using the fast boat to Taquile Island one of the most idiosyncratic and beautiful spots in Peru and known for the sophistication and high quality of its weaving and the various archaeological sites from the Tiahuanaco period.

Days 13 to 15. Lima and Homeward

Return to Lima with the option of taking a city tour to the main sights of this historical city. Fly overnight back to the UK.