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How to Book: For more information on Peru Splendors, an 8-day vacation to Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu call us at 866-755-8581, your preferred travel agent or send us an email.
Vacation Overview
 From its amazing archaeological treasures to its gastronomic delights and from its rich history to its melting pot of cultures, Peru offers visitors a wide array of attractions—and on this tour, you'll experience its highlights. Lima is a cosmopolitan city steeped in history with pre-Columbian ruins, Spanish colonial buildings, and remnants of colonial mansions with lavish, Moorish-style balconies. On your sightseeing tour, you'll see many of its famous sights, including the San Francisco Monastery. High in the Andes Mountains, Cusco is the oldest continuously inhabited city in South America and is sure to please history buffs. Learn about the Incas' struggles with the invading Spaniards on your tour of Cusco and visit the Temple of Sacsayhuaman, built in the early 12th century with some stones weighing more than 350 tons. Try to figure out how it was built so precisely without the help of modern machinery and technology! Of course, no vacation to Peru is complete without visiting Machu Picchu. Built around 1450 at the height of the Inca Empire, Machu Picchu is located in a gorgeous mountain setting above the Urubamba Valley. Stand in awe as you witness it. It is one of the most majestic images in South America, if not the world!
Not only will you visit the must-see sights, you'll also have an opportunity to learn about Peruvian life. Experience a Mother Earth ceremony performed by a local shaman. These ceremonies thanking Mother Earth and asking for good health and safe travels have been practiced in Peru since before the arrival of the Incas. You'll also stop at a local Peruvian food market and visit a home to meet some of the locals and experience their way of life.
Included Sightseeing
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Lima, Peru
Arrive in Lima, where you will be met by your Tour Director.
Day 2: Lima
This morning, your Local Guide focuses on the city's colonial heritage during a walking TOUR. Start at the Plaza de Armas to see the Government Palace and the cathedral. From here, stroll to the venerable SAN FRANCISCO MONASTERY with its splendid 17th-century cloister murals. For a special treat, stop at a  LOCAL PERUVIAN FOOD MARKET to get a real taste of life for the local people. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at one of Lima's finest historic homes, CASA GARCIA ALVARADO, with your fellow traveling companions. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 3: Lima–Cusco–Sacred Valley
Fly to Cusco, the impressive Andean city that was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Spend the day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, starting with a visit to the TEMPLE OF SACSAYHUAMAN, perched on a hillside overlooking Cusco. It remains unfathomable how and when this fortress of gigantic stones—with some blocks weighing more than 350 tons—was built. While at the ruins, experience an El Pago a la Tierra, or MOTHER EARTH CEREMONY, performed by a local shaman. These ceremonies thanking Mother Earth and asking for good health and safe travels have been practiced in Peru since before the arrival of the Incas. Next, stop at the semi-circular KENKO Amphitheater with its stone altars and labyrinth of passages. See the ancient site of Puca Pucara before continuing to PISAC, an old mountain village where you will have free time to shop for local wares such as alpaca sweaters and blankets, jewelry, or hand-painted ornamental dishes and vases. Stay in the Sacred Valley tonight, and enjoy a special dinner outing with a PERUVIAN PASO HORSE SHOW. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4: Sacred Valley–Machu Picchu
This morning, visit the Inca Fortress of OLLANTAYTAMBO followed by the opportunity to visit a HOME, meet some of the locals, and experience their way of life. Next, board a TRAIN for a short journey through the lush Urubamba Valley. Then, transfer to a motorcoach for the ascent to legendary MACHU PICCHU, the "Lost City of the Incas," high above the steep valley overlaid with dense tropical jungle. Your Local Guide will bring you closer to the lives and mysteries still hidden in these amazing structures built by the pre-Columbian masters of this sacred land. Tonight, stay at a nearby hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5: Machu Picchu–Cusco
Your entrance to MACHU PICCHU is included for a second day. Enjoy the tranquility of the morning with free time to wander the ruins at your own pace and experience the magic that is Machu Picchu. After lunch, return to the Sacred Valley by TRAIN and continue on to Cusco. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 6: Cusco
This morning, learn more about the Incas and their struggle against invading Spaniards on your Cusco city TOUR, with visits to the imposing CATHEDRAL and the SANTO DOMINGO MONASTERY. The remainder of your day is free to explore at your leisure. Tonight, enjoy a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 7: Cusco–Lima
Bid farewell to your Tour Director in Cusco and board a flight to Lima. Meet a Local Guide and transfer to your hotel. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the city. (Breakfast)
Day 8: Lima
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
Meals
Breakfast daily, 3 lunches, and 4 three-course dinners including a welcome dinner at a historic home and a farewell dinner in Cusco
Hotels
LIMA
Atton (Superior First Class)
SACRED VALLEY
Casa Andina Private Collection Sacred Valley (Superior First Class)
MACHU PICCHU
Sumaq Hotel (Deluxe)
CUSCO
Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco (Superior First Class)
* Price is per person (double occupancy) with all international and intra-vacation flights (Lima/Cusco, Cusco/Lima). Participation in this vacation requires the purchase of fights from Globus. The From price is based on flights originating from Miami for the March 3, 2013 departure. Other departure dates are available between January and December and flight prices might vary by season and U.S. gateway departure city. Air-inclusive prices include all government-imposed taxes and fees applicable and your air quote will include all air taxes, surcharges and fees applicable for your itinerary at the time of booking. For return travel from some countries, prices do not include airport and/or departure taxes of up to $60, which may be collected by the foreign government. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply. For the most current airline-imposed baggage fees, please check the following website, www.iflybags.com. Applies to new 2013 bookings only, reliant on space availability. May be withdrawn at any time. Seats are limited and prices may be restricted to specific flights, class of service, travel dates, length of stay or room type. Offer applies to US originating travelers only. Frequent flyer mileage/points do not apply. Not included in the price: federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; applicable cruise taxes, fees, fares and port charges; passports; visas and vaccinations; transfers; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ships' crew; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, optional excursions; portage at train stations; Travel Protection premiums; and all other items of a personal nature. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.
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