Peru's Art, Archeology, Culture & History - 7 days Lima to Cusco (twin share, private service)

Indulge your passion for Art, Archeology culture and history from the colonial riches of Lima to the granduer of the Sacred Valley, Mystery of Machu Picchu and the glorious art and history in and around Cusco

TRIP SUMMARY:

• Daily Departure
• Duration 6 night stay
• Tour Focus: Art, Archeology, Culture & History
  
• Group Size : Min 2

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

• Accommodation  4 nights in boutique hotels including breakfast, 2 nights at the Tambo Del  Inka Luxury Lodge & Spa Resort
• Airport transfers,
  
• English speaking guides
• Private tour of Limas art precinct, iconic districts and archeological ruins
• Gourmet Lunch at Cafe del Museo
• Private tour of Sacred Valley including gourmet lunch
  
• Vistadome train service to/from Machu Picchu town
• Return bus transfer Machu Picchu site
• Walking tour of Machu Picchu
  
• Buffet style lunch at Sanctuary Lodge 
  
• Private walking tour of Cuzco and local artisan galleries
  
• Tour admission fees

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:

• Internal flight Lima/Cusco
• Meals not indicated and drinks
• Tips

ITINERARY:

Day 1: ARRIVAL

Welcome to the City of Kings. Enjoy a hassle free private transfer to your boutique hotel in the heart of Miraflores.

Day 2: COLONIAL HERITAGE, ART AND ARCHAEOLOGY

This tour begins with some of Lima's Republican highlights: Miguel Grau monument, Palace of Justice, and Plaza San Martin. Then, continue to the Main Plaza of
Lima, to admire the Cathedral and the Government and Archbishop Palaces which reflect Peru's Spanish heritage.  Visit the ""Casa Aliaga"", a colonial house that is the oldest dwelling in the Americas that has been home to the same family for 17 generations. Rebuilt and reshaped after the earthquakes, and some changes in architectural trends, the mansion has served for almost five centuries to Lima’s history. Its artistic value emerges from the beauty of its interior space, the poetic and evocative of their environments and the original distribution of the rooms.  The Museo de Arte de Lima" (MALI) comes next, with more than 1,000 pieces displaying over 3,000 years of art in Perú in a chronological  order starting with the Pre-Columbian era through modern day.  Continue to Pueblo Libre district. Lunch at Café del Museo on the Larco Museum's terraces overlooking its captivating gardens and the vice-regal mansion which houses this remarkable museum. Afterwards, visit the museum with its fascinating collection of beautifully modeled pottery vessels, unique gold and silver work and erotic
ceramics from pre-Inca civilizations. An impressive display of thousands of ceramic pieces from the Moche culture brings animals, plants,and anthropomorphic deities to life. Return to the hotel.

Enjoy free time this afternoon.

Tonite Lima invites you to share some of its rich creole heritage music, culture and dance visiting a local Pena. A great opportunity to meet  locals and feel like a true native of Lima.

DAY 3: LIMA TO SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS

Enjoy your complimentary breakfast before heading to the airport in time for your flight to Cusco.

Arrive to Cuzco, and transfer out to the beautiful Urubamba Valley  (Sacred Valley of the Inca’s) where we’ll spend the next two nights. After driving through beautiful scenery, visit the village of Chinchero located 28 Km. (17 miles) from Cusco.  The main plaza, the nearby Inca ruins and the market where bartering is stillpracticed, are some its many attractions (market only Sundays).  Afterwards, visit Maras (saltmines of the Inca period still in use) and Moray (an experimental agricultural center from the same period). Arrive at the exquisite Tambo del Inka resort set amidst the vallet with stunning views and every comfort you can expect from one of the sacred valleyd more exclusuve properties..

DAY 4: SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS
Today explore the beautiful Urubamba Valley. Start with an excursion to the village of Pisac, shop at the colorful Indian (Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday) / handicraft (the other days) market.   A short visit to the ruins of Pisac is also included. Today lunch is included at Rancho Wayra  a fun and casual experience. You will savor a selection of the choicest cuts of beef, pork, chicken and rainbow trout.  These will be grilled over hot coals and served with native potatoes, together with the best cold meats, vegetables, delicate sauces and fresh salads.  A Peruvian Paso Horse show included during lunch.  Following lunch then visit the town and fortress of Ollantaytambo, the last living Inca town

DAY 5: MACHU PICCHU
A highlight of the trip is taking a scenic train ride through  the spectacular Andes and Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes – then transfer by coach to Machu Picchu – the “Lost City of the Incas”. Machu Picchu, rediscovered by archaeologist Hiram Bingham in 1911, is one of the most  beautiful and enigmatic ancient sites in the world. After our guided  tour of Machu Picchu you have time to meander before enjoying a buffet style lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge. Late afternoon enjoy your vistadome train back from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.  Checkin to your boutique hotel in the Artisan neighbourhood of San Blas.

DAY 6: CUSCO
A half day tour today reveals  to us the ancient city that was known by the Incas as the “Navel of the World”, followed by private visit to some of the towns best local art galleries and co-operative spaces.The afternoon is free to further explore this vibrant city and do last minute shopping. Cusco is home to some of Peru's finest restaurants and is known  for its ecclectic mix of bars. The Fallen Angel is a must for anyone  seeking a unique mixture of kitsch and ultra cool.

DAY 7: DEPARTURE
Enjoy your buffet breakfast take in some last minute shopping before being transferred to the airport for your onward travel.