Premium Peru in Depth with Ica Valley

Welcome to Peru! Your adventure begins in Lima, Peru’s colourful capital. You'll be collected from the airport and taken to your hotel where you'll meet your fellow travellers and local leader at a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, perhaps head out for a walk in the historical centre. After your meeting, get your first taste of Lima’s world-renowned food scene during a welcome dinner with your group and leader. Head out to a fantastic restaurant that’s popular with the locals and get acquainted with some of Peru’s best dishes. From fresh ceviche to pisco sours – you’ll soon find out why Lima is hailed as the culinary capital of South America.

Leave Lima and travel to the fabulous Vinas Queirolo, your accommodation for the next two nights and Peru's only hotel located within a vineyard. Sitting in the Ica Valley at the foothills of the Andes and surrounded by more than 500 hectares of vineyards, the setting couldn’t be more spectacular. Enjoy traditional bodega charm, spacious and stylish rooms, three swimming pools, tennis courts and a marvellous restaurant. On arrival, you may like to take a dip, play a game of tennis or simply relax poolside. The vineyards that surround your hotel produce Peru’s most famous wine along with the national drink, pisco. This afternoon, you'll have the option to visit the Nazca Lines. Etched into the landscape some 22 kilometres north of Nazca, these mysterious desert drawings remain a mystery. Just speak to your leader to arrange this activity.

Travel to the coast this morning to the Paracas Peninsula for an excursion to the Ballestas Islands. These islands are home to abundant wildlife, including pelicans, red-footed boobies, flamingos, sea lions and even penguins. You'll have the chance to get up close and personal with wildlife on a boat tour. Return to your accommodation in the afternoon where you’ll have the opportunity to explore the vineyards on a private tour with an expert sommelier. Hear the history of the vineyard and learn how they make wine and pisco. Cap off the day with drinks at a lookout point, watching the sun set over the landscape.

This morning you'll return to Lima and meet any new members joining your group. After, head out with your leader and fellow travellers for a dinner at one of the city’s best restaurants, surrounded by views of ancient ruins. The creative chef offers traditional Peruvian dishes with a modern twist.

Start the day with a walking tour with your leader through downtown Lima. Admire the buildings of Plaza Mayor and visit the eerie catacombs of the Saint Francis Monastery, then head away from the tourist trail to Alameda de Chabuca Granda – an area popular with the locals. Later, catch a flight to Arequipa – a beautiful city with a UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre. When you arrive, head out for an orientation walk with your leader. Known as La Ciudad Blanca (The White City), Arequipa’s buildings have been built almost exclusively from a white volcanic material called sillar, giving the city a distinctive appearance. Situated in a valley at the foot of the El Misti volcano, the city stands against a truly remarkable backdrop.

This morning, meet a local guide who’s an expert on all things Arequipa and set out on a tour of the city. Explore Plaza de Armas, the city’s main square, then continue to the Santa Catalina Monastery while your guide shares stories of the city’s history along the way. Stop by the San Ignacio Chapel to appreciate its mural paintings. Visit the beautiful Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa with another local expert guide who will discuss the many layers of the building’s history – from its construction in 1656 to its subsequent destructions and reconstruction. The afternoon is free for you to make your own discoveries. Why not pick up an Alpaca jumper and meet the llamas and alpacas of Mundo Alpaca or take part in an active adventure in the surrounding hills and rivers. Or maybe visit the museum that houses 'Mummy Juanita' – the well-preserved body of a young Inca girl who died sometime between 1450 and 1480.

This morning, drive through the Altiplano high plains to the Colca Valley and Canyon. On the way you'll see grazing vicunas, llamas and alpacas, as well as stone cairns built by local Indigenous communities. More than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, the Colca Canyon provides some breathtaking views. The pre-Inca terraces carved into its walls are still cultivated today, and the area is dotted with traditional Indigenous villages with locals in colourful dress. Stop at the highest point (4910 m) to take in views of the landscape below. Drive to the town of Chivay, where you'll have some time to soak up the local hot springs, then continue to your accommodation for the evening. Tonight, join your group around a bonfire at your hotel for a glass of vino caliente (hot wine), a traditional beverage here in Peru’s Andean region. Sip on this comforting mulled wine infused with warm, fragrant spices as you get to know your fellow travellers a little better.