Peru & The Gal??pagos Family Holiday

Explore Lima this afternoon, beginning at the historic Plaza Mayor. Continue to the 16th-century cathedral and the Presidential Palace, an ideal place to stop for a photo of the soldiers who guard it. Gather with fellow travellers this evening for a private visit and dinner at Casa Aliaga, Lima's oldest colonial mansion. Built in 1535 by the illustrious Spanish conquistador Jer??nimo de Aliaga, cofounder of Lima and of the oldest university in the Americas, this incredible relic of colonial splendor has been home to 17 generations of his descendants. JW Marriott Hotel B D

Fly to Cusco and tour colonial and Incan archaeological sites this afternoon: the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas and the Santo Domingo Temple--a Dominican church and convent built on the foundations of the Koricancha or "place of gold." Regional expert Kike Pinto entertains you with an Andean music presentation during dinner this evening. Hotel Monasterio B L D

Explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas with a stop at the Chincheros market town, where its Sunday fair draws country folk from all corners of the valley to exchange their products. Meet local Andean weaver Nilda Calla?aupa Alvarez before attending a traditional pachamanca (an Andean feast) barbecue and a Peruvian Paso horse demonstration. Hotel Monasterio B L D

Board the luxury Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu. Explore the Incan ruins with a guide and, later, on your own. Feel the pulse of the civilization that once thrived here. Skeletons, artifacts and woolen clothing have been dixcovered, but no written records, leaving the fate of the Incan inhabitants a mystery. Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge B L D

Wander through Machu Picchu in the misty morning to explore the ruins before the crowds arrive. Then join your guide for a hike to the Inti Punku (Sun Gate), the entry to Machu Picchu from the Inca Trail, or go up Huayna Picchu, a mountain that is part of the citadel. This afternoon, return to Cusco aboard the Hiram Bingham. Hotel Monasterio B L D

DESIGN YOUR DAYSM with your choice of activities in Cusco this morning: explore Sacsayhuaman, a testimonial to the Inca's architectural skill; the Labyrinth, an Incan shrine dedicated to the "Earth Mother," and the fortress of Puka Pukara. Alternatively, visit the artist colony of San Blas. Dine tonight at Quinta Colcampata, built on ancient Incan grounds. Hotel Monasterio B D

Board a flight to Lima and then continue to Quito, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Swissotel Quito B

This morning's sightseeing begins with a visit to the Equatorial Monument, where you have the opportunity to straddle two hemispheres. Return to Quito for a city tour and marvel at the city's ornate churches, cathedrals and Baroque architecture. Dine tonight at one of the finest restaurants in town. Swissotel Quito B L D

Fly to the Gal??pagos archipelago where you board 'Eclipse,' your floating home base for the next four days of exploration. The Gal??pagos Islands are a haven for some of the world's most unique and varied wildlife - diversity that first led naturalist Charles Darwin to propose his radical theory of evolution. Darwin's work also reminded the world of the need to preserve these islands from degradation by humans, and your visit complies with the strictest standards of ecological responsibility. Weather, water and wildlife conditions affect actual day-by-day itineraries, but visits are planned for the main islands and their landmarks, such as Pinnacle Rock on Bartolom?(C) Island, Punta Espinosa on Fernandina Island, the volcanoes of Isabela Island and, if time permits, the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island. 'Eclipse' carries pangas (rubber boats) that carry you to rocky island beaches and eerie volcanic landscapes speckled with cacti and sleeping sea lion. Wander among the Galapagos' unique species that include sea lion, skittering Sally Lightfoot crab, marine iguana and abundant bird life. MV 'Eclipse' B L D

Disembark and depart Baltra for your flight back to Quito. Tonight, gather for a farewell dinner. Swissotel Quito B D

Board your homebound flight. B

This program contains some active elements, and a minimum level of fitness is required. Please contact A&K for details