Wonders Of Peru (2009)

Today, explore the "City of Kings," beginning at the Plaza Mayor, the official center of the city and the original site on which Lima was founded. Walk past the Cathedral to the Presidential Palace and the church of San Francisco, housing a library collection of fine paintings and frescoes. Spend time perusing the exhibits in the Archaeological Museum. This evening, the owners of Casa Aliaga host a private welcome dinner in the majestic 14th-century mansion. Miraflores Park Hotel or JW Marriott Hotel B D

Fly to Cusco and spend the morning relaxing and acclimatizing to the high altitude. This afternoon, a brief city tour showcases colonial Cusco with visits to the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas, and the Santo Domingo Temple, a Dominican church and convent. Return to your hotel for dinner and an evening of music with Kike Pinto, a regional expert on ancient Andean music. Hotel Monasterio B L D

Explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the local village of Chincheros, known for its colorful market. Meet Andean weaver Nilda Calla?aupa Alvarez, who demonstrates local techniques and discusses weaving's role in contemporary Andean culture. Pause for a traditional Pachamanca barbecue of meat, fruits and vegetables cooked on hot stones. Then watch a demonstration of the Peruvian Paso horse, with its completely natural four-beat lateral gait. Your afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the hotel's amenities. Witness a local Andean ritual that pays homage to the "Earth Mother" before dining at a recommended restaurant. Hotel Monasterio B L D

Board the deluxe Hiram Bingham train, bound for Machu Picchu. Enjoy a delectable brunch and first-rate service while the beautiful Peruvian countryside passes by. Overlooking the raging Urubamba River and discovered in a hidden tangle of vines and trees atop the mountain, Machu Picchu will forever hold the secret of its passing - its Inca inhabitants left no written records. Enjoy a tour of the ancient ruins with your guide. Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge B L D

Rise with the sun to walk through Machu Picchu in the early mist, exploring the ruins before the crowds arrive. Join your guide for a hike to the Inti Punku (Sun Gate) that is the entry point to the ruins from the Inca Trail or hike up the Huayna Picchu, the high mountain that is a part of the ruins. Alternatively, explore the magnificent citadel on your own. Later, enjoy a tour conducted by Alfredo Mormontoy Atayupanqui, resident archaeologist of the Inca citadel. A gourmet dinner aboard the Hiram Bingham en route to Cusco is a special treat tonight. Hotel Monasterio B L D

DESIGN YOUR DAY-CUSCO: Design Your Day options fill the afternoon: Visit the ruins of Sacsayhuaman - its engineering so precise that not even a sheet of paper will fit between the adjoining stones - or tour the artist colony of San Blas. In the evening, visit Quinta Colcampata, a magnificent colonial residence built on ancient Inca grounds. The spectacular view of the city from the terrace is an ideal setting for a cocktail. Move into the main lounge, decorated with 16th- and 17th-century paintings, for an intimate farewell dinner by the Inca fireplace. Hotel Monasterio B D

Return to Lima to visit the controversial Gold Museum, exhibiting an extraordinary sample of pre-Hispanic metalwork and the world's largest weapons collection. You may also shop for souvenirs, jewelry and books in the shops that line the museum's entrance. The evening is free to shop and explore. Miraflores Park Hotel or JW Marriott Hotel B

Board your homebound flight. B