Wonders Of Peru & The Gal??pagos (2009)

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, co-founder 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 ever since. Miraflores Park Hotel or 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 a traditional pachamanca (an Andean feast) lunch and a Peruvian Paso horse demonstration. Later this afternoon observe a local ritual that pays homage to Pachamama, the "Earth Mother." Hotel Monasterio B L D

Board the deluxe Orient-Express Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu, where a late morning arrival gives you time to begin exploring this breathtaking Incan citadel with your guide. Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge B L D

Walk 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. Later, join Machu Picchu's resident archaeologist in exploring the city's ruins and feel the pulse of the civilization that once thrived here. Skeletons, artifacts and woolen clothing have been found here, but no written records, leaving the fate of the Incan inhabitants a mystery. Hotel Monasterio B L D

DESIGN YOUR DAY-CUSCO: Design Your Day options fill your morning: Explore Sacsayhuaman, a testimonial to the Inca's architectural skills; or discover the Labyrinth, an Incan shrine dedicated to the "Earth Mother"; or visit the fortress of Puka Pukara. Alternatively, visit the artist colony of San Blas. Dine tonight at Quinta Colcampata, built on ancient Inca grounds. Hotel Monasterio B D

Fly to Quito via Lima. Visit the Equatorial Monument and enjoy a tour of Quito, where you view the city's ornate churches and architecture. Tonight gather for dinner at one of the finest restaurants in town. Swissotel Quito B L D

Fly to the Gal??pagos archipelago and board 'Eclipse,' your home for your Galapagos adventure. Explore rocky beaches and eerie volcanic landscapes on visits to the main islands and their landmarks, including Pinnacle Rock on Bartolom?(C) Island, Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island, Gardner Bay and Punta Suarez on Espa?ola, the volcanoes of Isabela Island and the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island. Embark from 'Eclipse' in pangas (rubber boats) to see sunbathing sea lion playing tag between surf and sand; watch Sally Lightfoot crab scuttle across the beach; meet one of the island's ancient tortoises; and savor an incredible diversity of birdlife, including penguin, finch, pelican, frigate bird, tern and booby. MV 'Eclipse' B L D

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

Board your homebound flight. B