From the Inca Empire to the Peruvian Amazon

Welcome to the cosmopolitan city of Lima, where you will be met by your Tour Director. Get ready to discover age-old cultures, rich traditions, the legendary Inca Empire, and the mighty Amazon Basin!

This morning, join your Local Guide on a walking tour that focuses on Lima's colonial heritage in the old quarter of the city. Start at the Plaza de Armas, boasting the city's original colonial architecture from over four centuries ago. See the Government Palace, where Peru's president resides, as well as the Renaissance/Baroque-style cathedral. From here, stroll to the venerable San Franciso Monastery with its splendid 17th-century cloister murals. For a special treat, visit the Larco Herrera Museum, which houses the largest private collection of pre-Colombian Peruvian art in the world. This evening, enjoy a special Local Favorite and welcome dinner at one of Lima's finest historic mansions, Casa Garcia Alvarado. Hosted by the home's owner and your Tour Director, toast the exciting start of your vacation with your fellow traveling companions and enjoy some typical Peruvian food.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Fly to Cusco, the ancient Andean city that was once capital of the Inca Empire. Spend the day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, starting with a visit to the Temple of Sacsayhuaman, perched on a hillside overlooking Cusco. With its massive stones weighing up to 300 tons, this 15th-century fortress is one of the best displays of the Incas' impressive stonework. While most believe it was a religious temple, Sacsayhuaman was also site of one of the most violent battles between the Spanish and the Cusqueños. The Spanish were ultimately victorious in 1536, disassembling part of the site to build homes in Cusco and leaving behind the ruins we find today. Next, stop at the ceremonial site of Kenko, where ancient rituals were performed-perhaps, even sacrifices. Nearby, see Puca Pucara, thought to be a rest stop, weapons storage, or guard post used by the Incas and their soldiers. At Awanakancha, encounter llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos and learn the difference between these South American camels and their importance in Peruvian culture. Continue to the old mountain village of Pisac, home to a huge Indian market where you will have free time to shop for local wares such as alpaca sweaters, blankets, and handmade jewelry. This evening at a Peruvian Paso Horse Show, learn about (and even take a ride on) the horses bred here specifically for the terraced landscape. Top off the day with some wine and an Andean-style dinner.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the small village of Ollantaytambo this morning, visit the Inca fortress followed by the opportunity to visit a native Inca's home and experience their way of life. Next, board the Vistadome train for a short journey through the lush Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes. From here, take the winding road up to legendary Machu Picchu, known as the "Lost City of the Incas", hidden so well that the invading Spaniards never found it. High above the steep valley overlaid with dense tropical jungle, a Local Guide will bring you closer to the lives and mysteries still hidden in these amazing structures built by the pre-Columbian masters of this sacred land. Tonight, stay at the foot of the mountain where Machu Picchu is found and enjoy an exquisite dinner prepared from regional Peruvian ingredients.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

If you choose, rise early today using your second included entrance to Machu Picchu and see the sunrise over the ruins. Enjoy the tranquility of the morning as you wander the ruins at your own pace and experience the magic that is Machu Picchu. Explore the terraces or perhaps venture up to see the Sun Gate, once used as the ancient entrance to the Sanctuary. After lunch, return to the Sacred Valley by train and continue on to Cusco.

• Breakfast, Lunch

Set out on a guided Cusco walking tour with a Local Guide to learn more about the Incas and their struggle against invading Spaniards. Visit the Santo Domingo Monastery, originally called Koricancha and built by the Incas as a Temple of the Sun. Today you can still see the impressive Inca masonry that provided a foundation to the Baroque church the Spanish built on top of the Inca temple. Continue to Cusco's Plaza de Armas to visit the imposing colonial Cathedral before enjoying the remainder of the day at leisure. Tonight, enjoy a special dinner at one of Cusco's most elegant restaurants, featuring wine and food inspired by Peru's eclectic mix of cultures.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Bid farewell to your Tour Director in Lima when you board a flight north to Iquitos. Upon arrival, transfer to the Delfin III, your luxurious, floating home for the next three nights. On board, settle in to your spacious suite before meeting your onboard Naturalist and Cruise Director at a welcome meeting. Learn about the animals you'll encounter, the native villagers you'll meet, and the astonishing plant life you'll see-like the giant water lily, with flowers the size of soccer balls and leaves that can grow up to eight feet in diameter and support the weight of a human! Later, sit down to an unforgettable dinner featuring 5-star cuisine prepared by one of Peru's top 10 chefs! Savor ingenious dishes created from fresh local fruits, fish, spices, and other local products, and toast your incredible adventure with a glass of fine South American wine.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

If you're an early riser, your first glimpse of the majestic Amazon as the sun creeps up over the horizon will be truly breathtaking. The sights-and the sounds- will stay with you forever. After breakfast, board launches that will take you right up close to the Yacapana Isles, the "Isle of the Iguana." You'll quickly understand the name as you spot the many resident reptiles that call this area home. You may also have the chance to do a little piranha fishing with your expert Naturalist. Return to your ship to freshen up, relax, and enjoy lunch. Later today enjoy a Local Favorite and meet the ship's chef who will teach you how to make the perfect Peruvian ceviche as well as a refreshing Pisco Sour, the Peruvian National drink! Then, right before dusk, get your camera ready for the rare chance to photograph gray and pink freshwater dolphins...but you better beware! Legend says they can magically transform and abduct handsome men and pretty women. As night falls over the jungle, the search is on for caiman, frogs, and a variety of nocturnal wildlife.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, enjoy a leisurely morning of breakfast and cruising before heading ashore with your Naturalist to investigate the area's amazing flora and fauna, like the bald uakari monkeys, squirrel monkeys, sloths, and numerous bird species. Return to your ship for lunch and time to relax, then head back out on the river to seek out more of the region's rare pink dolphins, as well as a variety of birdlife, including the colorful and rambunctious macaw. If you choose, you can stay out after dark to search for more of the nocturnal creatures. Back on board your ship, enjoy a delightful dinner and maybe a cocktail on the top deck as you socialize with your travel companions and discuss the day's sightings.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, say goodbye to the Delfin III and return to Iquitos for your flight to Lima.

• Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

• Breakfast