Peru May 2 -12, 2012 (ONLY 1 SPACE LEFT)

Peru May 2 -12, 2012 (ONLY 1 SPACE LEFT)

Novack’s Avid Traveller invites you to immerse yourself in Peruvian culture and unearth the secrets of the Incas on this unforgettable journey through the Andes. Experience the land of the ancient Incas as we discover the secrets of the Urubamba Sacred Valley, then take a breathtaking train ride to the legendary “Lost City of the Incas”, Machu Picchu. Take a boat tour of Lake Titicaca to the exotic islands of Taquile and Uros. From the ancient Inca ruins of Cusco to the natural wonders of the Andian Mountains, the mysteries of Peru await!

Tour Leader

An Avid Traveller, Paul Caplan, President of Novack’s, brings years of designing and leading exciting travel adventures to all parts of the globe. From Vietnam to Costa Rica, from Budapest to the Black Sea, and now to Peru in South America, Paul brings a love of discovery in travel, people and activity to each of the tours he leads. Emphasis has been placed on the history of the ancient Incas, cultural experiences and the mesmerizing beauty of this region.

We invite you to immerse yourself in this fully guided, first class small group adventure. We urge you to reserve your space today as this tour is sure to be a sell out!

Itinerary

Day 1, Wednesday, May 2nd – Lima
Upon our group arrival we will be transferred to our hotel for check-in and overnight. Overnight at Ramada Airport Hotel or similar.

Day 2 – Thursday, May 3rd – Cusco
After breakfast transfer back to the Lima airport for a flight to Cusco. Private transfer to our centrally located first class hotel. Upon arrival in Cusco time will permit rest and relaxation to acclimatize to the elevation. Enjoy a short orientation walking tour of the city centre prior to dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight Libertador Cusco or similar. (B, D)

Day 3 – Friday, May 4th - Cusco
Cuzco is the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city, and the hub of the South American travel network. The city attracts travellers who come not just to visit a unique destination but also to experience an age-old culture very different from their 20th century way of life; one could easily spend a week just in and around the area. Inca-built stone walls line most of the central streets and one doesn’t have to go far to see other major Inca ruins. It is a city steeped in history, tradition and legend. Today we have a full day tour of Cusco and the surrounding area including excursions to Saqsaywaman & Tambomachay. Return to Cusco for dinner at leisure and overnight at Libertador Cusco or similar. (B)

Day 4 – Saturday, May 5th – Sacred Valley
Enjoy a full day tour of the Sacred Valley as we embark on a journey to visit the impressive Pisac ruins, women’s weaving project and the colourful artisan market. We stop for a group lunch at a local restaurant in the Sacred Valley. The day finishes in the picturesque village of Ollantaytambo, site of another large Inca ruin. Overnight Sacred Valley Casa Andina Private Collection or similar. (B, L, D)

Day 5 – Sunday, May 6th – Aguas Calientes
This morning we have a tour of Ollantaytambo. After lunch we travel by the “Vistadome” train for a breaktaking ride through the Urubamba Valley to the village of Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival we will enjoy a guided nature walk to learn about the local flora and fauna of the area. Dinner and overnight at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel or similar. (B, D)

Day 6 – Monday, May 7th – Machu Picchu
We rise very early this morning to board a bus to the historic spiritual centre of the Incas, the “Lost City of the Incas” Machu Picchu. Enjoy our private guided tour through this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The remainder of the day will be at leisure for you to enjoy the mysteries of these majestic ruins. Dinner and overnight at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel or similar. (B, D)

Day 7 – Tuesday, May 8th – Cusco
This morning you will travel by vista dome train to Ollantaytambo. You will then be transferred by van or bus to visit Moray Ruins before continuing on to Cusco. Overnight at Libertador Cusco or similar. (B)

Day 8 – Wednesday, May 9th – Puno
Today you will fly from Cusco to Juliaca and transfer by bus to the lakeside town of Puno. You will have some time at leisure to explore this town on your own or with our guide. Dinner and overnight at Casa Andina Private Collection or similar. (B, D)

Day 9 – Thursday, May 10th – Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world and home to many fascinating cultures. Today you take a boat ride across Lake Titicaca to visit the floating reed islands of the Uros people. Visit Taquile Island and enjoy meeting the friendly local villagers. A picnic lunch will be included. You’ll return to Puno for dinner and overnight at Casa Andina Private Collection or similar. (B, L, D)

Day 10 – Friday, May 11th – Lima
This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Lima. Upon arrival you will have a guided tour of this “City of Kings” including a visit to the Larco Herrera Museum. Tonight enjoy a group farewell dinner as we reminisce about the memories of our trip through Peru. Transfer back to Lima airport for onward journey home. (B, D)

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described above, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. Novack’s reserves the right to change itinerary when deemed necessary, or desirable.

Accommodations

Hotel Ramada Costa Del Sol Lima Airport

This 4-star hotel is conveniently located within Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport, only 20 meters away. It includes an on-site Spa Express. Hotel Ramada Costa Del Sol Lima Airport provides comfortably furnished rooms and suites that include 26 inch LCD TV with cable, free Wi-Fi, and marble bathrooms. Suites feature a 32 inch LCD TV, separate living room and jacuzzi. Guests can keep fit at the gym or relax at the spa. Hotel Ramada Costa also provides a business centre. There is a restaurant and bar where breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as a variety of drinks are served.

Libertador Palacio del Inka, Cusco

The luxurious Libertador Palacio del Inka Cusco, is located in front of the Koricancha, in central Cusco. The stylish and modern rooms provide air conditioning or heating and cable TV. There is a choice of twin or double beds. All feature quality linen and spacious bathrooms. A buffet breakfast is included. The restaurant serves both local and international cuisine. There is also a bar, where you can relax with a drink and superb view. Guests have access to the gym and wireless internet

Casa Andina Private Collection Valle Sagrado - Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley’s most complete hotel: a mountain chalet-styled retreat with panoramic Andes views from every room and every angle. On more than 8 landscaped acres (3 hectares), it breathes an air of tranquility and relaxation. Unique among Sacred Valley hotels – most of which remain isolated in the valley, offering precious little for guests to do – it contains an extraordinary, full-service “Sacred Spa”, a domed Planetarium & Observatory for stargazing in the massive Southern Hemisphere sky, and gourmet restaurant and bar. Casa Andina organizes a wide range of activities for both families and adventures, including trekking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, visits to Andean markets and Inca ruins, and ceramics, textiles, yoga and cooking classes.
The 85 inviting, spacious rooms overlook the property’s extensive gardens and feature either private balconies or sunny sitting areas. Equidistant between Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley of Cusco, the hotel is perfectly positioned for easy access to the valley’s abundant attractions and incomparable Inca ruins, including world-renowned.

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel

How does one best prepare for a visit to the enigmatic Lost City of the Incas? Nothing less than a natural paradise will do — a paradise where one connects completely with the sacred energy of the mountain. In Inkaterra’s vacation paradise and luxury boutique hotel, a pueblo of luxurious whitewashed bungalow nestles into terraced hills. Spa services use sublime natural essences, and a first-class restaurant boasts stunning views of the rushing Vilcanota River.

The train station is only steps away. But Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel exists in a world apart. An intimate 85-cottage luxury hotel in sprawling Andean style village within the secluded 12 acres of exquisite beauty, where guests follow stone pathways to their rooms, located in comfortable one- or two-story whitewashed casitas.

Sumaq Machu Picchu

This hotel opened in 2007 in Machu Picchu Pueblo, the town also known as Aguas Calientes, where trains bring travellers to the famed Native American ruins. Seemingly perched along a hillside, views are extraordinary here and the service is just as pleasing. Guests are met at the train station where staffers assist with baggage. The hotel's cafe and bar is lined with local stones and exudes a rustic air. Laptop luggers will be glad to learn of the wireless Internet access. A fully equipped spa tempts guests with aromatic treatments and massages. A whirlpool, steam room and sauna add to the fun. Accommodations show tiled floors, cream-colored walls, wooden headboards and area rugs that match the colorful alpaca bed throws. Amenities in all units include wireless high-speed Internet, minibars, phones, cable TVs and safes. Balconies provide stunning exposures of the surrounding greenery. Baths are complete with drenching showerheads, magnifying mirrors, bottled water, hair dryers and imported marble vanities.

Casa Andina Private Collection Puno

Perched at water’s edge and taking full advantage of its privileged location on the Puno area of Lake Titicaca, with extraordinary views 3,800m (12,500 ft) above sea level. The hotel’s gourmet restaurant is enclosed by a glass wall framing the lake and gardens; and a large, sunny terrace invites guests to contemplate Lake Titicaca’s seemingly endless expanse. Unique among Puno hotels, oxygen is available in all rooms (a bonus for guests having difficulty adapting to the high altitude). Inviting rather than imposing, the hotel — which has its own private train station stop, for guests coming from or traveling to Cusco — is a reflection of its altiplano location. It is built with rustic local materials, including stone, wood and clay tiles, while stone fireplaces warm the lobby lounge and restaurant. With Lake Titicaca the premier draw, guests can set off to explore its unique islands — the floating Uros, Taquile and Amantaní.

Inclusions

Superior and First Class Accommodations as listed in the itinerary
Local transportation by private van, local flight, vista dome train, chartered boat
Breakfast daily
2 lunches
7 dinners
Entrance Fees as per itinerary
Private air conditioned ground transportation
Service of a Peruvian Tour Leader throughout
Service of Local Guides at major sites
Services of Novack’s Avid Traveller tour leader – Paul Caplan
Sightseeing, activities and excursions as per itinerary
Domestic flights from Lima to Cusco, Cusco to Juliaca, Juliaca to Lima
Hotel service charges and taxes

Tour Costs Do Not Include:

International flights and taxes, domestic airline taxes, Items of a personal nature, meals not mentioned in itinerary, local or long distance phone calls, room service charges, entrance fees not mentioned in itinerary, insurance*, gratuities to local drivers and guides, etc.

*Mandatory medical insurance and emergency evacuation and repatriation up to US $200,000 of coverage is compulsory to travel with this group. We sell and strongly recommend RBC Travel Insurance.

ENTRY INTO PERU
A valid Canadian Passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Peru. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Should you need to apply for a Canadian Passport please download the application online at www.pptc.gc.ca. Anyone travelling on a passport other than a Canadian Passport should advise Uniglobe Instant Travel to ensure proper documentation.

Cost per Person:

Land Only: $4,600.00 pp based on twin/double
Single Supplement: $1,400.00 upon request – very limited space

Non Refundable Deposit Requirement:
$700.00 CAD per person

Final Payment Due:
27 February 2012

Payable to:
UNIGLOBE Instant Travel
100-235 North Centre Road
London ON N5X 4E7

Currency Fluctuations:
UNIGLOBE Instant Travel reserves the right to adjust tour price accordingly based on considerable currency fluctuations. We have used current exchange rate(s) in tour pricing.
All rates are subject to change.

To BOOK, please contact:

Bonnie Hinschberger at UNIGLOBE Instant Travel, 519-660-6966 ext 222 or by email, bhinschberger@uniglobeinstant.com. Complete Terms and Conditions will be provided at time of deposit