(Come to the "MACHU PICCHU PREVIEW". Tues. Sept. 30, 2008 - 7:00 pm)
Saturday, April 18 - Sunday, April 26, 2009
Machu Picchu has been named one of the 7th wonders of the world! The Inca civilization is a fascinating part of our world history. Come explore Lima, Cuzco, the Sacred Valley and one of the magnificent wonders of the Inca world - Machu Picchu!
Saturday, April 18 - Depart from Los Angeles and fly into Lima, Peru. Check into our hotel for our 2 night stay.
Sunday, April 19 - Lima, an ancient colonial city, has been declared a UNESCO "World Cultural Heritage City". We enjoy a tour of the city today, seeing the highlights at Plaza Mayor, the San Francisco Monastery, residential districts and magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean. Following lunch, we will visit Larco Herrera Museum. Housed in an 18th century colonial mansion, the museum exhibits the most extensive collection of pre-Columbian art in Peru. Tonight's WELCOME DINNER is in Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion that has been occupied by the same family since 1535. (B, D)
Monday, April 20 - We fly to Cuzco this morning and will be transported upon arrival to the Urubamba Valley, known as the "Sacred Valley" of the Incas. On our way, we will be "introduced" to South American cameliadae - llama, alpaca and vicuna. The fibers from these animals are used in weaving. We will see the ancient weaving techniques that are still in use.
Lunch is at Casa Hacienda Orihuea, where the Orihuelas family will be our host. The family members are great collectors. Their house has a varied collection of popular and colonial art, ceramics, paintings, weapons, photography, ceremonial vessels and ceramic bulls of Pucara. The outside environs are just as interesting - from a forest of eucalyptus trees to giant white corn!
Seminario Ceramic Studio, dedicated to the discovery of techniques and designs from ancient Peruvian cultures, will be our destination for this afternoon. Tonight is our first of two nights in the Sacred Valley. (B,L,D)
Tuesday, April 21 - This morning we drive to the colonial village of Pisac to visit the bustling Indian Market. Shoppers will be delighted with the variety of Peruvian handicafts and jewelry. Ollantaytambo, an ancient fortress of temples and terraces that towers high over the valley, is our destination after lunch. We will return to our hotel for dinner and our second night in the Sacred Valley. (B,L,D)
Wednesday, April 22 - We transfer to Ollanta station for the train ride aboard the Vistadome to Machu Picchu, the "Lost City" of the Incas. Discovered in 1911, this momentous archaeological find is situated along remote mountains, amid a semi-tropical jungle. A motorcoach will take us to the ancient citadel where we can explore the complex of temples altars and over 200 buildings. Tonight we spend the night at the Inkaterra Hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo. (B,L,D)
Thursday, April 23 - Go back to Machu Picchu after breakfast this morning, or enjoy the lovely grounds of the Inkaterra. If you are in great shape, you may even wish to take a hike to Hyana Picchu (a high fitness level is required.) In the afternoon we depart by train for Cuzco. On arrival we will be transfered to our hotel for the first of 2 nights. (B)
Friday, April 24 - Cuzco, over 11,000 ft in elevation, is the oldest inhabited city in the Western hemisphere! We start at the Farmer's Market - an authentic Peruvian market - selling everything from sewing machines to papayas. We'll visit the colonial section of the city, built in the 17th and 18th century, on our way to the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman. This fortress was created with huge stone blocks, but nobody knows how these components were cut, moved and put into place. It is one of the many Inca mysteries we long remember! (B,D)
Our "FAREWELL DINNER" tonight will be in a Pre-Columbian Art Museum!
Saturday, April 25 - We have this morning to be at leisure or to buy those last minute gifts. Depart for the airport for the flight back to Lima and on to Los Angeles (or extend your stay...see below***). Arrive in the U.S.A. on Sunday, April 26. (B)
TOUR FEE: $3,388 per person based on double occupancy; single supplement $845. Price is based on 15 participants. The price will be adjusted if there are less than 15 participants.
Included in fee: 7 nights in 4-star hotels; daily buffet breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners including special Welcome and Farewell dinners, land transportation in deluxe, air-conditioned private vehicles with private English speaking guides, roundtrip Vistadome train to Machu Picchu, porterage of 1 bag, tips, roundtrip international airfare in economy class Los Angeles/Lima/Los Angeles on LAN airlines, domestic air flights within Peru via LAN airlines in economy class- Lima/Cuzco/Lima.
Not included: U.S. departure taxes, fuel surcharges, Peru departure & airport taxes, items of a personal nature, travel insurance.
MARGE'S TOURS AND WORLDVIEW TRAVEL RECOMMEND THAT ALL PARTICIPANTS PURCHASE TRAVEL INSURANCE ONCE A DEPOSIT IS PLACED ON THIS TOUR. CONTACT MARGE AT 949-830-7791 FOR DETAILS.
TRAVEL ITINERARY & FEES: Adjustments to the itinerary and adjustments to fees may be necessary due to unforeseen circumstances. Participants will be notified of changes as they occur. Tour management is provided by Marge’s Tours in association with Worldview Travel, Inc (www.worldviewtravel.com). Travel arrangements are provided by LATour, Latin America.
***STAY AND SEE MORE OF PERU WITH OUR EXTENDED TOUR TOPUNO AND LAKE TITICACA, April 25-29, 2009 CLICK ON "PUNO & LAKE TITICACA" BUTTON ON THE UPPER LEFT HAND SIDE OF THIS PAGE.
CLICK ON "PERU REGISTRATION" FOR DETAILS ON RESERVING YOUR SPACE ON THIS TOUR!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Marge’s Tours, CST #206798-40 is a “Registered Seller of Travel” with the State of California. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California. A copy of the “Certificate of Registration” is available on request. Marge’s Tours neither owns nor operates any person or entity which is to, or does, provide goods or services for these tours. Because Marge's Tours does not maintain any control over the personnel, equipment, or operations of these suppliers, Marge's Tours assumes no responsibility for and cannot be held liable for any personal injury, death, property damage, or other loss, accident, delay, inconvenience, or irregularity which may be occasioned by reason of (1) any wrongful, negligent, willful, or unauthorized acts or omissions on the part of any of the tour suppliers, or other employees or agents, (2) any defect in or failure of any vehicle, equipment, instrument owned, operated or otherwise by any of these suppliers, or (3) any wrongful, willful, or negligent act or omissions on any part of any other party not under the supervision or control of Marge's Tours. Marge’s Tours is an Independent Contractor in affiliation with Worldview Travel, Inc, CST 1008676-10. (www.worldviewtravel.com)
