Departs on 4th January 2024 or 1st February 2024
Sail on the majestic Star Clipper ship, before heading further into South America to stay at one of the greatest man-made wonders of the world: UNESCO World Heritage Site Machu Picchu.
Travel in style on board the Hiram Bingham, a Belmond Train, decked out in 1920s décor, in homage to the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, with an ambience to match.
Highlights
Luxury Rail & Sail experiences
Machu Picchu - on-site hotel, guided visit and free time to explore
Spend time in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Peru
Itinerary
Day 1-2) London to Costa Rica
Fly direct from London Gatwick to San José, Costa Rica, transfer to hotel for a 2 night stay.
Day 3) Puntarenas, Costa Rica Transfer to Star Clipper for the next 7 nights. You’ll have time and space to enjoy on deck pools, bars and library, all evoking the feel of a nautical era gone by. A trip to the Arenal Volcano, one of many excursions on offer, is not to be missed.
Day 4) Quepos, Costa Rica The small busy town of Quepos is the gateway to the Manuel Antonio National Park. It has largely retained it's authentic feel, with easy to navigate streets, a good restaurant scene and friendly locals.
Day 5) At sea Each Star Clipper ship offers a traditional and elegant way to sail from one gorgeous destination to the next. Relax on a sun lounger or cool off in one of the pools or discover relaxing lounges and peaceful library inside.
Day 6) San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua A pretty beach, and venture north or south to discover world class surfing beaches. Explore peaceful fishing villages and discover sea-turtle nesting grounds. The Mirador del Cristo de la Misericordia is one of the tallest Jesus statues in the world.
Day 7) Playa Panama - Bahia Culebra, Costa Rica
Day 8) Bahia Potrero - Flamingo, Costa Rica Three seaside villages of Flamingo, Surf side and Potrero, a beach with calm waters for a relaxing swim or a stroll along this exquisite Pacific coastline.
Day 9) Islas Tortugas, Costa Rica A tropical paradise. Coconut palms frame soft white sand beaches, lapped by crystal clear turquoise waters. Play beach volleyball, rent a kayak, swim, take a ride on a glass-bottom boat. If you're feeling adventurous, ride the zip line as part of a canopy tour.
Day 10-11) Disembark Puntarenas > Lima, Peru Disembark Star Clipper for flight to Lima for 2 night stay at a 5-star Belmond hotel. A guided tour of the city - visit the UNESCO World Heritage Plaza Mayor, opulent cathedral and San Francisco monastery. Admire the collection of Peruvian Gold and renowned display of erotic ceramics at the Larco Museum. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 12) Sacred Valley
Flight to Cusco to 5-star Belmond property for a 2-night stay. Driving through awe-inspiring scenery of Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting the weavers’ Awanakancha Center and market town of Pisac, famed for its handicrafts. Afternoon at leisure, enjoy the hotel facilities, rest and relax while you acclimatise to the altitude.
Day 13) Sacred Valley Travel through a richly diverse landscape to see impressive Inca fortresses at village Ollantaytambo. Visit Moray, an Inca site featuring fascinating concentric circle terraces. Lunch at a restaurant in the Sacred Valley in the shadow of the Vilcanota mountain range. On to the salt pans of Maras, using traditional 400-year-old techniques.
Day 14) Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu Luxury rail journey from Rio Sagrado station on board the 1920s-style Hiram Bingham, a Belmond Train. The locomotive emulates the style of a bygone era, the carriages furnished by the original creators of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Delicious lunch is served on board, against the backdrop of the region’s tropical mountain forest.
Machu Picchu stands at 2,340m above sea level, showcasing the Incas’ incredible engineering skills. Enjoy a guided afternoon tour of 15th-century Inca citadel and surrounding complexes.
Overnight stay at stunning 5-star Sanctuary Lodge, Belmond Hotel – the only hotel located directly at the entrance to Machu Picchu. A true sanctuary in the heart of tropical forests. Nestled in the trees, with views of mountains and an unrivalled position near the ancient Inca citadel. Dine on Peruvian classic dishes, embrace your spiritual side with a tea leaf reading or simply enjoy the flora and fauna as you watch the sun rise over Machu Picchu.
Day 15) Free time at Machu Picchu Explore this impressive location with 2 treks to choose from: the Sun Gate, the entry point on the Inca Trail with jaw-dropping views of the ruins; or up to Huayna Picchu, soaring 260m above Machu Picchu. Lunch at hotel before return journey on Hiram Bingham train. Enjoy a sumptuous meal on board and stay at Cusco's 5-star Belmond hotel.
Day 16-17) Return to the UK A half-day tour of Cusco, visit to the cathedral and Santo Domingo Temple. Visit the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman, before heading to Qenqo rock carvings.
Afternoon transfer to Cusco airport for overnight flight back to London.
Price from £9,899 pp based on 2 people sharing. Flights included.
Enhance your Experience
Upgrade your cabin on board Star Clipper
Upgrade your flights to Business Class
What's Included
Return economy flights from London
2 nights’ pre-cruise 4-star accommodation at 4-star Marriot Hotel (or similar) in San José, Costa Rica
7 nights’ full-board sailing on Star Clipper
Flight from San Jose, Costa Rica to Lima, Peru
2 nights’ 5-star accommodation at 5-star Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel, Lima with breakfast
Guided tour of Lima
Flight from Lima to Cusco
2 nights’ 5-star accommodation at 5-star Rio Sagrado, A Belmond Hotel, Sacred Valley with breakfast
Excursion to Awanakancha Center and Pisac
Excursion to Sacred Valley: Ollantaytambo, Moray, Maras
Hiram Bingham luxury train from Rio Sagrado to Machu Picchu and return, with lunch one way and dinner on the return included on board
Guided tour of Machu Picchu Inca citadel and its surrounding complexes
Overnight stay at 5-star Sanctuary Lodge at Machu Picchu with breakfast, lunch and evening meal
Machu Picchu - on-site hotel, guided visit and free time to explore
Overnight stay at 5-star Monasterio, a Belmond Hotel in Cusco with breakfast
Overseas transfers
Port charges
Occasional optional evening theatre/festival visits and entrances not detailed in the tour inclusions.
Entrance fees to mentioned monuments
Porterage during time in Peru
Guided tour of Cusco
ABTA and ATOL bonded for your financial protection
What's Not Included
Single supplement price available on request
Gratuities
Personal expenses
Terms and conditions
Lead-in price is based on two adults sharing a twin room/Category 6 cabin on Star Clipper, departing London Gatwick on 4th January 2024. Includes Early Booking Offer discount of £286pp valid until 30th April 2024. We reserve the right to amend this itinerary owing to local restrictions or timetable changes at any time. Time restrictions apply to the solo hikes. Your guide will endeavour to visit all possible areas of the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu, please be aware that local restrictions may mean all areas are not accessible. Small overnight bag only on Hiram Bingham to Sanctuary Lodge, luggage transferred to next hotel.
Please note, this tour visits high altitude and requires walking on uneven and steep terrain/steps. Suitable clothing and footwear is required. Some flights are indirect. Small section of rail journey is operated by coach. Full Fred.\ Holidays T&C apply.
Contact Abbotts Travel to discuss your requirements for a personalised quote.
A similar itinerary can be tailor made on request with frequent and flexible departures.
The exact price will be subject to your chosen departure date. Prices are based on 2 people sharing unless otherwise stated. Contact us for solo traveller pricing.
