Costa Rica and Luxury Machu Picchu

Fly direct from London Gatwick to San José, Costa Rica, where you will be transferred to your hotel for a two-night pre-cruise stay.

San Jose is Costa Rica’s capital and is the largest city in the whole country. Enjoy a full day exploring this magnificent city before we board the Star Clipper for our seven-night cruise.

Transfer to Star Clipper, your tall ship and home for the next seven nights. The floating hotel carries only a small number of passengers and you’ll have time and space on board to enjoy the vessel’s many features; on deck pools, bars and library, all evoking the feel of a nautical era gone by.

The small busy town of Quepos serves as the gateway to the Manuel Antonio National Park. There is a good restaurant scene, the streets are easy to navigate and the locals are friendly.

Each Star Clippers ship offers a traditional and elegant way to see the world. Feel the wind fill the sails and gently carry you from one gorgeous destination to the next. During your time on board, you can choose to relax on a sun lounger or cool off in one of the pools on the top deck, while more adventurous passengers may enjoy the opportunity to climb the rigging or even have a go at steering the ship. Alternatively, you can wander the interior areas of the ship and discover relaxing lounges, and a peaceful library.

San Juan del Sur is Nicaragua's beach party destination. It's own beach is pretty enough but venture just north or south and you will discover world class surfing beaches that host many international surfing competitions. In addition you can explore peaceful fishing villages and discover sea-turtle nesting grounds. The Mirador del Cristo de la Misericordia sits on one of the highest points on the bay and is one of the tallest Jesus statues in the world.

Playa Nacascolo is located on Costa Rica's Pacific coast on the east side of the Papagayo Peninsula. The golden sandy beach is surrounded by headlands covered in vegetation that stay lush for most of the year allowing you to spot coatis and monkeys. It has been described as one of Costa Rica's prettiest beaches.

This area consists of the three seaside villages of Flamingo, Surf side and Potrero. It has an ideal beach with calm waters for a relaxing swim or a long stroll along this exquisite Pacific coastline.

Disembark Star Clipper and transfer to San José airport for a flight to Lima, Peru for a two-night stay at a 5-star Belmond property, including a guided tour of the city on Day 11. Your tour will visit the UNSECO World Heritage Plaza Mayor, opulent cathedral and San Francisco monastery. Entry to the Larco Museum is included to admire the collection of Peruvian Gold and renowned display of erotic ceramics.

Transfer back to the airport for a short flight to Cusco, deep in the heart of the Andes. You will be collected and taken to your next gorgeous 5-star Belmond property for another two-night stay. On your way to the hotel you will drive through the awe-inspiring scenery of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting the traditional weavers’ Awanakancha Center and the bustling market town of Pisac, famed for its ceramic, beaded and textile handicrafts. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities and rest while you acclimatise to the altitude.

On today’s excursion you will travel through a richly diverse landscape, to the village of Ollantaytambo, home to one of the most impressive Inca fortresses. Also included is a visit to Moray, another intriguing Inca site. Lunch is included today at a local restaurant in the Sacred Valley, using fresh produce from chef Tatiana’s garden, in the shadow of the Vilcanota mountain range. After lunch you’ll visit the salt pans of Maras, where traditional 400-year-old techniques are still used.

Today it’s time for your luxury rail journey from Rio Sagrado station up to Machu Picchu on board the 1920s-style Hiram Bingham, a Belmond Train. The train emulates the style of a bygone era, with the carriages having been furnished by Compagnie Des Internationales Wagons-Lits - the original creators of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express carriages. A delicious lunch is served on board, against the backdrop of the region’s beautiful tropical mountain forest. Machu Picchu stands at 2,340m above sea level, showcasing the Incas’ incredible urban engineering skills and this afternoon you will enjoy a fully guided tour of the 15th-century Inca citadel and surrounding complexes (entrance to the citadel is included). Tonight you will stay overnight at the truly stunning 5-star Sanctuary Lodge, a Belmond Hotel – the only hotel located directly at the entrance to Machu Picchu.

This morning you will have free time to explore this impressive location by yourself. There are two treks to choose from – the Sun Gate, which is the entry point to Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail and provides jaw-dropping views of the ruins; or up to Huayna Picchi, soaring 260m above Machu Picchu. Or you can simply enjoy a gentle wander at your leisure or relax at the wonderful hotel. Lunch is included at the hotel ahead of your early evening return journey on the Hiram Bingham train with another sumptuous meal on board, back down to Cusco, where you will stay for the night at yet one more 5-star Belmond property.

This morning you will enjoy a half-day tour of Cusco, with a visit to cathedral and the Santo Domingo Temple, built on the foundations of an important Inca temple devoted to worship of the sun. Your tour also includes a visit to the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman, which overlooks the city of Cusco, before headings to Qenqo rock carvings. In the afternoon you will transfer to Cusco airport for your overnight flight back to London.

Arrive back in the UK