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Highlights of Peru

Peru - Trip code PR Discovery
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513Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
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Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

This compact yet comprehensive trip showcases Peru's most iconic sights, while also revealing a couple of the country's lesser-known treasures. Explore the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, take a boat out onto Lake Titicaca to discover floating islands and spend time with a small Andean community in the village of Misminay.

Why we love this trip
  • Machu Picchu - Take a train to Aguas Calientes and explore the ancient citadel, and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
  • Lima - Explore the bohemian district of Barranco and soak up street life whilst sipping a speciality coffee
  • Lake Titicaca - Discover the islands of Uros and Taquile that float on this high-altitude lake.

  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 8

    Lunch: 3

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Driver(s)

    Local Guide(s)

  • Transport

    Bus

    Boat

    Train

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    Accommodation

    8 nights comfortable hotel

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    Trip pace:

    Moderate

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    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 16
    Explore Average 11

Itinerary

Day 1 - Join trip in Cusco

Our tour starts in Cusco, once the beating heart of the mighty Inca Empire and now known as the archaeological capital of the Americas. The Spanish-style city of today, with its terracotta rooftops, arcaded plazas and steep winding alleyways, stands upon tremendous Inca foundations. Traces of the Inca legacy are everywhere, from the stone walls that line the city streets, to the museums filled with artefacts and relics.

For those arriving in time, our tour leader will meet you in the hotel reception at 6.00pm for a welcome meeting and for those that wish, there'll be the option to go out for dinner at a local restaurant. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Cusco at any time.

If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ), which is around a 15-minute drive away. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your tour leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

Accommodation:

Jose Antonio Hotel -Cusco (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: None

Day 2 - Walking tour of Cusco, taking in Sacsayhuaman and San Blas neighbourhood. Free afternoon

This morning, we'll take a walking tour through the historic city of Cusco, starting at the colossal archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman, a stone fortress that remains deeply embedded in the city's cultural identity. Then, winding our way along an old Inca trail, we'll head down to the colonial neighbourhood of San Cristobal, where the plaza gives us a sweeping view over the city's rooftops. Navigating the narrow streets of the old city, we'll reach the aqueduct of Sapantiana, a hidden engineering marvel known only to locals. This aqueduct directs us to arty San Blas, where coffee shops converge with artisan workshops.

Entering the main Plaza de Armas of Cusco, the focal point of the city, we're welcomed by the baristas of Three Monkeys Coffee who serve up some speciality coffees made from locally-sourced beans. Then, once revived, we'll continue walking, gazing upon the Qoricancha complex, once the Incas' most sacred site dedicated to the Sun God. Our final destination is Mercado de Wanchaq, a local hot spot jammed with rows of colourful stalls and filled with the aromas of seasonal fruit. Sipping at freshly pressed juice, we'll watch the sellers hawking their wares before returning to the hotel. The walking tour is approximately 4 kilometres/2.5 miles and is expected to take around four to five hours.

This afternoon has been left free to relax and acclimatise, or perhaps to further explore Cusco.

Accommodation:

Jose Antonio Hotel -Cusco (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 3 - Drive into the Sacred Valley and explore Ollantaytambo and the community of Misminay

Today we head into the the Sacred Valley, a fertile strip of agricultural land flanked either side by the mighty Andean mountains, which once formed epicentre of the great Inca Empire. We start at the fortress of Ollantaytambo, a striking Inca site that once served as a military, agricultural and religious stronghold. Perched strategically on the mountainside, its well-preserved stone terraces and intricate engineering demonstrate the skill and craftsmanship that the Incas possessed. After exploring the fortress we continue into Ollantaytambo town, the only living settlement that still preserves the original Inca street layout.

Changing pace, we head out of the town and drive to the village of Misminay, a small Andean community which is home to many of the porters who work along the Inca Trail. We'll share a hearty home-cooked lunch with one of the families, all of which is prepared from locally sourced ingredients. Our time here provides a unique insight into this traditional Andean community's way of life, from the way they live off the land to their music and cultural beliefs.

After lunch we continue on to our hotel in the Sacred Valley, where the late afternoon is free.

Accommodation:

Hotel Tikawasi Valley (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 4 - Train to Aguas Calientes and visit to Machu Picchu

Rising early this morning, we'll take the expedition train, which rumbles its way alongside the Rio Urubamba, flanked by high cliffs and peaks, taking a scenic journey towards the mountain town of Aguas Calientes. Once a tiny village of no more than a few houses, this town is now bustling with travellers and trekkers coming to-and-from the famous 'lost' city of Machu Picchu.

This masterpiece of ancient civilisation remained undiscovered by the outside world until it was 'found' by an American archaeologist, Hiram Bingham, in 1911. We'll spend two and a half hours exploring the mountain-top stronghold via the classic route which starts at the iconic viewpoint before winding its way through the citadel, past the Temple of the Sun and the agricultural centres.

After exploring Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the modern world, we'll return to the valley floor and catch the train back to Ollantaytambo where we continue by private bus to Cusco, a journey of approximately four hours.

Accommodation:

Jose Antonio Hotel -Cusco (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 5 - Drive over the Andean Altiplano to Puno, via La Raya Pass (4,335m)

Today we'll follow the legendary route taken by the first Inca ruler - Manco Capac - which spans the mountains and high passes between Cusco and Puno.

It's a long but rewarding day, with some interesting stops along the way to break the journey. We first stop in the village of Andahuaylillas and its so-called 'Sistine Chapel of the Americas', its ornate baroque interior housing an extensive collection of paintings and murals. We'll also stop at the archaeological complex of Raqchi with its Inca stone structures which stand at some 12 metres/40 feet high.

Continuing on, our bus snakes its way up to the northern limit of the Altiplano, crossing the high point of La Raya pass (4,335 metres/14,222 feet). The scenery is vast and desolate but magnificent, and we might even spot flocks of llamas and alpacas grazing on the windswept pastures. We should reach the shores of the great Lake Titicaca in the late afternoon/early evening, with the total journey taking approximately 11 hours including stops.

Accommodation:

Hotel Jose Antonio Puno (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 6 - Boat trip on Lake Titicaca, explore the floating islands Uros and Taquile

Straddling the border between Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca sits at an altitude of 3,800 metres above sea level, and is South America's largest lake. Regarded by the Incas as the birthplace of the sun, Titicaca has long been a place of myth and spirituality. Its still waters are pocketed with traditional reed islands which are home to the Uros people, who continue to live much as their ancestors did - fishing, crafting, and building their floating homes from layers of reeds.

Today we'll take a boat trip on Lake Titicaca to explore these floating islands. Starting on Uros Island, we'll learn how the island has been crafted from totura, a reed-like papyrus that grows in the shallows and is used in most aspects of the Uros people's life, including the construction of their boats and homes. We'll then continue to the lesser-visited island of Taquile which has preserved much of its Inca and pre-Inca heritage. Here, the islanders still speak the language of the Inca - Runa Simi or Quechua.

After lunch, we'll take to the the waters of the high-altitude lake again, heading back by boat to the city of Puno, where we should arrive back by the early evening.

Accommodation:

Hotel Jose Antonio Puno (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 7 - Drive to Juliaca and fly to Lima, late afternoon free in the capital

We make our way to the town of Juliaca this morning, around a one and a half hour journey from Puno. From here we fly onto Lima, the biggest city in Peru and the so-called culinary capital of South America.

Lima offers foodies a wealth of cuisine to sample, from fresh ceviche served in local markets to world-renowned fine dining, the food here draws influences from Indigenous, Spanish, African, and Asian flavours. Outside of its food-scene, Lima is a modern cosmopolitan city, littered with reminders of its colonial and pre-Hispanic past, particularly in the historical centre.

After checking into our hotel, we have some free time this afternoon to explore Lima, or perhaps you might prefer to escape the busy traffic of the city for a little calm on the nearby Pacific Coast walking paths.

Accommodation:

Jose Antonio Lima Executive (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 8 - Explore the Barranco district on foot, with the option to further explore Lima's colonial sights

This morning has been left free, or if you'd prefer to explore there is an optional tour into Lima's colonial past, taking in the city's incredible Plaza de Armas and the Convent of Santo Domingo. It is also possible to visit nearby Pachacamac, an important archaeological site located on the Lurin River, just outside of the Lima metropolitan area.

This afternoon we set off on foot for a walking tour of the the artistic neighbourhood of Barranco. This area has a reputation for creativity, with some of the best street art in the city. As well as beautiful architecture and a seafront walk, we'll visit the workshop of Victor Delfin (a renowned Peruvian artist), which will give you a sense of Barranco's bohemian beginnings (note that the artist isn't always in residence). We'll stroll along the boardwalk to the Bridge of Sighs, a spot popular with romantics and that offers sweeping views out to the Pacific Ocean. Along the way we'll take a break to enjoy a Peruvian coffee at a speciality coffee and chocolate shop.

Accommodation:

Jose Antonio Lima Executive (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 9 - Trip ends in Lima

Our trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Lima. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Lima at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM) , which is around a one-hour drive from our hotel.

If you're travelling on to the Amazon, you'll be transferred to Jorge Chavez International Airport this morning for your flight to Puerto Maldonado.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

Peru

Climate

There is a rainy season from Dec - Mar however on the coast it rarely rains. Jun-Oct is damp and misty, but temperatures never drop below 10°C. At high altitudes although there are sunny days temperatures can drop dramatically, and conditions can change suddenly.

Time difference to GMT

-5

Plugs

2 Pin Flat

Religion

Catholicism

Language

Spanish

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.


Cusco - City by night and Pisco Sour workshop US$30
Puno - Andahuaylillas entrance US$5
Aguas Calientes - Hot Springs US$6
Lima - Half day historic Lima tour US$39, half day visit to Pachacamac US$43

Clothing

Select your clothing carefully. A complete set of clothes which can get grubby and muddy are useful. Bring warm clothing such as a warm fleece, thermal underwear, warm hat and gloves for cooler nights in the mountains when temps drop dramatically. Lightweight waterproofs are essential. Bring your swimsuit.

Footwear

Comfortable shoes and lightweight walking shoes and sandals.

Luggage

20kg

Luggage: On tour

There are two points on the tour where you will leave your main bags in storage and will require a small overnight bag:

 

Equipment

A good insect repellent is essential. Also bring a small torch, sun hat, sunscreen and a swimsuit and a small towel (for rafting and thermal baths). Please note drones are prohibited in most tourist areas in Peru. We advise you bring a water bottle for day to day use.

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. However, you might want to recognise a leader that's done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It's a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we'd recommend between £15 to £20 per person per week as a guideline
Local crew
Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, your leader may organise a group's tips kitty for included activities and meals and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
Accordingly, you should allow US$ 50, approx. 160 Peruvian Soles per person for group tipping
For all non-included services and meals on your trip please tip independently at your discretion.
 

Peru

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£5.00-8.00
Dinner price
£15.00
Beer price
£2.00 - 4.00
Water price
£1
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Peruvian Sol (PEN)
Recommended Currency For Exchange
You can choose to either change your money in advance or on arrival at the airport. Here you will find both ATMs and Bureau de Change. The exchange rate with the PEN is approximately PEN 4.3 to the British Pound. We recommend you take some emergency cash in USD as the GBP exchange rate isn’t very good. Notes should be in good condition otherwise they might be difficult to exchange. Please check on line for up to date information
Where To Exchange
Your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability
ATMs can be found in the major towns and cities for cash withdrawals in Nuevos Soles. Always have some cash back up as they are not always reliable
Credit Card Acceptance
Credit card are widely accepted in many shops and restaurants but some may be subject to a service charge
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bus, Boat, Train

Accommodation notes

During this tour, we'll stay in a selection of three-star, comfortable hotels. We choose our accommodation based on location, comfort and authenticity, while we're guaranteed a warm, local welcome, there might not always be the comforts of home.


Peru

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip. 

 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information


Peru: Visas are not required for UK, New Zealand, Australian, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.

USA: If your flights pass through the USA, even if only in transit, you will require either a visa or an ESTA (an e-visa). Please read on for more information.

Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can apply for an ESTA under certain conditions. This applies if you enter the country by sea or by air, and this must be done online via https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov, no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding.

You must have a biometric passport to apply for an ESTA. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover.

If you have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen since 2011 or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel with an ESTA and instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel. You should also be aware that if you have travelled to or have been in Cuba since the 12th of January 2021, you will not be eligible for an ESTA visa waiver and will need to apply for a US visa. You should consult the US State Department website to determine which you will need.

Your ESTA application will ask for Point of Contact information. Please note that if you're only transiting through the USA then this is not required. If you're visiting or staying in the USA on an Explore trip, then our USA contact information will be listed on your final documentation which you will receive approximately 3-4 weeks before departure.
Entry requirements for the USA can change regularly, therefore, please ensure you have the most up to date information before you travel by checking the US embassy website. Visa applications - http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/apply.html

Canada: An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is required by British citizens transiting via Canada. For more information see the official Canadian government website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Altitude information

We have specifically designed this itinerary to allow you to acclimatise gradually against the symptoms of altitude sickness, a common and usually harmless condition caused by reduced air pressure and a lower concentration of oxygen. At altitudes of over 3000m, minor symptoms such as headaches and shortness of breath are commonly experienced for a day or two, and there is no preparation that you can do for this. Symptoms aren't related to general fitness. The best remedy is to rest, not ascend any further and ensure that you're well hydrated. If the symptoms persevere or get worse, then the main course of action is immediate descent.

If any symptoms do occur - whether minor or more severe - then you should let your Explore Leader know immediately.

As this tour reaches altitudes of over 4000 metres, we strongly recommend that travellers with heart or lung conditions, anaemia, asthma, high blood pressure or on the pill should seek the advice of their GP.

Please also ensure that your insurance policy covers you to the maximum altitude of 4910m.

Peru

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, polio and hepatitis A. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please note many countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccination certificates if travelling from infected areas. A detailed list of these countries can be found on the NaTHNaC website - http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries. Also on the NaTHNaC site there is a list of Countries (and specific areas within a country) which are at risk of infection and a vaccination is therefore recommended. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Discovery information
Award Winning Explore Leaders
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Price Guarantee Promise
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Airport Transfers
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Print Trip Notes

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