Machu Picchu & South Caribbean

Today, you'll depart from Australia (or New Zealand) to Lima, Peru. Upon arrival in Lima, you'll be welcomed by a tour representative and transferred to the hotel.

Lima is a huge and fascinating city where world-famous restaurants sit alongside ancient archaeological sites. Known as The City of Kings, the Peruvian capital is packed with stunning colonial architecture, huge religious buildings, government seat and other important structures.

Please note:
• Due to flight scheduling and availability, some departures may occur on Day 0. Affected customers must be at the airport the day before. Flight times will be indicated on your final documentation which you will receive prior to departure.
• For those departing from Perth, you may depart on Day -1 (two days earlier). Flight times will be indicated on your final documentation, which you will receive prior to departure.
• Some customers may experience an extended layover. Lounge passes may be purchased at your own expense.

Overnight: Hotel Jose Antonio Lima or similar

Meals included: In-Flight

This morning, after breakfast, you'll set off on a city tour of Lima.

Start with a brief stop at the Huaca Pucllana Archaeological Site, an ancient pre-Inca ceremonial centre, before continuing to Lima’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre. Here, you’ll explore the Plaza de Armas, the heart of the city which is surrounded by grand colonial and Republican-era buildings. Iconic landmarks border the square including the Government Palace, Lima Cathedral, Archbishop’s Palace, Municipal Palace and the Palace of the Union.

From the square, walk to the Convent of San Francisco, one of Peru’s most important religious sites. Founded in the 1530s and completed in 1766, this remarkable complex has withstood centuries of earthquakes. Inside, its historic library preserves over 25,000 rare volumes in Spanish, English and Quechua. The convent is built around a tranquil courtyard planted with mango and lucuma trees, while its walls feature striking murals of St Francis of Assisi. Among the highlights are a golden Baroque altarpiece and Diego de la Puente’s famous 1696 painting of The Last Supper.

Descend into the eerie San Francisco Catacombs, Lima’s largest. Once a burial site for more than 25,000 people, the catacombs were in use until 1808 and rediscovered in 1947. Today, they fascinate visitors with their intriguing arrangements of bones in geometric patterns.

Afterwards, return to the hotel where you can enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Hotel Jose Antonio Lima or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, at the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport in preparation for your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to the hotel.

The rest of the day is then yours to enjoy at leisure. Take the chance to wander through the city’s vibrant centre where Inca foundations blend with colonial architecture and European influences. From lively plazas to cobblestone streets steeped in history, Cusco offers a unique atmosphere that reflects the meeting of indigenous and Spanish cultures. Set high in the Peruvian Andes at 3,399 metres above sea level, Cusco is a city like no other.

Overnight: Royal Inka II Hotel or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, you will embark on a half-day tour of Cusco.

Visit the wonderful Koricancha, located next to the Church of Santo Domingo. According to chroniclers, the Koricancha was the most sacred and important temple of the Inca Empire during the period immediately after the Spanish conquest. Continue to the Cathedral of Cusco in the Plaza de Armas (Main Square), built between 1560 and 1654 on the foundations of an existing Inca temple. This spectacular cathedral houses many works of art from the Cusco school of painters while its high altar and pulpit are covered in gold and silver reliefs. The next stop is the imposing Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman (3700m asl), which stands on a hill above Cusco. Explore the Qenqo Archaeological Complex before heading to Tambomachay.

After a morning of exploring, you’ll have the remainder of the day at your own leisure. Why not stop by the Inka Museum (charges apply) or at the San Pedro market to view local produce?

In the evening, you can choose to participate in an optional activity.

Optional Activity: Folklore Dinner & Show
At 19:00, make your way to a restaurant near Cusco's central Plaza de Armas for an unforgettable evening. Indulge in a buffet dinner featuring a wide selection of traditional dishes with culinary delights that are sure to please every palate. As you dine, enjoy the rich culture of the Andes with folk and classical music performed on traditional instruments like the quena, charango and more. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Please note: Cusco is located in the Peruvian Andes at 3,399 metres above sea level, high altitude environments are classified as above 2500 metres above sea level. Please consult a medical professional if you have any concerns or to find out what preventative measures are available. Please refer to the ‘Other important information’ section for further information.

Overnight: Royal Inka II Hotel or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, you’ll have the day at leisure to continue exploring Cusco at leisure. Alternatively, you could choose to participate in an optional activity.

Optional Activity: Maras & Moray
Take a captivating half-day tour after being picked up from your hotel at approximately 09:00. The journey to Moray takes about 1.5 hours, offering breathtaking views of the Andean landscape along the way. Pass golden wheat fields, charming traditional villages and majestic snow-capped mountains. Upon arrival at Moray, explore its fascinating amphitheatre-like terraced structures. These circular terraces, believed to have been an agricultural laboratory for the Incas, showcase their innovative techniques for optimising crop growth. You'll then visit Maras to marvel at the ancient salt evaporation ponds carved into the mountainside. More than 3,000 pools collect salty spring water that evaporates to leave behind the renowned sal de Maras, a prized pink salt still harvested today. Please see current pricing in Important Information. 

Optional Activity: Andean Cooking Class
Begin your experience with a 09:30 pickup from your hotel, heading to the San Pedro Market in Cusco. Known as one of the city’s most fascinating markets, it bursts with colourful stalls offering fresh produce, meats, spices, handicrafts and souvenirs. Before entering, you’ll meet your chef guide who will explain the flow of the tour. Together, you’ll wander through the market, learning about local ingredients, shopping tips and Andean food traditions. Along the way, you’ll help select the fresh produce that will be used later in your cooking class. Afterwards, head to a local restaurant to prepare a traditional Peruvian dish. The group will then set the table and share the delicious dishes together. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Please note: Only one of the above activities can be chosen for today as the timings coincide with each other.

Overnight: Royal Inka II Hotel or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you’ll journey into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Passing the impressive ruins of Saqsaywaman, you'll cross the mountains before descending 450 metres to the fertile valley floor where the Urubamba River winds its way past picturesque villages.

The first stop is Pisac where you’ll have time to browse colourful stalls filled with local handicrafts, textiles and souvenirs. Continue to the Pisac ruins to explore terraces, temples, tunnels and ceremonial altars on a guided tour.

Stop for lunch in Urubamba before driving on to Ollantaytambo, one of the most important Inca sites. Once the royal estate of Emperor Pachacuti, Ollantaytambo is both a living town and an archaeological wonder. Explore the Temple of the Sun, admire the colossal stone blocks and learn about the Inca’s advanced agricultural terraces.

Spend the evening in Ollantaytambo, a fantastic town to discover by foot.

Please note: You will need to prepare a smaller backpack (maximum 8 kilograms) to take with you to Aguas Calientes as luggage cannot be taken on the train. Your larger suitcases will be transferred to the hotel in Cusco for your return.

Overnight: Pakaritampu Hotel or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

Following breakfast, head to the Ollantaytambo train station to embark on the PeruRail Expedition train bound for Aguas Calientes. As the train winds its way along the Urubamba River, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley with steep mountains rising dramatically on either side.

Nestled at the base of the mountains leading to Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes blends traditional Andean life with a vibrant tourist scene. The largely pedestrianised town is filled with colourful markets, souvenir shops, cafés and restaurants. The town is also famous for its natural hot springs, where you’ll have time to unwind in the steaming pools after your journey (at own expense).

For those wishing to experience a portion of the Inca Trail trek, you can join a supplementary tour of the Express Inca Trail (additional fees apply).

Optional Activity: Express Inca Trail Trek
Duration: Full Day
Fitness Level Required: Active/Demanding
In the morning, you'll be transferred from the hotel to board a 1.5-hour scenic train to Kilometre 104, the start of your Inca Trail Trek (timing depends on train scheduling). From here, hike approximately 4 hours to the Inca site of Wiñay Wayna (“Forever Young”) which is approximately 2,680 metres above sea level. Built on a steep hillside overlooking the Urubamba River, this archaeological site has a series of 10 baths and numerous Inca buildings displaying high levels of Inca masonry. Afterwards, continue to Inti Punku (the Puerta del Sol) for the first spectacular view of Machu Picchu. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Please note:
• The Express Inca Trail Trek tour requires a moderate to high level of fitness. Participants will encounter uneven surfaces, steep inclines, numerous steps and trekking at high altitudes.
• Prior to undertaking this optional excursion, it's recommended to consult your GP to assess your suitability for the tour.

Please note: Express Inca Trail Trek tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Once purchased, this optional activity cannot be refunded.

Overnight: Hatun Inti Boutique Hotel or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today has an early start as, at approximately 05:40, you will be picked up to bus to the citadel of Machu Picchu.

Pass through the gates into the Machu Picchu archaeological site. Here, you’ll be guided on a 2-hour tour of this complex's most famous and spectacular parts. These include the House of the Guardian, Intihuatana, Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plaza and other key locations. As you walk around, you’ll enjoy spectacular views across the agricultural terraces of Machu Picchu and across the surrounding mountains and plunging gorges.

Once you’ve finished the tour of Machu Picchu, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes where you can relax and enjoy lunch (not included). You'll then board the train back to Poroy and travel by road to Cusco. Upon arrival at the station, a tour representative will wait for you to take you back to the hotel in Cusco, arriving around 19:00.

Please note: You will have time for breakfast before being picked up this morning.

Overnight: Royal Inka II Hotel or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, you’ll have your last full day in Peru! The day is yours at leisure to do some last shopping or sightseeing. Alternatively, you can choose to participate in an optional tour.

Optional Activity: Maras & Moray
Take a captivating half-day tour after being picked up from your hotel at approximately 09:00. The journey to Moray takes about 1.5 hours, offering breathtaking views of the Andean landscape along the way. Pass golden wheat fields, charming traditional villages and majestic snow-capped mountains. Upon arrival at Moray, explore its fascinating amphitheatre-like terraced structures. These circular terraces, believed to have been an agricultural laboratory for the Incas, showcase their innovative techniques for optimising crop growth. You'll then visit Maras to marvel at the ancient salt evaporation ponds carved into the mountainside. More than 3,000 pools collect salty spring water that evaporates to leave behind the renowned sal de Maras, a prized pink salt still harvested today. Please see current pricing in Important Information. 

Optional Activity: Andean Cooking Class
Begin your experience with a 09:30 pickup from your hotel, heading to the San Pedro Market in Cusco. Known as one of the city’s most fascinating markets, it bursts with colourful stalls offering fresh produce, meats, spices, handicrafts and souvenirs. Before entering, you’ll meet your chef guide who will explain the flow of the tour. Together, you’ll wander through the market, learning about local ingredients, shopping tips and Andean food traditions. Along the way, you’ll help select the fresh produce that will be used later in your cooking class. Afterwards, head to a local restaurant to prepare a traditional Peruvian dish. The group will then set the table and share the delicious dishes together. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Optional Activity: Rainbow Mountain Trek
Set off before sunrise on an unforgettable full-day adventure to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). Your day begins with a 05:00 hotel pick-up from Cusco, followed by an approximately 3-hour scenic drive through the South Valley, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking Andean landscapes and a delicious breakfast en route. Starting your hike in the small town of Pitumarca (3,310 metres), you’ll follow a gentle path beside a tranquil stream with views of Mount Ausangate. After about 1.5 hours of hiking, you’ll reach Rainbow Mountain, standing at an impressive 5,100 metres. Marvel at the vibrant mineral layers that create the mountain’s iconic striped appearance and enjoy approximately 30 minutes at the summit to take in the panoramic views and snap photos. The return hike is approximately 1-hour, followed by a hearty buffet lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards, sit back and relax during the 3-hour drive back to Cusco, arriving around 16:00. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Please note:
• The Rainbow Mountain Trek tour requires a moderate to high level of fitness. Participants will encounter uneven surfaces, steep inclines, numerous steps and trekking at high altitudes. Prior to undertaking this optional excursion, it's recommended to consult your GP to assess your suitability for the tour.
• Only one of the above activities can be chosen for today as the timings coincide with each other.

Overnight: Royal Inka II Hotel or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, at the appropriate time, you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Cartagena, Colombia. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by a tour representative and transferred to the hotel where you’ll have the remainder of the day at leisure.

Your accommodation is located within Cartagena’s UNESCO-listed Walled City, a magical place that feels frozen in time. This historic fortress city was built by the Spanish to defend against pirates and is now one of the most romantic and well-preserved colonial cities in the Americas.

As you wander the cobblestone streets, you'll be surrounded by a kaleidoscope of colourful colonial homes with flower-draped balconies, lush plazas, and historic churches. Every corner reveals a new story, from the grandeur of the old mansions to the lively rhythms of street performers.

Please note: Due to restrictions on larger vehicles in Cartagena’s walled city, you'll be required to disembark and walk a short distance to the hotel (approximately 5 minutes), luggage will be transferred to the hotel separately.

Overnight: Hotel 3 Banderas Cartagena or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, you’ll be transferred to the pier to board a boat bound for the Rosario Archipelago.

This group of 27 islands is a protected natural national park, established to preserve one of the most important coral reefs in the Colombian Caribbean. This 45-kilometre journey will land you on the pristine beaches in the heart of the archipelago. You’ll have time at leisure to sink into the Caribbean vibe and can choose to relax and enjoy the beach, savour a delicious lunch or enjoy the hotel’s social areas before returning to Cartagena.

Overnight: Hotel 3 Banderas Cartagena or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

Enjoy the morning at leisure to continue exploring Cartagena’s many highlights.

In the afternoon, at the appropriate time, you’ll be transferred to the pier to board Royal Caribbean’s Grandeur of the Seas. Part of Royal Caribbean’s Vision-class, Grandeur of the Seas offers a more intimate cruising experience and was recently refurbished in 2024. This 7-night South Caribbean voyage visits the iconic ABC Islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao.

Overnight: Grandeur of the Seas

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

After an exciting journey through Peru and lively Cartagena, today is yours to relax and recharge while cruising. Take advantage of the ship’s many onboard experiences by perhaps enjoying the dazzling Broadway 'Rhythm & Rhyme' production or be swept away by a Tango showcase that evokes the spirit of Argentina. You’ll find a variety of original performances, tempting dining options plus much more (additional charges may apply).

Overnight: Grandeur of the Seas

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Docked: 08:00 - 18:00

Just 80 kilometres off the coast of Venezuela, the small island of Bonaire offers idyllic weather and a rich cultural tapestry. Kralendijk reflects a fascinating blend of Dutch, French, Spanish, African, Amerindian, Portuguese and British influences.

Spend the day exploring this unique island by browsing the local craft market, savouring freshly caught seafood or visiting a museum to connect with its history. A scenic drive reveals striking landscapes including shimmering pink salt lakes, while snorkelling or diving opens up a world of pristine reefs teeming with marine life.

Please note: The activities mentioned are suggestions only. Shore excursions and independently arranged activities are not included in the package price.

Overnight: Grandeur of the Seas

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Docked: 08:00 - 23:00

Aruba’s capital, Oranjestad, is famed for its colourful Dutch Colonial “gingerbread” houses which are painted in vibrant Caribbean tones. Explore the island’s unique desert-like landscapes with striking geological formations, venture beneath the waves on a snorkelling excursion or take an adventurous submarine ride. For those chasing the sun, Aruba offers beaches to suit every style from activity-packed De Palm Island to Palm Beach, one of the island’s most renowned stretches of sand.

Please note: The activities mentioned are suggestions only. Shore excursions and independently arranged activities are not included in the package price.

Overnight: Grandeur of the Seas

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Docked: 08:00 - 17:00

Step into the pastel-coloured charm of Willemstad where colonial-era forts and Dutch-inspired architecture line the waterfront. A trolley tour offers the perfect introduction to the city before you explore at your own pace. Visit the famous Curacao distillery to sample the island’s signature Blue Curaçao liqueur, or head to the Sea Aquarium to encounter fascinating marine life up close.

Beyond its historic and natural beauty, Curacao is also a delight for food lovers. Freshly caught seafood (particularly mahi-mahi and red snapper) is a staple here, often paired with local produce and bold island spices. Street food stalls serve tasty snacks like pastechi (filled pastries) and funchi (a cornmeal dish), while waterfront restaurants invite you to enjoy ocean views alongside vibrant Caribbean flavours.

Please note: The activities mentioned are suggestions only. Shore excursions and independently arranged activities are not included in the package price.

Overnight: Grandeur of the Seas

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Spend a cruising day to rest, recover and enjoy the onboard activities.

Overnight: Grandeur of the Seas

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Docked: 07:00 - 16:00

Colón serves as your gateway to some of Panama’s most iconic experiences. Witness the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal at the Gatun Locks, where colossal ships pass through one of the world’s most famous waterways.

Along the Caribbean coastline, discover unspoiled stretches of sand such as Playa La Angosta, perfect for a laid-back escape.

For a change of pace, take a short drive to Panama City and wander the charming streets of Casco Viejo which are lined with colonial-era architecture and lively plazas. Why not immerse yourself in the bustle of Avenida Central where local markets and cafes capture the everyday rhythm of Panamanian culture?

Please note: The activities mentioned are suggestions only. Shore excursions and independently arranged activities are not included in the package price.

Overnight: Grandeur of the Seas

Meals included: Breakfast

Arrives: 9:00

This morning, you will arrive back in Cartagena. Disembark the ship, be met by a tour representative and transferred to the hotel where you will enjoy your last day in Colombia before returning home.

Overnight: Hotel 3 Banderas Cartagena or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, at the appropriate time, you'll be transferred to the airport in preparation for your trip back to Australia (or New Zealand).

Meals included: In-Flight

Upon arrival in Australia (or New Zealand) please make your own onward travel arrangements.

Please note: Some flight may arrive a day later (Day 22).

Meals included: None