Page 9 - AAA Central Penn – AAA Now! – January/February 2019

TRAVEL AGENCY
AAA
AN EXTRAORDINARY JOURNEY IN PERU, SOUTH AMERICA
JOIN OUR NEXT CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD ON THIS FANTASTIC ITINERARY!
PBy Judie Karhan
eru is a land of distinctive, timeless beauty.
This is, perhaps, most evident in Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This revered site of Inca civilization lies nestled nearly 8,000 feet above sea level in the midst of the Peruvian Andes. Dating back to 1450, it was abandoned nearly a century later and remained unknown to the outside world until 1911, when Yale University professor Hiram Bingham brought it to international attention.
AAA Central Penn invites you on a journey to intriguing Peru in 2019 to explore its mysterious wonders – Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley – as well as the cities of Lima and colonial Cusco, and the magnificent Lake Region.
The tour begins in Lima, “City of Kings.” Lima lies on Peru’s central western coast, poised above a coastline of cliffs. The city possesses a rich colonial history that began in the mid-16th century. Modern Lima maintains its status as a center of trade and tourism, yet the influence of the pre-colonial Incas remains strong. Explore the UNESCO-listed Historic Centre of Lima, view the cathedral, and visit the Monastery of San Francisco.
Lima is also celebrated for its gastronomic creativity. There will be many opportunities on
this tour to enjoy its culinary delights: sip wine
on the terrace of Huaca Pucllana, overlooking
the illuminated ruins of a 1,500-year-old, pre-Inca pyramid; experience a typical Peruvian meal, a caja china lunch of fresh vegetables and slow-roasted meats, all cooked in a wooden box; and partake in a celebration dinner at world-renowned Astrid y Gastón, located in a San Isidro hacienda with over 300 years of history.
After touring Lima, it’s on to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, situated in the foothills of the Andes in the Peruvian region of Cusco. Once the homeland of the Incan Empire, Sacred Valley is now home to colonial
towns and remote villages known for their traditional weaving techniques. In the town of Maras, meet a local family to learn about the traditional arts and crafts of the region. Also view the spectacular terraced salt pans, dating back to Inca times. There are also Incan archaeological sites in Sacred Valley, and on
this tour there will be opportunity to visit the town of Ollantaytambo, a national archaeological site.
Then begins the scenic train journey to Machu Picchu, where there
is ample time to take
in the wonders of this
ancient civilization surrounded by stepped agricultural terraces and lush vegetation. Witness the great Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plaza and the Intihuatana, believed to be an ancient sun clock.
Return by train to Sacred Valley for a Pachamaca Feast Highlight Lunch. There will also be a chance to get up close to llamas, guanacos, alpacas, and even the rare vicuna. Later, tour the city of Cusco with a local expert, visiting the temple of
the Sun at Koriancha, the cathedral and the citadel of Sacsayhuaman before venturing to San Blas, Cusco’s artisan center.
The following day it’s on to Peru’s beautiful Lake District. Take a cruise
on Lake Titicaca, situated high in the Andes, to the floating Islands of Uros, where locals bundle reeds from the lake to build floating platforms, houses
and canoes. Before returning to Lima, head to Sillustani on the shores of Lake Umayo to explore the impressive burial grounds.
Peru’s historical significance and beautiful landscapes are incomparable. Perhaps now is the time to experience this country yourself.
AAA CHAIRMAN’S TREASURES OF THE INCAS
August 22 – September 3, 2019 • $6,069* per person, dbl. occ.
HIGHLIGHTS: Lima, “City of Kings” • Aguas Calientes • Cusco • Center for Traditional Textiles • Machu Picchu, “Lost City of the Incas” • Lake Titicaca • Floating Islands of Uros • Puno • The Sacred Valley • Temple of the Sun • Dinner with wine at world-renowned Astrid y Gastón
INCLUDED FEATURES: Free parking with round-trip transfers to local airport • 12 nights hotel accommodations • Sightseeing as stated in itinerary by luxury coach • Services of a professional Insight Traveling Concierge • Meals: 11 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 9 dinners • Welcome dinner • All local taxes, hotel service charges & porterage for one suitcase per person • Services of a Discoveries Journey Manager
OPTIONAL 5-NIGHT GALAPAGOS PRE-TOUR EXTENSION ITINERARY
Quito, Ecuador • Baltra, Galapagos • Bartolome Island, Galapagos • Genovesa Island, Galapagos • Santa Cruise Island, Galapagos • Lima, Peru
For more information and to book your trip, call 888-743-2844.
*Rates are subject to availability at time of booking and include taxes, fees and fuel surcharges where are subject to change. Rates do not include airfare. All pricing and included features are based on a minimum of 24 passengers.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019
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Now!