Costa Rica & Luxury Machu Picchu Rail & Sail – 16 Days

A unique opportunity to experience a tall ship sailing on board the majestic four-masted Star Clipper ship, before heading further into South America to see – and stay directly at - one of the greatest “man-made wonders of the world”; UNESCO World Heritage Site Machu Picchu.

You will travel there in style on board the Belmond Hiram Bingham, a stunning locomotive, decked out in homage to the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in 1920s décor with an ambience to match.

After a 1 night stay in Phuket you will board the Star Clipper to explore some of the most beautiful coast line and islands that Thailand and Malaysia have to offer.

Itinerary

Day 1 to 2 – Costa Rica

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.

Day 3 – Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica

Transfer to Star Clipper, your tall ship 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.

Day 4 – Quepos, Costa Rica.

The small busy town of Quepos serves as the gateway to the Manuel Antonio National Park. Although the rapid rise in ecotourism has meant that Quepos has been descended upon it, has largely retained its authentic feel. There is a good restaurant scene, the streets are easy to navigate and the locals are friendly.
Day 5 – At Sea. 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.

Day 6 – San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

San Juan del Sur is Nicaragua's beach party destination. Its 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. 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.

Day 7 – Playa Nacascolo - Bahia Culebra, Costa Rica

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 lush vegetation allowing you to spot coatis and monkeys. This is one of Costa Rica's prettiest beaches and the water is usually calm for swimming.

Day 8 – Bahia Potrero - Flamingo, Costa Rica

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.

Day 9 – Islas Tortugas, Costa Rica

Isla Tortuga is widely regarded as the most beautiful island in Costa Rica. With giant coconut palms framing powder soft white sand beaches that are lapped by crystal clear turquoise waters, this really is a tropical paradise.

Day 10 to 11 – Lima, Peru

Disembark Star Clipper and you’ll be transferred to San José airport for a flight to Lima. 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. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 12– Sacred Valley

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.

Day 13 – Sacred Valley

On today’s excursion you will travel through a richly diverse landscape – from a patchwork of fields with snow-capped peaks beyond, 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 featuring fascinating concentric circle terraces, once used as an agricultural laboratory testing conditions to grow crops. 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.

Day 14 – Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu

Today it is 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 staggeringly 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 - affording a tranquil retreat from the crowds at one of the world’s most visited historical and cultural sites.

Day 15 - 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 (full details will be provided). 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 a 5-star Belmond property.

Day 16– Return to UK

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, arriving next day.