Andean Dreams and Galapagos Island Magic

Day 1 - Thursday 15 October 2026

Melbourne - Santiago (Meals Inflight)

Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel!  Meet your Sisterhood Tour Hostess and fellow travellers at Melbourne Airport for our flight to Santiago, Chile.  Please sit back, relax, and enjoy the inflight entertainment as we head towards Canada.  Upon arrival into Santiago we'll be transferred to our hotel.

Located in the Central Valley and framed by the majestic Andes Mountain range, Santiago, the capital of Chile, was first settled in 1531. The city has grown into a major metropolis where the many historic colonial buildings contrast with the gleaming new high-rise architecture and bustling shopping malls

A welcome dinner is included tonight.

Overnight - Ladera Hotel (or similar)

Day 2 - Friday 16 October 2026

Santiago Sightseeing (B)

This morning we'll enjoy a half-day tour around Santiago. Start at the Alameda Bernardo O’Higgins, the main avenue, visiting the President’s Palace (Casa de La Moneda). From here, walk through the pedestrian streets of Huerfanos and Ahumada and continue to the Plaza de Armas, the main square, which the Metropolitan Cathedral and other historical buildings surround.

Afterwards, visit Santa Lucia, the hill upon which the Spanish founded Santiago in 1541. It is a lone steep rock rising above the city with stairways, gardens, fountains, and a fortress. Then cross the river to Bellavista, the cultural and artistic neighbourhood of Santiago. Bellavista lies at the foot of San Cristóbal Hill, topped with an amphitheatre, church, and statue of the Virgin Mary; this is the highest hill in town. From the top (if the weather is clear), there are great views of the city and the Andes mountains to the east. Finally, visit the upmarket area of Providencia with its top restaurants, elegant shops, and modern high-rise buildings.

After our tour, return to our hotel with the remainder of the day at leisure.

Dinner tonight at leisure - Your Sisterhood Hostess will suggest a venue.

Overnight - Ladera Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 - Saturday 17 October 2026

Vina del Mar & Valparaiso (B,L)

Today we'll enjoy a full-day tour to Valparaiso and the Casablanca Valley. Drive across the Curacavi Valley to the Pacific coast and Valparaiso, Chile’s most important seaport, bustling with activity. Valparaiso is a labyrinth of winding, narrow streets and cobblestone alleyways. You will have the opportunity to ride a traditional funicular cable-car, which is still used as a popular means of transportation between the higher and lower levels.

Visit the colourful hillside neighbourhoods, where a stunning view over the city accompanies a fantastic agglomeration of brightly painted houses. Stop at Kingston Vineyard in the Casablanca Valley, well known for some of the best white wines in the country. Here we will be shown around to learn about wine production before enjoying a tasting of the finished product, alongside a meticulously curated five-course lunch.

After lunch, return to Santiago and our hotel.

Dinner tonight at leisure - Your Sisterhood Hostess will suggest a venue.

Overnight - Ladera Hotel (or similar)
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Day 4 - Sunday 18 October 2026

Santiago - Lima (B,D)

This morning we transfer to the airport and fly to Lima located on the Pacific coast. Lima, the capital of Peru, was founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535 and became the centre of all Spanish trade and culture in the New World. Today, it is a city of contrasts, with its colonial churches, old mansions, and modern residential areas.

Upon arrival, we are transferred to our hotel with the remainder of the morning free before our afternoon 5-hour gastronomic adventure. Our first stop is Cala Restaurante - an upscale restaurant and lounge, situated right on the beach. A professional bartender will teach us how to make the perfect Pisco Sour. Then head up the cliffs to Huaca Pucllana, well known among Lima locals. It is located within an archaeological complex with illuminated ruins dating back to 500 A.D. Here we will enjoy a selection of Peruvian dishes. Our next stop will be in the bohemian Barranco district, where we will experience the Peruvian culinary world and enjoy a creative and exclusive menu at Cuadra del Salvador Restaurant. Finally, take a stroll around Barranco and end the night at Ukaw Chocolate. Afterwards, return to our hotel.

Overnight - Casa Andina Premium Miraflores (or similar)

Note: Tour may operate in a different order, and restaurant options are subject to change at any time

Day 5 - Monday 19 October 2026

Lima Sightseeing (B)

Today, we'll enjoy a half-day tour to visit Lima’s colonial churches, promenades, and palaces which illustrate Peru’s Spanish heritage. After passing through the Republican area, reach the Colonial centre and visit such highlights as the Cathedral and Santo Domingo Church. We also pass by “Plaza Mayor” (main square), Government, Archbishop, Osambela and Torre Tagle Palaces and St Peter’s Church.

We then visit the Rafael Larco Herrera Museum - one of the largest private collections, containing a fascinating array of beautifully modelled pottery, unique gold and silver work, mummies, and erotic ceramics from the pre-Inca civilisations. There is also an impressive display of ceramic pieces from the Moche culture, which brings animals, plants, and anthropological deities to life.

After our tour, we return to our hotel with the remainder of our day at leisure.

Dinner tonight at leisure - Your Sisterhood Hostess will suggest a venue.

Overnight - Casa Andina Premium Miraflores (or similar)

 

Day 6 - Tuesday 20 October 2026

Lima Walking Tour (B)

This morning we'll get those feet walking on a half-day walking tour through Lima, the 'City of Kings'. Explore the eclectic and contemporary neighbourhoods of Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro, highlighting the contrast of republican-era and modern features found throughout Lima. After the tour, we return to our hotel with the remainder of the day at leisure to explore more.

Dinner tonight at leisure - Your Sisterhood Hostess will suggest a venue.

Overnight - Casa Andina Premium Miraflores (or similar)

Day 7 - Wednesday 21 October 2026

Lima - Cuzco (B)

Today we fly to Cuzco over the Andes to Peru's Inca capital. Upon arrival, we transfer to the Sacred Valley. Along the way, we'll stop at the Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary. The sanctuary is dedicated to caring for rescued animals that were subjected to illegal trafficking and mistreatment, and to returning them to their natural habitat once they are well enough. Cochahuasi shelters condors, turtles, vicuñas, llamas, guanacos, pumas, eagles, wild ducks, parrots, spectacled bears, skunks, and wildcats. About 9 condors are sheltered here, and during our visit, it might be possible to see the flight of the condors, as this is part of the physical development the birds need for their release.

Next, we visit the town of Pisac and the handicraft market, where you may bargain for and buy some very beautiful Indian handicrafts. Make sure you enjoy some bread at the bakery in Pisac – it’s delicious!

We continue to our charming hotel located on the outskirts of the small village of Urubamba / in Yucay, a small village in the Sacred Valley of the Incas (2,800m).

The remainder of our day is free to acclimatise to the high altitude.

Dinner tonight at leisure - Your Sisterhood Hostess will suggest a venue.

Overnight - Tambo del Inka (or similar)

Important Note - ALTITUDE

Altitude affects each person differently - you may feel no discomfort at all or only slight light-headedness. To help prevent altitude sickness or to minimise its effects, we recommend you rest and drink plenty of fluids: water, fruit juices, herbal tea, and the local ‘mate de coca’ (avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol).

If you are more severely affected and feeling particularly unwell, most hotels located at high altitudes offer a portable oxygen supply available upon request. Oxygen may either be provided to your room or administered in the hotel’s central facility, and, depending on the individual hotel, there may be a small charge for its use.
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Day 8 - Thursday 22 October 2026

Urubamba - Full Day Exploring (B,L)

Today we enjoy a full-day tour through the beautiful scenery of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

First, we visit the Indian town of Chinchero (3,762m), located 28km from Cuzco. The central plaza, the nearby Inca ruins, and a beautiful colonial church featuring paintings by the renowned indigenous artist Chiwantito are among its many attractions.

Afterwards, we visit the ancient salt mines and ponds that sit below the colonial town of Maras. The traditional way of collecting salt is unchanged from the times of the Incas. Then onto Moray, where the Incas built huge circular terraces in the natural sinkholes on a limestone plateau overlooking the Urubamba Valley; apart from agricultural use, their function remains a mystery.

Lastly, we visit the town and the magnificent Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo. In the upper and western part of the city, a mountain rises, scattered with houses and numerous pre-Hispanic constructions, including temples and terraces. The archaeological complex itself was a gigantic centre for agriculture, administration, social, religious, and military activities during the era of the Tahuantinsuyu (Inca) empire.

Dinner tonight at leisure - Your Sisterhood Hostess will suggest a venue.

Overnight - Tambo del Inka (or similar)

Day 9 - Friday 23 October 2026

Machu Picchu Ruins (B,L)

Today is going to be a pinch-me day! We take the 1.5-hour train through the Urubamba Valley to the Machu Picchu railway station at Aguas Calientes.

Then it's a 20-minute bus ride up to the famous Machu Picchu ruins (2,380m). For centuries, Machu Picchu lay undiscovered in the jungle until, in 1911, the American historian Hiram Bingham stumbled upon it almost by accident. Although little is known about the ‘Lost City of the Incas’, it is evident by the quality of the stonework and the abundance of ornamental sites that Machu Picchu must have been an important ceremonial centre. Once up at the site, meet our guide outside the ruins for a private tour.

Dinner tonight at leisure - Your Sisterhood Hostess will suggest a venue.

Overnight - Casa del Sol Machu Picchu (or similar)

Day 10 - Saturday 24 October 2026

Machu Picchu or Free Time (B)

Today, an opportunity to return to explore Machu Picchu, you will need to make your own way to the bus stop. Or you can have a day at leisure to explore. Take a look around the nearby markets, enjoy lunch at one of the many small restaurants in town.

Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, maybe look around the markets, enjoy a lunch in one of the many restaurants, or enjoy a rest.

Dinner tonight at leisure - Your Sisterhood Hostess will suggest a venue.

Overnight - Casa del Sol Machu Picchu (or similar)

Day 11 - Sunday 25 October 2026

Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo - Cuzco (B)

Today, we head to Cuzco via train and coach. Cuzco is a fascinating city, situated 3,310m above sea level in the high Peruvian Andes. It is remarkable for its many colonial churches, monasteries, and convents and for its extensive Inca ruins. Many streets are lined with perfectly crafted Inca stonework, now serving as foundations for more modern dwellings.

Upon arrival, we'll check in to our hotel with the rest of the day at leisure.

We'll regroup for dinner tonight - your Sisterhood Hostess will suggest a venue.

Overnight - Casa Andina Premium Cuzco (or similar)
 

Day 12 - Monday 26 October 2026

Cuzco Exploring (B)

Depart from our hotel this morning on a half-day city sightseeing tour of Cuzco. Visit the Plaza de Armas (main square), the Cathedral, Santo Domingo Church, the surrounding ruins of Kenko and Tambo Machay, and the renowned fortress of Sacsayhuaman. We return to our hotel with the afternoon at leisure to explore.

We'll regroup for dinner tonight - your Sisterhood Hostess will suggest a venue.

Overnight - Casa Andina Premium Cuzco (or similar)

Day 13 - Tuesday 27 October 2026

Cuzco - Free Day (B)

A free day today to further explore this truly fascinating city. Enjoy the local markets, the people and colours, and shopping for local handicrafts, weavings, pottery, and more.

We'll regroup for dinner tonight - your Sisterhood Hostess will suggest a venue.

Overnight - Casa Andina Premium Cuzco (or similar)

Day 14 - Wednesday 28 October 2026

Cuzco - Puno (B, L)

This morning we transfer to Cuzco railway station to embark on a comfortable and enjoyable journey across the vast altiplano.
Some consider this journey to be one of the great train journeys of the world. We will pass through starkly beautiful landscapes and many small villages before arriving in Puno (3,855m). Onboard, there are two dining cars decorated in the original 1920s theme where guests enjoy a delicious lunch. During the journey, local musicians will perform typical music and dances from the Peruvian highlands. Guests can also spend some time in the fresh air on the open-air observatory car, admiring the incredible scenery.

When the train starts to enter the city of Juliaca, try to find a position on the observation car as travelling through the middle of the local market is a fascinating experience. Rather than packing down the market each time the train comes through town, stall holders lower their umbrellas and leave their goods in the middle of the train track as you will pass over the top of books, homewares, tools, fruit, and vegetables, with business as usual once the train has passed through.

Situated on the shores of Lake Titicaca, Puno's history revolves around the Quechua and Aymara natives, who, over centuries, have managed to sustain a productive lifestyle in an extraordinary region. Its location makes it a good starting point for exploring Lake Titicaca’s Peruvian environs and islands. 

We are met on arrival at Puno railway station for transfer to your hotel.

Dinner tonight at leisure - Your Sisterhood Hostess will suggest a venue.

Overnight - Casa Andina Standard Puno (or similar)
 

Day 15 - Thursday 29 October 2026

Lake Titicaca Sightseeing (B, L)

Today, we'll enjoy a full-day excursion travelling by speedboat. First, we visit the Uros Indians who live on floating reed islands in Lake Titicaca. The lives of the Uros are completely interwoven with the ‘totora’ reed that grows abundantly in the shallow waters of Lake Titicaca. If you wish, you may take a ride on one of the reed boats (at extra cost).

We then continue on the speed boat for approximately. 1 hour to the remote island of Taquile. Inhabited by Quechua-speaking Indians who, through time, have developed both an efficient and original social system and one of the world’s finest methods of hand-weaving. A visit to their communal centre will allow you to appreciate their unique textiles. In the afternoon, we return on the speed boat to Puno with a transfer back to our hotel.

Dinner tonight at leisure - Your Sisterhood Hostess will suggest a venue.

Overnight - Casa Andina Standard Puno (or similar)
 

Day 16 - Friday 30 October 2026

Puno - Guayaquil (B)

Today, we prepare for our exciting Galapagos cruise by flying from Puno to Lima (via Juliaca), then onto Guayaquil. We'll transfer to our hotel with the remainder of the day at leisure.

Dinner tonight at leisure - Your Sisterhood Hostess will suggest a venue.

Overnight - Hotel Oro Verde Guayaquil Hotel (or similar)

PS. As we are returning to this hotel after our 7-night Galapagos Island cruise, it may be possible to leave some luggage in storage.. (Subject to space).

Day 17 - Saturday 31 October 2026 - Day 23 - Friday 6 November 2026

Guayaquil - Galapagos - National Geographic Endeavour Cruise (B,L,D)

Today, we fly from Guayaquil to the Galapagos Islands to embark on the superb National Geographic Endeavour II, the new state-of-the-art vessel of the National Geographic Lindblad fleet. This comfortable vessel carries 96 guests in 53 outside cabins and is equipped with a range of exploration tools, including kayaks, Zodiac landing craft, a glass-bottom Zodiac, and snorkelling gear. Onboard amenities include a fitness centre, a spa, and a global gallery. For inclusions and more details, click here.

Time to settle into your cabin and join the excitement of cruising the Galapagos Islands for the next 7 nights. 

During these fantastic seven nights, we'll enjoy an array of Island visits (subject to Galapagos National Park regulations) including:

Bartolomé: Climb the steps to the summit of this 300-foot volcanic wonderland for stunning views. Explore, swim, and snorkel from the beach. Catch a glimpse of Galápagos penguins, one of the world’s rarest.

Santiago: Explore tide pools and look for fur seals sheltered in quiet grottos of black basalt. Swim, snorkel, kayak, and paddleboard along Santiago’s spectacular coast, and explore an enchanting coastal forest where Charles Darwin once walked.

Genovesa: Sail across the Equator to the remote northern realm of the Galápagos into this flooded caldera, home to over one million seabirds. Visit Prince Philip’s Steps at the top of the island. Highlights along the trail are many, from Nazca, red and blue-footed boobies and frigates, to gulls, owls, fur seals, hammerhead sharks, turtles, and manta rays.

San Cristobal: Search for red-footed boobies and the endemic mockingbird and lava lizard—found only on this easternmost island. Walk along the powdery white sand at a gorgeous beach fronted by iconic Kicker Rock. Explore Baquerizo Moreno, where sea lions thrive in the middle of town.

North Seymour: Follow coastal trails past playful Galápagos sea lions on this wildlife-rich central island. Continue inland through a silvery forest of endemic palo santo trees, where frigatebirds nest, blue-footed boobies dance, and where you may also encounter prehistoric-looking land iguanas feeding on cactus.

Isabela: Cross the Equator at Volcán Ecuador, the northernmost of Isabela’s six great shield volcanoes. Keep an eye out for whales and dolphins, sea turtles, and the elusive ocean sunfish. Over two days, land in the footsteps of Darwin and Melville, and look for wildlife along the wildly eroded volcanic shore.

Fernandina: One of the most active oceanic volcanoes in the world, Fernandina is the youngest and most pristine island in Galápagos—and home to the strange flightless cormorant, Galápagos penguins, and the largest marine iguanas. Hikes ashore lead across impressive recent lava flows. Española: See swallow-tailed gulls, Española mockingbirds, Nazca boobie,s and, seasonally, the world’s only population of waved albatross at this bird paradise, also home to vividly colored marine iguanas. Watch sea lions on the white sand beach and snorkel offshore at Gardner Bay.

Floreana: Follow a trail past a pink-tinted lagoon sometimes frequented by flamingos. Snorkel among sea lions and abundant fish or cruise along Champion Islet by Zodiac. Visit the historic mail barrel at Post Office Bay.

Santa Cruz: Visit Puerto Ayora, the largest town and headquarters of both the Galápagos National Park and Charles Darwin Research Station. See the monument to Lonesome George and tour the giant tortoise breeding corrals. Witness giant tortoises roaming in the wild in the lush, green highlands.

All meals are included in our cruise and we'll enjoy a farewell dinner on the last night to celebrate great times with new friends.


 

Day 24 - Saturday 7 November 2026

Galapagos Islands - Guayaquil (B)

Today, we farewell the Galapagos Islands and return by air to Guayaquil for our overnight stay.

Dinner tonight at leisure - Your Sisterhood Hostess will suggest a venue.

Overnight - Hotel Oro Verde Guayaquil Hotel (or similar)
 

Day 25 - Sunday 8 November 2026

Guayaquil - Santiago (Meals inflight)

Today, we begin our journey home with fabulous memories! We'll fly from Quayaquil to Santiago to connect with our next flight. Sit back and relax with the airline inflight entertainment as we head home.
 

Day 26 - Monday 9 November 2026

Santiago - In Transit to Melbourne (Meals Inflight)

Flight in transit

Day 27 - Tuesday 10 November 2026

Welcome Home!

Welcome home! An early arrival in to Melbourne. Thank you for joining us for your latest adventure and look forward to welcoming you back.