From the Arctic to Antarctica

Gain a deeper understanding of Lima’s history by viewing its ancient art and exploring its colonial structures. Board your motor coach and drive to the Larco Museum, a colonial mansion built atop a pre-Columbian, 7th-century pyramid. As you walk up to the museum, take in the colorful flowers that populate its garden. Once inside, uncover 5,000 years of ancient Peruvian history as you walk through their extensive collections, including Mochica Portrait Bottles and pre-Hispanic gold and silver works. Continue driving through the streets of Lima to Santo Domingo Church. Here, you will see its Rococo-style belltower and wander through its ornate turquoise and gold interior. Finally, stroll to the city’s main square and view the towering Cathedral of Lima and the Presidential Palace before returning to your ship.

Learn about the fascinating history of the many civilizations that inhabited Peru throughout the ages. Begin your tour with a visit to the Larco Museum, housed in a colonial mansion set atop a 7th-century pre-Columbian pyramid in the traditional district of Pueblo Libre. View 3,000 years of Peruvian history as you browse the many artifacts on display, including a large collection of pre-Hispanic pieces of gold and silver. Later, drive to the outskirts of Lima to visit Pachacamac. Built in 200 AD and named after the Pacha Kamaq, or “Earth-Maker God,” this was one of the main religious centers of the region until the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors. Explore the remnants of the complex’s temples and step pyramids. Complete your tour with an appetizing lunch at a local hacienda, where you can experience local cuisine and customs, and enjoy a traditional Paso horse show.

Enjoy Lima’s rich marine wildlife as you sail along the scenic coastline of Peru. Meet your guide and drive to the Callao Yacht Club, where you will see yachts, warships and merchant vessels that illustrate Lima’s seafaring traditions. Embark by ship and sail past San Lorenzo Island, Peru’s largest at five miles long. It was once used as a cemetery by the earliest inhabitants of Peru. Peruvian independence heroes from the Battle of Callao are also buried here. Continue on to the Palomino Islands and through their rocky landscape, home to a colony of sea lions. These inquisitive residents will swim out to greet any human visitors. If you wish, don a wetsuit and dive in to the waters for a closer encounter with these friendly creatures. Sail back between the islets, inhabited by numerous bird species including the second-largest Humboldt penguin colony in Peru, before returning to your ship.

Discover the secrets of Peruvian cuisine and learn how to prepare a Pisco sour. Embark your motor coach and head to the Barranco district. Perched atop coastal cliffs, this is one of the most colorful and artistic districts of Lima’s barrios. See beautiful colonial houses intermingled with bars, restaurants and craft shops that give this neighborhood its lively atmosphere. Meet a local mixologist who will teach you how to prepare the perfect Pisco sour. Created in the 1920s at Lima’s Morris Bar, this famous cocktail is a Peruvian favorite based on the local Pisco brandy. Enjoy your own delicious creation at the end of your lesson. Later, learn the secrets of Peruvian cuisine during a cooking demonstration by a leading chef. See how local ingredients are infused with the flavors of European, Asian and African cuisine to create several dishes which you will then enjoy. After lunch, you will return to your ship.

Embark on a journey through Lima’s rich past by exploring two distinctive houses and their artwork. First, drive to the exclusive San Isidro neighborhood to visit Casa Luna, or “Moon House.” Built by a Swiss citizen, it is one of the few houses in the town preserved in its original condition. Admire its extensive private collection of nativity scenes curated from across the world. The homeowners will describe these intricate dioramas and show you examples of their artwork. Afterward, continue on to Casa Solariega de Aliaga, built in 1535 and thought to be Lima’s oldest house. It is still inhabited by descendants of the original owner, Jerónimo de Aliaga, one of the first Spanish conquistadors to arrive in Peru. Step back in time through its doors to admire the beautiful interiors, with their valuable paintings and antiques. Lunch, accompanied by traditional Peruvian music, will be served before you return to your ship.

Admire the artistic legacy of Peru through ancient textiles, a famous photographer’s work and artisanal crafts. Take a drive to the Amano Museum to view its collection of 600 pre-Columbian textiles. These were recovered from around Peru by Japanese businessman Yoshitaro Amano, who settled in Lima. Learn how these beautifully detailed items were woven and the stories they tell, and view the special collection dedicated to the Chancay culture. Continue to the bohemian Barranco district, now a thriving creative hub. Visit the Pedro de Osma Museum, housed in a majestic 19th-century summer mansion where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of Lima’s former bourgeois glory, before strolling across the wooden Bridge of Sighs. After lunch, enjoy free time to shop at Dédalo, where art, decorative objects and jewelry have been gathered from artisan communities around Peru.