DAY
1 ARRIVE CANCUN
Welcome to Mexico! Your journey begins with a warm greeting at the airport from
our local representative and a complimentary private transfer to the tour hotel. Your
Tour Director is available at the hotel this afternoon to welcome you and answer
your questions. Join us at 6 p.m. for a Welcome Drink at the hotel.
Hotel: Omni Cancun Hotel & Villas (MD)
DAY
2: CANCUN – EK BALAM – VALLADOLID – IZAMAL – MERIDA (2)
Head inland and stop at the beautiful Maya archaeological site of Ek Balam. After
an overview of the site and region by your expert Tour Director, continue to the
first capital city of the Yucatan – charming Valladolid, for lunch and a leisurely stroll
around the central square. After lunch continue on to the magical city of Izamal for
a visit to the enchantingly golden Franciscan monastery to end up at the lovely
colonial city of Merida, also known as "The White City." (FB L D) Hotel: Hyatt Regency Merida (D) (2 nights)
DAY
3: MERIDA SIGHTSEEING & AT LEISURE
This morning explore historic Merida starting with the Paseo de Montejo, modeled
after the Champs Elysees in Paris and lined with beautiful Spanish colonial mansions.
Later, stop at the Central Plaza to view the Cathedral, the ornate Casa Montejo and
the Palacio Nacional with its collection of renowned murals. There is also a visit to
the Anthropology Museum and its fine Maya collections. Enjoy a Highlight Lunch
at a charming historic hacienda featuring an exclusive sampling of Yucatecan
specialities recommended by renowned Chef David Sterling, owner and founder of
Los Dos Cooking School. This evening, join Sterling in his beautiful colonial home
for a hosted 'Be My Guest' Supper. You'll learn about Yucatecan cuisine during a
cooking demonstration and how to mix the perfect margarita. Then, sample your
own culinary creations! (FB HL BG)
DAY
4: MERIDA – CELESTUN – CAMPECHE
Travel to one of the region's most protected areas and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
- Celestun. Here, navigate the calm waters of this vast wetlands complex to view one
of the most important colonies of pink flamingoes. After lunch under the shade of a
thatched-roof beach restaurant, head to the historic fortified town of Campeche, a
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here visit the Bulwarks, the Puerta Tierra stone fortress
and the pastel-coloured historic city centre. This evening, enjoy a Highlight Dinner at
a local restaurant. (FB L HD) Hotel: Hotel Plaza Campeche (F)
DAY
5: CAMPECHE – EDZNA – UXMAL
This morning explore the Maya archaeological site of Edzna. Your Tour Director's
expert commentary breathes life into the stunning temples and ceremonial sites.
Heading along the Puuc Route, a traditional lunch awaits you at the next stop: pollo
and cochinita pibil, wrapped in banana leaves and slowly cooked underground.
Then enjoy a visit to the famed Maya temples of Uxmal, a UNESCO World Heritage
Site. This late-Classic Maya site dates from before the 10th century AD and isconsidered one of the most complex and beautiful expressions of Puuc architecture
and, for many, is one of the major highlights of the Yucatan region. Once again your
expert Tour Director elaborates on the mysterious Maya culture as you experience
the engineering, architectural and social heights of its people. End the day at your
hacienda where there is time to relax or take a dip in the inviting pool. Following
dinner, learn all about tequila, Mexico's national drink, and enjoy a tasting of various
types of this spirit reputed to reflect this country and its people's warmth, strength,
and passion. (FB L D) Hotel: Hacienda Uxmal (F)
DAY
6: UXMAL – SOTUTA DE PEON – CHICHEN ITZA
Begin the day at the living-museum of Hacienda Sotuta de Peon. Here, learn about
haciendas, which operated like the southern plantations of the United States, and
about the production process of henequen (sisal fiber), the gold of the Yucatan
during the colonial era. Tour the still active processing plant and the beautiful main
house and then board picturesque mule-drawn rail carts for a tour through the
fields to a beautiful cenote (natural well leading to an underground river). After a
traditional hacienda-style lunch, travel to your hotel nestled next to the most famous
Maya archaeological icon and UNESCO World Heritage Site – Chichen Itza. Relax or
cool off in one of the pools before dinner, and perhaps attend the Light and Sound
Show at the archaeological site this evening. (FB L D) Hotel: Hotel Mayaland (F)
DAY
7: CHICHEN ITZA – COBA – PLAYA DEL CARMEN (2)
Today rise early and take advantage of your own private entrance to the archaeological
site so that you are among the first to explore Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven
Wonders of the World. Under the expertise of your Tour Director, explore this grand
archaeological complex. The journey continues to Coba where lunch is served
alongside a pleasant lake. Later visit ancient Coba by pedicab to view its graceful,
towering temples, some of the highest in Mexico. Coba's site is unique as it has been
barely restored, merely cleared, and only a few of the estimated 6500 structures have
been uncovered. Later head toward your oceanfront resort in Playa del Carmen on the
acclaimed Riviera Maya. (FB L D) Hotel: Viva Wyndham Azteca (F) (2 nights)
DAY
8: PLAYA DEL CARMEN AT LEISURE
Enjoy a leisurely day at this all-inclusive resort. Relax, swim in the turquoise blue
water of the Caribbean Sea or in the pool, take advantage of complimentary resort
activities including non-motor watersports; enjoy all-you-can-eat breakfast, lunch
and dinner at your choice of various restaurants, as well as snacks and unlimited
beverages, including beer, cocktails and wine... All included! This morning, perhaps
join an optional visit to the Maya site of Tulum, perched picturesquely on a cliff
overlooking the dazzling sea; this afternoon, why not take an optional afternoon excursion by small boats through the mangroves of Sian Ka'an, a UNESCO Natural
World Heritage Biosphere, or a stroll down Playa del Carmen's Quinta Avenida, a
charming pedestrian walkway lined with shops, bars and restaurants. This evening
celebrate your Yucatan adventure at a Farewell Dinner. (FB L FD)
DAY
9: PLAYA DEL CARMEN - DEPART CANCUM
This morning is at leisure until you are taken back to Cancun. A complimentary
transfer is provided to Cancun International Airport and the tour hotel in Cancun for
passengers extending their stay. (FB)
Please do not schedule any flights before noon.
Please note: In some locations, the tour requires walking on uneven surfaces and
climbing some stairs.
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