Tour: Yucatan Discovery Date: 21 September 2017, 6 Days
Day 1: Arrival in Cancún
You will be welcomed in Cancún Interna onal Airport by a Travel Direct representa ve. You will then travel to your hotel.
Overnight in Cancún.
Day 2: Cancún – Chichén Itzá – Mérida (203 MI / 327 KM)
You will be picked up from your hotel in Cancún and set off for your journey to Chichén Itza, the most intact and impressive of ruins that remain of the Maya civiliza on and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Chichén Itzá was originally a ceremonial and spiritual site instead of a commercial area and boasts what is arguably the most impressive pyramid of all the Mayan world. There are many more buildings such as the astrological observatory, the Temple of the Warriors, the Temple of the Jaguars and the Ball Court, the biggest in Mesoamerica.
A er the visit, we will stop at a cenote. These natural fresh water sink holes are the perfect spot for a refreshing drip. You will be treated to lunch (included) before we con nue our journey to Mérida, a picturesque colonial city considered to be the cultural capital of Yucatán.
Overnight in Mérida.
Day 3: Mérida – Celestún Biosphere – Mérida (114 MI / 182 KM)
On day three we will visit the picturesque fishing village of Celestún, home to pink flamingo colonies and Biosphere Reserve beaches. We will visit the main a rac ons of this eco‐tourism paradise by boat, observing the flamingos and countless other species of bird. A er the tour, you can enjoy lunch (included) at a local restaurant. A er, we will return to Mérida.
Overnight in Mérida.
Day 4: Mérida – Uxmal – Kabah – Mérida (129 MI / 208 KM)
We will travel south of Mérida to Uxmal, a UNESCO World Heritage site and perhaps the most the majes c place in Yucatán. Its ancient palaces sit low, placed around richly‐decorated pa os complemented by a verdant hilly backdrop. You will be able to view the Pyramid of the Magician and the Governor’s Palace, architectonic marvels famed for their precise construc on, amongst other sites. You’ll no ce numerous depic ons of Chaac, the rain god, easily recognised by his large nose which represents the ray of storms. We will take an ancient Mayan road to Kabah, an archaeological site of the Classic period and the second‐largest religious centre in the Puuc area. The site’s most famous structure, the Palace of the Masks, features hundreds of Chaac stone masks. A er lunch (included), we will return to Mérida.
Overnight in Mérida.
Day 5: Mérida – Izamal – Valladolid (112 MI / 180 KM)
You will check out of your hotel before we depart for Izamal, a quaint colonial city founded in 1542 where me seems to have stood s ll. Its convent boasts the one of the largest atriums in the world, second only St. Peters in the Va can. A er exploring the historic city, we will travel to the equally‐charming Valladolid where you will stay overnight. You can spend the a ernoon exploring the city at your leisure.
Overnight in Valladolid.
Day 6: Valladolid – Tulum – Riviera Maya / Cancún (121 MI / 195 KM)
On your final day of the tour, we will travel to the Mayan city of Tulum. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Tulum was once a very important trading city for the Maya’s commercial network, helping to link them with the rest of Central America. A er the visit, we will con nue to your final des na on: Riviera Maya or Cancun.
Included Services:
l Welcome mee ng at the airport in Cancun l Transporta on in air‐condi oned vehicles l English‐speaking cer fied driver‐guide through the tour l Accommoda on at hotels as men oned below or similar (local categories) l Daily breakfast l All visits men oned in the i nerary including entrance fees to archaeological sites l Three lunches at local restaurants (drinks are not included) l Government taxes
Not Included Services
l Airport taxes and personal expenses l Meals not previously men oned l Fee for use of video or photography in the archaeological sites l Tips during the excursions l Gratui es in hotels l Beach extension hotel
Accommoda on Summary
1 night in Cancún ‐ Hotel La Quinta Inn & Suites Cancun 4* (or similar) 3 nights in Mérida – El Español de Paseo Montejo 5* (or similar) 1 night in Valladolid – Ecotel Quinta Regia 4* (or similar)
l The hotels offered are subject to availability and are not guaranteed at any des na on. l If there are no rooms available at any of the hotels described in the tour, a similar hotel room will be offered as an alterna ve.