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Enjoy the services of a professional tour manager who accompanies you throughout your trip. Meals 7 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch, 4 Dinner(s) Hotel Accommodations: Listed below or equivalent. Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and service chargesCANCUNRadisson Hacienda Cancun or similar MERIDAEl Castellano VALLADOLIDHotel Quinta Regia Complimentary hotel-to-hotel baggage handling. Sightseeing Private transportation via a deluxe, climate-controlled motorcoach
Day 1
Cancun, Mexico Travel south of the border to Mexico''s lush Yucatan Peninsula, a tropical paradise filled with ancient ruins, baroque colonial architecture and exotic flora and fauna. Geographically isolated, the Yucatan is home to a unique culture influenced by the indigenous Maya Indians and historic trading partners from the Caribbean and Europe. Marvel at ancient Maya pyramids and temples, learn about traditional Maya and Mexican cultures and savor the delicious flavors of regional cuisine during your sojourn in the Yucatan. Tonight, gather for a special welcome reception and dinner. Day 2 Cancun - Ek''Balam - Valladolid - Merida Explore the magnificent ruins of Ek''Balam (Star Jaguar). Dating from AD 900, this wealthy city-state was known for richly carved stone, molded stucco ornamentation, stelae, a sophisticated network of roads and numerous hieroglyphic texts. Next, spend time at the colonial city of Valladolid, known as "The Pearl of the East." Valladolid is Yucatan''s oldest and second largest city and has preserved its colonial flavor of the mid-1500s. Enjoy some time at leisure to explore the plaza and life along the cobblestone streets. Your day comes to an end in Merida, capital city of the state of Yucatan. Day 3 Merida - Merida Known as the "white city" for its light-colored facade, Merida was founded in 1542. A city tour features the spectacular archaeological finds at the Museum of Anthropology and the impressive collection of paintings at the Governor''s Palace. In addition, see the Plaza Principal, Cathedral of San Ildefonso (the oldest in North America), and Paseo Montejo with its gorgeous 19th-century homes. Outside Merida, stop for lunch at Hacienda Teya where you will enjoy mouth-watering Yucatecan cuisine. The remainder of your day is at leisure. Day 4 Merida - Uxmal - Kabah - Merida Enjoy a full-day excursion to two impressive archaeological sites in the area, known as Puuc Route, which has World Heritage status. First, visit Uxmal, which was one of the largest city-states in the Yucatan. Enjoy a guided tour of the ruins and see the impressive building known as the "Pyramid of the Magician." Later, travel to Kabah, the sister city-state to Uxmal, and visit the "Temple of the Masks," whose facade is completely adorned with sculptures of the rain god, Chac. After returning to Merida, the balance of the day is at leisure. Day 5 Merida - Hacienda Visit - Merida Today, travel back in time to the golden days of the haciendas when you visit the Hacienda Sotuta Peon. Experience the grandeur and magnificence of the hacienda buildings and plantation and watch the staff of this working plantation produce and process henequen (sisal). The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore all that Merida has to offer. Day 6 Merida - Chichen Itza - Valladolid No trip to the Yucatan would be complete without visiting the famous Maya city-state of Chichen Itza. Explore what was once the largest political and religious center in the Yucatan Peninsula. Marvel at the magnificent ruins that demonstrate the impressive architectural skills and ingenuity of the ancient Maya civilization. Your day concludes with a farewell dinner. Day 7 Valladolid - Tour Concludes Your tour ends today in Valladolid.
Journey to the land of the ancient Maya civilization.
Educational Highlights in Mexico: To travel in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula is to explore a world of ancient Maya ruins, colonial architecture and savory cooking. Our local guest speakers will enhance your experience with a series of exclusive talks. Learn about the Maya heritage before and after the Spanish Conquest. Gain knowledge about the ecological wonders of the Yucatan land and environment. Sample delicious local cuisine and enjoy a presentation by a chef. Learn about the distinctive structures and architecture of the Maya region. Sample land and air rate is subject to availability and may vary by airline, flight number or routing.
The days and order of sightseeing may change to best utilize your time on tour. On day 8, due to flight schedules, you may be required to depart the hotel in the very early hours of the morning (between 3:00 - 4:30 a.m.). Travel time from Valladolid to Cancun is approximately 2 1/2 hours. Return flights should not be booked prior to 11:30 a.m. Tour price does not include fees for a passport which is required. Our itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. For your comfort, we recommend bringing sturdy walking shoes. In addition, temperatures can be very high, so bring adequate sun protection. If you have not purchased air through the tour company and wish to purchase transfers, you must transfer at our pre-scheduled times. Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures air passengers will depart from the Cancun airport. All Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures transfers will depart from Valladolid for the Cancun airport. |
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Note: All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.
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