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Worldwide Escorted Bus Tours & River Cruises
Treasures Of The Yucatan W/ Playa Del Carmen Ext
Explore the ancient Mayan and Toltec civilizations during this grand Yucatan vacation. The Mayan culture is known for its advanced mathematics, astronomy, calendar, writing, and architecture, and on this tour, you’ll learn more about this culture and visit the ancient cities where they resided. A tour highlight is Chichen Itza, named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the most important examples of the Mayan-Toltec civilization, it was built by the Maya between 600 and 900 AD. Imagine the human sacrifices that took place here and stand in awe as you view the Temple of Kukulcan, famous for its steep pyramid. Another highlight is Uxmal, a Mayan town founded in 700 AD that had roughly 25,000 residents. Remains from the site indicate the Maya’s astonishing knowledge of astronomy. These are just two of the highlights of this vacation. You’ll also visit other ruins, including Tulum, Izamal, Kabah, and more. Of course, no trip to Mexico is complete without time to relax on the beach, shop for local wares, and participate in water activities. You’ll have multiple days in Playa del Carmen, located in the Mexican Caribbean, where you can soak in the sun on the beautiful beach, dip into the crystal blue waters, go snorkeling, shop for Mexican handicrafts, play tennis, or do absolutely nothing. Perhaps take a boat to Cozumel for some amazing snorkeling or diving. Ancient ruins, new cultures, fun in the sun, and sumptuous cuisine—all await you on this thrilling vacation to Mexico’s Yucatan!A good story starts with a good vacation. What story might you discover next?
Highlights:
Itinerary:
| Day #1 |
Arrive in Cancun, Mexico. Welcome to Cancun! At 7 pm, meet your traveling companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure. |
| Day #2 |
Cancun–Tulum–Coba–Chichen Itza. First, we’ll visit the beachfront ruins of TULUM. This stunning 12th-century site, once inhabited by the Mayas and Toltecs, is set atop coastal cliffs overlooking the Caribbean. From here it is a short drive to COBA, an important Mayan city during the 8th and 9th centuries. Although it had an estimated population of 50,000, it was abandoned for unknown reasons. The present-day village straddles Lago Coba and is surrounded by dense jungle. In the late afternoon, arrive at Chichen Itza, where the renowned Mayaland Hotel is your home for the next two nights. (B,L,D) |
| Day #3 |
Chichen Itza. A full day to explore this most important and strategic ancient city. CHICHEN ITZA was built by the Maya between 600 and 900 AD, abandoned by the end of the 10th century, and re-established in the 11th and 12th centuries, possibly by the Toltecs. The site sits amid 3 miles of cleared forest scrub. Visit the BALL COURT, site of many human sacrifices; EL CASTILLO, a formidable building dedicated to the high priest; and the CENOTE SAGRADO, the sacred well once filled with priceless treasures offered to the gods. This evening, enjoy the SOUND & LIGHT SHOW at Chichen Itza. (B,L,D) |
| Day #4 |
Chichen Itza–Izamal–Uxmal. Today we drive to Izamal, a charming town that was once a classic Mayan religious site and later a center of the Spanish attempt to Christianize the Maya. Tour the Convent, built between 1549 and 1562, and visit the local market before enjoying lunch at an area restaurant. This evening, enjoy an exciting SOUND & LIGHT SHOW. (B,L,D) |
| Day #5 |
Uxmal–Kabah–Merida. This morning we visit UXMAL. Built during the Classic Period, Uxmal is the most famous of the ruins in the Puuc region. Its architecture is considered one of the masterpieces of the old civilization. Later, visit KABAH, a small but interesting archaeological site famous for its PALACE OF MASKS. Journey on to Merida, capital of the Yucatan state and its colonial heart. This evening, take a stroll around this friendly town and explore some of the interesting shops and restaurants. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for the best way to spend your evening. (B,L) |
| Day #6 |
Merida. Conquered in 1542 by Francisco de Montejo, Merida remained under Spanish control for the next 300 years. This morning’s city tour showcases a variety of European architectural styles by visiting the CATHEDRAL, the zocalo (main square), and the elegant Paseo Montejo boulevard. Later, visit the MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY AND HISTORY with its excellent displays of Mayan artifacts from various sites in the Yucatan. Enjoy leisure time this afternoon to relax in your centrally located hotel, shop for local wares, or maybe visit nearby museums such as the Museum of Popular Art, showcasing Mayan art, handicrafts, and clothing. (B,L) |
| Day #7 |
Merida–Ek Balam–Valladolid–Playa del Carmen. Today we visit the enormous and elaborate Acropolis pyramid located inside the Mayan site of EK BALAM. Meaning “black jaguar,” Ek Balam was at the height of its importance as a Mayan city during the Late Classic Period (600-900 AD). When the Mayas abandoned the site, it went under cover as the dense low-lying jungle of the Yucatan engulfed it. Found by archaeologists and adventurers, its restoration has been ongoing since 1997. Next we visit the small but charming town of Valladolid before making our way to Playa del Carmen. This evening your Tour Director hosts a festive farewell dinner. (B,D) |
| Day #8 |
Playa del Carmen. A full day to enjoy this tropical paradise. Relax by the pool, play a game of tennis, or do some golfing. Browse in the shops or enjoy one of the local restaurants. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional sightseeing. (B,L,D) |
| Day #9 |
Playa del Carmen. Spend two more days in this world-renowned playground for sun and fun. Relax on the beach, shop for souvenirs, or maybe take a ferry to Cozumel for some world-class snorkeling and diving. Not far from Playa is the magnificent Xcaret, or for eco enthusiasts, there is the nearby Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. Whatever your interest, Playa del Carmen is sure to delight. (B,L,D daily) |
| Day #10 |
Playa del Carmen. Spend two more days in this world-renowned playground for sun and fun. Relax on the beach, shop for souvenirs, or maybe take a ferry to Cozumel for some world-class snorkeling and diving. Not far from Playa is the magnificent Xcaret, or for eco enthusiasts, there is the nearby Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. Whatever your interest, Playa del Carmen is sure to delight. (B,L,D daily) |
| Day #11 |
Playa del Carmen–Cancun. The tour ends after breakfast. Transfers provided to Cancun International Airport. (B) |
Hotels:
Cancun Omni Cancun Hotel (D), Chichen Itza Hotel Mayaland (F), Uxmal Hacienda Uxmal (F), Merida Hyatt Regency (D), Playa Del Carmen Viva Wyndham Azteca (F)
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Pricing Options:
| Depart US | Land-Only |
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| 01/30/2011 | $2,089.00 | | 02/13/2011 | $2,089.00 | | 02/27/2011 | $2,089.00 | | 03/13/2011 | $2,089.00 | | 03/27/2011 | $2,089.00 | | 10/09/2011 | $1,869.00 | | 10/23/2011 | $1,869.00 | | 10/31/2011 | $1,989.00 | | 11/06/2011 | $1,869.00 | | 02/11/2012 | $2,179.00 | | 02/25/2012 | $2,179.00 | | 03/10/2012 | $2,179.00 | | 03/24/2012 | $2,179.00 |
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©2005 Flamingo Travel Group
All Rights Reserved
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