Day 1 - ARRIVE CANCUN
Welcome to Mexico! A complimentary transfer is provided to your tour hotel. A tour representative is at the hotel late this afternoon to greet you and answer questions.

Day 2 - CANCUN - EK BALAM - VALLADOLID - MERIDA
Your exploration begins with a glimpse into the soul of Mayan culutre as you visit to the great Maya acropolis at Ek Balam. Largely unexcavated, these ruins show elaborate statues and grand architecture surrounded by lush jungles. Continue on to the Yucatan's first capital, Valladolid, and stroll about its convivial central square. End your day in Merida where you can enjoy "The White City" at leisure.

Day 3 - MERIDA SIGHTSEEING & FREE TIME
Discover the charm of this historic colonial city as you stroll along the Paseo de Montejo, modeled after the Champs Elysees in Paris, lined with beautiful Spanish mansions. In the Central Plaza, marvel at the ornate Casa Montejo, the massive cathedral and the Palacio Nacional with its remarkable collection of murals. Enjoy the afternoon and evening at leisure.

Day 4 - MERIDA – CELESTUN – CAMPECHE
Bid Adios to Merida and head for the Celestun UNESCO Biosphere Reserve where you'll travel by small boats through the lagoons and canals into protected wetlands to spot the local colony of pink flamingoes. Then it's on to the fort city of Campeche, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enter the fortified city through the Puerto de Tierra and then through Puerta del Mar leading out to the Carribean Sea. Enjoy the evening at leisure.

Day 5 - CAMPECHE – EDZNA – UXMAL
Today, travel La Ruta Puuc for a further taste of Maya history and culture. Inhabited as early as 400BC, the abandoned city of Edzna now reveals its secrets to modern-day visitors. Your Tour Director's intimate knowledge of its fascinating history bring the ruins to life. End the day in your stylish hacienda with a refreshing dip in the pool and some time to relax. This evening, learn all about tequila, Mexico's national drink, and taste various types of this spirit, reputed to reflect the Mexican's people strength and passion.

Day 6 - UXMAL - SOTUTA DE PEON - IZAMAL - CHICHEN ITZA
Few sites reflect the glories of Maya architecture better than the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Uxmal. From the Governor's Palace to the majestic Pyramid of the Magician, you'll be guided through one of the best-preserved ceremonial centers of any Maya city in the world. At the living history museum of Hacienda Sotuta de Peon, step back in time to the age of the haciendas. Learn about the production of henequen (sisal fiber), the green gold of the Yucatan during the colonial era. Visit the main house and the still-active processing plant; then ride a picturesque mule-drawn rail cart out to one of the cenotes (natural wells) that dot the Yucatan countryside. Later, visit the famous Franciscan Monastery before heading to a local Maya community to learn about the Mayan way of life. Then, travel to your hotel, ideally situated next to Chichen Itza, the most famous Maya archaeological site.

Day 7 - CHICHEN ITZA SIGHTSEEING & FREE TIME
Rise early and be the first visitors as you take advantage of your hotel's own private entrance to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chichen Itza. Under the expert guidance of your Tour Director, explore the imposing El Castillo (The Castle), flanked by the Temple of the Warriors and the great Ball Court, the largest of its kind in Central America. This afternoon, enjoy some free time by one of the hotel's pools or continue your journey through Maya history to the ancient ruins of Coba, also a UNESCO site, where you ride through the jungle on a pedicab to view the towering pyramids.

Day 8 - CHICHEN ITZA – DEPART CANCUN
Return to Cancun and bid adios to your new-found amigos as you arrive at Cancun International Airport for your flight home.

Ek Balam – Explore this recently excavated Mayan archaeological site.

Valladolid – Visit this enchanting colonial town and stroll the main plaza.

Merida – Spend two nights in this beautiful colonial city and discover its many highlights.

Celestun – Navigate the lagoons and canals of this rich Biosphere Reserve.

Campeche – Be enchanted by this skillfully restored fortified colonial town.

Edzna – View the Great Acropolis and impressive Pyramid of Five Stories.

Uxmal – Marvel at this outstanding Maya ceremonial complex.

Sotuta de Peon – Go back in time to the era of the grand colonial haciendas.

Izamal – See this magical "Yellow City" and visit its imposing monastery.

Chichen Itza – Spend two nights here and wonder at the architectural masterworks of this fabeled city.

Coba – View some of the tallest and steepest classic Maya-style pyramids.

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