Mexico’s 18th century haciendas are reminders of a time when Spanish Conquistadors ruled the country. Many of them have been converted into luxury boutique hotels steeped in colonial history and we invite you to experience their charms on tours designed to showcase the country’s quaint villages, national treasures and ancient Mayan heritage.
TOUR ONE
12 nights/13 days from £2,930 per person.
DAY 1 – MEXICO CITY
Fly with British Airways to Mexico City. On arrival you will be met and transferred to Casa Vieja where you will stay for the next two nights. Continental breakfast is included.
DAY 2 – MEXICO CITY
Enjoy a full-day tour of Mexico City. This will include a visit to The National Palace housing Diego Rivera’s famous murals and the 16th century Metropolitan Cathedral which is a treasure trove of beautiful paintings and sculptures. The highlight will be the
Pyramids of Teotihuacan built about 2,000 years ago and featuring the Palace of Quezalpapaloti.
DAY 3 - MERIDA
Transfer back to the airport and fly with Mexicana to Merida. On arrival you will be met and transferred (one-hour) to the Hacienda Temozon where you will stay for the next two nights.
DAY 4 – OXKUTZCAB AND TICUL MAYAN
TOWNS
Visit the quaint Mayan village of Oxkutzcab and explore the largest fruit market in the region. Then continue on to the small colonial town of Ticul which is renowned for its red pottery and shoe making. There’s an opportunity to interact with the local Mayan people, as well as have lunch at a traditional
restaurant. Return to the Hacienda Temozon in the afternoon.
DAY 5 - UXMAL
Your private guide will take you to the famous
archeological site of Uxmal. This World Heritage Site is one of the most magnificent ruins in the Yucatan and features a series of palaces set around courtyards. The House of the Magician, The Governor’s Palace and the House of Turtles are probably the most famous. Return to your hotel to check-out and then transfer to the Hacienda Santa Rosa.
DAY 6 - BECAL
In the morning your guide will take you to the small town of Becal. Nearly all the houses here are natural limestone caves where Mayan people hand-weave the Panama hats that have made the town famous. Your afternoon is free to enjoy your hotel.
DAY 7 – MERIDA
In the morning explore the history-rich town of Merida, the capital of the state of Yucatan. Known as the White City it features charming squares and beautifully-carved limestone buildings. After lunch start off for Chichen Itza where you will overnight.
DAY 8 – CHICHEN ITZA
Enjoy an early visit to Chichen Itza before the
crowds arrive. This is one of the most famous
metropolises still standing in the Mayan world, its most remarkable buildings including the Temple of Warriors, the Platform of Venus, the Bali Court and, of course, the spectacular four-sided Pyramid of Kukulkan. After the tour depart for the Riviera Maya, stopping to visit the Balankanche Caves en route.
DAYS 9 TO 13 – RIVIERA MAYA
Spend a relaxing five nights at your preferred beach hotel on the Riviera Maya. See pages 112 to 115 for your enticing options.
TOUR TWO
12 nights/13 days from £2,695 per person.
DAY 1 – MEXICO CITY
Fly with British Airways to Mexico City. On arrival you will be met and transferred to Casa Vieja where you will stay for the next two nights. Continental breakfast is included.
DAY 2 – MEXICO CITY
Enjoy a full-day tour of Mexico City. This will include a visit to The National Palace housing Diego Rivera’s famous murals and the 16th century Metropolitan Cathedral which is a treasure trove of beautiful paintings and sculptures. The highlight will be the
Pyramids of Teotihuacan built about 2,000 years ago and featuring the Palace of Quezalpapaloti.
DAY 3 - MERIDA
Transfer back to the airport and fly with Mexicana to Merida. On arrival you will be met and transferred (20-minutes) to the Hacienda Xcanatun where you will stay for the next two nights.
DAY 4 – MERIDA
In the morning explore the history-rich town of Merida, the capital of the state of Yucatan. Known as the White City it features charming squares and beautifully-carved limestone buildings. Return to the hotel to relax and maybe take advantage of the spa. There’s also the unique opportunity to enjoy a
horseback ride at sunset.
DAY 5 - TIXCOCOB
At midday transfer to the Hacienda San José Cholul, visiting Tixcocob on the way. This Mayan town is best known for its hammock makers and almost everyone in town has one!
DAY 6 - IZAMAL
Visit Izamal, one of the most important colonial towns in the Yucatan. See the famous monastery with its Franciscan monks, the nearby ruins of Kinich Kakmo and the statue of Pope John Paul who visited the town in 1993. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride
through the town and observe the local people as they make their living by embroidery and jewellerymaking.
DAY 7 – CHICHEN ITZA
In the late morning drive to Chichen Itza, one of the most famous metropolises still standing in the Mayan world. Its most remarkable buildings include the Temple of Warriors, the Platform of Venus, the Bali Court and, of course, the spectacular four-sided Pyramid of Kukulkan. After your afternoon tour, you
will have the chance to return in the evening to see the Light & Sound Show at the site. Overnight at the Hacienda Chichen.
DAY 8 – RIVIERA MAYA
Depart for the Riviera Maya, stopping to visit the Balankanche Caves en route. This cavern functioned as a ceremonial centre for the ancient Mayas and features an imposing stalactite, as well as ancient offerings, incense burners and figures of the rain god,
Chaac.
DAYS 9 TO 13 – RIVIERA MAYA
Spend a relaxing five nights at your preferred beach hotel on the Riviera Maya. See pages 112 to 115 for your enticing options. |
