Magic of Mexico - Family holiday

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Cancun

Your trip starts in Cancun. You will receive full details of exactly where to meet your Group Leader on the Joining Instructions which will be sent to you 2-3 weeks before your trip starts. For information on when the trip ends please refer to the itinerary as described below. Q Bay Hotel (AA) - 1 night

Chichen Itza

Early morning transfer from Cancun to explore the impressive ruins of Chichen-Itzá (2hrs 30 mins). Here you have a private tour with your expert guide. This site is world renowned for the sophistication of its structures and the high level of astronomical and engineering accomplishments exhibited as well as the variety of temples, ball courts and ritual centres. The site comes alive with the expert interpretation of your guide adding colour and contour to the sprawling site. In the afternoon relax in the Hacienda and take a swim in the refreshing pool. Hacienda Chichen (AAA) - 1 night - (B)

Chichen Itza; Merida

You wake up today in the jungle and head out to explore the area on horseback. You'll visit a relatively unknown part of the Chichen Itza site. As the mid-day heat descends you will head to Cenote Ikkil one of the Yucatan’s most enchanting fresh water underground pools where you can opt for a refreshing swim and lunch. You will continue on to Mérida (2hrs 15mins), the colonial capital of the Yucatan Peninsula for an evening in town. Hotel Santa Lucia (AA) - 3 nights - (B)

Merida

After breakfast be prepared to enjoy a boat tour of the Celestun Nature preserve which is home to approximately 300 species of birds at different times throughout the year. After a break for lunch you can relax on the beach or explore the local quaint fishing village. You will then head back to your hotel in Merida. (B)

Merida

Today is a free day to potter around colonial Merida or take up one of the optional activities on offer (additional charge). A popular choice is a visit to the nearby Mayan Ruins of Dzibilchaltun (pronounced tzee-BEEL-chahl-toon). Here you can marvel at the ingenuity of the Mayan architects - the buildings are aligned for the solstice - and swim in a beautifully clear cenote. The nearby cenote Xlakah is thought to have been one of the reasons for locating Dzibilchaltun here. For older children there is also option for bike tour outside the city - the terrain is flat but the weather can be hot so a cenote stop would be included. (B)

Uxmal

Today after breakfast you have a city tour of Merida ending with a short 'Calesa' (carriage) ride. After your tour, you head to a local operational Hacienda for lunch (30 min) and explore a working Hacienda that make Heneken, rope fibre. With your expert guide you will learn the old fashioned process of making this rope and the history of why these grand haciendas have been slowly abandoned. Late-afternoon you head to your hotel near the ruins of Uxmal. Villas Arqueologicas Uxmal (AAA) - 1 night - (B)

Uxmal & Valladolid

Today after breakfast you head into the ancient ruins of Uxmal to view the amazing Palace of the Governors (considered by many to be the finest example of classic Mayan Architecture) and the mystical Pyramid of the Magician, which consists of 5 super-imposed temples. After your tour, you head to Valladolid (3hrs.), the former colonial capital of the Yucatan Peninsula. Valladolid was named for the city in Spain that was the capital at the time of the colonisation of Mexico. En route you will stop at a local cenote for a refreshing midday swim. Upon your arrival into Valladolid you will tour the charming city centre which has preserved its small plaza and fine architecture that reveal the glory of a bygone era. Enjoy a tranquil evening before heading to the Mexican Caribbean tomorrow. Hotel San Clemente (AA) - 1 night - (B)

Fly home

Early morning transfer to Cancun (1hr30) where your trip ends or to your beach extension in the Mayan Riviera. (B)

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Key: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner