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TREASURES OF THE YUCATAN - 2010
8 days from Cancun to Cancun (GL-YY)
Return to Italy
Vacations & Tours
Return to France,
Spain, Portugal and Morocco Vacations & Tours
Vacation Overview
Explore the history of ancient
civilizations during this grand Yucatan vacation. Spend the first night
of your trip in beautiful Cancun. Then tour the beachfront ruins at
Tulum. This stunning 12th-centruy site, once inhabited by the Mayas and
Toltecs, is set atop coastal cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Your
tour then takes you to the Mayan city of Coba, an important Mayan city
during the 8th and 9th centuries, en route to legendary Chichen Itza.
During your stay in Chichen Itza, built by the Maya between 600 and 900
AD, visit the Ball Court, El Castillo, and the Cenote Sagrado. Next, stop
in Izamal, a classic Mayan religious site, on the way to Uxmal with its
famous ruins. Visit the Palace of Masks in Kabah before reaching Merida,
the capital of the Yucatan state. In Merida, enjoy a city sightseeing
tour, visit the cathedral, and learn more about the Mayan culture at the
Museum of Anthropology and History. On to the Mayan city of Ek Balam and
its enormous pyramid. Stop in the charming town of Valladolid before
returning to Cancun, the perfect ending to your Yucatan vacation.
   
Itinerary
Day 1 Sun. ARRIVAL IN MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
Welcome to Mexico. This
evening, mix and mingle with your traveling companions and enjoy a 7 pm
welcome reception hosted by your Tour Director. (WR)
Day 2 Mon. 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 Tue. 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 Wed. CHICHEN ITZA–IZAMALI–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 Thu. 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 Fri. 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
& 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 Sat. MERIDA–EK BALAM–VALLADOLID-CANCUN
Today we visit the
enormous Acropolis pyramid 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 charming town
of Valladolid before making our way back to Cancun. This evening your
Tour Director hosts a festive farewell dinner. (B,D)
Day 8 Sun. CANCUN
The vacation ends this
morning with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers are
provided to Cancun International Airport. (B)
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Airport transfers may be included when you make your
international flights arrangements.
Dates and Prices
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Departure
Details
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Departure
Date
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Tour
Start Date
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Return
Date
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Land/Cruise
Price Only
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Status
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4/11/2010
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4/11/2010
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4/19/2010
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$1,759.00
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Available
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9/26/2010
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9/26/2010
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10/4/2010
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$1,759.00
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Available
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10/10/2010
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10/10/2010
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10/18/2010
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$1,759.00
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Available
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10/24/2010
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10/24/2010
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11/01/2010
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$1,759.00
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Available
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11/07/2010
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11/07/2010
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11/15/2010
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$1,759.00
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Available
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1/30/2011
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1/30/2011
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2/7/2011
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$1,949.00
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Available
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2/13/2011
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2/13/2011
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2/21/2011
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$1,949.00
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Available
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2/27/2011
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2/27/2011
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3/7/2011
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$1,949.00
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Available
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3/13/2011
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3/13/2011
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3/21/2011
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$1,949.00
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Available
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3/27/2011
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3/27/2011
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4/4/2011
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$1,949.00
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Available
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Popular Departure - due to itinerary and
time of year, this departure historically sells out quickly. Early
booking is encouraged.
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