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Celestun Excursion d 7 Visit 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 flamingos. elax during lunch under the palm-thatched roof of a local beach restaurant and enjoy some free time. This evening, gather for a Be My Guest experience hosted by Chef Don Miguel in the Chaya Maya Mansion kitchen. Upon arrival, you are greeted and served a welcome cocktail symbolic of the region, the “Mayita”, or Margarita de Chaya. Learn about the dishes that you’ll be making and sampling today, including the traditional processes with a modern twist used 8 in their preparation. (FB, L, BG)
Uxmal ▶ Sotuta de Peón ▶ Chichén Itzá d ew sites reflect the glories of aya 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. At the living history museum of Hacienda Sotuta de Peón, step back in time to the age of the haciendas. Learn about the Cultural Insight of henequen sisal fibre , the green gold of the ucat n during the colonial era. Visit the main house and the still-active processing plant. Ride a picturesque mule-drawn rail cart out to one of the cenotes (natural wells) that dot the Yucatán countryside. later this afternoon, travel to your hotel ideally situated next to Chichén Itzá, the most famous Mayan archaeological site. Enjoy the evening on your own to relax on the shaded terrace or cool off in one of the pools. (FB, L) Hotel: Mayaland Authentic Accommodation Chichén Itzá Sightseeing ▶ Cancun ise early and be the first visitors as you take advantage of your hotel’s own private entrance to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chichén Itzá. Under the expert guidance of your Travel 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, return to Cancun to enjoy some free time by one of the hotel’s pools or at the beach. Tonight, celebrate your Yucatán adventure at a lively Farewell Dinner. (FB, FD) Hotel: InterContinental Presidente Cancun Resort Depart Cancun Bid adiós to your newfound amigos as you transfer to Cancun International Airport for your flight home or choose to extend your stay in Cancun. (FB) Please note: This journey requires walking on uneven surfaces and steps. Occasionally, the itinerary may be subject to delays or variations due to circumstances beyond our control; it is best enjoyed by the experienced traveler in good health who can take such variations in stride.
P. TO $173 P. SAVE UP
More great savings on page 26
d Insider Experience WR Welcome Reception e Free time
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Buffet Breakfast Full Breakfast Lunch
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Double Share
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1695
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Single Supplement (add to price above): Exceptions 11 Oct 17 to 13 Dec 17:
$595 p.p. $625 p.p.
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s SAVE $50 p.p.
Past guest discount: Young traveler discount:
Multiple trip discount:
SAVE $43
Triple room discount:
7 Crossovers: These departures will operate as per the 2017 brochure. Itineraries, durations, hotels and inclusions may vary. Please inquire at the time of booking.
f MORE ABOUT YOUR TRIP Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for your Travel Director and Driver, $80 per person. Guaranteed Room Share is not available on this trip. WI-FI: see page 118 for details. * All prices are per person, double share. Book early for great savings - see pages 26-27. Extra nights’ accommodation page 115. Visit www.trafalgar.com for availability, up-to-date itineraries and Optional Experiences.
AUTHENTIC ACCOMMODATIONS Hacienda Uxmal Plantation and Museum, Uxmal, Mexico Steeped in history, this Authentic Accommodation is the oldest hotel in the area and has attracted world leaders and royalty ever since its inauguration 50 years ago. Past guests include Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip of Great Britain, Henry Kissinger and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. The handpainted tile, masonry sculpted by artists, and generous use of the regional hardwoods make the setting as lovely as it is historic. Mayaland, Chichén Itzá, Mexico ayaland is the first hotel built in Chich n Itz . With its superb location amidst the temples, it is the first resort within an ancient site in the world. In a way, it’s as much a landmark as the pyramids that tower above it. This Authentic Accommodation is a creation of Old Yucatan, built and operated by its original owners and their descendants in a style reminiscent of the hacienda nobility of centuries past.
Campeche ▶ Edzná ▶ Uxmal d Travel to La Ruta Puuc for a further taste of Maya history and culture. Inhabited as early as 400 BC, the abandoned city of Edzná now reveals its secrets to modern-day visitors. Your Travel Director’s intimate knowledge of its fascinating history brings the ruins to life. A special treat awaits you at a Regional Meal lunch featuring Yucatecan specialties of pollo and cochinita pibil (chicken and pork wrapped
EARLY BIRD SAVINGS
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Cancun ▶ Ek Balam ▶ Valladolid ▶ Izamal ▶ Merida (2 Nights) Begin your exploration of the Yucatan Peninsula with a visit to the great Maya acropolis at Ek Balam. The ruins here provide a window into the Mayan soul, with elaborate statues and grand architecture surrounded by a plethora of vegetation. Then it’s on to Valladolid, the ucatan’s first capital, for lunch at a local restaurant and a stroll around its convivial central square. Next, visit the colonial jewel of Izamal with its yellow buildings glowing in the tropical sun. Visit the Franciscan Monastery before ending your day in “The White City” of Merida, one of Mexico’s loveliest colonial cities. (FB, L) Hotel: InterContinental Presidente Merida
Mérida ▶ Campeche Immerse yourself in the history and passion of colonial Mexico in Mérida today. View the Paseo de Montejo lined with beautiful Spanish mansions. Visit the Mérida Museum. See the glories of the city as you venture around the Central Plaza, the ornate Casa Montejo, the massive Cathedral and the Palacio del Gobierno with its remarkable collection of murals. Continue on to Campeche. Stroll from the magnificent Puerta de Tierra the main entrance to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Campeche’s fortified old city to the Puerta del Mar, which opens up to the Gulf of Mexico. The evening is yours to enjoy one of the many delicious local restaurants on your own. (FB) Hotel: Plaza Campeche
TRIP PLANNER
MEXICO AND CENTRAL AMERICA
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Arrive Cancun Bienvenidos a Mexico. Your journey begins with a warm greeting at the airport from a local host and a private transfer to the hotel. Gather at 7 p.m. to meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception. (WR) Hotel: InterContinental Presidente Cancun Resort
in banana leaves and smoked underground). End the day at your historic hotel. (FB, RM) Hotel: Hacienda Uxmal Plantation and Museum Authentic Accommodation
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RM Regional Meal BG Be My Guest Dining D Dinner
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