The Mayan Trail + Mayan Riviera staying at Occidental Grand Xcaret

Itinerary
Hotels

El Castillo Pyramid, Chichen Itza
Xcarat Ecological Reserve, Mayan Riviera
Cancun, Mayan Riviera
Temple of the Warriors, Chichen Itza
Flamingos feeding in Rio Lagartos
White sand beach, Mayan Riviera
Yucatan Peninsula, Mayan Riviera
Tranquil Ek Balam
Pyramid of the Magician, Uxmal
Beach, Mayan Riviera
Nunnery Quadrangle, Uxmal
Colourful houses in Campeche
Plaza Principal, Campeche
Palace of the Masks, Kabah
Great Pyramid, Sayil
The impressive archway at Labna
Intricate Mayan carvings
El Castillo Pyramid, Chichen Itza

DAY 1: UK - Cancun - Valladolid.

Fly to Cancun where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your Valladolid hotel for two nights. (D)

DAY 2: Valladolid - Chichen Itza - Valladolid.

The most famous Mayan masterpiece on the Yucatan Peninsula, Chichen Itza is a fascinating archaeological site dating back over 1500 years. This morning's visit takes in highlights such as the spectacular step-pyramid El Castillo - dedicated to the god Kukulkan and constructed in nine tiers to represent the Mayan calendar. Also see the Toltec plaza, the elaborately carved Temple of the Warriors and the legendary ball court. The afternoon is free before this evening's sound and light show. (B, L, D)

DAY 3: Valladolid - Rio Lagartos - Ek Balam - Merida.

Journey through richly verdant jungle to Rio Lagartos, a village set on a tiny promontory surrounded by gorgeous mangrove lagoons. Part of the Biosphere Special Reserve, Rio Lagartos is home to a rich variety of flora, fauna and wildlife, particularly birds, turtles and flamingos which you will see on an included boat ride. Later, continue to the hauntingly beautiful ruins of Ek Balam. Once a major city, the ancient site contains some of the most beautiful and best-preserved Mayan sculptures. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: Merida - Uxmal.

Renowned for its laid-back, friendly atmosphere, charming Merida is the largest city on the peninsula and capital of the Yucatan State. Explore this lovely city on an included sightseeing tour taking in the elegant Paseo de Montejo - a broad, tree-lined boulevard edged by elaborate grand mansions. You will also see the magnificent 16th century colonial architecture of Plaza de la Constitucion, such as the Cathedral de San Ildefonso and Casa de Montejo Palace. Admire the many cosmopolitan plazas, quaint churches, colourful markets and lush, spacious parks before completing your trip with a horse-drawn carriage ride. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: Uxmal.

Nestled amidst the Puuc hills, Uxmal archaeological site is a World Heritage Site rich in finely carved stonework and spectacular geometric-patterned mosaics. Today, marvel at the legendary Pyramid of the Magician, the former teaching arena - later renamed The Nunnery Quadrangle by conquistadors who believed it looked European. Admire the serenely beautiful House of Turtles, named after its finely honed sculptures of turtles, an animal thought to represent rain. This afternoon, why not join the optional trip to the remote village of Santa Elena to admire spectacular views from its hilltop church. This evening enjoy a sound and light show, staged inside the Nunnery Quadrangle. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Uxmal - Becal - Campeche.

Drive to the traditional village of Becal, famous for its production of hand-woven straw palm Jipi and Panama hats, before continuing to the beautiful old colonial city of Campeche. Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, this walled and prosperous port city has a distinctly European influence and was once a prime target for pirates. Elegant 18th and 19th century pastel-shade houses frame the slender, cobbled streets and the pristine plazas offer up plenty of quaint churches and museums. Enter the city through the Puerta de Tierra gate and head to the Plaza Principal, a mesmerising square overlooked by the beautiful Baroque Cathedral of the Conception. Later, visit the impressive Campeche Archaeological Museum to view ancient Mayan artefacts ranging from Jaina figurines to gold, and stunning Jade death masks from the Calakmul tombs. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Campeche - Puuc Route - Chichen Itza.

Follow the delightful Puuc Route on a trail amongst some of the most important archaeological sites on the Yucatan. Start with the famous Palace of Masks in Kabah, one of the most striking Mayan buildings adorned with multiple carvings of the Mayan rain god Chac, before viewing the tranquil Great Palace in Sayil and the former city of Labna's fantastic archway. After a short stop in nearby Ticul to visit a local pottery, see the historical Community of Tekax and the Loltun Caves, once sacred to the Maya. Travel to the market town of Oxkutzcab, where locals still wear traditional huipil dress in the colourful fruit market, before continuing to Chichen Itza for one night. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: Chichen Itza - Mayan Riviera.

Transfer to your chosen hotel for the next 7 nights. (B, L, D)

DAY 9 to 14: Mayan Riviera.

(B, L, D)

DAY 15: Mayan Riviera - UK.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B, L, D)

DAY 16: Home landing in the UK.

Occidental Grand Flamenco Xcaret, Playacar
Beach at Occidental Grand Flamenco Xcaret
Twin room, Occidental Grand Flamenco Xcaret
Restaurant, Occidental Grand Flamenco Xcaret
Restaurant, Occidental Grand Flamenco Xcaret

Occidental Grand Xcaret

Set amongst spectacular grounds and overlooking a glorious stretch of powdery-soft, white-sand beach, Occidental Grand Xcaret offers a superb range of activities and facilities and relaxing accommodation in tranquil surrounds.

Location: On its own private beach in Playacar, next to the uniquely beautiful Xcaret Ecological Park. Cancun resort centre is 10km away.

Facilities: 3 swimming pools; themed buffet restaurant; 10 speciality restaurants including 5 à la carte; snack bar; 10 bars including 2 pool bars; solarium; spa centre; Temazcal (traditional steam bath); bicycle tours; scuba diving; snorkelling; deep sea fishing; golf nearby (separate management); shops; laundry service; safety deposit box in bedrooms.

Price includes: All inclusive in a twin room with private facilities; air-conditioning; satellite TV; minibar; hairdryer.

Official category: 5 star.

All this included

Meals: Full board in 10 different restaurants (reservations required, dress code applies - men must wear long trousers for à la carte restaurants).

Drinks: Local & international alcoholic and soft drinks 10.30am-2am. Minibar in bedrooms with water, soft drinks & beer.

Activities: Tennis; fitness centre; sauna; steam room; Jacuzzi; archery; water aerobics; water & beach volleyball; football; water polo; table tennis; darts; dance lessons; evening entertainment programme.