Bolero
Duration:12 days
A Land of Caribbean sunrises and golden Pacific sunsets, where a rich Indian past and centuries of colonial life form a colourful contrast with sparkling modern cities. Mexico City, the oldest in North America, situated on the site of an Aztec city discovered by Cortez in 1519, is today as great a metropolis as any in Europe. The Pyramids of Teotihuacán, just outside México City are an awe-inspiring site, rivalling the Pyramids of Egypt. Colonial gems such as San Miguel de Allende, Taxco and Oaxaca with a Spanish architectural heritage blending harmoniously with that of the ancient pre-Colombian. Acapulco, one of the world's most popular resort cities, stunningly situated on the Pacific coast. Mérida, capital of the Yucatán Peninsula, starting point for the Mayan sites of Chichén Itzá and Uxmal - magnificent monuments to the genius and creativity of one of man's most gifted races.
Day 1
Merida
Arrive Merida, known as the 'White City' because of the cleanliness and beauty of its streets and houses.
Day 2
Merida
Full day excursion to Uxmal, once the seat of the Mayan Ziu Dynasty, an imposing group of temples and pyramids overgrown by jungle. After lunch continue to Kabah to see the ruins of the unique Temple of the Masks, returning to Merida at sunset. L
Day 3
Merida
Full day tour to Chichen Itza, magnificent capital of the ancient Mayan Empire, its temples now surrounded by jungle, with iguanas occupying the palaces. L
Day 4
Merida - Oaxaca
Fly to Oaxaca. Afternoon tour of Oaxaca, including the Convent of Santo Domingo, housing the state museum with archaeological gold treasures.
Day 5
Oaxaca
Morning drive to the Mixtec city of Mitla. See the Hall of the Columns and Patio of the Crosses. Call at Santa Maria del Tule, and view the famous Mexican cypress tree “El Giganti”, over 1000 years old with a girth measurement of over 35 metres! Afternoon at leisure.
Day 6
Oaxaca - Monte Alban - Mexico City
This morning, visit the ruins of Monte Alban. See the Temple of the Dancers, Ball Court and, time permitting, Tomb-7, the sepulchre excavated
Day 7
Mexico City
A morning tour including visits to the superb Museum of Anthropology, Chapultepec Park, the Zocalo, the Cathedral and the main boulevards of this bustling, exciting city.B
Day 8
Mexico City
A morning tour, visiting the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl at Teotihuacan. En route you also visit the Shrine of Guadalupe.B
Day 9
Mexico City - Taxco
Depart this morning for the garden city of Cuernavaca, once described as an “eternal spring”, a retreat for Mexico City residents since before colonial times. Visit the Palace of Cortez and the Cathedral. Continue overland to beautiful Taxco - a national colonial monument and centre for silver production. Enjoy the ornate beauty of Santa Prisca, a church built by a silver baron. BD
Day 10
Taxco - Acapulco
Today continue by road to Acapulco, set on a beautiful azure bay with long stretches of golden beaches, exciting restaurants and nightclubs.B
Day 11
Acapulco
A day at leisure to enjoy the many activities available in the 'Riviera of the West'.B
Day 12
Acapulco
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.B
