Grand Tour of Mexico

This trip takes you to the main sights in Mexico City, on to the Teotihuacan pyramids and Guadalupe Shrine nearby, continuing to Cuernavaca, Taxco and Acapulco. In Merida you will take a guided tour of the white city of Merida, and then tour the Mayan archaeological wonders of Kabah, Uxmal and Chichen Itza. 

Day 1: Arrive in Mexico
Arrival to Mexico City International airport. Reception and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Mexico City.

Day 2: Mexico City / City tour & Anthropology museum
Morning city sightseeing – half day guided visit, including the most important buildings in the historical center located around the Zocalo, the Cathedral, the National Palace to admire the famous murals of Diego Rivera. Continue to the modern part of the city, ending at the Anthropology Museum (closed on Mondays), one of the world’s best museums. Return to your hotel. Overnight in Mexico City. B

(Included meals: Breakfast) 

Day 3: Mexico City / Shrine of Guadalupe & Teotihuacan
Morning guided excursion to the famous Teotihuacan Pyramids, a five hours excursion starting with a visit to the Virgin of Guadalupe shrine, place of pilgrimage for millions of Mexicans and foreigners. Continue north of the city, to the Teotihuacan Pyramids, to see the Sun and the Moon Pyramids, the Quetzalcoatl Temple and the fortresses. Free time for those who would like to climb to the top of the Pyramids or wander around. Return to your hotel. Overnight in Mexico City. B

(Included meals: Breakfast) 

Day 4: Mexico / Cuernavaca & Taxco
Excursion to Cuernavaca, the City of the eternal spring. Short visit to the cathedral, one of the oldest colonial buildings in Mexico. Continue to Taxco, the Silver City, and tour through this colonial gem, one the prettiest towns in Mexico. Taxco is the place for shopping and bargaining for silver (you will have free time to walk around). Overnight in Taxco.  

(Included meals: Breakfast) 

Day 5: Taxco - Acapulco
Today, you will take a four hours bus trip to world famous Acapulco. Transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Acapulco.

(Included meals: Breakfast) 

Day 6: Acapulco / Sightseeing tour  
Enjoy the view of the Acapulco’s Bay from the scenic freeway, and visit the most important points in this beautiful city.  Also visit Puerto Marques and Diamond Area, and their beaches.  Afterwards, see the well-known cliff divers show at La Quebrada. Overnight in Acapulco. 

(Included meals: Breakfast) 

Day 7: Acapulco - Merida / City
Transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Merida. On arrival, reception   and   transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon (or evening depending on your flight), you will take a three hours guided tour through the  “ White   City ” of   Merida, with Spanish and European architecture. The visit includes the Zocalo, the   Cathedral and   the Paseo Montejo. Overnight in Merida.

(Included meals: Breakfast)  

Day 8: Merida / Uxmal and Kabah
Excursion to the archaeological site of Uxmal, its architecture is considering one of the masterpieces of the old civilization.  Then, visit    the   small   but   very interesting archaeological site of Kabah. Return to Merida.  Overnight in Merida.

(Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch) 

Day 9: Merida - Chichen Itza - Cancun
Today a fascinating excursion to Chichen Itza, one of the largest and best-maintained sites in Mexico.  The visit includes the most prominent buildings, like the Castillo, the Ball Court the Observatory, the Temple of the Warriors and the Nunnery. Departure to Cancun for a four  hours bus ride until the arrival to your hotel (accommodation not included / arrival in Cancun around 8 pm). Contact us for hotel and tours recommendations in Cancun or Riviera Maya.

(Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch)

Price includes:
Welcome and transfer from airport upon arrival. Accommodations, meals, transfers and tours as noted in day-by-day itinerary. Entrance fees on sightseeing, tours. Official English / Spanish speaking local guide on tours.  Services in group basis.
 
Price does not include:
International and domestic flights. International departure taxes. Meals not mentioned in the itinerary. Optional activities. Beverages. Personal expenses (laundry, beverages, communications, etc).

Local flight needed (not included):
Acapulco - Merida (via Mexico City)

Important:
Supplement apply in Acapulco as follows:
3* hotels from Dec 23, 2011 to Jan 2, 2012 & Mar 30 to Apr 7, 2012
4* hotels from Dec 23, 2011 to Jan 3, 2012 & Apr 2-8, 2012
5* hotels from Dec 23, 2011 to Jan 3, 2012 & Mar 30 to Apr 13, 2012

Notes:
- Prices in USDollars, minimum 2 passenger/s.
- A supplement apply for solo travellers.
- Official English / Spanish speaking local guide on tours.
- Triple rooms with 2 beds only (hotels don´t guarantee 3 beds).
- Specific properties may be replaced for others of same quality.
- Check in at hotels is normally at 3pm. Check out at 12.00 (noon) .
- The order of the itinerary may be altered according to flight schedules.
- All prices may vary on special holidays, Easter week and/or long Weekends.
- Services in shared basis (SIB) does not apply for transfers with pick up from hotel before 7 am.
- Transfer in shared basis (SIB) are only available from 7 am to 8 pm. Arrivals and departures out of this schedule will require private services.
- The itineraries are planned with great care, although, for operational and/or weather reasons, it may be necessary to change the sequence of activities in the itinerary or the specified route and visits, and though such cases are exceptional, in general the itinerary should be treated only as a basic guideline.
- Category of hotels is based on standards of the country (only to be used as a guide). One star being the most limited of services and, five stars having superior amenities and closer to international standards.
- Depending on the number of passengers, transport will be provided in shared service, based on a van (up to 9 pax) or a sprinter (up to 12 pax ) or a bus (up to 40 pax). For operational reasons the Chichen Itza tour (with drop off in Cancun) might be operated in a bus.
- Domestic flights are not included in the package price because their prices vary unpredictably and can only be fixed at the time of reservation.
- Remember to contact  directly the embassy or nearest consulate to reconfirm this and if there is any other special requirement to enter the country (ies).
- We strongly recommend that prior to travel you purchase an appropriate travel insurance policy to cover delays, cancellation charges, cancellation of services, loss or theft of luggage or personal effects, medical expenses, accident and others. One option to try: http://www.columbusdirect.com/index.cfm?sourcecode=latdis