Mexico, the third largest country in the Latin America, has a rich cultural heritage. Once populated by a variety of Indian civilizations from the Aztecs and Mayans. These cultures flourished until the arrival of the Conquistadors in the 16th century. Today visitors can see the legacy of this rich heritage in a land whose people delight in fiestas, music and dance.
 

A small resort, Canun was carved out of the jungle on a small island Sandspit just off the Caribbean coast of Mexico. An ideal base from which to enjoy the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, dive some of the finest reefs in the world or visit the Mayan ruins in Yucatan such as Chichen Itza.

At an altitude of 7,350, resting on the foundation of Tenochtitlan, centre of the ancient Aztec empire, Mexico City is a 20th century metropolis alive with fascinating sights and timeless treasures, a unique blend of past and present.

                                          Classic Mexico + Guatemala
 
 

Guatemala Highlights with Classic Mexico

Day 1: (Fri) (Day 15 of Mexican Heritage). Instead of flying on to Mexico City,
remain overnight in Cancun tonight.

Day 2: Morning transfer to Cancun Airport for your flight to Guatemala City. On
arrival transfer to the hotel Camino Real. Rest of day at leisure to get a feel for
this vibrant city.

Day 3: Leave Guatemala City for Chichicastenango and a visit to the amazingly
colourful open-air market and the Church of St Tomas. Overnight
at the charming Mayan Inn.

Day 4: After breakfast set off for the shores of Lake Atitlan, surrounded by
volcanoes, and a morning's launch excursion across the lake to the village of
Santiago Atitlan. Afterwards check-in to the Hotel del Lago where you will
overnight.

Day 5: Today proceed to Antigua which was the old colonial capital between
1543 and 1773, when it was devastated by earthquake. Overnight at the historic
Casa Santo Domingo, formerly a convent and now a hotel.

Day 6: Sightseeing in and around this historic and beautiful city. In the afternoon
drive back to Guatemala City. Overnight Camino Real Hotel.

Day 7: Full day trip to the extensive and fascinating ruins at Tikal, possibly the
largest and most important of all the Mayan cities. Flights to and from
Guatemala City/Flores and lunch are included. Overnight Camino Real Hotel.

Day 8 (Fri) (Day 22 of Mexican Heritage): Fly to Miami to connect with your British
Airways flight back to the UK.
Guatemala Highlights extension based of tour based on Bed & Breakfast, plus
lunch on Day 2.

MAGES YUCATAN (VALID FROM 7 MAY 2002)
 

Images of the Yucatan

A popular and very enjoyable 7 day tour taking in some of the highlights from
the Mayan era. A wonderful holiday especially if combined with an extra week in
Cancun, Cozumel or Playacar.

Cancun (1 night), Merida (2 nights), Uxmal (2 nights), Coba (1 night), Cancun
(1 or 8 nights if extending in Cancun).

Day 1: Morning departure from UK for Cancun. Upon arrival, transfer to the
Holiday Inn Centro in downtown Cancun for one night.

Day 2: Leave Cancun for a visit to one of the finest Maya/Toltec sites at Chichen
Itza and also the 'cenote' at Dzitnup. In the afternoon head for Merida and the El
Conquistador (or similar) where you will spend the next 2 nights.

Day 3: After breakfast tour Merida, once a Maya stronghold, but now more
famous for its colonial legacy. Enjoy a visit to the market here.

Day 4: This morning set off for Celestun to see the wonderful bird life and
especially the flamingos which inhabit the area. Continue on to Uxmal and
check in to the Hotel Hacienda (or similar) for 2 nights. Enjoy an afternoon by
the pool.

Day 5: Following breakfast, visit the ruins of Uxmal which include the Pyramid of
the Magician. Afterwards set off to see the Mayan sites on the 'Ruta Puuc'. Visit
Kabah, Labna with its famous arch, Sayil and the Caves of Loltun. Return to
Uxmal in plenty of time to see the 'Light & Sound' show.

Day 6: Today return to Merida and continue on to Coba, which boasts one of the
Yucatan's highest pyramids. After a tour of the ruins, retire to the Villas
Arqueologicas, your overnight hotel.

Day 7: After breakfast drive towards the coast to the ruins at Tulum which
overlook the Caribbean sea. Afterwards visit the ecological park at Xcaret. Arrive
back in Cancun late in the afternoon for your overnight at the Fiesta Americana
Cancun (or similar).

Day 8: A half day beside the Caribbean waters before your return flight back to
UK, arriving the following morning or alternatively, extend your stay in Cancun,
Cozumel or Playacar for another week.

What's included:
                              • Breakfast daily
                              • Services of an English speaking guide
                              • All entrance fees as appropriate
                              • Air-conditioned transportation
                              • Hotels as per itinerary

Departures:
                              Weekly ex UK on a Friday (British Airways) and on a Tuesday (on Air 2000 from
                              May 02). Operation subject to minimum of 6 participants.

Accommodation:
                              Provided in standard room category and is double or twin bedded with private
                              bath or shower.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Cancun (1 night), Chichen Itza (3 nights), Uxmal (1 night), Palenque (1 night), San Cristobal (1 night), Campeche (1 night), Uxmal (2 nights), Chichen Itza
(1 night), Cancun (3 nights).
 

Day 1 (Fri):Leave the UK with British Airways bound for Cancun. on arrival transfer to the Holiday Inn Centre in downtown Cancun for one night.

Day 2: Set off for Chichen Itza via the famous cenotes of Dzitnup and Valladolid and the pre-classic Mayan ruins at Ek Balam. In the afternoon you will get the chance to watch flamingos on the lagoon of Rio Lagartos and visit the port of San Felipe. On reaching Chichen itza, dinner and the 3 nights at the Hotel Mayaland.

Day 3: Morning visit to the most famous of all Mayan sites, Chichen Itza. Following inspection of the ruins visit old Chichen by horse and the nearby Balancanche caves.

Day 4:Today visit the lesser known but important sights of souta, once home to the Cocom who put up stiff resistance to the Spanish Conquistadors, and the ruins at Yaxcaba.

Day 5:Drive to the charming colonial town of Merida build on the foundations of the Mayan city of Ti'ho. Afterwards head for Uxmal, one of the most beautiful Mayan cities, where you will see the famous Light & Sound show. Overnight in Uxmal.

Day 6: Leave Uxmal for Viillahermosa in the state of Tabasco. On the way enjoy sightseeing at Comalcalco, the only mayan city made of brick, and La Venta with its unique collection of basalt heads wich date from the Olmec period. Reach Palenque in time for dinner and overnight.

Day 7:Morning visit to the Mayan city of Palenque, once ruled by the mighty Lord Pacal whose toms lies under one of the magnificent temples. afterwards set off for San Cristobal via the waterfalls and cataracts of Misol-Ha and Aqua Azul. Overnight in San Cristobal.

Day 8:After breakfast visit the highland villages of San Juan Chamula, famed for its sheep herders, and Zinacantan, famed for its flower growers. Both village communities retain traditions and beliefs held by their Mayan forefathers. Later, complete the journey to the old town of Campeche where you will overnight.

Day 9: In the morning explore Campeche before setting off to Uxmal. On arrival enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Over night in Uxmal.

Day 10: From Uxmal take in the sights of the Puuc Route, Visit Kabah, made popular by explores Stephens & Catherwood, the Mayan city of Sayil, Labna with its famous arch and the caves at Loltun. Overnight back in Uxmal.

Day 11: Today leave Uxmal for Chichen Itza on the Convent Route, passing through the colonial town of Izamal. Overnight at the Hotel Mayaland in Chichen Itza.

Day 12:A morning at leisure to explore on your own or enjoy the hotel's gardens and pools. After lunch transfer from Chichen Itza to the fiesta Americana Cancun in Cancun for the next 3 nights. A chance to relax beside the warm waters of the Caribbean, after your tour.

Day 13 & 14: At the leisure in Cancum.

Day 15 (Fri):Afternoon transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Option: A journey though the Yucatan and southern Mexico: parked with archaeological marvels, rich colonial history and an unrivalled depth of culture.

Prices based  on Full Board (Days 2-11), Breakfast on Days 13-15 plus lunch on Day 12. Operation subject to minimum 6 passengers.

CANNON PALACE RESORT

Location: Right on the beach in the centre of the famous hotel zone of Canun. A few minutes from the shops and restaurants.

Accommodation: 555 air-conditioned rooms. The 419 Standard rooms have satellites T.V, telephone, safe deposit box, private bathroom and a terrace or balcony. Most room are sea facing, the rest look out over the Nitchupte Lagoon.

Facilities: Outdoor international cuisine restaurant, specially Mexican gourmet restaurant, lobby bar, coffee shop, sunken pool bar, snack bar, shopping arcade, beauty parlour, health club (with sauna & steam bath), 2 floodlit tennis courts and 3 inter-connected swimming pools. Babysitting, car hire and excursions can be arranged. Golf and watersports are available nearby. Guests are entitled to use the facilities of  the Canun Palace's sister hotels: Moon Palace, Sun Palace and beach Palace without prior reservation.

Opinions: a large, comfortable and very well equipped hotel offering an excellent 'all inclusive' holiday.

MOON PALACE HOTEL

Location: Overlooking the Caribbean and a fine stretch of beach, 20 minutes from all the action in Canun.

Accommodation: There are 731 Superior Deluxe air-conditioned which double Jacuzzi. Each room has satellite T.V, Telephone, mini bar, coffee maker, hairdryer, safe deposit box, private bathroom and a sea-facing terrace or balcony.

Facilities: A lobby bar, 4 restaurants, coffee shop, snack bar, video bar, sunken pool bar, Mexican Village with shops and a restaurant, shopping arcade, beauty parlour, health club, 2 floodlit tennis courts, basketball court, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a variety of non-motorised Watersports, as well as daily activities and evening entertainment. Babysitting, car hire and excursions can be arranged. Guests are entitled to use the facilities of the Moon Palace's sister hotels: Canun Palace, Sun Palace and Beach Palace without prior reservation (a free bus service is in operation).

Opinion: Once of the best equipped hotels in Canun, the Moon Palace offers guests a great combination of comfort, style and entertainment.

CARACOL

Tropical, tranquil & great value

Location: Facing a beautiful stretch of white sand beach on the Riviera Maya, approximately 40 minutes south of Cancun Airport and 3 miles from the resort of Playa Del Carmen. A new and refreshing All Inclusive resort Splash Resort Caracol is set in a secluded location on the Riviera Maya, yet with both Playa Del Carmen and Cancun easily accessible. With plenty to offer singles, couples and families, Splash Resort Caracol is great value.

Facilities:

Choose from 4 restaurants including an International buffet and 3 a la carte restaurants serving Mexican, Italian and International cuisine. There are 5 bars including a poolside snack bar, 2 swimming pools, 2 floodlit tennis courts, watersports centre, small fitness area, kids club and plenty of secluded beach to explore. A disco and regular nightly entertainment round off the facilities.

Accommodation: A total of 366 room and junior suites are spread over several low rise blocks within 12 acres of tropical garden and surrounded by 40 acres of jungle, mangroves and lagoons. All rooms have king or 2 queen size beds, air-conditioning, ceiling fan, hairdryer, telephone, satellite television and private bathroom with shower. Standard Gardenview and Standard Oceanview are located on the first and second floors with views of the mangroves and lagoons or the Caribbean Sea. Superior Gardenview and Superior Oceanview are located on the third floor and are larger with sitting area and a spacious balcony and facing either mangroves and lagoons or the Caribbean Sea.

FREE AIRPORT CAR PARKING - book by 31 Oct 01 and receive up to 15 days free off airport car parking when flying from either Gatwick or Manchester Airport. Valid for departures 19 Dec 01 - 30 Apr 02 & 14 Jul - 31 Aug 02.

What's included:

• All meals - breakfast, lunch, daytime snacks and dinner.

• All alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, juices and house wines.

• Non motorised watersports including Hobie Cats, windsurfing, sailing,
snorkelling and kayaks.

• Land sports include tennis (day & night), volleyball, fitness room, archery and
basketball.

• Kids Club (Mon-Sat) for children 2-11 years old (baby sitting available at a
charge locally).

CANCUN PALACE
 

Location: Right on the beach in the centre of the Cancun hotel zone. A large, comfortable
and well equipped superior hotel only a few minutes from the main shopping
centre and nightlife and fronting a lovely stretch of sandy beach.

Facilities: 2 main restaurants including a speciality Mexican gourmet restaurant, lobby
bar, coffee shop, sunken pool bar, snack bar, souvenir shop, mini golf, beauty
parlour, health club (with sauna & steam baths), 2 floodlit tennis courts and 3
inter-connected swimming pools. Babysitting, car hire and excursions can be
arranged. Golf and watersports are available nearby. Guests are entitled to use
the facilities of the Cancun Palace's sister hotels: Moon Palace, Sun Palace,
Beach Palace, Xpu-Ha and Aventura Palace (adults only).

Accommodation: 560 well appointed air-conditioned rooms. Each room has satellite television,
telephone, safe deposit box, private bathroom with shower, large jacuzzi and a
terrace or balcony. Most rooms are sea facing, the rest look out over the
beautiful Nitchupte Lagoon.

Free Excursion - one full day trip to Isla Mujeres for guests of Cancun Palace.

Honeymoon / Special Anniversary: Receive complimentary bottle of sparkling
wine, fruit basket, petite fours and a candlelite dinner with special menu.

What's included:

• Buffet breakfast and lunch with a la carte and buffet dinner
• Variety of snacks and ice-creams
• Unlimited soft and alcoholic drinks by the glass (local and imported brands)
• Tennis and beach volleyball
• Non-motorised water sports facilities at the Sun Palace & Moon Palace

Marinas:

• Use of towels & sun beds
• One introductory pool diving lesson per stay
• Daily activities programme and evening entertainment
• Bus service to, and free use of, all facilities and activities at the sister hotels in Cancun's hotel zone
• 24 hour room service

Palace Resorts FREE Excursion Offer:

We are pleased to offer one complimentary full day excursion to
guests staying at either the Cancun Palace, Spa Palace, Moon Palace or
Aventura Palace. These full day trips include road or boat transfers to / from
your chosen hotel and entrance fees where applicable. See the below for
further details:

Isla Mujeres: Full day trip to the island Isla Mujeres just 5 miles off the north
east coast of Cancun. The excursion includes buffet lunch and soft drinks,
beers, tropical cocktails at a private beach club. Snorkel the coral reef off shore
(equipment available to hire) or visit the picturesque downtown area. Note: a
US$1 Contribution to the Punta Nizuc National Park and biodegradable sun
lotion is required.