Treasures of Mexico

14 days

TUESDAY DEPARTURES

FOR SALE UNTIL 05 AUG 2010

DEPARTURES UP TO 07 DEC 2010.

Day 1 Sydney - Los Angeles - Mexico

Mexico City, the City of Palaces, the ancient capital of the Mexican empire and the jewel in New Spanish Viceroys’ crown, is today one of the biggest, most complex and most beautiful cities in the world. The mere size of the urban spread makes it a city among cities. Mexico City is a modern, cosmopolitan city situated in an old lake basin that is surrounded by volcanic mountains. The different cultures that inhabited the city during the course of the centuries left an interesting architectural legacy that comprises many different styles. Firstly, there are the pre-hispanic remains that tell of the greatness of the civilizations that settled on this land before the arrival of the Spaniards. Mexican art can be seen through the ruins of the Templo Mayor (The Great Temple), the site where the monolith of the goddess Coyolxauqui was found. The architects that arrived from Europe during the colonial period applied and shared their knowledge of baroque, neo-classic and other styles of art that were combined with the indigenous styles to create an architecture that is quite unique. Works such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, palaces, mansions and an endless number of sober, sumptuous churches adorn the central area of the city now called the Historic Centre; these extraordinary types of buildings can also be seen in some of the picturesque towns and villages such as Coyoacán, San Ángel, Tlalpan and Xochimilco that used to be the outskirts of the city but have now become incorporated into the built up areas; in spite of this, they still maintain their provincial atmosphere. Later, after Mexico became an independent country, new districts of the city were built in a Frenchified style and in the art deco and colonial Californian styles.

Modernism was characterized by magnificent skyscrapers that sprung up in districts such as Polanco, Anzures, Del Valle and Santa Fe. The advantage of a mega-city such as Mexico City is that it offers the visitor all sorts of entertainment possibilities during the day and at night. Avenues like Avenida Insurgentes are a true axis of fun and recreation and has spots that cater to all tastes. Mexican culture in all its manifestations can be admired at the large number of quality museums that can be found in many different parts of the city. These have displays and exhibitions of art and culture ranging from the pre Hispanic (the National Museum of Anthropology) to the Vice Regal (the Franz Mayer Museum) to the modern (the Museum of Modern Art), as well as Mexican traditions suh as those in the Frida Kahlo Museum.

► Arrival transfer ◄

Our guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Mexico City (Seat in coach service.)

Accommodation: Royal Zona Rosa.

Day 2 Mexico City (B)

► Full day tour visiting the Square of the Three Cultures, the Shrine of Guadalupe and

the Archaeological site of Teotihuacan. (Seat in coach) ◄

Few cities in the world have been considered worthy of being inhabited by Gods but Teotihuacan is such a city, a civilisation that survived for a thousand years and whose legacy can still be felt along the passages of this site. This full day tour will take you to the archeological site of Teotihuacan, one of the most impressive sites of the Aztec World. Located only one hour outside of Mexico City, you will have the chance to see the complexities of the many Aztec treasures within. Lined with wide avenues projecting towards the cardinal points of the universe, and offering climbs up to the magnificent Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon. Other attractions here include the Butterflies Temple, the Avenue of the Dead, and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl.

Today you will also visit the Shrine of our Lady of Guadalupe, the most visited religious site in Latin America. Built in the 16th Century, this Shrine is a wonderful example of Spanish Baroque Art. In 1531 a 'Lady from Heaven' appeared to a poor Indian at Tepeyac, a hill northwest of Mexico City; she identified herself as the Mother of the True God, instructed him to have the bishop build a temple on the site and left an image of herself imprinted miraculously on his tilma.

• Includes transportation, bilingual guide and entrance fees, shared service. (Seat in coach service operates with a minimum of 2 passengers. If there is no one else confirmed for a specific date, a single supplement may apply.)

Accommodation: Royal Zona Rosa.

Day 3 Mexico City - Puebla - Oaxaca (B,L)

You will be picked up from your hotel in Mexico and head towards Puebla, the "City of Angels" and and stopping at the beautiful Santa Maria Tonantzila temple that was hand crafted and decorated by the local indigenous people. In Puebla visit Rosario’s Chapel,and the main square before lunch. Continue to Oaxaca.

Accommodation: Mision de los Angeles or similar

Includes:

• Accommodation in tourist hotels (supplements will be charged if unable to confirm the

properties specified)

• Land transportation

• Excursions and entrance fees as per itinerary

• Meals as per itinerary.

Day 4 Monte Alban, Mitla - Tule (B)

Monte Alban, Mitla - Tule (B)

In the morning visit Monte Alban, an important archaeological zone where we will find important remains of Olmeca, Zapoteca and Mixteca cultures: the Main Square, the Observatory, Tomb # 7, and the Stones of the Dancers. Continue to Mitla to see the various buildings decorated with symbolic mosaics. En route you will see the Tule Tree, one of the biggest living beings in the world. Return to Oaxaca for a tour of this city, including the Cathedral, Santo Domingo Church and the Museum of Gold. Return to your hotel.

Accommodation: Mision de los Angeles

Day 5 Oaxaca - Sumidero - San Cristobal de las Casas (B,L)

Early in the morning you will head to Tuxtla Gutierrez, the capital city of the State of Chiapas, on a scenic bus ride through the southern mountains. After a box lunch (included) you will board a boat for a ride along the Sumidero Canyon, whose highest point is 1,000 metres. Pass by the Chiapa de Corzo, where you can the Mudejar style fountain and continue to San Cristobal.

Accommodation: Casa Mexicana

Day 6 San Cristobal de las Casas (B)

Visit the typical indian towns of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán to observe their local customs including some traditional pagan-religious rites. Free afternoon to visit this beautiful city whose attractions include the Market, Cathedral, Santo Domingo church.

Accommodation: Casa Mexicana

Day 7 San Cristobal de las Casas - Agua Azul - Palenque (B,D)

San Cristobal de las Casas - Agua Azul - Palenque (B,D)

Continue to the Agua Azul Falls to admire the picturesque turquoise coloured waters. Time permitting, you will also stop at Misol-ha, another beautiful waterfall before continuing your journey to Palenque. Dinner at hotel.

Accommodation: Ciudad Real

Day 8 August Palenque - Campeche (B,D)

Palenque - Campeche (B,D)

Visit Palenque, one of the most important Mayan archaeological sites, both historically and aesthetically. Inside the temple of Inscriptions you can visit the beautifully engraved tomb and gravestone of King Pakal’s Tomb. Continue towards Campeche.

Accommodation: Del Mar hotel

Day 9 Campeche - Uxmal - Merida (B,L)

Campeche - Uxmal - Merida (B,L)

Discover Campeche on a panoramic city tour before departing to Uxmal. Visit this famed archaeological site and its impressive Mayan remains including: the Guesser Pyramid, the Nun’s Square, Governor’s Palace, and the Ballgame court. After lunch contine to Merida, where you will go on a panoramic city tour of “The White City”.

Accommodation: El Conquistador

Day 10 Merida - Chichen Itza - Cancun (B, L)

Head towards Chichen-Itza, the most well known Mayan ruins in Mexico and which was recently declared one of the new "7 Wonders of the World. Take a tour through the pyramid “The Castle”, the Ballgame Ground, the Observatory, the One Thousand Columns square, Jaguar’s Temple, and the Sacred Well (cenote). After lunch you will visit Well IK-IL on the way to Cancun where you will be dropped off at the hotel of your choice.

Accommodation: Beach Scape (formerly Ambiance Villas).

Day 11 Cancun (B)

Day at leisure.

Accommodation: Beach Scape (formerly Ambiance Villas).

Day 12 Cancun - Los Angeles - Sydney (B)

► Departure transfer ◄

Our guide will meet you at the hotel foyer and transfer you to Cancun airport. (Seat in coach service.)

Day 13 in flight

Day 14 Arrive in Sydney

END OF SERVICES

Land Package Includes:

• Accommodation as per detailed itinerary above with private facilities and government taxes (GST).
• Meals as indicated (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)
• Meeting and transfers with English speaking guides as per written itinerary.
• Comprehensive sightseeing and excursions with bilingual guide as per written itinerary.

Not Included:

• ****Fuel surcharges and airport government taxes. (This is paid once the tickets are issued.)***
• Visas
• Any tour or suggestion that are clearly an optional suggestion of what you can do during your trip.
• Personal spending including, drinks, telephone calls, tips, laundry and additional meals.

Please note that this is only a quote and all prices are subject to services confirmation.