Aztec & Maya Encounters Tour with beach extension

Today the guided tour of México City visits major attractions, starting where it all began, at the Zocalo – seeing the National Palace with an extended series of mural paintings that show a graphic illustration of the country’s history painted by renowned artist Diego Rivera. Moving on to the Metropolitan Cathedral, the oldest and largest cathedral in Latin America, intended to distract the Aztec people from their previous beliefs and convert them to the new religion. Behind here view the Tenochtitlan Templo Mayor ruins which were part of a large ceremonial centre of the Aztecs (the Templo Mayor represented the cosmic centre of the universe.) The tour is completed at the incredible National Anthropology Museum, the largest of its type in the world.

Days 2 and 3 can be interchanged for anyone arriving on a Sunday in to Mexico City as the Anthropology Museum is closed on Mondays.

Night at Hotel Casa Blanca or similar. Standard Room.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Mérida (approx. 1hr 45 mins), Founded in 1542 on the indigenous trace of Ichcaanziho, once one of the biggest cities in the Mayan territory. After checking in at the hotel, which is located in the historic quarter, enjoy an afternoon tour of this fascinating city, noting the architecture, colonial charm, it’s full of Spanish and French influences and has palaces, quaint narrow streets and romantic horse-drawn carriages. The colonial heritage has been preserved in the historic district and the Plaza Grande (central square) is surrounded by ancient buildings such as the San Idelfonso Cathedral the most antique church of the American continent. Mérida is also a hub for artisans and showcases traditional crafts and products including intricate embroidery. The rest of the day you’re free, no doubt ready to make use of the hotel’s pool before heading out for the evening for some shopping and to sample some amazing local cuisine.

Night at Del Gobernador Hotel or similar. Standard Room.

After breakfast, there’s a visit to Celestun, a typical fishing village and ecotourism paradise with freshwater springs, extensive mangroves, salt flats and beaches, a wetland reserve home to over 300 species of birds including ibises, egrets and the blue heron plus the main attraction – thousands of pink flamingos. A boat tour is included which reveals The Drum (a peaceful flamingo lagoon). There’s time for lunch at one of the authentic seafood restaurants along the beach. Return to Merida, to enjoy time at the hotel’s comfortable amenities or head out and about one more time around captivating Mérida.

Night at Del Gobernador Hotel or similar. Standard Room.

Enjoy a well earned rest day, soaking up the rays and sipping cocktails by the pool, as you settle in to the fantastic facilities at your All-Inclusive beachfront hotel.

If you haven't treated yourself yet then today is the last chance to have a pampering spa treatment or perhaps go up to check out the legendary Hotel Zone strip of Cancun with shopping malls, restaurants and array of attractions.