Mexico's Yucatan Graduates Of the Last Decade Alumni Trip
January 26-February 1, 2006

A tropical journey highlighting Mayan culture and relaxing, sun-splashed beaches

To sign up, alumni can call 1-800-438-7672 and reference group #57156236.

Trip prices start at $1,684.00, including air.

GOLD alumni who sign up by August 26 qualify for either a free extension to Cozumel or a $100 discount off of the trip.

Sightseeing Highlights

• Tour director-led sightseeing of Mérida
• Excursion to Rio Celestun
• Guided sightseeing of the pyramids of Chichén Itzá
• Excursion to Izamal
• Guided sightseeing of Tulum pyramids
• Playa del Carmen and beaches

Optional Excursions

• Snorkeling lesson
• Hacienda visit and Uxmal
• Mayan ruins of Coba

Itinerary

Day 1: Your journey begins as you board your flight bound for Mexico. Upon arrival in Mérida, capital of the Yucatán, meet your Go Ahead Vacations representative outside the customs hall and transfer to your hotel. Settle into your hotel tonight.

Day 2: This morning, set out with your tour director for a sightseeing tour of Mérida, once the ancient Mayan capital of T'ho. See Plaza Mayor, home of the Government Palace and the 16th century cathedral. Then enjoy free time in Mérida to spend however you wish. You might decide to browse the markets at the zócalo (town square) for some handmade souvenirs (Mérida is the birthplace of the hammock). Alternatively, you may opt for an excursion to a local hacienda, where you'll learn some of the cooking secrets and techniques that make Mexican cuisine a world favorite. The excursion then leads to the 6th century Mayan city of Uxmal, featuring the Magician's Pyramid, dinner and a sound and light show.

Day 3: Vibrant colors abound throughout Mexico, but perhaps nothing quite rivals the brilliant pink hues of the flamingos at Rio Celestun. Today's full-day excursion to this popular nature reserve offers spectacular views of these indigenous birds that wade in the estuaries.

Day 4: Mystery still shrouds Chichén Itzá, the Mayan city suddenly abandoned in the 7th century. Explore the impressive ruins of the site, including the central pyramid, El Castillo, whose 365 steps served as an ancient calendar. Next stop is Izamal, a well-preserved colonial city in the heart of the Yucatán. Although Mayan pyramids speckle the landscape, the Franciscan monastery in the town center reflects the town's dominant western European influences. Continue on to Valladolid.

Day 5: Arrive today in the low-key town of Playa del Carmen, just across the straits from scenic Cozumel. Venture out to the clifftop Mayan ceremonial center of Tulum, where you'll have the opportunity to explore the ruins of this craggy fortress. Religious carvings, paintings, and sculptures adorn the castles, humble residences, and sepulchral temples at the site, which looks out over the sparkling Caribbean.

Day 6: Spend a sun-drenched day enjoying the serene tropical beauty of Playa del Carmen. Alternatively, you may decide to join our optional excursion into the Yucatán jungle to the ancient city of Cobá, which, at over 80 square miles, houses the largest collection of Mayan ruins in the peninsula. The numerous lakes in the area earned Cobá its name, which, translated from the Mayan language, means "waters stirred by wind." Follow the lush pathways thick with mosses and fragrant flowers, and look for signs of indigenous wildlife, including colorful butterflies, exotic tropical birds and screeching monkeys. As you approach the cluster of pyramids, notice the carvings and simple paintings that adorn the walls: signs of civilization from as early as A.D. 600. Preservation efforts prohibit climbing on some of the temples, but if you have a sense of adventure, you may attempt to climb Cobá's tallest pyramid, Nohoch Mul, which rises above the treeline at nearly 140 feet. Return to Playa del Carmen for your final evening in Mexico.

Day 7: If you are not continuing on our relaxing extension to Cozumel, a Go Ahead representative accompanies you to the Cancún airport where you'll board your flight home.

Price starts at $1,684.00, including air. Prices vary depending on your departure city.
 

HOLAC (My Hamilton)

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