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January 11-20, 2011
For hundreds of years archaeologists and travelers have been fascinated by the ruins that comprise the remains of one of the high civilizations of the world: the Maya. A vast complex of ceremonial cities rose proudly in splendor in regions of Middle America as Caesar conquered Gaul. By the time Richard I set off on his third Crusade, this rich society of the Maya was in decline.
It is the rise and fall of this great civilization that the MAYA TRILOGY tours will explore. Join Astronomy magazine’s popular columnist, Bob Berman, as he follows on the trails of the Maya in Mexico on Tour One: The Dynasty of Maya Kings.
Tour
includes:
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Roundtrip airfare from selected USA gateways
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All ground transportation in A/C vehicle
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Fully escorted with a professional bilingual guide and leader
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Astronomical Lecturer: Bob Berman, Astronomy magazine
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9 nights hotel accommodations Deluxe and Tourist Class
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Meals: All breakfasts, 3 lunches, 9 dinners
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Hotel and restaurant gratuities
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All airport transfers with meet and greet
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All applicable taxes and entrance fees for included tours
ITINERARY
Tuesday/Wednesday, July 6/7, 2010-Buenos Aires
Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, Dazzler Towers, for three nights. (B/D)
Tuesday, January 11, 2011 —Houston, TX to Villahermosa, Mexico
Board your flight to Mexico. Upon arrival you will be transferred to the hotel. After check-in relax before your Welcome Dinner. Maya Tabasco (D)
Wednesday, January 12, 2011 —Villahermosa – Palenque
After breakfast, a scenic drive through the Tabasco region to the sate of Chiapas. After check-in, you will have some free time. Begin your Maya exploration with an early afternoon visit to the Main Archaeological Site of Palenque for a guided tour with one of our local experts. In the evening, you will enjoy a presentation on Maya archaeology provided by one of the archaeologists from the Maya Exploration Center. Hotel Chan Kah (B/D)
Thursday, January 13, 2011 —Palenque
This morning a visit to the new excavation zones at the Main Archaeological Site, where you will see some of the temples in their original phase. Afterwards you will stop at the Archaeological Museum. In the afternoon, you will have free time to either visit the main town or relax by the pool. (B/D)
Friday, January 14, 2011 —Palenque – Yaxchilan – Bonampak
An early morning with a nice by the road: Maya breakfast on the way to Yaxchilan and Bonampak Maya Sites. Upon arrival, your first stop will be at the local village of Lacanja to board a long dugout canoe to go up the Usumacinta River to visit Yaxchilan. By midday, you will head back to Lacanja and enjoy a box lunch before going to the Visitors’ Center of Bonampak Maya Site. (B/L/D)
Saturday, January 15, 2011 —Palenque – Campeche
Today you checkout to move towards the Yucatan Peninsula. You will ride all morning with a half point stop at Campeche for overnight. In Campeche, you will visit the Museum and sightsee. Hotel del Mar (B/D)
Sunday, January 16, 2011 —Campeche – Uxmal – Merida
You will leave Campeche in the morning and head straight to Uxmal Maya Site, one of the most exotic Maya sites in the region. Spend enough time to visit the main plazas and Archaeological Museum. If time allows, there will be a short visit to the small Maya site of Kabah. Hotel Castellano (B/D)
Monday, January 17, 2011 —Merida – Chichen Itza – Playa del Carmen
This morning drive across the Yucatan to the temples of Chichen Itza, one of the greatest of all the May cities. The unique Temple of El Castillo where the Spring and Autumn equinox mark the shape of the feathered serpent descending from the temple itself to fertilize the soil to join the stoneheads that are part of the temple. You will also find the Great Ball Court, where the sacred game was a matter of life and death. Afternoon departure to the Riviera Maya. Hotel Gran Coco Bay (B/L/D)
Tuesday, January 18, 2011 —Playa del Carmen- Tuluum
This morning you will visit the ruins of Tuluum, the only Maya monument on the Coast of Yucatan. Beams of light that shine trough walls of these pre-Columbian temples during important solar calendar dates mark the astronomical importance to the Maya. Visit also Coba Maya Site surrounded by two lagoons and very well known for its causeway system. (B/L/D)
Wednesday, January 19, 2011 —Playa del Carmen – Sian Kan
An early morning visit to the biosphere and natural reserve of Sian Ian is planned. Part of the Unesco Man Biosphere Program, this reserve counts with unique wetlands and savannahs that are home to 103 mammal species and 336 bird species. Take a boat through the park’s canals and explore the region passing through archaeological zones. An optional downstream float is available. (B/L/D)
Thursday, January 20, 2011 —Playa del Carmen – USA
After breakfast transfer to the Cancun Airport for your international flight. (B)
For
a general interest form, and registration, please contact MWT Associates
at tours@melitatrips.com
or visit their website at www.melitatrips.com
Please
note, individuals who sign up for a trip with reference to
the ASP will be added to our mailing list unless you email
us with a request to be removed. You can also view our
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