Day 1: Cancun, Mexico
Travel to Mexico's lush Yucatan Peninsula and marvel at ancient Maya archaeological sites, baroque architecture, exotic flora and fauna and delicious regional cuisine. Begin in the Caribbean jewel of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Cancun. Join your fellow travelers for a welcome reception followed by dinner.
Day 2: Cancun - Ek'Balam - Merida
Visit the magnificent archaeological site of Ek'Balam (Star Jaguar). Dating from A.D. 900, this wealthy city-state was known for richly carved stone, molded stucco ornamentation, stelae, a sophisticated network of roads and numerous hieroglyphic texts. Your day ends in Merida, capital city of the Yucatan.
Day 3: Merida
Explore a local market this morning for an opportunity to learn about the products made and grown in the region. A tour of Merida - founded in 1542 and known as the “white city”- features the spectacular archaeological finds at the Museum of Anthropology and the impressive art collection at the Governor's Palace. See the Plaza Principal, Cathedral of San Ildefonso, and Paseo Montejo with its gorgeous 19th-century homes. The remainder of the day is at leisure. This evening, a presentation on Yucatecan cuisine is followed by a wonderful dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 4: Merida - Hacienda Sotuta Peon - Merida
Experience the grandeur and magnificent golden days of the haciendas at the Hacienda Sotuta Peon. Stroll through the buildings and working plantation grounds where henequen (sisal) is produced and processed. Take a scenic ride on an historic mule-drawn cart and perhaps enjoy a swim in a cenote, an underwater cave.
Day 5: Merida - Uxmal - Becal - Campeche City
Enjoy an excursion to the archaeological site of Uxmal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, formerly one of the largest city-states in the Yucatan and take a guided tour of the impressive building known as the “Pyramid of the Magician.” Next, visit the small community of Becal, where a local Maya artisan demonstrates making the famous Panama hat. Later, travel to the Mexican state of Campeche, home of Maya culture for more than 2,000 years.
Day 6: Campeche City - Edzna Archaeological Site - Campeche City
Tour the archaeological site of Edzna, the “house of the itzaes (echoes).” Explore the great acropolis, including the main central square, the Building of the Five Floors, the Ambassadors Patio, Temple of the Masks and Platform of the Knives. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to explore Campeche City’s customs, traditions and culture independently.
Day 7: Campeche City
Enjoy a leisurely-paced walking tour of Campeche City’s historic city center, also a UNESCO World Heritage site. This 16th-century walled city features more than a thousand buildings of historical significance. Later, walk along the impressive seaside promenade, browse the many antique shops and galleries or explore the rich history of the many bastions and forts that protected the city from pirate attacks.
Day 8: Campeche City - Chichen Itza - Valladolid
This morning explore the famous Maya city-state of Chichen Itza (a UNESCO World Heritage site), once the largest political and religious center in the Yucatan. Marvel at the magnificent archaeological site that demonstrates the impressive architectural skills and ingenuity of the ancient Maya civilization. Your day concludes with an overnight stay in the colonial city of Valladolid, “The Pearl of the East.”
Day 9: Valladolid - Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve - Cancun
An amazing two-hour boat excursion explores the natural beauty of the Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve. Covering more than 120,000 acres of protected land, comprised of mangrove forest, coastal dunes vegetation, savannas and hummocks, the reserve is home to the world’s largest flamingo nesting grounds and is a bird-watching paradise with recordings of more than 350 bird species, 56 mammals, and 95 reptiles and amphibians. Later, return to Cancun for an overnight stay and farewell dinner celebrating an unforgettable trip to the Yucatan Peninsula.
Day 10: Cancun - Tour Concludes
Airfare Disclaimer Documents |
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Touring Date |
Land Only |
Land + Air |
Single (Land Only) |
Single (Land + Air) |
2/21/2010 - 2/28/2010 |
$1,199 |
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3/14/2010 - 3/21/2010 |
$1,199 |
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4/18/2010 - 4/25/2010 |
$1,199 |
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10/9/2010 - 10/19/2010 |
$1,649 |
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11/6/2010 - 11/16/2010 |
$1,649 |
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1/8/2011 - 1/18/2011 |
$1,699 |
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2/19/2011 - 3/1/2011 |
$1,699 |
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3/26/2011 - 4/5/2011 |
$1,699 |
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4/9/2011 - 4/19/2011 |
$1,699 |
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- Ek'Balam, Merida, Hacienda Tour, Uxmal, Becal, Campeche, Chichen Itza, Valladolid, Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserv
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To travel in Mexico’s Yucatan is to explore a world of ancient Maya archaeological sites, colonial architecture and savory cooking. Our local expert will enhance your experience with a series of exclusive talks.
• Learn about the Maya heritage before and after the Spanish Conquest.
• Gain knowledge about the ecological wonders of the Yucatan land and environment.
• Enjoy a presentation on Yucatecan cuisine and sample the delicious local dishes.
• Learn about the distinctive structures and architecture of the Maya region.
Collette Free Air Special
Book an air-inclusive roundtrip tour for two people on select tours to Canada, China or Europe - and one enjoys free roundtrip airfare!
Certain restrictions apply. Please see terms & conditions below.
Europe - Free Air
Booking and deposit must be made by February 28, 2010. Offer is valid for new bookings from now through December 31st for travel as follows: 9/1/09 - 4/30/2010 on Shades of Ireland, London & Paris, Discover Switzerland, Austria & Bavaria, Exploring Britain & Ireland, France Magnifique, Discover Scotland, Spain's Classics, Sunny Portugal, Imperial Cities, Exploring the Alpine Countries, Italian Lakes & Greek Islands, Rome & the Amalfi Coast, Italian Vistas, Reflections of Italy. Offer is valid from the following gateways based on availability when one air ticket is purchased at full cost: ATL, BWI, BOS, ORD, DEN, DFW, IAH, JFK, EWR, LAX, MCO, MIA, PHL, PHX, SFO, SEA, WAS. Select gateways are available for an additional cost of $199 based on availability. All rates include airline fuel surcharges, airline taxes & fees are additional: September 11th Security Fee up to $10.00; Passenger Facility Charge (PFCs) of up to $18 per passenger; Federal Domestic Flight Segment Fee of up to $3.50 USD applies per passenger, per segment; US or International Departure and Arrival Fees up to $160 which vary by itinerary. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline's checked baggage policies. Offer is not applicable for groups or combinable with any other offer and may be withdrawn at any time, subject to availability restrictions. Not available for booking online, please call for additional details.
Asia - Free Air
Booking and deposit must be made by February 28, 2010. Offer is valid for new bookings now through December 31, 2009 for travel as follows: Best of China: 8/17/09 - 12/10/09, 1/1/10 - 4/30/10 Cruising the Yangtze River: 8/17/09 - 12/10/09, Beijing City Stay: 11/16/09 - 12/10/09, 1/1/10 - 3/12/10. Offer is valid from the following gateways based on availability when one air ticket is purchased at full cost: ATL, BWI, BOS, ORD, DEN, DFW, IAH, JFK, EWR, LAX, MCO, MIA, PHL, PHX, SFO, SEA, WAS. Select gateways are available for an additional cost of $199 based on availability. All rates include airline fuel surcharges, airline taxes & fees are additional: September 11th Security Fee up to $10.00; Passenger Facility Charge (PFCs) of up to $18 per passenger; Federal Domestic Flight Segment Fee of up to $3.50 USD applies per passenger, per segment; US or International Departure and Arrival Fees up to $160 which vary by itinerary. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline's checked baggage policies. Internal air segments within China are not included in the fares quoted, and must be purchased at an additional cost. Offer is not applicable for groups or combinable with any other offer and may be withdrawn at any time, subject to availability restrictions. Not available for booking online, please call for additional details.
Canada - Free Air
Booking and deposit must be made by February 28, 2010. Offer is valid for new bookings now through December 31, 2009 for travel as follows: Canadian Rockies by Rail: 5/1/09 - 4/30/10, Resorts of the Rockies: 5/1/09 - 12/31/09. Offer is valid from the following gateways based on availability when one air ticket is purchased at full cost: ATL, BWI, BOS, ORD, DEN, DFW, IAH, JFK, EWR, LAX, MCO, MIA, PHL, PHX, SFO, SEA, WAS. Select gateways are available for an additional cost of $199 based on availability. All rates include airline fuel surcharges, airline taxes & fees are additional: September 11th Security Fee up to $10.00; Passenger Facility Charge (PFCs) of up to $18 per passenger; Federal Domestic Flight Segment Fee of up to $3.50 USD applies per passenger, per segment; US or International Departure and Arrival Fees up to $160 which vary by itinerary. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline's checked baggage policies. Offer is not applicable for groups or combinable with any other offer and may be withdrawn at any time, subject to availability restrictions. Not available for booking online, please call for additional details.
Oberammergau - $400 off per couple
*The $400 off per couple/$200 off per person promotion is valid on new air inclusive bookings only made between October 1, 2009 - February 28, 2010for the following Oberammergau tours: Discover Croatia - June, July & August 2010 departures; Imperial Cities, Alpine Countries, Alpine Explorer, Discover Switzerland, France & Bavaria - May, June, July & August 2010 departures; Italy - May, July & August 2010 departures. The $200 off per couple/$100 off person is valid on new air inclusive bookings only made between October 1, 2009 - December 31, 2009 for Bavaria with Passion Play for any 2010 departure. Offers are not combinable with any other offer and are not valid on group or existing bookings.
Fly to Australia for As Low Little As $299
Book an air-inclusive roundtrip tour for two on select tours to Australia and New Zealand and your companion flies for as little as $299!
Certain restrictions apply. Please see terms and conditions below.
Terms & Conditions:
*Booking and deposit must be made by February 28, 2010 for travel through April 30, 2010. Offer is valid from LAX on select departure dates and select programs when one air ticket is purchased at full cost: Naturally New Zealand & Exploring New Zealand from $299, Journey to the South Pacific & South Pacific Wonders from $699, From the Outback to the Glaciers from $899. Other gateways are offered for an additional cost based on availability. All rates include airline fuel surcharges. Airline taxes & fees are additional: September 11th Security Fee up to $10.00; Passenger Facility Charge (PFCs) of up to $18 per passenger; Federal Domestic Flight Segment Fee of up to $3.50 USD applies per passenger, per segment; US or International Departure and Arrival Fees up to $230 which vary by itinerary. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline's checked baggage policies. Offer is not applicable for groups or combinable with any other offer and may be withdrawn at any time, subject to availability restrictions. Not available for booking online, please call for additional details.
Save up to $500 on Galapagos Island Cruises
Save $500 per couple on Galapagos Islands or Machu Picchu and Galapagos Islands tours!
Certain restricitons apply. Please see terms and conditions below.
Terms & Conditions:
Save $500 per couple on any cabin category for Machu Picchu and Galapagos departures through May 2010 and The Galapagos Islands' departures (including departures with Machu Picchu Extension) through December 2010. Offer valid on new bookings only. Not valid on group or existing bookings. Offer is not combinable with any other offer.
FREE Door to Door Service
Now Vacations Start at HOME!
Don't worry about getting to the airport... because a vacation should be worry-free. With Collette Vacations, enjoy free round trip sedan service that takes you from your home to the airport when you purchase an air-inclusive Collette tour.* This personalized service - including gratuities - is available on new air-inclusive bookings to the South Pacific, Canada, and Europe; and on ALL Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures and Explorations by Collette tours.
On departures May 2010 and beyond, Door to Door transfers are included with air-inclusive bookings to all destinations
Great Savings • Added Comfort • More Convenience
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All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.