THE ANCIENT MAYA

This is your opportunity to Time Travel. Explore the area's archaeological sites There are thousands of them scattered throughout the Yucatan Peninsula. Steeped in magic and mystery, they are the legacy of one of the most important ancient civilizations in the Americas, the Maya. The sites you can visit during your vacation are:

TULUM/XELHA ALL-INCLUSIVE
The spectacular Mayan cliff top city of Tulum offers stunning views of the turquoise Caribbean, and when the first Europeans espied it from afar in the 16th century they were struck by its majesty. More Info

After your visit to Tulum, we call in at Xel-Ha, a chain of crystalline fresh water lagoons and saltwater inlets hailed as the largest natural aquarium in the world. This is snorkel heaven, as you cool off in the water you’ll be surrounded by shoals of colorful and very curious reef fish.

What's Included
Round trip transportation (Tulum is about 1 hour and 50 minutes south of Cancún)
Bilingual guide
Admission fee to the archaeological site
The all-inclusive admission fee in Xel-Ha covers snorkeling gear, lockers, open domestic bar, meals and snacks
Complimentary drinks on the bus

Recommendations: Bring extra money for drinks, lunch and shopping. If you wish to take a video camera into the archaeological site, the permit costs about $4 US. Wear cool clothing, comfortable walking shoes and a hat. Drink plenty of bottled water.

Departures: Daily. Royal Resorts in-house tour on Tuesday & Thursday
Price: $139 US per adult and $85 US per child***.

*** Note: The child rate only applies to children measuring between 40 and 55 inches. There is no charge for children under 40 inches in height and those measuring over 55 inches pay the adult rate. The all-inclusive admission fee only applies in Xel-Ha. **

CHICHEN ITZA
Discover Chichén Itzá, ancient capital of the Itzae Maya and a sacred center where rulers and astronomers once watched the heavens for portents. At the height of its glory (A.D. 800 – 1150, it was abandoned in 1250), Chichén Itzá controlled the Yucatán politically, commercially and militarily. More Info

Travel to Chichén Itzá in style on the Thomas More in-house trip. Your deluxe bus has a maximum capacity of 35 passengers so there is more space to stretch your legs; complimentary beer and soft drinks are served on board and there is a restroom.

What's Included
Round trip transportation (Chichen Itza is a two-hour 45-minute drive from Cancún)
Bilingual guide and tour escort
Continental breakfast
Pillows and blankets available on the bus
Complementary beer and soft drinks on board the bus
Fresh water while touring the site
Admission fee to the archaeological site
Lunch with regional folk dances and music

Recommendations: Bring extra money for drinks and shopping. If you wish to take a video camera into the archaeological site, the permit costs about $4 US. Wear cool clothing, comfortable walking shoes and a hat. Drink plenty of bottled water and bring insect repellent and sun block. Visit the small on-site museum.

Departures: Daily. Royal Resorts in-house tours on Wednesday & Thursday

Pick up from 7:30 a.m., return to Cancún around 6:30 p.m.
Price: $99 US per adult and $79 US per child

NOTE: Ask about other Chichén Itzá tour options from $55 US and private trips. A Light & Sound Show is staged every evening in the archaeological site. If you would like information, please contact Thomas More Travel at tourdesk@royalresorts.com

COBA
Deep in the jungle, its pyramids and temples clustered around four shallow lakes, lies Coba (“waters ruffled by the wind” in Maya), one of the Maya World’s largest archaeological sites. More Info

On the way back we call in at the Gran Cenote, an impressive sinkhole for a refreshing dip and a spot of snorkeling. Then it’s on to Aktun Chen Caves; look out for the stalactites and stalagmites. They are spectacular. The park features a regional wildlife reserve and a herpetarium (snake farm). Wild spider monkeys can sometimes be seen feeding in the treetops.

What's Included:
Round trip transportation
Bilingual guide
Admission fee to the archaeological site, Gran Cenote and Aktun Chen
Lunch

Recommendations: If you wish to take a video camera into the archaeological site, the permit costs about $4 US. Wear cool clothing, comfortable walking shoes and a hat. Drink plenty of bottled water and bring insect repellent and sun block. Don't forget your swimsuit!

Departures: Thursday

Pick up from 7 a.m., return to Cancún around 7 p.m.
Price $75 US per adult, $44 per child

****We have also a Trip to Coba and the Maya Communities $95.00 US per adult - $47.50 Per children

EK BALAM/ HACIENDA/ VALLADOLID
The ancient city of Ek Balam (“black jaguar or star jaguar” in Maya) is an enigma, a blend of architectural and artistic styles from all over the Yucatan Peninsula. More Info

What's Included:
Round trip transportation
Bilingual guide
Admission fee to the archaeological site
Lunch

Recommendations: If you wish to take a video camera into the archaeological site, the permit costs about $4 US. Wear cool clothing, comfortable walking shoes and a hat. Drink plenty of bottled water and bring insect repellent and sun block.

Departures Thursday only

Pick up from 7 a.m. and return to Cancún around 6 p.m
Price $65 US per adult $32.50 per child.

TIKAL
Truly a once in a lifetime trip, this is the stuff of legend, an exciting blend of history and adventure. Follow in the footsteps of the first archaeologists and explore The World Heritage Site of Tikal, the Maya World’s greatest city, deep in the jungles of northern Guatemala. More Info

Due to changes in the frequency of flights between Cancún and Guatemala it is no longer possible to visit Tikal in a day, however we offer a three-day, two-night trip, which gives you the chance to really explore the archaeological site, shop for colorful Guatemalan crafts in the town of Flores, and even take a boat trip around Lake Peten Itza. (suggested activities not included in the tour)

What's Included:
Round trip air and ground transportation
Hotel accommodation in Flores, Guatemala
Two breakfasts and a box lunch
Bilingual guide
Admission fee to the archaeological site

Recommendations: Wear cool clothing, comfortable walking shoes and a hat. Drink plenty of bottled water and bring insect repellent and sun block.
Don't forget your camera. Read more.

Departures: Sunday returning on Tuesday; Tuesday returning on Thursday or Thursday returning on Saturday

Flight times will be confirmed via e-mail when we receive your reservation.

Price: $548 US per adult + $75 US airport tax. $370 US per child + $75 US airport tax.

MERIDA AND UXMAL OVERNIGHT STAY
Journey into the past and explore two area highlights: the ancient city of Uxmal and gracious Merida, capital of the state of Yucatan. More Info

We drive to Mérida and after check in and lunch at El Castellano, a hotel operated by Royal Resorts, it’s on to Uxmal for a guided tour of the site, dinner and the spectacular Light & Sound Show staged every evening among the temples and palaces. We return to Merida for the night and to prepare for a day exploring the city and discovering its history and timeless traditions.

After breakfast the following day we take you on a City Tour, which includes stops for shopping and time to visit some of the city’s principal attractions. On our way back to Cancún we call in for lunch at Izamal, a charming town famous for its massive 16th-century convent.

What's Included:
Round trip transportation in a van or bus depending on the size of the group
Bilingual guide
Admission fee to the archaeological site
Light & Show in Uxmal
1 lunch, 1 dinner and 1 breakfast
1 night’s accommodation in Merida (at El Castellano or similar hotel)
Merida City Tour

Departures: Wednesday at 8 a.m. (pick up 7:30 a.m.), return to Cancún around 8 p.m. the following day.

Price: $189 US per adult and $132 per child (double occupancy)

MERIDA & HACIENDA SOTUTA DE PEON DAY TRIP
The first stop on this day trip is Merida, the historic capital of the Yucatan. Your City Tour will take you to the Main Square, site of the Cathedral, City Hall, Casa Montejo and the Governor’s Palace, Calle 60, Paseo Montejo and other landmarks. There’s time for shopping and sightseeing.

Then it’s on to Hacienda Sotuta de Peon, a working henequen hacienda. Learn all about the history of the henequen plant as you explore this turn-of-the-century estate. Ride out to the fields in a traditional horse-drawn truck, visit the machine house where henequen was processed to extract sisal fiber used to make rope, and see how the estate owner and his family lived when you tour the great house. Your hacienda experience also includes a swim in a cenote and lunch. More Info

What's Included:
Round trip transportation in a van (max 12 passengers)
Bilingual guide
Lunch
Merida City Tour (2 hours)
Visit to Hacienda Sotuta de Peon

Recommendations: Bring extra money for drinks and shopping. Wear cool clothing, comfortable walking shoes and a hat. Drink plenty of bottled water and bring insect repellent and sun block.

Departures: Tuesdays at 6 a.m. (pick up 5:30 a.m.), return to Cancún 8 p.m.

Price: $120 US per adult and $85 per child.
A minimum of four people is required for this trip.

NOTE:
You must reserve beforehand. Services are arranged through Thomas More Travel. Departure days, times and prices are subject to change without prior notice.

If you are staying at The Royal Haciendas in the Riviera Maya, please add $10.50 US per person if the tour you are selecting departs from Cancún.