Mexico City & Riviera Maya 18 JULY

Evening meeting at the airport and flight via Istanbul to the capital Mexico City, one of the most populous cities in the world, with a rich history, as it was the capital of the Aztec Empire, the famous Tenochtitlan.  

Arrival in Mexico City at 07.05. After formalities and baggage collection, meet your local guide. During the transfer to the hotel, you will receive initial information about the country and daily activities. Set off directly for the city tour, where you will see the major sights of the historical centre. You will discover the legendary Zocalo Square - the heart of the city - with its impressive government buildings, the impressive Cathedral and the Presidential Palace with its frescoes by Diego Rivera. You will see the Palace of Fine Arts and cross the impressive Paseo del la Reforma with its golden statue of the Angel of Independence. Next stop is the National Anthropological Museum, where you will take a guided tour, getting to know the most important findings of the country's pre-Columbian civilizations. Return to our hotel, settle in the room. In the afternoon we suggest you visit the bohemian districts of Zona Rosa and Roma with excellent dining, entertainment and shopping options.

Breakfast and road departure to the outskirts of Mexico City to visit Mexico's largest archaeological site, the impressive Teotihuacan, the former place of the Gods, the ancient religious capital and place of pilgrimage of the Aztecs, You will be impressed by the imposing pyramids of the Sun and Moon, the famous Avenue of the Dead, surrounded by religious and ritual complexes. Next stop is the majestic Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico and the most important place of pilgrimage for the Catholic world in the Americas, with its miraculous icon of the Black Virgin. Return to Mexico City.

Breakfast and free day to enjoy the gastronomy and market of Mexico City. The city has excellent choice for tasting Mexican cuisine and tequila. We also recommend visiting the Coyoacan area in the south of the city with a visit to the museum of the famous painter Frida Kahlo and Hocimilco, where you can ride traditional boats on the canal network, accompanied by mariachi music and tequila. Alternatively you can join some day trips to nearby towns or villages, such as:

• San Miguel de Ayente, a true colonial gem
• Cholula & Puebla or Taxco & Cuernavaca 
• The Tolantongo caves with hot springs in the province of Hidalgo

Breakfast and room delivery. Morning transfer to the airport and direct flight to the beach resort of the Riviera Maya, the cosmopolitan Cancun. Arrival and meeting with our local representative. Transfer to the hotels and check-in to rooms. Free afternoon to enjoy your hotel facilities and take your first dip in the Caribbean Sea. 

Breakfast and road departure to one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. The Chichen Itza pyramid complex, founded in 525 BC, has been recognized as one of the New Wonders of the World and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There you will find amazing structures such as the Pyramid of Kukuclan, the Watchtower, the Monk's Monastery, the Wall of Skulls, and the world's largest stadium, where a whisper can be heard miles away due to the structure's powerful acoustic properties. The Chichen Itza pyramids attract an influx of visitors, especially during the Spring Equinox which is marked by a phenomenon where the sun creates a play of light and shadow on the Kukuclan Temple, and it looks like a snake is slithering along the steps of the pyramid. Lunch at a local restaurant. On the way back you will cool off in the waters of an underground pedestal (Senote), and stop in the wonderful colonial town of Valladolid. Return in the late afternoon back to the Riviera Maya. Duration: 12 hours

Breakfast and transfer to the magnificent archaeological site of Touloum on the Caribbean coastline, where you will be guided through the unique Mayan history with free time to enjoy the beautiful exotic beaches of the area. After the tour, you will visit another senote to swim in its lush green waters! 

Breakfast and road transfer to Cancun, where you will board a catamaran and sail to the exotic island paradise of Isla Mujeres with a visit to a local beach and time for underwater observation over a coral reef and the famous underwater statues of MUSA. Return to your hotel. For the evening we suggest you visit downtown Touloum & the hotel zone, the resort of Playa del Carmen with countless choices of restaurants, bars, boutique shops.

Breakfast and free day to enjoy the enchanting nature, the exotic coastline with coral reef and paradise islands, theme parks, mysterious Mayan archaeological sites, luxury hotels and entertainment venues, and open-air markets of Mexican culture. 

Breakfast and transfer to Cancun airport to board your return flight via Istanbul. Arrive in Greece the next day, full of wonderful images and memories.