Honeymoon in Mexico

Merida, the capital as well as the social and economic center of the state of Yucatan, is an ideal base from which to explore Mexico's abundant Mayan archeological sites, colonial flavors, biodiversity, and geologic wonders.

Upon arrival in Cancun (or directly in Merida), you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel in Merida by a veteran chauffeur. Then, check into the hotel and have the remaining time leisure.

Enjoy a sharing cooking class in the kitchen of the Hotel Boutique by the Museo this morning. You can go to the local market with the chef to buy the ingredients and then prepare the dishes that have been selected based entirely on traditional and seasonal ingredients. Following the preparation and explanation of the dishes, the four-course meals will be served and enjoyed in a welcoming dining room. Accompanying with the lunch, you can also enjoy a glass of wine or soda and some light snacks on the terrace.

In the afternoon, your tour guide will take you to visit two lively cantinas, a traditional one and a more modern one, to touch the cornerstone of Mexican cultural heritage. Historically space for men to drink, talk, play dominoes, savor beer, tequila, as well as some Mexican botanas (appetizers), cantinas now are also open to women.

Drive to Yucatan's only working henequen (sisal) hacienda Sotuta de Peon, located 35km south of Merida, where you will be transported to the late 1800s. During the tour of the hacienda, you can learn about the origins of the henequen and details of Yucatan's enormous henequen boom. You will see the whole transformation process of the henequen, from plant to fiber and from fiber to finished product, all done on centuries-old machinery. Later, get onto wooden carts pulled by mules, originally used by henequen workers, and take a ride into the henequen fields. At the end of the tour, go for a refreshing swim in a cenote (water hole) if you like.

Today, you will proceed to Izamal, located 70km east of Merida. In ancient times, Izamal was a center for the worship of the supreme Mayan god, Itzamna, and the sun god, Kinich-Kakmo. Here, a dozen of temples were devoted to these gods. Perhaps these bold expressions of religiosity are why the Spanish colonists chose Izamal as the site for an enormous Franciscan monastery - the Convento de San Antonio de Padua - which today stands at the heart of the town. You will visit the impressive monastery, the Mayan ruins, and the streets of this quiet colonial gem. Before continuing to Chichen Itza, you will also have some time for shopping at the local artisan's workshops.

Stay at the Hotel Hacienda Chichen Resort tonight and enjoy a bottle of wine, a plate of fresh fruit, and a massage at the spa.

Today, before heading to Riviera Maya, you will enjoy the sunrise at Chichen Itza and explore its magnificent ruins including the Pyramid of Kukulcan, the Great Ball Court, the Sacred Cenote, and many other beautiful temples. The Great Ball Court was where Mayan men played a game called pok-ta-pok, in which the captain of the team that made the first successful shot was decapitated as a sacrifice to the gods. This was seen as an honor and guaranteed entrance into heaven.

Along the coast of the Caribbean, you can find some small fishing villages with attractive beaches and bohemian village life, some deep-water marina, golf course, and dive centers. So many things to experience!

Today is a leisure day for you to enjoy what you like freely.

It is another leisure day to enjoy the sunshine and beach of the Caribbean. A romantic dinner and massage can be arranged at your request.

Your sweet tour to Mexico will end today. At the appointed time, the driver will pick you up and transfer you to the airport of Cancun for your flight to your next destination.