Mexico & Playa del Carmen with Day of the Dead Festival

Day 1 - Saturday 31 October 2020

Melbourne - Mexico (Meals Inflight)

Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel.  Meet your Sisterhood Hostess and fellow travellers at Melbourne Airport for your flight to Mexico.  Sit back, relax and enjoy the airline's inflight entertainment as you head towards your next adventure.

An early evening arrival into Mexico City.  After clearing Immigration & Customs meet your English speaking representative in the arrivals area. Transfer to your hotel and settle in. Today the "Day of the Dead" festival has begun in Mexico so don’t be surprised if you hear the sounds of festivities coming from the streets throughout your stay.
 
Mexico City, one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, sprawls across the Valley of Mexico. Originally the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan, the city was constructed over the ancient Lake Texcoco. The arrival of the Spanish saw the demolishment of most structures. However, some centuries-old canals and ruins can still be found. In the historic centre there are a host of architectural and cultural attractions including the Plaza de la Constitucion, the Palacio Nacional, the Catedral Metropolitana, the Templo Mayor, the Palacio de Bellas Artes and the scenic Central Alameda Park. Top attractions such as Chapultepec Castle, the Modern Art Museum and the National Museum of Anthropology can be found in Chapultepec Park.

After a long flight dinner will be at your expense and early to bed to adapt to our new time zone.

Overnight - Barcelo Mexico Reforma (or similar)
 

Day 2 - Sunday 1 November 2020

Mexico City Sightseeing (B,L)

After breakfast you'll explore the main streets of Mexico on a guided city tour starting in the Historic Centre, the "Great Tenochtitlan" of the Aztec empire and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.  You will visit the Zocalo (main square), the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace and the Palace of Fine Arts among others landmarks.

Along Reforma Avenue you will find various monuments which have given shape and identity to the city, such as the Angel of Independence, the Diana Huntress and the recent Bicentennial Column creation.

Later, transfer to the Anthropology Museum, one of the most important in the world which brings together the vast archaeological collection of Mesoamerican cultures, with pieces such as: "Piedra del Sol "or Aztec Calendar and the "Coatlicue". Through its 23 room exhibition you can learn more about the thinking, life and culture of the different civilisations that developed in ancient Mexico. At the end of your tour return to the hotel for some leisure time.

Later, a special ´treat´ has been included.

Tacos are the lifeblood of Mexico City & its locals. Tacos are known as "chilangos" and are eaten day  and night. Enjoy a guided excursion where you will enjoy the local taco scene (how tacos are categorised, how to eat them and where/when specific things are sold) as we walk through the hip Condesa and Roma neighbourhoods. You’ll be offered several types of iconic tacos: guisados, campechanos and tacos al pastor from the taquería which claims to have invented it as well as some cochinita pibil. You’ll learn the stories behind these famous tacos that represent styles of cooking from all over the country. You’ll also visit the local Medellín Market which boasts an incredible variety of fresh produce. Then try fresh “nixtamal” tortillas at a local tortillería. After your tasting experience you’ll know the history and preparation of some stellar tacos, as well as understanding why a taco isn’t just a local dish, it’s a way of eating and a way of Mexican life.

After your taco tasting afternoon, dinner at leisure (if you feel like it!)

Overnight - Barcelo Mexico Reforma (or similar)

Day 3 - Monday 2 November 2020

Mexico City Sightseeing (B,L)

Enjoy a guided tour to Tlatelolco & Teotihuacán today.

Tlatelolco is the largest archaeological site in Mexico City which was a part of the capital of the Aztec Empire. Here you will find the Plaza de las Tres Culturas (Square of the three cultures), that is prehispanic, colonial and present Mexico.

Visit the Basilica of Guadalupe, Mexico's most important pilgrimage centre, the most important Marian sanctuary in the continent and one of the most visited places in the Catholic world, which annually receives more than twenty million pilgrims.

Later, arrive in Teotihuacán "City of the Gods" where you will see the most outstanding ruins of the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon (with free time to climb up to the top). Explore the Palace of Quetzal-Mariposa, the Temple of the Feathered Serpent and the Causeway of the Dead to see what life was like here in the past.

After lunch, return to Mexico City with dinner at leisure.

Overnight - Barcelo Mexico Reforma (or similar)

Day 4 - Tuesday 3 November 2020

Mexico City - Puebla - Oaxaca (B,L)

After breakfast we'll travel to Puebla, southeast of Mexico City. Stop on the way at the impressive church of Santa Maria Tonantzintla with its interior decorated in gold and the richness of its elements in the indigenous baroque style.

We arrive into Puebla, popularly known as the "City of Angels", where you will visit the Chapel of the Rosario, the Cathedral, the Plaza Mayor and the Historical Centre. There will also be time to stop at a handicraft market and Calle de Los Dulces (Candy street) for some shopping.

After lunch continue your journey to Oaxaca, famous for its traditional Mexican handicrafts and local cuisine.  Oaxaca is also one of the best cities to immerse yourself in the Day of the Dead festivities.

Overnight - Fortín Plaza (or similar)

Day 5 - Wednesday 4 November 2020

Sightseeing Oaxaca (B)

Travel to Monte Alban today, an archaeological site built on top of a mountain. Here you will find a variety of cultures like Olmeca, Zapoteca and Mixteca. You will then be transferred to Mitla, the "Place of the Dead", an important archaeological zone made unique by its beautiful decorations of symbolic, elaborate and intricate mosaic fretwork. While Monte Albán was important as the political centre, Mitla was the main religious centre.

Then you will visit the Tree of the Tule, considered to be the tree with the most voluminous trunk in the world.

This afternoon explore the main streets of the beautiful colonial city of Oaxaca. See the Cathedral, the magnificent Temple of Santo Domingo and the Gold Museum before returning to your hotel.  Dinner at leisure tonight and a great opportunity to venture out to enjoy the local cuisine amongst the locals or just enjoy dinner at your hotel with plenty of options on offer.

Overnight - Fortín Plaza (or similar)

Day 6 - Thursday 5 November 2020

Oaxaca - San Cristobal de Las Casas (B)

Today you will be picked up early to visit Tuxtla Gutierrez, the capital of the state of Chiapas. Breakfast will be provided en route as you enjoy the hills and flora of the landscape.

Upon arrival you will be transferred to the pier of the Grijalva River, to travel by boat through the astonishing Sumidero Canyon. This Canyon is a geological wonder -  it is a deep natural canyon located just north of the city of Chiapas - whose walls reach their maximum point at 1000 metres high. 

Continue onto San Cristóbal de Las Casas passing through Chiapa de Corzo. 

Known by many as the cultural capital of Chiapas, San Cristobal de las Casas is an old Spanish colonial town set in Mexico’s Central Highlands. The charming town is divided into barrios that are home to specific trades or customs. The colonial grid layout allows tourists to easily explore these neighbourhoods on foot to discover the old architecture, craft markets and rich cultures. San Cristobal de las Casas also lies in the centre of the country’s most indigenous regions, and curious visitors can venture into the surrounds to experience traditional Tzotzil and Tzeltal villages.

Overnight - Hotel Casavieja (or similar)

Day 7 - Friday 6 November 2020

San Cristobal de Las Casas Sightseeing (B)

Today you'll be picked up and transferred to the area known as Los Altos de Chiapas where you will visit the highland communities of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán. See the typical indigenous populations who conserve their traditions, religious beliefs and social organisation, with colourful and picturesque, churches, houses and clothing. 

Later, return to San Cristóbal de Las Casas where you will have the rest of the day at leisure. We suggest walking through the streets of this beautiful city visiting sights such as the Mercado, Santo Domingo, the Cathedral or the Jade Museum where there is a replica of the Tomb of King Pakal. 

We'll regroup for dinner to share the day's experiences.

Overnight - Hotel Casavieja (or similar)

Day 8 - Saturday 7 November 2020

San Cristóbal de Las Casas - Palenque (B,D)

After breakfast, you'll travel to the Agua Azul Waterfalls. Formed by the tributaries of the Shumuljá, Otulún and Tulijá rivers, these waterfalls with crystal clear waters, are also a refuge for abundant vegetation and wildlife. Explore the little canyons coverted into natural pools where you will be able to cool down should you wish to enjoy a swim. 

Continue to Palenque, situated in dense jungle of cedar, mahogany and sapodilla trees. Considered one of the best-preserved examples of Mayan architecture, the ruins of Palenque can be found in Mexico’s Chiapas state. The city flourished between 500 AD and 700 AD, after which it disappeared into the rainforest until its rediscovery in 1746. Spread over 15 square kilometres, the area is home to hundreds of temples and palaces which were constructed without the help of metal tools, wheels or animals. Adorning the structures are relief carvings illustrating Mayan mythology, and the site is dotted with sacred cieba trees which the Mayans believed to connect with the underworld, the earth and the heavens.

On arrival dinner will be included at your hotel.

Overnight - Villa Mercedes Palenque Hotel (or similar)

Day 9 - Sunday 8 November 2020

Palenque - Campeche (B,D)

Visit the archaeological zone of Palenque today, one of the most important of the Mayan World because of its historical findings and for its beauty.  Around 90% of the site still remains hidden in the forest making it all the more interesting to imagine what it must have looked like in the past.  

You will also visit the Palace, the Temple of the Foliated Cross and the Temple of the Sun. Then, transfer to Campeche, a port city located on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Experience a panoramic tour of this charming walled city, once the most important seaport for the Spanish conquerors.

Dinner is included tonight.

Overnight - Gamma Campeche Malecón (or similar)

Day 10 - Monday 9 November 2020

Campeche - Uxmal - Merida (B,L)

Today you'll travel to Uxmal where you will visit this archaeological zone considered one of the most representative ancient cities of the Puuc region with its dominant architectural style.

Highlights include

• the Pyramid of the Fortune teller,
• the Quadrangle of the Nuns,
• the Palace of the Governor and
• the Ball Game.

After lunch you will be transferred to Merida, "La Ciudad Blanca" where you will enjoy a panoramic tour through the main streets of the city, visiting the Paseo de Montejo, the Monument to the Fatherland, the Main Square with the Cathedral and the Government Palaces.

At the end of the tour you will be transferred to your hotel in Merida.

Merida is the second-largest historic centre in Mexico, after Mexico City itself, and has a host of trendy museums, art galleries, restaurants and boutiques. Don’t miss a visit to the famous avenue Paseo de Montejo to view the beautiful sculptures which line the road. The sculpture installation changes every year.  

Dinner at leisure - a great chance to explore and enjoy mingling with the locals.

Overnight - Hotel El Conquistador (or similar)

Day 11 - Tuesday 10 November 2020

Merida - Playa del Carmen (B,D)

Today enjoy a full day tour of Chichen Itza, considered the most important Mayan archaeological site in Yucatan, named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and one of the "Seven New Wonders of the World". Visit numerous sites including the Castle or Pyramid of Kukulkan (a mesoamerican step pyramid), the Temple of the Warriors, the Group of the Thousand Columns and the Platform of Venus; as well as the Sacred Cenote (natural swimming pool) which is believed to have been used for ceremonial purposes. You will then have an opportunity to swim at Ik-Kil, a majestic cenote, in its fresh clear waters.

Afterwards continue to the Caribbean coast and your hotel in Playa del Carmen, a popular resort town. Spend three nights here relaxing and enjoying your resorts facilities.

Dinner is included.

Overnight - Hotel Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda (or similar)

Day 12 - Wednesday 11 November 2020

Free Day in Playa del Carmen (B,L,D)

A day to relax and explore your surrounds.  Our hotel offers a 5 star experience in the Caribbean surrounded by lush jungle, mangrove swamps and outstanding views of the sea. An all-inclusive stay at the BlueBay Grand Esmeralda, with our private beach, outstanding food and full spa, really is a stay in paradise.

The facilities at the BlueBay Grand Esmeralda Hotel in Playa del Carmen includes a full spa, three swimming pools, private beach, golf club and a gym. BlueBay Grand Esmeralda also has several restaurants and bars to enjoy world cuisine and a cocktail whilst watching the sun go down. The highly trained chefs serve some of the finest French, Italian, Mexican & oriental food.

Tonight we'll regroup after our leisure day and enjoy dinner together.

Overnight - Hotel Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda (or similar)

Day 13 - Thursday 12 November 2020

Day at Leisure (B,L,D)

Another day to explore or relax - the choice is yours! Or perhaps a bit of both.

Tonight we'll regroup after our leisure day and enjoy dinner together.

Overnight - Hotel Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda (or similar)

Day 14 - Friday 13 November 2020

Farewell Mexico (B)

After a relaxed morning you'll check out of your resort and spend the day at leisure.

This afternoon you will be transferred to the Airport for your flight back home, via Los Angeles. Sit back, relax and enjoy the airline's inflight hospitality.

Day 15 - Saturday 14 November 2020

In Transit (Meals Inflight)

You are in transit.

Day 16 - Sunday 15 November 2020

Welcome Home!

Welcome Home!  Arriving into Melbourne at approximately 9.30am. 

Thank you for joining us for your latest adventure and we look forward to welcoming you back!