Best of the Yucatan: Merida & Riviera Maya

(8 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Merida & Chichen Itza, Riviera Maya

This private tour of Mexico focuses on the many highlights of the beautiful Yucatan Peninsula, including impressive Mayan archaeological sites, diverse natural landscapes, delicious local cuisine, golden beaches and the colorful city of Merida. The tour also features accommodation at a luxury beach resort and a luxurious hotel set inside a historic hacienda.

Begin in Merida, an attractive tropical city filled with colorful Spanish-colonial architecture. With your private guide and driver, tour sites related to Merida's long history, such as the 16th-century cathedral, which incorporates stones of a Mayan pyramid, and historic mansions that recall the city's prosperous past. Stroll through the bustling Plaza Grande, browse local markets for spices and folk art and perhaps visit the Regional Museum of Anthropology, housed in a beautiful palace. One day, tour the extraordinary Mayan ruins of Uxmal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another day, visit the Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico to cruise through mangroves and look for flamingoes, monkeys, turtles and other native animals. Alternatively, Artisans of Leisure can arrange a Yucatecan cuisine cooking class at a renowned local cooking school.

Next, visit the impressive Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, another remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Continue to Riviera Maya, a resort area among the mangroves and beaches on the coast of the Caribbean Sea, for several days at an exclusive luxury beach resort. During private touring, enjoy options such as exploring the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum, which sit atop cliffs overlooking the sea; an excursion to the UNESCO-listed Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve; swimming in a cenote (sinkhole); exploring a spectacular cave system; and shopping at local boutiques. Another day, take a fun snorkeling excursion to see the region's abundant marine life. During ample leisure time, relax at your luxurious beach resort. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange additional activities such as cooking lessons, private yacht charters, visits to Mayan ruins at Coba or Ek Balam, or scuba diving on the nearby Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.

Booking Information >

All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.

Please Contact Us for more information regarding the above tour, or to begin customizing your own itinerary.

The Artisans of Leisure Style of Travel:

• Private touring with your own personal guides and drivers
• Preferred rooms in the very best luxury hotels
• Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations from our travel specialists
• Itineraries that are customized according to your interests and schedule
• Artisans of Leisure upgrades and amenities
• A seamless travel experience, including all logistics, skipping lines during touring whenever possible, restaurant and spa reservations, performance tickets, private airport transfers, internal transportation, VIP and fast-track airport assistance in many destinations
• Around-the-clock support in each destination during your trip
• Unique, insider travel experiences and access to the Artisans of Leisure network of experts around the world