Arrive in Cancun and transfer south along the Riviera Maya to your accommodation in Playa del Carmen. This popular and bustling town is not quite as frantic as the Cancun Hotel Zone and makes a good base from which to head west to explore the treasures of the Yucatan the following morning.

Departing the Riviera Maya after an early breakfast, you’ll visit the colourful city of Izamal, this colonial gem has been nicknamed La Ciudad Amarilla (The Yellow City) due to its bright colouring. You’ll visit the impressive Convento de San Antonio de Padua and Mayan ruins devoted to the supreme god Itzamna, and the sun god, Kinich-Kakmo. Continue to Mérida and check into your hotel for the next three nights in this charming and laid-back city.

The following day brings an exciting private day trip to Celestun, a quaint fishing village located 90km west of Mérida. The Celestun Biosphere Reserve is home to abundant flora and fauna, including the Mexican pink flamingo. A boat ride through the estuaries is a highlight of this magical day, topped off with a refreshing dip in the freshwater springs.

Your third day in Mérida has been left free for you to explore at leisure, or perhaps book a trip to a nearby cenote or visit the small town of Sisal. 

Onward to Campeche, once an important seaport and subsequently the focus of pirate attack, resulting in the Spanish Crown ordering the fortification of the city. Remnants of the original fortress walls still stand, giving the city a romantic atmosphere. The ramparts now house museums and the Land Gate is the site of a dramatic light and sound show that relives the pirate era. You’ll visit the small village of Becal en route, which is world famous for its Panama hat making, and enjoy a city tour of Campeche to uncover its swashbuckling history.  

Depart Campeche heading north-east to visit the impressive Mayan ruins at Uxmal and Kabah, enjoy lunch, before arriving at your accommodation near Chichén Itzá, ready for an early morning visit the next day.

The Mayan pyramids of Chichén Itza are arguably the most famous ruins in Mexico and are certainly among the most popular with visitors. One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, it’s an impressive place to discover. It’s best to visit early in the morning to avoid the peak of the crowds and heat of the day. After your visit, you’ll continue east to the beach-side town of Tulum.

Explore the ruins at Coba, the only site where visitors are allowed to climb the structures, then cool off in a cenote and go in search of monkeys at Punta Laguna nature reserve. You’ll also discover the only Mayan-walled city and the impressive views of the Caribbean coastline before exploring the tropical forests and mangrove channels of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve by boat. 

Transfer from your hotel to Cancun International airport and board your flight. You'll land back in the UK on day 13.