Magic of Mexico - Family holiday

You wake up today in the jungle and head out to explore the area on horseback. You'll visit a relatively unknown part of the Chichen Itza site.  As the mid-day heat descends you will head to Cenote Ikkil one of the Yucatan’s most enchanting fresh water underground pools where you can opt for a refreshing swim and lunch.  You will continue on to Mérida (2hrs 15mins), the colonial capital of the Yucatan Peninsula for an evening in town. Hotel Santa Lucia (AA) - 3 nights - (B)

Today is a free day to potter around colonial Merida or take up one of the optional activities on offer (additional charge). A popular choice is a visit to the nearby Mayan Ruins of Dzibilchaltun (pronounced tzee-BEEL-chahl-toon). Here you can marvel at the ingenuity of the Mayan architects - the buildings are aligned for the solstice - and swim in a beautifully clear cenote. The nearby cenote Xlakah is thought to have been one of the reasons for locating Dzibilchaltun here. For older children there is also option for bike tour outside the city - the terrain is flat but the weather can be hot so a cenote stop would be included. (B)

Today after breakfast you head into the ancient ruins of Uxmal to view the amazing Palace of the Governors (considered by many to be the finest example of classic Mayan Architecture) and the mystical Pyramid of the Magician, which consists of 5 super-imposed temples.  After your tour, you head to Valladolid (3hrs.), the former colonial capital of the Yucatan Peninsula. Valladolid was named for the city in Spain that was the capital at the time of the colonisation of Mexico. En route you will stop at a local cenote for a refreshing midday swim.  Upon your arrival into Valladolid you will tour the charming city centre which has preserved its small plaza and fine architecture that reveal the glory of a bygone era.  Enjoy a tranquil evening before heading to the Mexican Caribbean tomorrow. Hotel San Clemente (AA) - 1 night - (B)