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Grand Mayan Experience

Grand Mayan Experience

From USD $4,499

Description

Depart from Miami and witness first-hand the unprecedented diversity of natural, cultural, and historical sites in Mexico’s beautiful Yucatan.

Includes 9-night cruise, 2-nights’ stay in Campeche and air between Miami and Campeche at the beginning or end of your cruise.

Please note that the voyage length may vary from 10 to 12 nights. Please contact us for more details.

Trip Name
Grand Mayan Experience
Days
12
Overview
Vessel Type: Motor Ship/Small Ship Length: 286 ft, 87 m Passenger Capacity: 202 Built/Refurbished: 2001/2015 Refined, intimate ship experiences The indisputable joy of sailing is brought to life on the M/V Victory I and II, agile intimate ships that easily navigate canals and locks, tranquil bays, and hidden ports where larger ships dare not go. Onboard, our fresh, modern design tips its hat to our maritime past as spacious open-air lounges, inviting dining venues, and generous windows ensure you never miss a chance to savor the spectacular view. Intuitive and attentive service With a caring crew of 84, pampering no more than 202 guests, you’ll feel at home from the moment you step on board. Whether it’s a favorite cocktail served on deck or the delicate chocolate on your pillow ensuring sweet dreams, our attentive, intuitive staff are available whenever you need them. Serving you is our pleasure. On-board experts and included excursions Aboard the M/V Victory I and II, you’ll often travel in the company of engaging specialists focusing on areas where our journey takes us. They share their expertise freely in presentations and impromptu discussions throughout the journey. In port, included shore excursions with knowledgeable local guides provide meaningful opportunities to uncover the rich history, unique wildlife, and fascinating cultures of the destinations you will visit. Onboard Amenities Complimentary coffee, tea, juice, soft drinks and filtered water - Free flowing house wine, beer, and spirits during entire cruise - Free Internet & WiFi available onboard - 100% Egyptian cotton bedding - Personal robes and slippers - Top of the line bath amenities that are environmentally sensitive - Premium mattresses - In-room electronic safe - Individual climate control - LCD flat screen television (satellite) - Alarm clock - Hair dryer - Telephone - Daily housekeeping with nightly turndown - Onboard Salon & Spa - Themed afternoon tea service Pamper Your Palate On Board And On Shore Beyond outstanding service and hospitality, every meal will bring about moments of sheer bliss. Each day, you will enjoy mouth-watering canapés as a prelude to casual and sophisticated cuisine in distinctive venues. The Seascape Tavern Share stories and laughter with friends and fellow travelers in the casual comfort of this cozy, English-style tavern. In the early evening, talented musicians bring the ship to life with all your favorite songs. Cliff Rock Bar & Grille Enjoy fresh air and fresh selections at the Cliff Rock Grille, where “hot rock” cooking is the special of the day, every day. Choose your ingredients and watch them cook to perfection on 100% pure volcanic lava rock. Serving buffet breakfast and lunch and seated dinner. Shearwater Dining Room Savor delicious cuisine in the easy elegance of the main dining room, where a professional wait staff serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily from our chef’s menu of regionally inspired dishes. The Compass Lounge Log onto the ships WiFi and catch up on the latest news or send a few emails to friends back home. Attend an enriching presentation by an onboard specialist. Gather around the grand piano for an old fashioned sing-along. After dinner, music, and dancing keep the fun going into the evening hours. Observation Deck Lounge & Sun Deck Lounge on the aft deck on comfortable, cushioned outdoor sofas under the pergola… the perfect place to celebrate a successful shore excursion, gather for afternoon cocktails, amber sunsets or a little late-night stargazing. In the morning or afternoon, take advantage of the forward deck to greet the day with your morning coffee, relax with a book and soak up some rays on one of the outdoor lounge chairs. Latitude Salon & Spa Renew yourself with a relaxing massage or with one of our many beauty treatments during your stay. Latitude Salon and Spa features indulgent scented oil treatments and a beauty salon for manicures, pedicures and styling. 

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1: Port of Miami
Welcome aboard our elegant ship and settle into your outside stateroom. Tonight, we'll gather with fellow passengers for cocktails and dinner.
Day 2 - Day 2: Key West
The southernmost point in the United States, Key West is beloved by visitors and residents for its vibrant street life. You can also experience colorful chapters of American history here. This morning, we'll explore all of this on a narrated Trolley Tour and guided visit through President Truman's winter residence. Also known as the Little White House, this historic landmark-cum-museum also served as the naval station's command headquarters during the Spanish-American War and both World Wars.
Day 3 - Day 3: At Sea
Delight in this leisurely day at sea. Experience the finest service onboard today in Coastal Cruising. Enjoy the fresh air from the Observation Deck; relax with your favorite cocktails wine and beer as a feature of our free Open Bar. Enjoy convivial conversation with fellow passengers in our "Tale of the Whale Pub" or join a talk with our shipboard experts. While at sea enjoy our special Afternoon tea service fashioned from the most famous locations for afternoon tea such as The Ritz Hotel in London, Vienna Austria, and the Palaces of the of Maharajas of India. Delicious meals lunch and dinner will be served in the elegant Shearwater Dining Room and al fresco at the Lighthouse Grill. As always, enjoy free-flowing wine and beer at lunch and dinner.
Day 4 - Day 4: Puerto Morelos / Xcaret
We'll step off the ship this morning in Puerto Morelos for a guided tour of the new Frida Kahlo Riviera Maya Museum. Ms. Kahlo is one of Mexico's most revered artists, famed for her bold self-portraits, vibrant colors, and attention to Mexican culture. She suffered from polio as a child and nearly died in a bus accident at the age of 18. It was during her long convalescence that she turned to painting. This morning's visit explores her life and its impact upon her work. After lunch, we continue to Xcaret to learn more about the eco-systems of the Yucatan. The exhibits at this eco-archaeological park include a Butterfly Pavilion and a state-of-the-art aviary with more than 1,500 colorful tropical birds. Four of the world's seven species of marine turtle's nest here along the Yucatan's Caribbean coast. Xcaret's Turtle Conservation Program will teach us more about these creatures and the work being done to preserve them. Tonight, we thrill to the Dinner Show at Xcaret. Mexico Espectacular is a kaleidoscopic performance with more than 300 actors and dancers, authentic costumes, advanced technology, and elaborate sets. It traces Mexican history and culture from pre-Hispanic times to the modern era. After the show, we'll return to our ship in Puerto Morelos.
Day 5 - Day 5: Discover Tulum
This morning's guided excursion takes us to Tulum, an ancient Mayan city surrounded by defensive walls. It has a spectacular cliff-top setting overlooking the Caribbean. It has a spectacular cliff-top setting overlooking the Caribbean. We'll enter through one of Tulum's five ancient doorways for a guided tour that takes us back to times when Tulum was a seaport for trading turquoise and jade. Among its most impressive structures, El Castillo likely served as both a temple and a fortress. It sits on a 40-foot limestone cliff above a beautiful white-sand beach. After a buffet lunch on the beach, we'll return to the Victory II. The afternoon and evening are yours to explore Puerto Morelos on your own or to enjoy the Open Bar, welcoming outdoor spaces, and congenial lounges of our elegant ship, the Victory II. This evening we will gather onboard to prepare all for our "Exclusive Yucatan Safari" we will begin the next morning. We will also distribute to all guests a personalized overnight bag to take a change of clothes and any personal items for the over-night Safari experience. All your other clothes and personal belongings will remain safe in your cabin waiting for your return to the ship.
Day 6 - Day 6: Valladolid & Overnight at Chichen Itza
This morning after breakfast onboard Victory II our exclusive "Yucatan Safari" begins. First stop is Valladolid! We first spend some time visiting Casa de Los Venados. This outstanding museum is set in a sprawling 18,000 square foot residence and houses Mexico's largest private collection of folk art. Our sightseeing continues with the Colonial-era landmarks of Valladolid. We'll admire the Cathedral of San Gervasio that dominates the town's picturesque central plaza. Just a few minutes from town at the lovely Hacienda Selva Maya, we'll explore the fascinating cenote, where you can swim if you would like to, and then sit down to a congenial lunch featuring Mexican and Mayan-inspired cuisine. On to Chichen Itza home of the most famous Mayan archeological sites in Mexico. This afternoon we travel to the historic Mayaland Hotel at Chichen Itza. This was the first hotel ever to be actually built within an archaeological site. You can see the pyramids from the lobby of the hotel. After check-in, you'll have time to refresh before an early "Fiesta" dinner. The excitement is only just beginning as this evening we will see the thrilling Sound & Light Show at Chichen Itza. With the towering steep pyramid of Kukulkán as the main backdrop, this amazing spectacle uses 3-D "Sky Mapping" technology to bring the 1,500-year-old Mesoamerican ruins to life. Just recently re-created, this sound and light show is now considered amongst the finest in all the world.
Day 7 - Day 7: “Exclusive Sunrise” at Chichen Itza then on to Izamal
The Sound & Light Show the night before at the ruins was incredible, but this morning as the sun rises over the pyramids Victory guests will see something only they can experience. For Victory II guests only, the local authorities have arranged for us to be at the archeological site at sunrise inside Chichen Itza. It's something you will never forget! For nearly 1,000 years, this was the greatest city of the Yucatan. It is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its remarkable synthesis of Mayan construction techniques with new elements brought by Toltec warriors from the central Mexican plateau. Before the influx of day visitors arrive, our expertly guided tour will explore the finest of Chichen Itza's many monumental landmarks. These include the El Caracol Observatory, Temple of Kukulcan, the Great Ball Court and the Jaguar Temple. After a great farewell breakfast at our hotel, it's on to Izamal. This Mayan town emerged as a religious center during the Early Classic Period more than 1,400 years ago. The Spanish arrived in the early 16th century and erected an enormous Franciscan Monastery that stands to this day. We'll tour the monastery and other Colonial-era buildings that give Izamal its timeless charm. Horse-drawn carriages will take us to our exclusive lunch prepared just for Victory guests at the best restaurant in town, Kinich. After lunch, you can explore the nearby Mayan Pyramid at your own pace. Izamal is painted Vatican yellow in tribute to the Pope's visit in the 1990's. It has remained yellow ever since.
Day 8 - Day 8: The Great Mayan City of Mayapan/Merida
In the morning after breakfast onboard ship we step off the Victory II as it will be our hotel for our time in Merida based in the charming port of Progreso. Our guided excursion takes us to Mayapan, the last great capital of the Mayan Empire. Because there are fewer visitors here than at other archaeological sites in the Yucatan, we can look forward to an enlightening tour without large crowds. Mayapan was once a thriving city of 15,000 residents, but it was attacked and abandoned in the 15th century. Today there are impressive ruins like the main pyramid, residences of the noble class, temples, and altars. We'll also see unusual round buildings once used as ancient observatories. Finely preserved carvings and glyphs bear further witness to Mayan culture. This afternoon, we visit the renowned Mayan World Museum of Merida where we will discover a remarkable collection of artifacts. In addition, state-of-the-art exhibits tell the story of the origin, rise and fall of this once-great civilization. It provides the perfect background and context for the archaeological sites on our sightseeing program. We return for the evening to our ship in Progreso / Merida for cocktails and another elegant dinner.
Day 9 - Day 9: Village of Nolo & Hacienda Sotuta de Peon
After a sumptuous breakfast onboard, the Victory II we "Safari" into the interior of the Yucatan Peninsula to the Mayan town "Nolo". This welcoming community of only 1,500 residents offers an intimate view of Mexican life. By special arrangement, our guests will witness a healing Shamanic ceremony performed by a Mayan priest. This genuine cultural experience is rarely afforded to visitors. In the tradition and spirit of this special event, Victory guests have been asked to wear white; the Victory II will provide appropriate white serapes, which you may keep as a memory of your experience. Another Victory Cruise Lines exclusive, we will visit the last working Hacienda in the Yucatan peninsula. The magnificent "Sotuta De Peon, a19th-century hacienda that once belonged to the wealthy Peon family. Set on verdant grounds with a grand colonnaded verandah, our tour of this lavish estate begins on a wooden platform pulled by mules along old tracks that wind their way through the estate. This traditional mode of transport once carried workers into the vast agave cactus fields where they would cultivate and harvest this important plant. We'll also see some of the original machinery that was used to process this henequen cactus into fiber that could be used for everything from hammocks to the giant hawsers that tie our ship to the dock! By the way, Agave is what also is used to make "Tequila". A delightful luncheon of authentic Mexican fare highlights our tour of the Hacienda Sotuta de Peon. We'll be back onboard the Victory II with time to refresh before we gather again for cocktails and dinner.
Day 10 - Day 10: Disembark and Discover Campeche
After breakfast and disembarkation, we'll begin our exploration of this Colonial gem - recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the charming main plaza of town, our narrated Trolley Tour is the perfect way to experience the pastel-hued buildings, timeless cobblestone streets and handsome centuries-old mansions of Campeche's historic city center. Next, we'll discover the Colonial fortifications at San Miguel. Then at the Archaeological Museum, we'll see ancient tools made of ceramic and obsidian and the famous jade mask excavated from a Mayan tomb at Calakmul. We'll take a break from sightseeing to have lunch at Palapa del Tío Fito. Then a walking tour will show us more of Campeche's historic landmarks. Admire the lovely yellow façade of San Roque Church and the Cathedral. We also see the King's Lieutenant's House, the former residence of the Spanish King's military representative in the Yucatan. After sightseeing, we'll take you to the Hotel Plaza Campeche here in the historic heart of town. You'll have time to refresh and relax in your room before dining this evening at La Parrilla. Enjoy fine Mexican cuisine served in a setting that blends Colonial architecture and contemporary flair. Then we head to the central plaza for Celebramos Campeche. Projected onto the façade of a historic building, this 30-minute Sound + Light Show uses exciting visuals and music to tell the history of Campeche.
Day 11 - Day 11: In & Around Campeche
After breakfast, our visit to one of Campeche's colonial-era homes offers a deeper look into the cultural heritage of this historic town. We'll also learn about one of the region's most famous crafts and exports. Known locally as Jipiiapas, this Yucatan version of the Panama hat is still woven by hand from the pliable leaves of the Jipiiapa palm tree. Just north of Campeche, the village of Becal is especially known for the fine quality of its hats. All Victory guests will receive a personal "Jipiiapas Panama Hat" to take home with them. At midday, you'll have free time to explore on your own, with lunch at a restaurant that you choose, compliments of Victory II. This evening, we'll enjoy a private folkloric ballet performance at the historic Teatro Toro and dinner at La Pigua. Then we return to our hotel for this final night of the Land of the Maya.
Day 12 - Day 12: Fly to Miami
After breakfast, we'll continue to the airport for our flight to Miami. Our services end at the Miami airport so you can connect with your homeward flight.
Day 13 - Please Note:
Embracing the unexpected is part of the fun of travelling. Programs and schedules may change due to weather, tides, local circumstances and venue changes. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a voyage.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
23-01-201903-02-2019USD $0Category E
23-01-201903-02-2019USD $0Category D
23-01-201903-02-2019USD $0Category C
23-01-201903-02-2019USD $0Category B
23-01-201903-02-2019USD $0Category A
23-01-201903-02-2019USD $0Category AA
23-01-201903-02-2019USD $0Owners Suite
30-01-201910-02-2019USD $0Category B
30-01-201910-02-2019USD $0Category A
30-01-201910-02-2019USD $0Category AA
30-01-201910-02-2019USD $0Owners Suite
30-01-201910-02-2019USD $0Category E
30-01-201910-02-2019USD $0Category D
30-01-201910-02-2019USD $0Category C
10-02-201921-02-2019USD $0Category E
10-02-201921-02-2019USD $0Category D
10-02-201921-02-2019USD $0Category C
10-02-201921-02-2019USD $0Category B
10-02-201921-02-2019USD $0Category A
10-02-201921-02-2019USD $0Category AA
10-02-201921-02-2019USD $0Owners Suite
17-02-201928-02-2019USD $0Category E
17-02-201928-02-2019USD $0Category D
17-02-201928-02-2019USD $0Category C
17-02-201928-02-2019USD $0Category B
17-02-201928-02-2019USD $0Category A
17-02-201928-02-2019USD $0Category AA
17-02-201928-02-2019USD $0Owners Suite
02-05-201912-05-2019USD $0Category E
02-05-201912-05-2019USD $0Category D
02-05-201912-05-2019USD $0Category C
02-05-201912-05-2019USD $0Category B
02-05-201912-05-2019USD $0Category A
02-05-201912-05-2019USD $0Category AA
02-05-201912-05-2019USD $0Owners Suite

Inclusions

    • Enjoy pristine Caribbean beaches, stunning Mayan cities, colorful colonial towns, and the serene beauty of the Yucatan Peninsula
    • Visit all three states of the Yucatan Peninsula: Campeche, Quintana Roo, and Yucatan
    • Witness the extraordinary legacy of Mayan civilization at four distinct Maya cities and the mixture of present cultures with the colonial legacy of Spain in the Yucatan’s most beautiful and historic cities

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