Our unique handcrafted itinerary presents the ideal way to see the ancient Mayan temples on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. During our trip we stay at four unique mansions (Hacienda Chichen, Temozón, Santa Rosa de Lima and San José Cholul), enjoying the elegance of an immensely prosperous golden age in the region’s history. Originally set up in the 16th century as cattle ranches and sugar cane plantations, many of these properties had, by the end of the nineteenth century, converted to the production of sisal (henequén), which supplied binding twine and rope to the world. This booming monoculture generated a lavish lifestyle that included construction of fabulous mansions with manicured grounds. From these lavish surroundings, we make excursions to the numerous Mayan archaeological sites nearby. The Mayan cities were urban centers in the true sense, rising from the jungle at a time when Europe was in what has been called the "Dark Ages." In addition to the extensive remains of Chichen Itza, we tour Uxmal and Kabah, both fine examples of the ornate Puuc style of Mayan architecture; Edzna’s well-preserved remains and the 11 temples of Oxkintok. Afternoons are often free to relax at the pool or enjoy the spectacular grounds of the haciendas. Sumptuous meals are enjoyed nightly at the haciendas. This is truly a one-of-a-kind journey for the sophisticated traveler.

Day 1 -- USA/MERIDA, MEXICO Depart your home city for Merida on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Upon arrival transfer to the elegant Hacienda Chichen. Remainder of the day is at leisure. Enjoy a welcome dinner at the hacienda this evening.

Day 2 -- HACIENDA CHICHEN (CHICHEN ITZÁ) Awaken surrounded by splendid Spanish colonial architecture in the midst of verdant jungle growth. This morning we travel to Chichén Itzá to spend the day touring this most famous Mayan site in the company of our local guide. Highlights include the monumental Castillo, or the Temple of the Plumed Serpent, known as Kukulcáthe Temple of a Thousand Columns; the Observatory; the Sacred Well of Sacrifice and the largest ball court in the Mayan world. Return to the hacienda for lunch and a relaxing afternoon exploring the 746 acres, which include nature trails, clear pools, and unexcavated ruins. Dinner is at the hacienda this evening.

Day 3 -- HACIENDA CHICHEN - HACIENDA TEMOZÓN (UXMAL & KABAH) Today our focus turns to the ruins of Uxmal and Kabah, fine examples of the ornate Puuc style of Mayan architecture. The exquisite site of Uxmal is best known for its Pyramid of the Magician. Following lunch here, we explore Kabah, where the Palace of Masks presents an ornate façade covered with repeating images of Chaac, the god of rain. After our tours, check in at Hacienda Temozón. Dinner is at the hacienda.

Day 4 -- HACIENDA TEMOZÓN The day begins with a visit to the great church of Mani, where the influence of the Spanish presence is manifest. We then travel to the Caves of Loltún, which symbolize the Mayan underworld and death. These caves are part of the karst topography that runs beneath the entire Yucatán Peninsula. We relax and enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant before paying a short visit to Labná, site of the largest Mayan arch ever built. Afterwards, we return to the hacienda to relax and enjoy the swimming pool and grounds. Dinner is served at Hacienda Temozón.

Day 5 -- HACIENDA TEMOZÓN - SANTA ROSA Today we travel to Oxkintok for a tour of this extensive and important site, with its eleven large temples and elaborate causeways. Architectural additions within the burial labyrinth suggest extensive remodeling during the site’s long history of occupation. At midday, we arrive at the intimate Hacienda Santa Rosa de Lima, near the Campeche state border and within the Maxcanu municipality. The afternoon is free to stroll the spacious grounds or take a dip in the pool. After dinner, the night sky beckons and, with no neighboring lights for miles, the stars shine as brightly as they once did on the ancient Maya.

Day 6 -- HACIENDA SANTA ROSA (EDZNÁ & CAMPECHE CITY) This morning we visit the archaeological site of Edzná. An unusually high number of structures remain standing here, including some 32 stelae, the last of which indicates that the site was abandoned in 810 A.D. We then travel to the seaside city of Campeche. The colorful façades of this charming colonial city have been largely restored by UNESCO, and many of the seafront walls are being rebuilt to link the old bulwark fortresses. A brief city tour includes a visit to the local museum, which features seven exquisite jade masks. Take time to explore the colonial city center before returning to the hacienda for a free afternoon.

Day 7 -- HACIENDA SANTA ROSA/HACIENDA SAN JOSÉ CHOLUL (CELESTUN & TIXCOCOB) Today our destination is the Celestún Reserve, on the Gulf of Mexico. Set aside to protect the area’s flora and fauna, it is the site of one of Mexico’s greatest biosphere reserves. Among the Celestún’s populations of heron, duck, and other native waterfowl. The pink flamingo are arguably the most spectacular residents. We keep an eye out for crocodile as small excursion boats carry us through the mangrove swamp, which extends to the sea. There is time for birding with a local expert before continuing on to Hacienda San José Cholul.

Day 8 -- HACIENDA SAN JOSÉ CHOLUL - MÉRIDA After breakfast, transfer to the airport in Mérida for your return flight to the USA.