I got back from this trip 5 days ago. Everything was great! I don’t know where to start with my rave reviews. Our group leader was Ilham and he was amazing! His English was great and he helped us with translation at the restaurants and vendors. I loved stopping to eat at very local and family places. One place for Turkish pizzas had the whole family pitching in and we were outside near the brick oven with chickens and ducks running past us! I really appreciated that our money went to LOCAL and FAMILY run businesses! Ilham would download the tickets to the sites on his phone in advance, he made our entry so quick. He was always one step ahead of the game! Logistics were flawless, because he knew when to get to the various sites to avoid the crowds as much as possible. I enjoyed the modest hotels, once again family run and usually very convenient to the town center. This trip fulfilled all my expectations and then some! Ed
Culture Holidays in Mexico
Mexico Culture Holidays
Top Things to Do on Cultural Holidays in Mexico
Visit Chichen Itza: One of the most significant archaeological sites in the country, Chichen Itza is located in Yucatan and is a must-see for anyone on Mexico cultural holidays. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is also one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, dating back to 600 AD. The site is home to 26 extraordinary Mayan ruins that are split into two parts: Chichen Itza and Old Chichen, each as impressive as the other. If you’re not sure which Mayan ruin to visit first, the Chichen Itza Pyramid or El Castillo are good places to start. But there are plenty more sights to see, including the Observatory, The Temple of the Warriors, El Caracol and the Mayan Ball Game. The site is utterly enthralling and gives you a deeper insight into the history of the Mayans.
Explore San Cristobel: This colonial highland city wrapped inside ancient pine forest and traditional villages is a jumble of cobbled streets, colourful plazas and centuries-old buildings with red tiled roofs and whitewashed exteriors. As well as boasting a majestic mountain backdrop, San Cristobel is firmly rooted in the country’s indigenous culture and is a great place to scratch beneath the surface of Mexico. Its fusion of ancient customs and modern luxuries adds to its charms. The vibrant cafes are great for mixing with the local Tzotzil people and trying some authentic dishes, or perhaps wander through the streets and admire the old colonial houses.
Attend the Day of the Dead Festival: This is one of Mexico’s most famous festivals, which takes place every year to celebrate the passing of friends and family. The streets, homes and cemeteries in Oaxaca are filled with people remembering their lost loved ones. The Mexicans believe that death should be celebrated rather than mourned and they certainly know how to celebrate in style. You’ll see people of all different cultures gathering in nearby villages and market squares to perform spiritual rituals and traditions. In the evening, the streets are filled with carnivals and parties, with people dressed in spooky costumes.
As well as being immersed in the party atmosphere, you can learn about the local cuisine and sample foods such as enchiladas, almond stew or stuffed chillies. Enjoying lunch at the home of one of the local families is a great privilege and you’ll see their ‘shrine for the dead’ and learn about their heritage first hand.
Take a Tour of Mexico City: The beating heart of Mexico, Mexico City is a potent cocktail of historical sites, floating gardens and modern-day culture. The famous Plaza de la Constitución, Templo Mayor and the Baroque Cathedral Metropolitana hark back to when it was the Aztec capital, yet today it’s a cosmopolitan hub where travellers from around the globe come to get their fix of Mexican culture. A tour of the city guides you through the Zócalo and ancient streets to some of the most significant landmarks such as the Palacio de Bellas Artes, before visiting the Palacio Nacional and the Museum of Anthropology and History.
Ed Ballo Highlights of Turkey
Vincent Fonner Highlights of TurkeyOutstanding Tour — visiting important military, historical, cultural, and religious sites. Wonderful group of travelers who watched out for each other, were on time, courteous and kind.
Ron Powell Sicily Grand TourA well planned itinerary circumnavigating the island to visit the major sites with the odd dart inland for even more. The minibus was comfortable, as were the hotels, which came in a variety of sizes and styles that added to the experience. Most were right in the heart of their communities, so there was never far to walk for sightseeing or amenities, such as restaurants. Apart from a brief period of Saharan wind and sand, we had perfect weather for sightseeing, sunny but not too hot. We enjoyed everywhere we went.
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