Ancient and Colonial Cities

Engaging Discoveries… for our World Travelers

• Marvel at magnificently carved stelae in Copan! These are some of the finest examples of ancient Mesoamerican art found to date. Our unhurried 2-day visit to Tikal promises deeper, more enriching exploration through the most extensive Mayan ruins ever discovered. Retreat to the tranquility of the Casa Santo Domingo, a charming boutique hotel set on the secluded grounds of a Colonial-era monastery. 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

HOTEL INFORMATION:

Day 1 - Antigua, Guatemala
Check-in the extraordinary Casa Santo Domingo, a luxurious and intimate hotel located in a former Colonial monastery. Antigua was one of the most significant Colonial era cities in the Americas, once home to more than 30 monastic orders that built stunning monasteries, convents and cathedrals, many in the opulent Spanish New World Baroque style. Today, these beautifully conserved buildings, some dating back more than 400 years, stand in this charming town under the shadow of 3 mighty volcanoes. Casa Santo Domingo

Day 2 - Antigua #WHS#
After a leisurely morning, join your expert guide for an afternoon sightseeing tour of Antigua. You’ll explore the wealth of architecture and history, including the Central Plaza, Palace of the Captains General and a sampling of the best churches and monasteries. At a crafts cooperative, view traditional looms where colorful textiles are woven, and watch as jade is worked into beautiful jewelry. After the tour, return to your hotel and enjoy a free evening. Meals B

Day 3 - Antigua / Copán, Honduras
A scenic morning journey through the mountains of eastern Guatemala brings you across the border into Honduras to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Copán#WHS#. From the 5th to 9th centuries, the Classic Era, Copán was the site of a major Mayan Kingdom. The site is especially remarkable for a series of elaborately carved portrait stelae, some of the very finest examples of ancient Mesoamerican art, and a large court that was used for ball games. Enjoy a comprehensive guided exploration of this amazing archaeological site. Tonight, you’ll overnight at our historic hotel overlooking the town’s central plaza. Meals B Marina Hotel

Day 4 - Copán / Quirigua / Guatemala City
This morning you drive to the archaeological site of Quirigua, a small Mayan city that was founded in the Late Pre-Classic Era, and flourished until the 10th century. Though not as extensive as Copán, the site is noteworthy for 9 magnificent stelae that are arranged around the central plaza, accompanied by altars elaborately carved into zoomorphic shapes. The largest stelae stands more than 26 feet tall, the largest ever discovered in the Mayan world. Continue to Guatemala City and check-in to your deluxe hotel and enjoy a free evening. Meals B Barcelo Guatemala City

Day 5 - Guatemala City / Tikal#WHS#
Your visit to the monumental Mayan city of Tikal begins with an early morning flight. Upon arrival, join our excellent guide to explore the sprawling site, once a wealthy metropolis of 100,000 and the seat of power for the great Jaguar Clan Lords. The ruins of Tikal include more than 3,000 structures including palaces, temples, ceremonial platforms, ball courts, and large plazas – all surrounded by lush lowland rainforest – and several spectacular step pyramids that tower above the forest canopy. After your tour, enjoy a peaceful night in your thatch-roof bungalow overlooking Lake Petén Itza. Meals B,L Camino Real

Day 6 - Tikal / Guatemala City
This morning, return to Tikal to see more of its wonders. In the afternoon, you’ll return to Guatemala City by plane and transfer to your hotel for a free evening. Meals B,L Barcelo Guatemala City

Day 7 - Guatemala City / Managua, Nicaragua / Granada
Fly to Managua and continue on a pleasant overland journey to Lake Nicaragua and Granada, the oldest Colonial city in the Americas. Your tour of this historic town visits the most outstanding monuments such as the Cathedral, Casa de los Tres Mundos, and the San Francisco Convent. Enjoy the balance of your afternoon and evening at leisure. Meals B,L Plaza Colon Hotel

Day 8 - Masaya National Park Excursion
Today’s thrilling full-day excursion begins with a scenic drive to Masaya National Park to observe the volcanic activity of the Santiago crater and visit the natural interpretation museum. Afterwards, visit the bustling Masaya Market, a great place to shop for local crafts, and then relax over lunch at our selected restaurant. After lunch, travel to the famous ‘white towns’ and stop at Catarina, known for its famous mirador with spectacular views of the Apoyo Lagoon, Granada and Lake Nicaragua. Continue on to San Juan de Oriente where you’ll have opportunity to view the local community making crafts that are sold throughout Nicaragua. Back in Granada, you’ll enjoy a relaxing boat excursion through the isletas, a picturesque archipelago of 365 islands. There’ll be time to refresh and relax before dinner. Meals B,L,D

Day 9 - Granada – Managua Airport
After breakfast, an escorted transfer brings you to Managua International Airport. Meals B

Don't miss our current specials: World Traveler 2% Cash Discount If you make payment by check, money order or electronic cash withdrawal and pay-in-full for your General Tours trip within 7 days of making your reservation, we'll discount the entire cost of your trip by 2%. Your entire balance must be paid by personal check, travel agency check, money order or authorized electronic debit withdrawal (ACH) from a checking account to qualify; and your payment must be received by General Tours not later than seven (7) days from the date of your reservation to qualify. We recommend using a traceable overnight delivery method. If your check or electronic debit is returned from your bank for any reason, your reservation will no longer qualify for the 2% cash discount; a $25 processing fee will be added to your account balance; and all future payments will need to be made by credit card or certified funds.
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
4/18/2010 - 4/27/2010	$2,399
5/16/2010 - 5/25/2010	$2,399
7/18/2010 - 7/27/2010	$2,399
10/17/2010 - 10/26/2010	$2,399
12/19/2010 - 12/28/2010	$2,399
1/16/2011 - 1/25/2011	$2,399
2/13/2011 - 2/22/2011	$2,399
4/10/2011 - 4/19/2011	$2,399
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Engaging Discoveries… for our World Travelers

• Marvel at magnificently carved stelae in Copan! These are some of the finest examples of ancient Mesoamerican art found to date. Our unhurried 2-day visit to Tikal promises deeper, more enriching exploration through the most extensive Mayan ruins ever discovered. Retreat to the tranquility of the Casa Santo Domingo, a charming boutique hotel set on the secluded grounds of a Colonial-era monastery. 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

World Traveler 2% Cash Discount

Ratings & Reviews:

This tour has no reviews yet. Have you experienced this tour? Write a review.

Related Travel Articles

• See Europe :: Travel Safely and In Style, Escorted Tours
• Tours :: The Most Common Questions about Escorted Tours
• Things You Must Tell Your Travel Agent - Don't Ruin Your Vacation
• All About Paris France :: the world’s most romantic city
• Trafalgar Tours :: 8 ways to Travel in Style
• Travel Improves Your Health
• River Cruises :: A Popular Choice for Travelers
• Eastern Mediterranean and Arabian Gulf Vacations
• Adventures by Disney Invites Families to Experience the World in 2010
• Extreme Travel Destinations
• Avalon Scenery
• Royal Lotus
• Nile River Cruise