SURF & SUN CULINARY ADVENTURE The Yucatán peninsula features almost 1700 kilometers of breathtaking beachfront, running from the ancient walled city of Campeche on the Gulf Coast, past the mangroves of Celestun where thousands of flamingoes come annually to roost, and east toward the turquoise waters of the Caribbean crowned by the spectacular Maya city of Tulum. In this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, you’ll experience it all – and enjoy world-class gourmet experiences along the way. Help prepare seafood over an open fire on a tranquil beach, or sample updated Yucatecan classics prepared by international master chefs. Stroll along the charming boardwalk of Campeche and feast on fresh shrimp cocktail, or dine al fresco in a restored 17th century hacienda. And when you’re not busy cooking and eating, you’ll have time to spend in the sun – snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, swimming in pristine lagoons or simply savoring the leisurely life of a beach bum! You will also spend several days in Mérida, enjoying culinary instruction with Chef David Sterling in his magnificent colonial home.
ITINERARY
DAY 0 Arrive Cancun International Airport; transfer airport/Tulum
Check-in hotel. Welcome margarita; evening free
DAY 1 Continental breakfast at hotel. Transfer hotel/Xcaret
 Xcaret is arguably the most amazing natural park on the Caribbean coast. With a mission to preserve natural splendors as well as Maya culture and heritage, Xcaret features a wondrous underground river to explore, acres of lagoons and inlets for snorkeling, a breathtaking live coral aquarium, local wildlife protected in unobtrusive natural settings, a sea turtle nursery and feeding area, an orchid zone – and so much more. DAY 2 Continental breakfast at hotel; pick-up hotel lobby
 The morning hours will be spent touring the spectacular cliff side archaeological zone of Tulum. Tulum was a center of Maya ocean commerce, from which goods like salt, cacao, jadeite and other treasures were shipped to points around Mesoamerica. After the tour, choose between a swim in a remarkable cenote (the dramatic limestone sinkholes that furnished Maya drinking water) or other water activities such as windsurfing or jet skiing. Enjoy your evening meal at Hechizo (in season only), described by Food & Wine as one of the best restaurants in the Riviera Maya.DAY 3 Continental breakfast at hotel; transfer Tulum/Mérida (4 hours)
Check-in hotel; afternoon free. Evening dinner at Hacienda Xcanatún’s Casa de Piedra
DAY 4 Continental breakfast at hotel; pick-up hotel lobby
 Get to know the charming colonial city of Mérida as you tour the main plaza and the sumptuous Paseo de Montejo, where you will see treasured mansions built during Yucatán’s great sisal boom. By mid-morning you will meet Chef David Sterling at Los Dos, where he will welcome you and provide you with a fascinating presentation about Maya and Yucatecan cultural and culinary heritage. After a tour of Mérida’s colorful market, you will go with the Chef to Hacienda Teya for a feast of regional Yucatecan cuisine – guided by Chef Sterling’s helpful commentary. Relax a few hours in your hotel and prepare for dinner at the nighttime hotspot, Trotter’s. DAY 5 Continental breakfast at hotel; pick-up hotel lobby
DAY 6 Continental breakfast at hotel; transfer to Los Dos  Spend a pleasurable day cooking and chatting with Chef Sterling in his spectacular colonial kitchen. You will learn to prepare several dishes – from appetizers and soups, to main courses and desserts – all with a Yucatecan flair. During breaks, have a dip in the refreshing pool surrounded by lush tropical plants. Your evening meal will be at Néctar featuring innovative international and Yucatecan cuisine.DAY 7 Continental breakfast at hotel; pick-up hotel lobby
 Today, head to western shores and the breathtaking colonial city and historic port of Campeche, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999. Its splendidly preserved historic core is a Baroque fantasy of 18th and 19th century mansions, domed churches, cobblestone and wrought-iron street lamps. The city rests tranquilly on the shores of the Gulf, protected by once-mighty walls that warded off pirate attacks. Along the beach walkway, you’ll sample seafood that doesn’t get much fresher, then tour the charming city until lunchtime, which you will enjoy at La Pigua, one of the country’s finest seafood restaurants. In the late afternoon, savor a Cuban mojito at the bar in the 5-star Puerta de Campeche hotel before returning to Mérida. Evening freeDAY 8 ¡Adios! Transfer to Cancun airport for departure
PRICE INCLUDES
Nine nights' accommodation based on double occupancy; round-trip ground transportation between Cancun and Mérida; continental breakfast each morning of your stay; two additional meals a day; wine/beer service during main meals at Los Dos; one alcoholic beverage at all other meals; workbook including all recipes we prepare in class; complimentary Los Dos apron; all transfers, excursions and entry fees; all taxes and tips except as noted.
PRICE EXCLUDES
Air fare between departure point and Mexico (Cancun, Quintana Roo); service tips at hotel; service tips at evening meals.
NOTES: Rates based on two-person minimum, double occupancy. Single supplements available. Available as a Standard Package or as a Luxury Package. The Luxury Package features the same itinerary as the Standard Package but includes an accommodation upgrade. Package subject to minimum enrollments. Prices are subject to change in January of each year when new tariffs are posted by third party service providers. Specific itinerary details are subject to change according to third party service providers. All terms subject to standard POLICIES which will be forwarded at the time of your booking. All prices in U.S. dollars. All classes at Los Dos must be reserved at least 48 hours in advance Please contact us.
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Today it’s back to the beach – this time toward the Gulf of Mexico and the quaint fishing village of Celestun. Here you will enjoy a ride on a small launch through magnificent mangroves toward the nesting ground of thousands of flamingoes, which you will see up close and personal! Afterward, learn to prepare regional seafood specialties right on the beach, as you wiggle your toes in the sand. Return to Mérida; evening free.| << Sep 2010 >> | ||||||
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