Special offer only for guests traveling on Ponant Cruiselines "Le Champlain"...enjoy a special 4.5 hours nighttime sightseeing excursion of Merida that will visit the major highlights listed below. Guests will also be treated to a traditional Yucatecan meal of one of two options: lime soup with chicken or panuchos (3 pieces). Pick-up at the pier is included, no need to take any shuttles.
Enjoy a fun combo excursion to Merida for sightseeing, highlights, shopping, and more! Merida has been the cultural capital of the entire Yucatán Peninsula. A delightful blend of provincial and cosmopolitan, it is a town steeped in colonial history. It's a great place to explore, with narrow streets, broad central plazas, and the region's best museums. With this Merida City Sightseeing and Shopping Excursion from Progreso, you will get a glimpse of this magnificent city.
Upon disembarking your ship, you just need to walk through the port shopping area and outside the Progreso cruise terminal where your friendly guide/driver will be waiting for you. You will board comfortable, air-conditioned transportation for the short, 30-minute ride into the capital city of Yucatan. In preparation for your arrival, your professional, English-speaking guide will provide educational and entertaining anecdotes detailing the history and culture of Merida. DO NOT take the shuttle bus to Progreso downtown!
This beautiful, colonial city features Montejo Boulevard, styled after the Champs-Elysees of Paris, and a large, fortress-like Cathedral built in 1774 from stones of the Mayan pyramid of Xbacluum-Chaan. The Fatherland Monument, tracing the history of Mexico and Mayan people, the House of Montejo a 16th-century mansion, the Government Palace built in the 19th century, Plaza de Independencia, and countless venerable churches and squares highlight this delightful blend of colonial and Mayan heritage.
Before heading back to the ship and with time allowing, you will enjoy exploring a local bazaar or Market, home to some of the finest handmade clothing and crafts in the Yucatan. Track down your deal of the day, or simply enjoy browsing.
At the end of your shopping portion, you'll board again your transportation to return to your Progreso cruise terminal.
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