Ruins and Archaeology

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KERAMEIKOS: Athens’ ancient cemetery

For me, Mexico is inextricably linked to its pyramids. Yes, there are colonial-era churches to visit, plenty of them, plus markets full of color and activity, miles of beaches, fiestas throughout the year and — let’s not forget — the fabulous food. But it’s the archaeological sites that keep drawing me back.

Mexico is rich in archaeological sites, many of which boast pyramids built by Mexico’s great Mesoamerican civilizations, including the Olmec, Maya, Zapotec, Toltec and Aztec.

Having traveled each winter for 45 years, I had limited options for foreign travel in winter 2020-2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Travel within Mexico was possible, so I decided to visit the Yucatán Peninsula.

From Houston, Texas, on Dec. 30 I flew to Mérida, capital and largest city in the state of Yucatán. In the airport, security checked my temperature and sanitized my hands and luggage (spraying it) before I left the terminal.

14-day, 13-night “leisurely”-paced tour. Departures July 2021-April, Sept.-Dec. 2022. Group limit, 4-16. Highlights: In Hanoi, Temple of Literature, Hòa Lò Prison/Ha Long Bay for karst towers, kayaking, climb Marble Mountains/in Hoi An, cooking class at Red Bridge Restaurant & Cooking School/in Ho Chi Minh City, War Remnants Museum/Cu Chi Tunnels/Mekong Delta cruise/fly to Siem Reap, CAMBODIA, for Angkor Wat. $3,099-$3,279 ppdo (based on departure). Single supp., $581-$597.

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The focus of my trip to Guatemala in November 2019 was remnants of the Maya.

13 days, 12 nights on GREECE’s largest island. Departures April 14, May 6, Oct. 7, 2021. Highlights: Malia for Minoan Palace ruins/windmills on Lasithi Plateau in Dykti mountains/13th-century church frescoes in Panagia Kera/ruins of Minoan palace complex at Gournia, dating to 2nd century BC/ruins of Bronze Age Palace of Knossos/Chania/boat ride to Lissos/ruins of 9th-century-BC Eleutherna/Heraklion Archaeological Museum. £3,975 (near $5,343) ppdo. Single supp., £580 ($780).

15 days, 14 nights. Monthly departures in January, March-July & September-December 2021. Highlights: In Lima, tour Miraflores and Barranco districts, visit 16th-century Casa de Aliaga/fly to Iquitos for skiff ride on Marañón River, home to over 60 bird species, pink dolphins/meet with villagers/walk in jungle along Samiria River/skiff tour of Pacaya River, home to capuchin monkeys, turtles/Amazon Manatee Rescue Center near Nauta/Machu Picchu/Cusco. $15,499 ppdo.

13 days, 12 nights. Departures April 14 & May 6, 2021. Group limit, 18. Highlights: Drive from Heraklion to Malia for Minoan Palace ruins/see white-sailed windmills on Lasithi Plateau/Byzantine frescoes at Church of Panagia Kera/Minoan palaces of Zakros, Knossos/wine tasting in Peza region/boat ride to ancient Lissos/Monastery of Agia Triada on Akrotiri Peninsula/ancient Eleutherna. £3,935 (near $4,906) ppdo. Single supp., £580 ($723).