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- The 8:00 departure is set so you can have plenty Merida of time to see the ruins. Check with the hotel in advance to see if they can provide an early breakfast. For more information about the Roman site in Merida and opening hours, see http://www.consorciomerida.org/conjunto/
- Most groups have a local guide in Merida – check with your Araque vouchers.
- The Roman museum is a real highlight if you can get the timings to work
Mérida – lunch break
The coach will set you down behind the Roman ruins. Arrange a rendezvous with your driver, but make sure you have their number as well. Lead your group around to the ticket office and point out where the toilets are if they need them (toilets by the ticket office and also just inside the main entrance).
At this point you will usually be met by the local guide. If there is no guide included, follow the information below.
Lead the group over to the entrance and walk them down the main path. At this stage, it is up to you to decide what to show them first – the amphitheater or the theatre. The theatre is much better preserved and seeing this first often enables them to envision what the amphitheater was like in its original splendor.
After you have shown them both, and depending on your schedule, you can give them time to look around or lead them across the street to the Roman Museum. At this point, you can either arrange a time to meet or explain where they can find good lunch places and arrange a final meeting time and place. Be warned: there are several restaurant “hawks” that stand at the entrance of the ruins advertising overpriced menus. Before entering the ruins, point out, the Roman museum and possible lunch places (lots of places on the same street as the Roman museum). There are also plenty of places for snacks and tapas here on the roads a bit further away from the Roman site.
Warn the group that punctuality is very important today as there is still a lot to see. Ask the bus driver for the most interesting route in and out of Mérida to see as many Roman monuments as possible. A good meeting place is in front of the entrance to the ruins. It has some shade.
A – Bus Drop Off/Pick Up Point
B – Ticket office & bathrooms
C – Entrance to Roman Ruins
D – Roman Art Museum
After lunch, continue to Seville.