53401SEV
An 8:00 departure is advisable. Check with the hotel in advance to see if they can provide an early breakfast
· You need cash for entrances in Mérida
· Merida is now usually visited with a local guide (you still pay the entrances) If no guide is included follow the information given below.
· Please make sure everyone in your group has their whispers sets before heading out on sightseeing ( and that you have the microphone/s for the local guide)
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). This will allow you time to go get the tickets and for them to have a break (10 minutes)
Local guide will meet you by the main ticket office.
If you are guiding the group
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 ( this is well worth it). 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, if you are having lunch here; there are several restaurant “hawks” who stand at the entrance of the ruins advertising overpriced menus. There are plenty of places for snacks and tapas here.
As this is a long day on the bus give your group plenty of time for lunch and encourage them to visit some of the other Roman sites. The Roman Museum is well worth a visit if there is time.
A good meeting place is in front of the entrance to the ruins. It has some shade.
