Captivating Cities and Culture of Mexico - 9 Days

Welcome to Mexico City. On arrival, we arrange your transfer to the hotel – after check-in, you have the rest of the day free to relax or start exploring at your own pace. Our guide will contact you in the late afternoon.

This morning we head to Xochimilco – a lively neighbourhood famed for its canals and semi-floating gardens – and enjoy a ride on a colourful trajinera. We then take a panoramic tour of Mexico City, passing the Plaza of the Three Cultures, the historic centre with the Zócalo and its Metropolitan Cathedral, the Aztec Templo Mayor, Chapultepec Park, Paseo de la Reforma and the city’s main avenues. You have free time for lunch around the Zócalo.

After lunch we visit the Basilica of Guadalupe – the most visited Catholic shrine in the Americas – where we see both the old basilica from the 18th century and the modern temple. In the evening we continue to Plaza Garibaldi, known for its cantinas, restaurants and bars where tacos and tequila are served and Mariachi bands perform. Dinner is included at a typical Mexican restaurant.

Leaving Mexico City, we travel into the mountain and forest region where the monarch butterflies spend the winter. We visit La Mina de las Dos Estrellas – a former mine now a museum – to learn about the area’s mining heritage. We then continue to Tlalpujahua, a Pueblo Mágico in Michoacán known for its Baroque sanctuary, cobbled streets and artisan workshops producing Christmas ornaments that fill many shopfronts. You’ll have free time to wander the historic centre and choose a spot for lunch.

Later we continue to Pátzcuaro for a panoramic tour of one of Mexico’s most beautiful colonial cities, noted for its pre-Hispanic origins, elegant architecture and lively craft markets.

We depart Pátzcuaro for Morelia, capital of Michoacán and a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its pink-stone architecture. We explore the historic centre – including the Cathedral, Plaza de Armas and the University of Morelia, founded in 1540 – then you have free time to wander and choose a spot for lunch. En route, we stop in Tlaquepaque, a Pueblo Mágico with mariachi, live performances, artisan shops and a wide choice of local dishes. We continue to Guadalajara, capital of Jalisco and the birthplace of mariachi and tequila, arriving in the late afternoon.

In the morning we set out on a guided visit of Guadalajara, a modern metropolis with a handsome colonial centre. We take in the Cathedral, the market and Plaza Tapatía, and step inside the Hospicio Cabañas – a UNESCO World Heritage site. After the city tour, we continue to the town of Tequila, where we visit the Mundo Cuervo distillery to see how this famous Mexican drink is produced – entrance and tasting included. You then have free time to stroll the picturesque streets and choose a spot for lunch. After lunch we return to Guadalajara.

We leave Guadalajara and travel into the state of Guanajuato, arriving around midday. In the afternoon we take a guided tour of Guanajuato City – a UNESCO World Heritage university city known for its steep hills, narrow lanes and historic churches – and we ride the cable car to the El Pípila viewpoint for panoramic views over the old town.

We travel through the mountains to Dolores Hidalgo – the birthplace of Mexican independence – then continue to the Sanctuary of Atotonilco, known as the Sanctuary of God and Country and recognised as a World Heritage Site. Please note the interior may be inaccessible during religious retreats. We then explore San Miguel de Allende – a World Heritage city with elegant colonial architecture and cobbled streets – where you have free time to wander at your own pace. Later, we arrive in Queretaro, noted for its magnificent colonial centre, Plaza de Armas and lively restaurants along its pedestrian streets.

We depart Queretaro for Tula, where we include entry to the archaeological site – the former Toltec capital. We explore the Atlantes – imposing warrior figures around four metres tall – along with pyramids, palaces and carved columns that reflect the sophistication of this pre–Hispanic civilisation. We then continue to Puebla for a panoramic tour of this historic city, renowned for its gastronomy, colonial architecture and distinctive pottery, with key sights including its magnificent Renaissance–style cathedral and the lively Zócalo – the main square. We arrive in Mexico City at approximately 8.30 pm.

We include breakfast before our services conclude in Mexico City. Airport transfers are not included – you will need to arrange your own transport from the hotel to the airport.