Mexico: Sierra to Sea

Day 1 Depart UK
Your flight to Mexico City arrives this afternoon. Transfer to your city centre hotel for two nights in the bustling capital.

Day 2 Mexico City
On a morning tour of the city, visit the Zocalo, the huge main square, and see the murals of Diego Rivera. Continue to Chapultepec park and the excellent Anthropological Museum with Aztec and Mayan artefacts. If visiting on a weekend, visit the old Aztec waterways of Xochimilco where locals come to unwind and you can hear mariachi bands.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 Mexico City to Teotihuacan and San Miguel de Allende
This morning head out of the city and visit the impressive Aztec pyramids of Teotihuacan. The pyramids of the Sun and the Moon are two of the largest pyramids in the world, and a remarkable ancient construction. You can walk up some of the pyramids to see the arrangement of the ancient site and for views of distance peaks. This afternoon continue into the hills towards the colonial cities of Mexico. These cities flourished during the time of Mexican independence and retain a true Mexican character, a great part of the country to get off the beaten track and experience true Mexico away from the larger cities and ancient sites. Arrive this afternoon in San Miguel de Allende, a UNESCO world Heritage site and and home to gorgeous mansions with bougainvillea draped walls, luxuriant gardens and burbling fountains a thriving center for art and culture. Containing numerous cathedrals, shops, restaurants, and art galleries, don’t be surprised to stumble upon live music or a live performance at a park or in a restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4 San Miguel de Allende
The best way to experience the wonders of San Miguel de Allende is on foot, so this morning you’ll take a walking tour to see the neo-Gothic Parroquia of San Miguel cathedral. Then take a stroll through the town’s history at the Casa de Allende and enjoy a tasty lunch at a local restaurant. This afternoon, spend some time in El Jardin, the central square; visit some of the stellar art galleries or private gardens that have put the town on the map; or browse one of the bustling markets full of handicrafts.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 5 San Miguel de Allende to Guanajuato
This morning you will be driven on the short drive across the dry high plains to Guanajuato After settling into your hotel, your private tour guide will lead you on a captivating journey through the winding streets and subterranean passageways of this UNESCO World Heritage city. View the grand Juarez Theatre, the Alhondiga de Granaditas, a massive building that could store a year’s worth of grain; and the cast-iron-and glass Hidalgo Market, designed by Gustave Eiffel. Then, tour a local mine to learn about the rise of the mining industry after the discovery of silver in the 16th century.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 Guanajuato
Today is a free day, to unwind and enjoy the atmosphere of Guanajuato. You might want to visit the Mummy Museum or the church of San Cayetano which was built toward the end of the colonial period in the opulent style of Mexican baroque. The interior is a dazzling affair and the best time to see it is midafternoon, when sunlight pours through the windows, illuminating the golden carvings. Lose yourself in the winding streets and watch the world go by in the thriving downtown, which is full of interesting shops, and the smells of delicious Mexican food wafting through the streets.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 Guanajuato to Merida
Travel through the valleys of central Mexico to the capital and transfer to the airport for a flight to Merida.
Merida, on the Yucatan peninsula, is one of Mexico’s most charming cities, known as ‘The White City’ due to its historic white buildings. Relax in your hotel or stroll the pleasant streets of the historic centre.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 Merida & Uxmal
On a morning tour of Merida, see the main plaza, the central markets, the attractive Cathedral, and the Paseo Montejo, designed to emulate the Champs Elysees. You will then take the drive into the lowland jungle surrounding Merida and visit the Mayan ruins of Uxmal, with its impressive temple rising out of the jungle above the treetops, intricate stone carvings and half excavated temples set around a sprawling site.
Day 9 Merida to Chichen Itza and Riviera Maya
Depart into the heart of the Yucatan today, and visit the large Mayan site of Chichen Itza, with an early entrance to the site before the crowds arrive and a private guided tour. See the huge pyramid of El Castillo, the ball court and the impressive observatory of El Caracol. After lunch you’ll continue across the peninsula to arrive at the Caribbean coast and your resort hotel in the inviting Riviera Maya

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Day 10 Riviera Maya
Your days on the coast are free for relaxation, enjoying the facilities of your resort and the wide beaches. If wanting to venture out, you can see the Mayan ruins of Tulum, looking over the sea, or visit the eco-style theme park of Xel-ha.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 Riviera Maya
Another day to relax on the Caribbean, enjoy modern Mexican or international cuisine and unwinding after your journey.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 Riviera Maya to London
Transfer to Cancun airport for your return flight to London. As well as the places included on this tour, you might want to add two nights in colonial Oaxaca and visit Monte Alban, or stay on the Pacific coast in the resorts of Puerto Vallarta or Zihuatanejo.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 Arrive UK
Morning arrival into the UK.

Tour includes:

All flights specified
Private transfers
Private guides
Inspirational sightseeing programme
11 breakfasts, 3 lunches

On a Journey of Distinction, you are not merely a bystander. They believe that the wonders, customs and cultures you experience will live on in the core of your being. They even go so far as to say that one of their holidays will change your life forever.

Their combination of Tour Managers and Local Guides is what makes Journey of Distinction so distinctive. When you’re embarking on a voyage of discovery, it’s reassuring to know that a seasoned traveller is with you every step of the way; planning, organising, checking details and offering their advice and support. Their groups all depart from the UK, and no one joins us along the way, so you have the reassuring constancy of always knowing your travelling companions.

Our Opinion
“Limited to just 25 travellers per departure, every Journeys of Distinction escorted tour has an intimate, personal feel that makes for a more enjoyable experience.”