Days 1-4
Departure on Friday, direct, non-stop on British Airways to Mexico City, arriving in the evening. Following day tour visiting the Museum of Anthropology where we learn Mexico's rich history, then walk through the Centro Histórico with its ornate churches and visit the floating gardens of Xochimilco. Next day we visit the Shrine of Guadalupe, pilgrimage site, and onto the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Teotihuacán. (B,L)

Days 5-7
Full day drive to Oaxaca, with a stop in Puebla where buildings have facades embellished with coloured tiles imported from Spain. Next day visit the ruins of Monte Albán and the magnificent church of Santo Domingo plus the buzzing Mercado Juárez. The following day we journey to nearby Mitla, a unique example of pre-Columbian architecture. Stop at Santa María del Tule, which boasts a tree that is reputedly over 2000 years old. (B)

Day 8
Journey to Chiapa de Corzo. The longest drive of the tour leads through the dusty isthmus before climbing into the lush mountains of Chiapas state. On arrival we take an early evening stroll to admire the impressive colonial architecture. (B)

Days 9-10
Start the day with a scenic boat ride in Sumidero Canyon, where the sheer-sided gorge carved out by the Río Grijalva rises over 1,000 metres. Then make the short drive up to San Cristóbal de las Casas, the attractive mountain capital of Chiapas. Morning drive to the lowlands, pausing at the waterfalls of Agua Azul and Misol-Há where blue waters tumble into limestone pools. Tranquil roadside villages offer cameo views of everyday life before we arrive in Palenque. (B)

Day 11
Visit Palenque archaeological site in dense jungle. Although founded around 300 BC, the city reached its zenith in the 7-8th centuries AD. Originally a small place of worship, Palenque was transformed by Pacal in 615 AD, and whose story is told in hieroglyphs on the Temple of the Inscriptions. Afternoon free to relax. (B)

Day 12
Watch the landscape go by on a long drive along the Gulf of Mexico to Campeche, a thriving port with a rich history. Afternoon walk through the atmospheric centre inside the fortifications constructed protect from pirate attacks. (B)

Day 13
Drive to Uxmal, an extensive Mayan site with buildings from different periods. The finest decoration - in honour of Chac, the Mayan god of rain - dates from the late classical period. Continue to Mérida, which is still the Yucatán's economic and cultural capital, owing its wealth to the production of sisal. (B)

Day 14-16
Drive to Chichén Itzá to admire magnificent Mayan pyramids, temple and celestial observatory.The most impressive, El Castillo, offers magnificent views from a height of 30 meters, while the sacrificial well hid treasures of jade, copper and gold. Continue to the coast for two nights to unwind, swim or explore. Depart on British Airways, direct, non-stop flight to Gatwick arriving on Day 17 Sunday (B)

Alternatively stay on the Beach:

Days 14-19
Continue to the coast for 5 (or more) nights to enjoy the beautifully turquoise sea and white sandy beaches of the Yucatan. The limestone soil filters the water to produce crystal clear underground rivers at Xel-Ha and Xcaret where you can snorkel and swim with dolphins. Optional visits also include the archaeological site of Tulum . (B) Transfer to the airport for your BA direct flight home, arriving on Day 20.