Days 1-3
Departure everyday for Mexico City arriving in the evening. (Depart on Monday when adding Guatemala). Sample the local cuisine in the nearby Zona Rosa, a bohemian area with many restaurants and shops. We take an afternoon excursion to the famous Anthropological Museum, housing a magnificent collection of Aztec and Maya artefacts, great Olmec stone heads, burial tombs and exquisite pottery and ceramics. We tour the pyramids of Teotihuacán, supposedly the most advanced urban centre of its time (500BC - 700AD) with the Pyramid of the Sun, of monumental scale and grandeur rising 65m high. Optional excursions to the historic town of Cuernavaca and Taxco, perched on the side of a mountain and renowned for its silversmiths. Or visit the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco, where Mexicans spend Sundays on a traditional boat trip through the canals accompanied by Mariachi bands. (B)

Day 4
Fly to Oaxaca. Set on a high plateau at 1500m, encircled by the mighty Sierra Madre del Sur mountains which served as an effective barrier in preserving the ancient Indian character. Visit the majestic, Zapotec archaeological site at Monte Albán, (B)

Day 5
Fly to Tuxtla Gutiérrez and on to the Sumidero Canyon. A mighty fissure cutting down 1000m into the earth whose sheer sides are blanketed with lush jungle, home to a variety of wildlife. We take a boat trip along the river and continuing to San Cristóbal de las Casas for 2 nights (B)

Day 6
Hidden in the remote mountain, people preserve their culture in the villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán and a fascinating rustic church with a blend of pagan and catholic symbols. (B)

Days 7-8
Continue our journey to Palenque arriving in the afternoon. The following day we explore the important Mayan archaeological site. Walk among the ornate pyramids and temples, set on the edge of the rainforest, in an atmosphere of serenity and mystery. In the afternoon drive to Villahermosa and fly to Mérida. We stay for 2 nights at a hotel, near the main plaza, with its garden bordered by colonial buildings central to Mexican town life (B).

Day 9
The following day we visit the extensive site of Uxmal, perfectly restored, showing the intricate stone lattice work and mosaics, a fine example of the ornate Puuc style. The Pyramid of the Magician rises above the surrounding vegetation and overlooks the magnificent landscape of the Yucatán Peninsula. Return to Mérida. (B)

Day 10
Morning journey to the mighty Chichén Itzá, a blend of the Toltec and Mayan cultures. The monuments here have few decorations and the massive pyramids, temples and astrological observatory are evidence of the impressive power and knowledge of their rulers. Time to visiting the site at leisure and overnight at our nearby hotel (B).

Day 11
Afternoon journey to Cancún Airport for the return flight, (B) arriving the following day, Day 12 .

Beach & Haciendas

Day 11
Following your tour we recommend winding down for a number of days at one of the splendid Yucatán beach resorts or haciendas before returning home.

Extension to Guatemala

Day 11
Afternoon journey from Chichén Itzá to Cancún for one night and a hotel in the city (B).

Days 12
Fly to Flores and transfer to Tikal hidden in the rainforest of Guatemala. We stay for 1 night at a lodge within walking distance of the huge complex of buildings, and walk to the top of pyramids rising above the dense vegetation. Wander through the forest, admiring the temples and monuments (B).

Days 13-14
Return to Flores, fly to Guatemala City and drive to the market town of Chichicastenango for 1 night at a colonial hotel. Stroll through the narrow streets lined by the Indian market with traditional weavings, masks and flowers, and visit the local church with its blend of religions. On to Panajachel on the shore of Lake Atitlán for 1 nights, (B).

Days 15-16
Boat trip to the Indian village of Santiago de Atitlán where local people still maintain their traditional way of life. Afternoon to Antigua for 2 nights. Enjoy its cobbled streets, restaurants, shops and restored colonial buildings and delightful courtyards (B).

Day 17
To Guatemala City Airport for the flight home, arriving Day 18, Sunday.