Mexico
Ancient Aztec & Mayan History, Colonial Charm, Local Life & Relaxing Island Beach
Cholola Tour - 17 Night Itinerary
Explore both Aztec and Mayan history with an extensive view in the Yucatan. Admire beautiful colonial architecture and modern life in Mexico City. Swim in a "cenote" sink-hole and the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Select your Preferred Departure Date OR Default to Today's Date
Travel Highlights
- Enjoy a guided tour of Mexico City, including the Fredo Kahlo museum and the local market
- Visit the pre-Aztec pyramids of Teotihuacan, once the largest city in the world
- Saunter in the delightful hillside colonial town of Puebla
- Explore the ruins at Pelenque, hidden in the jungle
- Discover the charms of Campeche and opt to visit Celestun Nature Reserve
- In Merida visit an old colonial hacienda, Mayan ruins at Uxmal
- Enter an extensive sink-hole "Cenote", underground cave and enjoy a cooling swim
- Visit the Yucatan's most famous ruins at Chichen Itza and observe sunset and sunrise
- Relax on the idylic car-free island of Holbox with stunning white sandy beaches
Tour Route
- Mexico City - 5 Nights
- Palenque - 2 Nights
- Campeche - 2 Nights
- Merida - 3 Nights
- Chichen Itza - 1 Night
- Holbox beach - 4 Nights
This itinerary can be tailored to your preferences by our specialist advisors, who can provide a guaranteed price based on your choice of departure date, route, duration, flights, cabin, hotels, transport and excursions.
Request Quotation
Tour Itinerary
Mexico City
5 NightsDay 1 - Fly to Mexico City
Day 2 - Guided city tour
Day 3 - Pyramids at Teotihuacan
Day 4 - Cuernavaca and Taxco
Day 5 - Puebla and Cholula
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Fly to Mexico City
Depart the UK on a direct daytime flight to Mexico City. On arrival, our guide will transfer you to your chosen hotel for a 5-night stay including breakfast. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Friday, 05 June 2026
Guided city tour
Today enjoy a guided tour of Mexico's capital city visiting the Lava Gardens, the residential area of El Pedregal, University City and the Olympic Stadium. We visit the famous Frida Kahlo museum.
Our final stop is the colourful saturday handicraft market in the centre of the colonial San Angel Quarter.
Saturday, 06 June 2026
Pyramids at Teotihuacan
This morning enjoy a visit to the extensive Aztec archaeological site of Teotihuacan, famous for the pyramid of the sun and moon, large residential complexes, the avenue of the dead and numerous colourful, well-preserved murals.
The city was thought to have been established around 200 BC, lasting until its fall sometime between the 7th and 8th centuries AD. At its peak it was the largest city in the pre-Columbian Americas with more than 200,000 inhabitants, placing it among the largest cities of the world in this period.
Sunday, 07 June 2026
Cuernavaca and Taxco
Enjoy a guided excursion to Cuernavaca, the city of eternal spring. Here, we visit the colonial city centre, the cathedral and the fortress-like palace of hernan cortez. We continue through the fertile Morelos valley into the Sierra Madre to reach Taxco, famous the extensive artefacts made of silver. A fascinating day awaits.
Monday, 08 June 2026
Puebla and Cholula
Today we head out of Mexico City and drive to the colonial town of Puebla, famous for its colonial art and architecture. It is a delightful place to saunter.
We continue to the archaeological site of Cholula, famous for its large pyramids and numerous churches.
Juan Martinez
Zocalo Central
This hotel offers good value and a very good location on a side street by the Plaza, Zacalo, Cathedral and Presidential Palace. The area is the centre of Mexican life in the city with numerous shops, bars, restaurants, and people.
The rooms are modern, well decorated, relatively small but with fresh warm colours, with private…
Condesa DF
The Condesa DF was built in 1928 in French neoclassic style and updated by its owners with a completely new interior. Located in a tree lined street in the trendy Condesa district, the hotel has a rooftop bar, terrace with sofas and treetops all around. The interior patio restaurant serves breakfast and Japanese/Mexican modern cuisine.…
Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City
The 5* Four Seasons Hotel is ideally situated on the Paseo de la Reforma (near Chapultepec Park and the museums), an ideal base to explore one of the world's largest and most dynamic capitals.
There are 240 guest rooms with modern amenities and some overlook the courtyard and fountains. The Reforma 500 restaurant offers a…
Palenque
2 NightsDay 6 - Fly to Pelenque
Day 7 - Visit the Pelenque ruins
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Fly to Pelenque
Transfer to the airport and fly to Villahermosa, where our guide will transfer you to Pelenque for a 2-night stay including breakfast in your chosen hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Wednesday, 10 June 2026
Visit the Pelenque ruins
Today enjoy a guided tour to the Mayan archaeological site of Palenque, hidden in lush jungle alive with howler monkeys, streams and waterfalls. We visit the various temples (all in superb condition) including the temple of inscriptions, the observatory, governor's palace and the temple of the cross.
Raul Gonzalez
Ciudad Real Hotel
A tranquil oasis in Palenque, surrounded by rainforest and only 15 minutes from the famous Mayan ruins of Palenque and 20 minutes from the breathtaking Misol-Ha waterfall.
There are a variety of room types from doubles to family rooms with either a garden or pool view. Some have private balconies. All are air-conditioned with private…
Villa Mercedes
Located in the heart of Palenque, the first class Villa Mercedes Hotel is only 10 minutes from attractions including the Tomb of Alberto Tuz Lhuiller Museum. There are also eco parks and other ruins of Palenque nearby.
The 74 air-conditioned rooms have private bathroom, free wi-fi, TV, hair dryer, minibar, coffee and tea making facilities,…
Campeche
2 NightsDay 8 - Travel to Campeche
Day 9 - Explore Campeche or visit the Celestun Nature Reserve
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Travel to Campeche
This morning we drive north to Campeche, Mexico's only walled city with colourful Spanish architecture, imposing forts and old cobbled streets. Listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO, largely thanks to the magnificently preserved walls and gates.
It is also a wonderful base from which to explore the nearby ruins and the Celestun nature reserve, just to the north of the city. Check into your chosen hotel for a 2-night stay including breakfast.
Friday, 12 June 2026
Explore Campeche or visit the Celestun Nature Reserve
Today, explore this delightful city at your leisure.or opt for an excursion to the Celestun Nature Reserve with its dense mangroves, salt salinas, freshwater cenotes and pink lagoons - home to flocks of colourful flamingoes.
Frances Monarca
Hacienda Puerta Campeche
Hacienda Puerta Campeche is a beautifully restored 16th-century hacienda in the historic district of Campeche. Wander through the lush gardens of nearby Jardin Botanico X’much Haltun, before visiting the Museo de Arquitectura Maya to see awe-inspiring, ancient Mayan art.
The spacious rooms have 18-foot ceilings, private bathroom, wooden double doors and rust-coloured tiles, FREE Wi-Fi, room…
Merida
3 NightsDay 10 - Visit Uxmal & travel to Merida
Day 11 - Guided tour of Merida
Day 12 - Haciendas and cenotes
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Visit Uxmal & travel to Merida
This morning we cross into the state of Yucatan and visit the ancient Mayan ruins at Uxmal, the pinnacle of Mayan architecture and design, with intricate carvings and mosaics adorning the ruins. It also shows the strong connections the Mayan people had with astronomy.
Continue to Merida and check into your chosen hotel for a 3-night stay including breakfast.
Sunday, 14 June 2026
Guided tour of Merida
This morning, enjoy a aguided tour of Merida with our lcoal guide, visiting the historical sites of the "White City" and capital of the state of Yucatán. An elegant mixture of colonial and neoclassical architecture characterise the city, with the cathedral, government palace, town hall and house of montejo, as well as paseo montejo with beautiful mansions which formerly were living residences of wealthy families. We also visit a local market where you can observe Mayan culture full of life and colour.
Monday, 15 June 2026
Haciendas and cenote swim
Today enjoy a guided excursion to Hacienda Ednakán for a short visit. Chunakanán nowadays lays abandoned is . We continue to Chunkanan town, famous for its neogothic church. At their hight, large Agave plantations for natural Sisal fibre production brought huge wealth to the region. You have a panoramic view of wide fields and learn about how haciendas functioned at the centre of the estate in the past.
In the afternoon, we visit a cenote for a cooling dip.
Casa del Balam
El Hotel Casa del Balam is one of the oldest and most distinguished hotels in Merida and the Yucatan Peninsula, but also one of the few original Mexican Art Deco houses left in the colonial city. Newly renovated, this historic mansion has been carefully outfitted with today's modern comforts and conveniences. The Casa del Balam…
Casa Lucia
A delightful, colonial style boutique hotel located in the centre of Mérida, only 5 minutes walk distance from the cathedral.
The elegant rooms are air-conditioned, with a private bathroom, wooden furniture and high ceilings. Amenities include safe, hair dryer, writing desk, free Wi-Fi and TV.
There are 2 restaurants serving international and Mexican cuisine. Other…
Chable Yucatan
Chable Yucatan is a small luxury hotel set in the jungle about 40 minutes drive from Merida, close the the village of Chochola where the jungle shelters the largest group of white tail, gray tail and red deer in the Yucatan. The location is also ideal for exploring the beautiful landscapes of the Celestun River,…
Chichen Itza
1 NightDay 13 - Travel to Chichen Itza & guided tour
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Travel to Chichen Itza & guided tour
This morning we travel to Chichen-Itza and check into our chosen hotel for a 1-night stay including breakfast. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of Chichen Itza, the most extensive Mayan ceremonial archaeological site in the Yucatan and famous for the Pyramid of Kukulcan, the Palace of the warriors, the Holy Well and the Observatory. In the evening, you can opt to see a special sound and light show at the site - quite beautiful.
Hacienda Chichen
Hacienda Chichen Resort is a boutique Spa hotel within a private 200 hectares of Maya Jungle Reserve, dedicated to wildlife conservation and reforestation. The hotel is directly next to the Chichen Itza site.
There is a choice of colonial style cottages, all located in the lovely gardens. All are air-conditioned with private bathroom, terrace, hammock,…
Villas Arqueologicas Chichen Itza
Located in colonial style buildings surrounded by lush forest, Chichén Itzá Archaeological Villas offer a comfortable base to explore Chichen Itza.
Choose from standard, deluxe or suite rooms. All are air-conditioned, with private bathroom, hair dryer, safe, free Wi-Fi and a desk.
Public areas include a restaurant, bar, swimming pool and spa.
The rates include…
Holbox beach
4 NightsDay 14 - Re-visit Chichen Itza and travel to Holbox
Day 15 - Explore Holbox
Day 16 - At leisure
Day 17 - At leisure
Day 18 - Fly back to the UK
Day 19 - Arrive in the UK
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Re-visit Chichen Itza and travel to Holbox
This morning, you can return to Chichen Itza and enjoy the special experience of the sun rising up over the ruins - quite magical.
Later, we transfer to the car-free island of Holbox, where you check into your chosen hotel or beach resort for a 4-night stay including breakfast. The rest of the day is free to relax on a golden beach in this peaceful and laid-back island.
Thursday, 18 June 2026
Explore Holbox
Relax on Holbox Island, an oasis of peace and quiet blessed with a warm, breezy climate and an abundance of natural attractions. It forms part of one of Mexico's national eco-reserves due to its tropical forests, wild beaches, underwater caves and exotic fauna, such as dolphins, whale sharks and flamingos. Perhaps enjoy time snorkelling in the warm waters.
Friday, 19 June 2026
At leisure
A day free to enjoy this relaxed ambiance of this unique island.
Saturday, 20 June 2026
At leisure
A final day to relax in this laid-back paradise.
Sunday, 21 June 2026
Fly back to the UK
Transfer to Cancun airport and fly on an overnight flight back to the UK.
Monday, 22 June 2026
Arrive in the UK
Arrive back in the UK in the morning.
Casa Sandra
Casa Sandra is a small boutique hotel with a warm, cozy and hospitable atmosphere located directly on the beachside. The six rooms are air-conditioned, with king size beds and private bathroom. All rooms have sea views.
The walls of the rooms and public areas are adorned with spirited art in every corner, creating a pristine getaway will…
Price Guidelines
| Season | Low Season | High Season | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Dates | April - June & September - November | December - March & July - Auguast | ||||
| Room Arrangement | Tourist | First | Deluxe | Tourist | First | Deluxe |
| Multiple Travellers - Twin Rooms | £4,968 | £5,642 | £6,984 | £5,472 | £6,236 | £7,838 |
Prices are a guideline per person, for travel within the next year and booking early and are subject to availability. Please see below what is included and request a detailed quotation with a guaranteed price for your specific departure date and for Special Events, Summer, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.
What's Included
- 19 Days / 17 Nights
- International flights (1 overnight)
- Internal flights
- Accommodation as shown on the itinerary
- Breakfast everyday and meals as described on the itinerary
- Transfers to and from airports
- Transport throughout the itinerary
- Excursions listed, all with expert, English-speaking guides
- Prices are per person
- Prices for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve, Easter on request
Complete a form or call our specialist advisors to start planning your trip. Please provide as much information as possible, and we will aim to respond to your enquiry the same or next working day.
Specialist Knowledge
Since 1999, we have crafted unique itineraries using our technology and extensine first-hand travel experience and local inspections
Your Perfect Tour
Your holiday is tailored by our specialist advisors to match your preferences, interests and budget using our kowledge of each destination
The Best Local Guides
Our local guides are specialy selected as your hosts providing an authentic insight into local life, culture, activities and visits
Travel Confidence
Our organisation provides local tour services and guides so you travel with confidence, reliability and 24-hour support
READY - 4 June 2026
MEXICO - History, Beach, Mayan Pyramids & Lifestyle
PERU - Machu Picchu, Andean Landscapes, Historic Heritage
GALAPAGOS, ECUADOR - Friendly Wildlife on the Islands
BRAZIL NATURE - NEW Atlantic Forest Birdwatching Trails
BRAZIL IMPERIAL - NEW Brazil Royal Family Heritage
HONEYMOONS & CELEBRATIONS - "en Tete-a-Tete"
TRAVEL INSURANCE essential comprehensive cover