Day 1

To Mexico City: Fly from London to Mexico City with British Airways. Transfer to the Melia Reforma Hotel for 3 nights. (N)

Day 2 - Mexico City

Morning tour of Mexico City, including the Zocalo (main plaza), the murals of Diego Rivera, the National Cathedral and the Anthropological Museum, with its displays of Mexico's ancient civilisations. (B, L)

Day 3 – Teotihuacan

Morning visit to the historic Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Continue to the magnificent pyramids of Teotihuacan, an ancient city dating back 2,000 years where the main Pyramid of the Sun is more than 70 metres high. (B, L)

Day 4 - To Oaxaca

Fly to Oaxaca, one of Mexico's most beautiful colonial cities. Afternoon visit to the impressive ancient Zapotec capital of Monte Alban. Stay 2 nights at the Parador San Miguel. (B)

Day 5 – Oaxaca

Morning tour of Oaxaca, including the regional museum and Santo Domingo church. Afternoon at leisure or optional visit to the 2,000-year-old tree at El Tule and the ruins of Mitla. (B)

Day 6 - To San Cristobal de las Casas

Fly to Tuxtla Gutierrez, via Mexico City. Take a boat along the Grijalva river to the Sumidero canyon. Continue to San Cristobal de las Casas and stay 2 nights at the Hotel Diego de Mazariegos. (B)

Day 7 - San Cristobal de las Casas

Morning tour of this colonial town and nearby Indian villages of Zinacantan and San Juan Chamula. Afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 8 - To Palenque

Drive from the cool highlands to the tropical lowlands and Palenque, via the waterfalls of Agua Azul. Stay 1 night at the Chan Kah Resort. (B, L)

Day 9 - To Campeche

Morning tour of Palenque, one of the greatest Mayan sites, set in dense rainforest. Afternoon drive to Campeche via the scenic Sabancuy coast. Overnight at the Hotel Plaza Campeche. (B, L)

Day 10 - To Uxmal & Merida

Short morning tour of this colourful colonial town and its forts before heading to Uxmal for a visit of the Mayan ceremonial centre. In the afternoon, continue to Merida and stay at the Hotel Presidente InterContinental Villa Mercedes for 2 nights. (B, L)

Day 11 – Merida

Day at leisure in the whitewashed city of Merida or take an optional tour to an old henequen (sisal) hacienda or the Celestun Biosphere Reserve, a wildlife sanctuary for pink flamingoes and other waterbirds. (B)

Day 12 - To Chichen Itza

Transfer to Chichen Itza and take a tour of the ancient Mayan city, which contains the magnificent 23-metre El Castillo pyramid. The carved image of the god Quetzalcoatl, in the form of a feathered serpent, is a notable feature. Stay 1 night at the Hacienda Chichen. (B)

Day 13 - To London

Transfer to Cancun on the coast for a direct afternoon flight to London Gatwick with British Airways. (B)

Day 14 – London

Morning arrival.

(N) Meal Basis: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (N) = No Meals

Melia Mexico Reforma Hotel, Mexico City

Melia Mexico Reforma Hotel is located near the cultural and historic centre of the city on Paseo de la Reforma, one of Mexico City's most prominent thoroughfares. The hotel features an impressive 20-storey atrium-style lobby with a monumental sculpture as well as elegant guest rooms equipped with all modern facilities. Dining options include L'Albufera Spanish-Mediterranean restaurant and a more casual Cafe Miro, serving international and local cuisine. There is a first-class spa, gym and an indoor swimming pool.

Hotel Parador San Miguel, Oaxaca

Hotel Parador San Miguel is a beautiful colonial-style building located in the centre of Oaxaca. There are 23 rooms spread over three floors and around a central courtyard. The atmospheric restaurant serves typical Oaxacan and Mexican dishes together with international cuisine.

Hotel Diego de Mazariegos, San Cristobal de las Casas

Centrally located in the town of San Cristobal de las Casas, the Hotel Diego de Mazariegos is named after the founder of the city. It consists of two colonial style mansions with 'Coleto' style patios paved with stone slabs. Adobe walls, tile roofs and typical Mexican decorations create a warm traditional feel. Chan Kah Resort, Palenque Set within lush landscaped grounds with ancient Ceiba trees, the 79 casitas (tasteful bungalow style buildings) of Chan Kah Resort are surrounded by 50 acres of wild jungle. Built on arid land originally used as a cattle ranch, the Mexican owners have carried out a vast reforestation programme to restore the jungle that you can see today. All rooms have two double beds and traditional Mexican wooden furniture and there is a large restaurant serving local produce.

Hotel Plaza Campeche, Campeche

Hotel Plaza Campeche is located in the historic centre just two blocks from the main square. The 82 contemporary rooms are housed in a colonial building and facilities include a small outdoor pool and a restaurant, offering a selection of local and international dishes.

Presidente InterContinental Villa Mercedes, Merida

Presidente InterContinental Villa Mercedes is located on Avenue Colon, in a former colonial house. The hotel is decorated throughout in both modern and old style. The rooms are modern and well equipped, all with balconies. There is a restaurant serving Mexican and Italian food. Other facilities include an outdoor swimming pool and gym.

Hacienda Chichen, Chichen Itza

Hacienda Chichen's cottages were originally the homes of archaeologists of the Carnegie Institute, who established their headquarters here in the 1920s. Now extensively refurbished and redecorated, the original cottages house two standard rooms or one suite. The hotel's restaurant, overlooking the landscaped gardens, serves Yucatecan specialties and there is a swimming pool in which to take a refreshing dip.