Upgraded - Highlights of Mexico

Our tour starts today in Mexico City, the capital of Mexico and the bustling heart and soul of the country. CDMX, as the city is also known, gives 'metropolis' a whole new meaning with a new landmark, museum or gallery at every turn, not to mention the countless colourful markets, cosmopolitan eateries and leafy parks.

Due to the number of evening flights into the international airport, our tour leader will meet you on the morning of day two for a welcome meeting. Look out for a message in the hotel reception with timings and other details for the day.

There are no activities planned today, so you're free to arrive at any time. If you'd like to receive an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Mexico City International Airport (MEX) which is around a 30-minute to one-hour drive from the hotel (traffic dependant). As part of our Upgraded range, we also offer a complimentary transfer to those who have made pre-tour accommodation arrangements through Explore, regardless of your arrival day.

If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might like to have a stroll around Alameda Central, Mexico City's oldest municipal park, or visit the Templo Mayor Museum, which is known for its exhibits relating to the Aztec civilization.

Mexico City is a true metropolis and it's impossible to fit the highlights into just one day. Our itinerary allows for limited time in the city, so if there's more you'd like to explore, such as Frida Kahlo's Casa Azul, the Palacio de Bellas Artes or the waterways of Xochimilco, we recommend adding additional nights to the start of your holiday. Contact us to book your accommodation.

This morning we head to the National Anthropology Museum, widely regarded as one of the finest museums in the world and the perfect introduction to Mexico's rich history. Home to an extraordinary collection of artefacts from the country's pre-Hispanic civilisations, its galleries chart the rise and fall of cultures such as the Maya, Zapotec and Aztec. Our guided tour provides important context for many of the sites we will visit over the coming days.

After a couple of hours here, we'll transfer back to the city centre to explore the historic heart of Mexico City. The Zocalo is the vibrant centre and is surrounded by magnificent colonial architecture. On its eastern side stands the National Palace, seat of the Mexican government and home to famous murals by Diego Rivera that depict the country's story from ancient times to the modern era. Nearby is the vast Metropolitan Cathedral, built over the course of nearly 250 years and blending several architectural styles. The Zocalo also gives us our first taste of Mexico's ancient archaeology; the well-preserved remains of the Aztec Templo Mayor can be found here, right in the bustle of the downtown district.

This evening we'll head out to a local restaurant to enjoy dinner together - our first taste of the flavours of Mexico.

Departing from the city, we'll stop at the Basilica de Guadalupe, one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Mexicans. Dedicated to Mexico's patron saint, the basilica attracts millions of visitors each year and has a remarkable story at its heart, which our tour leader will bring to life during our visit. We then continue north to the pyramids of Teotihuacan. Abandoned thirteen centuries ago and once the largest city in the Americas, Teotihuacan's influence permeated throughout Middle America. Maya craftsmen adopted its decorative motifs and architectural designs, and centuries later, the Aztecs revered it as "the Place of the Gods".

After exploring these remarkable sites, we'll continue our short journey east to the city of Puebla, passing between three of Mexico's most iconic volcanoes: Ixtaccihuatl, Popocatepetl and La Malinche. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Puebla is renowned for its elegant colonial architecture, colourful tiled facades and rich culinary traditions.

The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. The cathedral is well worth a visit, with its twin bell towers which are among the tallest historic structures in Mexico. Another highlight is the Palafoxiana Library, considered the first public library in the Americas, where thousands of historic books and manuscripts are housed in beautifully preserved cedar wood bookcases.

This morning we'll delve deeper into one of Mexico's great culinary cities on a guided food tour of Puebla's historic centre (we recommend sticking to a light breakfast at the hotel, so you've room to sample the local bites). As we stroll through the city's atmospheric streets and markets, we'll learn about the history and traditions behind some of Puebla's most famous dishes while sampling a variety of local specialities such as mole poblano. Both Oaxaca and Puebla lay claim to having created mole, pronounced 'mo-leh', one of Mexico's most iconic sauces. It comes in many forms and colours, but Puebla's rich, dark version is perhaps the most famous. Made from a complex blend of ingredients that can include chilli, spices, nuts and chocolate, it is a cornerstone of the region's cuisine. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the flavours that have made Puebla one of Mexico's gastronomic capitals.

This afternoon we'll leave Puebla behind and travel south through the mountains to Oaxaca. One of Mexico's most culturally rich and vibrant cities, Oaxaca is known for its indigenous heritage, colourful colonial architecture and exceptional cuisine. We'll arrive in the evening and will spend the next three nights here. The driving time today is expected to be just under six hours.

As with many of Mexico's colonial cities, Oaxaca was built in the 16th century using stones from ancient civilisations in the surrounding areas. Today, we'll visit Monte Alban, built by the Zapotec people who flourished here over 1,500 years ago. This remarkable complex of temples, pyramids and enigmatic rock carvings crowns a hilltop overlooking the Oaxaca Valley (expect some steep inclines and stairs on our walk). The expansive views over the Sierra Madre and fertile valley are well worth the effort. Unlike sites such as Teotihuacan, Monte Alban remained inhabited until the arrival of the Spanish, as the Mixtec civilisation took over from the Zapotecs and continued its use.

Returning to Oaxaca, we'll take a walking tour of the historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its colonial architecture and vibrant culture. We'll explore the city's lively Zocalo and atmospheric streets, passing colourful buildings, artisan shops and impressive landmarks such as the Santo Domingo Church. Along the way, we'll gain an insight into Oaxaca's rich indigenous heritage and the culinary traditions that have made it one of Mexico's most celebrated destinations.

The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. Browse the local markets, relax in one of the city's cafes or delve further into Oaxaca's history at one of its excellent museums. The Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca, housed within a former convent beside Santo Domingo Church, is particularly worth a visit and displays many treasures discovered at Monte Alban.

This morning you're free to enjoy more of Oaxaca at your own pace.

This afternoon we'll gain first-hand experience of one of Mexico's most celebrated regional cuisines as we join a hands-on cooking class at Hotel Con Corazon. Beyond showcasing the flavours and traditions of Oaxaca, the hotel reinvests the majority of its profits into educational programmes for local young people, making it a meaningful setting in which to learn about the region's food culture.

Accompanied by a chef, we'll begin with a visit to a local market, where we'll discover the fresh ingredients that form the backbone of Oaxacan cooking and learn more about the traditions behind the region's distinctive cuisine. Along the way, there will be an opportunity to sample some local snacks and soak up the atmosphere of daily market life. Armed with our ingredients, we'll head to the kitchen to prepare a selection of traditional dishes under expert guidance. Menus vary according to the season and the chef's inspiration, but may include local specialities such as tamales, mole or stuffed chillies. After all our hard work, we'll sit down together to enjoy the dishes we've created, accompanied by a local drink.

We have an early start this morning as we fly from Oaxaca to Cancun, a journey of around two hours. On arrival, we'll transfer inland across the Yucatan Peninsula to Hacienda Chichen, our home for the night.

Steeped in history and surrounded by lush tropical gardens, Hacienda Chichen is one of the oldest colonial estates in the Yucatan, with origins dating back to the 16th century. Set within a private Maya jungle reserve close to the ancient city of Chichen Itza, the property has long been associated with archaeological exploration in the region and offers a unique blend of history, nature and traditional hospitality. The hacienda's peaceful grounds are home to botanical gardens, abundant birdlife and winding pathways shaded by mature trees, providing a tranquil contrast to the bustling cities we have visited so far. This characterful property gives us the opportunity to slow down and enjoy the atmosphere of one of Mexico's most historic regions before we begin to explore Chichen Itza tomorrow.

We'll take advantage of another early start this morning, leaving our hotel right after breakfast so we can beat the crowds (and the heat) to Chichen Itza. Once a major political, religious and trading centre, the city reached its peak between the 9th and 11th centuries. Its remarkable pyramids, temples, palaces and ceremonial ball court provide a fascinating insight into the achievements of the Maya civilisation. Although it eventually declined, likely due to a combination of social, political and environmental pressures, Chichen Itza remains one of the most outstanding archaeological sites in the Americas. Its iconic pyramid El Castillo is the centrepiece of the site, named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.

After our guided tour, we'll drive a short distance to Cenote Ik Kil, where there will be the chance to cool off with a swim. Formed naturally within the limestone bedrock of the Yucatan Peninsula, cenotes are a distinctive feature of the region's landscape. Their formation is linked to the asteroid impact that struck the peninsula around 66 million years ago, creating fractures in the limestone through which groundwater could flow. For the ancient Maya, these natural pools were an important source of fresh water and often held deep spiritual significance. Surrounded by hanging vines, Ik Kil is one of the region's most beautiful examples. After taking a dip, we'll enjoy a buffet lunch featuring a selection of local specialities such a cochinita pibil (slow roasted pork).

This afternoon we continue towards Valladolid, stopping enroute at a traditional Mayapan distillery. Here we'll learn about the production of the region's agave-based spirits, from cultivation and harvesting through to distillation, as well as their enduring importance in Yucatan culture. There will also be the opportunity to sample a selection of spirits before we continue to Valladolid for the evening.

There are no plans today, so you're free to enjoy the vibrant city of Valladolid. Known for its colonial charm, Valladolid boasts picturesque squares, colourful streets and a relaxed atmosphere. After breakfast, our tour leader will help us get to know the city on a short walking tour, visiting the lively zocalo, the impressive Cathedral of San Servacio and the town hall mural.

Spend your day wandering through Valladolid's atmospheric streets, browse local artisan shops, relax in one of the many cafes that line the central squares or visit one of the city's small museums and galleries. Just a short walk from the centre is Cenote Zaci, a beautiful natural swimming spot where you can cool off beneath dramatic limestone overhangs.

For those wishing to venture further afield, there is the option to visit Rio Lagartos and Las Coloradas. This full-day excursion includes a boat trip through the Ria Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, home to flamingos, crocodiles and a wealth of birdlife, followed by a visit to the pink salt lakes of Las Coloradas.

This morning we head to Coba, one of the most important ruins on the Yucatan Peninsula. This Mayan site is still largely unexcavated making it a true wonder. Coba means 'waters stirred by the wind', an appropriate Mayan name as this settlement is surrounded by two large lagoons. Once at the entrance of the site we will take a five minute bicitaxi ride through the forest to the furthest temple 'Nohoch Mul'. Here we'll have the opportunity to climb the 120 steps to the top, and admire the views of the dense forest below. Our tour leader will then lead us through the rest of Coba by foot, and explain the rich Mayan history.

This afternoon, we'll hop on our bus and head to Playa Del Carmen port where we will board the short ferry ride to Cozumel - our final destination of the tour. Surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, Cozumel is one of Mexico's premier island destinations. Famous for its spectacular coral reefs and marine life, the island offers some of the best snorkelling and diving in the region. Beyond the water, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and some time to unwind.

Today has been left free for you to relax and enjoy everything the hotel has to offer. Take a swim in the crystal-clear waters, rent a snorkel and discover the vibrant marine life just off the beachfront, or simply unwind and enjoy the view of the ocean. For those looking to stay active, the resort also features a tennis court and paddleboards, while the spa offers the perfect opportunity to indulge in some well-deserved relaxation.

Our trip ends this morning at our hotel in Cozumel. The earliest your flight can depart today is 1pm from Cancun International Airport.

Fancy a few more days in paradise? Extra nights' accommodation can be booked at this hotel - please let us know at the time of booking if you'd like to extend your time at the beach.

As part of our Upgraded range, we also offer a complimentary transfer to those who have made post-tour accommodation arrangements through Explore, regardless of your departure day.