Colonial Heartlands

Step back in time to the colonial era of elaborate baroque architecture and cobblestone streets along tree-lined plazas. Explore the Cradle of Mexican Independence movement and discover artists' studios, museums and galleries from small boutique properties.

Day 1 - London/Mexico City
Depart from London Heathrow to Mexico City. Transfer to your boutique hotel in the chic district of Polanco. 

Day 2 - Mexico City
Discover the pre-Aztec archaeological site of Teotihuacan, famed for some of the world's largest pyramidal structures. Take a guided tour of Mexico City's historic centre including the famous Zocalo square and the National Palace with its stunning murals by Diego Rivera. 

Day 3 - Mexico City
Take a tour of the fascinating National Museum of Anthropology and discover a myriad of treasures from the pre-Aztec civilisations to the Mayans. 

Day 4 - Mexico City/Morelia
Depart for Morelia, one of Mexico's most endearing cities and full of masterfully restored mansions, churches and civic buildings. Stroll the shaded main square from your colonial era hotel overlooking the plaza. 

Day 5 - Morelia/Patzcuaro
Head to the nearby colonial town of Patzcuaro, stopping en route at a little visited Purepecha site called Tzintzuntzan overlooking Lake Patzcuaro. Your base in Patzcuaro is the former customs house, now a charming boutique property with only a handful of rooms. 

Day 6 - Patzcuaro
Explore some of the villages clustered around Lake Patzcuaro today, each specialising in a particular artisan skill. Santa Clara del Cobre is famed for its intricate copper work and Tocuaro renowned for brightly coloured painted masks, used in many Mexican festival celebrations. 

Day 7 - Patzcuaro/San Miguel de Allende
Continue to San Miguel de Allende lodging in one of several colonial mansions that now form a stunning luxurious property in the heart of this beautiful town for the next three nights. 

Day 8 - San Miguel de Allende
Visit Atotonilco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which many consider to be one of the most important religious sites in Mexico. Discover the colourful Parroquia church and stroll through San Miguel's cobbled streets filled with artisan studios and shady cafes. 

Day 9 - Guanajuato
Head to the nearby town of Guanajuato, a charming World Heritage city, centred around the pretty plaza of Teatro Juarez. Explore the labyrinthine streets and tunnels of this unique city on foot and then take the funicular to Pipila monument for striking panoramas. 

Day 10 - San Miguel de Allende/London
Transfer to the airport for a short connecting flight to Mexico City and onwards to London Heathrow. Alternatively you could extend this journey with a stay on one of Mexico's stunning coastlines. For an alternative to the Riviera Maya, why not try the rugged but spectacular Pacific Coast around Manzanillo or Zihuatanejo.

Pricing
At A&K all of our journeys are individually tailored to suit your needs and timescale. However, as a guide, this 10 day journey in Mexico will cost from £3,875 per person based on two adults sharing with flights from the UK and subject to availability.