11-Nights Best of Mexico: Colonial & Cultural Gems from $5,331

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrive in Mexico City

Transfer: Mexico City International Aptto Mexico City - City Centre

Hotel: Casa de la Luz Hotel Boutique (4 Star Rating)

Casa de la Luz is a unique boutique hotel in the heart of Mexico City’s historic center, offering a peaceful retreat in a beautifully restored 17th-century colonial building. The rich history of the building now housing the hotel is evident in its architecture, which blends traditional Mexican elements with modern touches to transmit the ancient history of this part of the city was well as the current way of living. Once a convent, Casa de la Luz was thoughtfully transformed into a stylish and intimate hotel while retaining much of its original character, including a stunning central courtyard and intricate period details. The atmosphere is serene and welcoming, a quiet escape from the city’s bustling energy. Guests can explore nearby landmarks like the Templo Mayor, Palacio de Bellas Artes, and the National Palace, all within easy walking distance. Casa de la Luz provides a memorable experience for those looking to immerse themselves in Mexico City’s cultural heart.

Experience the vibrant heart of Mexico City, home to over 25 million people and rich in political, social, and cultural significance. As you explore the historic center on foot, visit landmarks like the presidential palace, the Zócalo, and the grand Metropolitan Cathedral, the oldest and largest in the Americas. Food enthusiasts will enjoy a stop at Mercado 77 San Juan, offering seafood from Veracruz, Campeche, and Baja California, along with exotic fare like iguanas, scorpions, and alligators. At La Ciudadela, created for the 1968 Olympics, browse traditional crafts such as Yucatán hammocks and embroidered clothing from Chiapas and Oaxaca. End your day with a sweet stop at Bakery Ideal, founded in 1927, known for its pastries and beautifully decorated multi-layer cakes.

Your day begins with a tour of the Basilica of Guadalupe, one of Mexico's most significant religious landmarks. This stunning site holds deep cultural and spiritual meaning for millions of people and is a must-see when visiting Mexico City. Afterward, your private guide takes you to the ancient city of Teotihuacán, once the largest metropolis in the Americas. Built between 250 BC and 700 AD, this vast archaeological site is home to some of the most impressive pyramids in the world, including the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. At its peak, Teotihuacán had a population of up to 250,000 people, making it one of the most advanced urban centers of its time. Walking along the famous Avenue of the Dead, a 1-km-long path lined with impressive structures, you'll begin to grasp the true scale and grandeur of this awesome city. With your private guide, you'll not only explore these breathtaking ruins but also gain a deeper understanding of the people who built them and the legacy they left behind.

Your day starts in Mexico City and ends in San Miguel de Allende, however en route you'll also enjoy a tour of another great city: Queretaro. A walk around the Plaza de Armas in the heart of the city, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals beautiful colonial architecture, a lively atmosphere and thriving arts scene. History buffs will be interested to know that the state of Queretaro was the birthplace of the Mexican Revolution and the first time that Hernan Cortez and Moctezuma II met, was in the city itself. There are endless discoveries, including plenty of great restaurants and, yes, you can find excellent craft beer. After exploring Queretaro, journey with your private driver-guide continues to another wonderful city: San Miguel de Allende.

Hotel: Real de Minas San Miguel (4 Star Rating)

Real de Minas San Miguel de Allende, offers a wonderful escape inspired by the city's colonial past. Located just outside the historic center, this countryside hacienda-style hotel features decorative stucco buildings, stone archways, and lush gardens. Guests can enjoy a large pool and lively family-friendly vibes, with margaritas by the pool and mariachi music playing at nearby events. The rooms are simple yet comfortable, featuring wooden furniture and earthy tones like ocher and chocolate brown, some with private balconies overlooking the pool. A lively bar and restaurant serve up hearty breakfasts in the morning and mezcal on the rocks in the afternoon. A range of dining options is just a short stroll away in downtown San Miguel de Allende. Whether relaxing by the pool or exploring the city, Real de Minas offers a perfect blend of tradition, fun, and comfort.

Today, your private guide will take you on a city tour of San Miguel de Allende, immersing you in a timeless blend of history, art, and vibrant culture. The nearly untouched old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, transports you back to colonial Mexico with its cobblestone streets, eye-catching buildings, and quaint plazas. Dominating the skyline is the stunning Parroquia de San Miguel, a 17th-century cathedral with a striking neo-gothic facade that captures the essence of the town's architectural beauty. Known as an art hub, San Miguel is home to galleries, workshops, and an eclectic community of artists. The town's streets are filled with colorful facades, blooming flowers, and a laid-back ambiance that invites you to linger and explore. Whether you're admiring the views from the Mirador, enjoying local cuisine, or discovering hidden shops, San Miguel's vibrant spirit makes it one of Mexico's most captivating destinations.

Your private guide will take you on a comprehensive tour of Guanajuato that takes you deep into the town’s colonial past, with an unforgettable journey through its colorful streets and rich history. Start in the wonderful Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where vibrant alleys and plazas lead to picturesque squares. The Plaza Allende, with its lively atmosphere and beautiful fountains, is utterly delightful. From there, make your way to the Great Basilica of Our Lady of Guanajuato, a striking example of baroque architecture, the iconic Universidad de Guanajuato, and the beautiful San Cayetano Church, a jewel of colonial art. To end your day, go up to the Pipila Monument, high above Guanajuato, for a breathtaking experience. From this vantage point, the view with its colorful buildings, the labyrinthine streets, the great Basilica, and the winding roads is nothing short of mesmerizing. Let your private guide take you on the funicular down to the Plaza de la Paz, directly opposite the grand Opera House, before dropping you off at your hotel.

Hotel: Villa Maria Cristina (4 Star Rating)

Discover Hotel Villa María Cristina, where luxury, comfort, and culture come together for an unforgettable experience. Located on the lovely Paseo de la Presa in Guanajuato, the hotel offers a perfect blend of history and modernity. Its neoclassical façade and elegant lobby evoke a sense of the past, while contemporary amenities ensure a comfortable and memorable stay. Whether you're exploring the rich cultural heritage of Guanajuato or are simply relaxing in the refined atmosphere, Villa María Cristina provides a sanctuary that goes beyond just a place to stay. Immerse yourself in an environment where elegance and sophistication meet the vibrant spirit of this beautiful city, creating an exceptional escape.

Get ready for an early start. Today's journey introduces you to the artisans' quarter of Tlaquepaque, an alluring world of vibrant colours and rich tradition. Cobblestone streets wind through the picturesque town, lined with colourful buildings and beautiful murals while the air is filled with the scent of fresh flowers and the hum of lively conversation from the cafés and shops. Tlaquepaque is known for its exquisite, handcrafted pottery, textiles, and jewelry, with local artisans proudly displaying their creations in a multitude of boutique shops. Back on the road with your private driver-guide, you'll finish the day in Guadalajara. Its rich cultural legacy, from mariachi music to its role in shaping tequila, makes it an essential destination to experience Mexico's vibrant traditions. Your guide takes you into the heart of the city where the majestic Guadalajara Cathedral stands as a symbol of the town's colonial roots. Its grand façade and towering spires dominate the central and very lively Plaza de Armas. A visit to the Cabañas Hospice, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, unveils the stunning murals by José Clemente Orozco, exhibiting the city's artistic heritage.

Hotel: Hotel De Mendoza (4 Star Rating)

Hotel de Mendoza, inaugurated in 1968, is a timeless symbol of elegance and tradition in Guadalajara. Located next to the historic Temple of Santa Maria de Gracia, the city's first cathedral, the hotel seamlessly blends its rich architectural history with modern comfort. The original arches of its facade and those adjacent to the temple preserve the essence of the past while providing a stylish, contemporary atmosphere. With its central location, Hotel de Mendoza offers guests easy access to Guadalajara's vibrant cultural scene, combining history, luxury, and convenience for an unforgettable stay in this captivating city.

Your private guide will take you on a visit to the agave fields in Tequila, Mexico, an intriguing journey into the fascinating world of tequila production. You'll learn about the meticulous cultivation process, from planting the agave to the careful nurturing it requires for several years. A skilled jimador - the agave farmer - will demonstrate the ancient art of agave cutting, using a large, curved blade called a coa. The experience not only deepens your appreciation for this iconic plant but also connects you to the traditions and craftsmanship that have shaped Tequila, making it a truly memorable visit. The second part of your Day Tour is a highlight of a different kind: you get to taste the final product during a visit to an actual tequileria. Hoping that this tour will put you in good spirits, your journey continues to the delightful city of Puerto Vallarta.

Hotel: Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Convention Center (4 Star Rating)

The newly renovated Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Convention Center offers a perfect blend of luxury and convenience in beautiful Puerto Vallarta. Situated in a prime beachfront location, the resort is just a short walk from the vibrant Malecon Boardwalk and less than a quarter of a mile from downtown’s shops and restaurants. Relax in rooms and suites featuring oceanfront views, luxury bedding, marble bathrooms, and flat-screen TVs. Guests can recharge with renovated dining options, four tennis courts, two outdoor pools, a swim-up bar, and the 24-hour Sheraton Fitness center. For ultimate relaxation, indulge in the Maiavé Village Spa while families will enjoy Sheratoons, offering lots of fun activities for kids.

Today you'll join a tour, offering a great opportunity to experience the picturesque city of Puerto Vallarta and part of the south coast of Banderas Bay. You can relax aboard a comfortable vehicle as you drive along the coast through the exclusive residential part of the area, admiring the green vegetation and the bright blue of the Pacific Ocean until you reach Mismaloya. Then it's back to the center of Puerto Vallarta and the famous Malecon. Puerto Vallarta's historic center with its winding cobblestone streets and colorful buildings exudes an incredible charm, so it's time to leave the car and walk. You'll visit the iconic Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, with its stunning bell tower, the Rio Cuale and the commercial district, where you can buy handicrafts and gifts to take home. There will be some free time for you to stroll along the Malecón, the lively waterfront promenade, with its captivating sculptures, displaying Puerto Vallarta's deep artistic culture.

Transfer: Puerto Vallarta - City Centre to Puerto Vallarta Airport