MEXICO IN STYLE

Day 1 Arrive Mexico City

Arrive into Mexico City, the beating heart of this incredible country. Explore at your own pace and although spoilt for choice with many outstanding local eateries, for a truly memorable epicurean experience we’d suggest a table at Pujol. With acclaimed chef Enrique Olvera its skilled mastermind, it is considered the “best restaurant in Mexico City” by Wall Street Journal.  After dinner head back for a night cap in the hotel’s relaxed alfresco bar. 

Overnight: Four Seasons Mexico City

Day 2 Mexico City

Delve into Mexico’s fascinating past discovering its Mesoamerican, colonial and revolutionary history. What is now the heart of this modern city was once the centre of the Aztec world, Tenochtitlan. Visit the impressive Metropolitan Cathedral built on the main Aztec temple by the Spanish conquistadors and enjoy a private ‘out of hours’ visit to the world-renowned National Anthropology Museum, containing significant archaeological and anthropological artifacts from pre-Columbian Mexico. After an action-packed day, be sure to allow some time to unwind with a restorative spa treatment back at the hotel.

Overnight: Four Seasons Mexico City

Day 3 Mexico City

Today, explore the charming neighbourhoods of Coyoacan and San Angel in southern Mexico City, and the love triangle of Leon Trotsky, Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.

The Leon Trotsky Museum details the life of the Revolutionary leader and promotes political asylum. At the heart of the museum is Trotsky’s home and the site of his infamous murder in 1940. Forced into exile in 1929, Trotsky was pursued by Stalinist agents in Turkey, France and Norway before the Mexican government was persuaded by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera to grant him exile in Mexico City.

The modernist Diego Rivera Casa Estudio was designed by Juan O’Gorman, friend of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, in 1930 and comprises two houses connected by a bridge. Interesting architecturally, the museum also accommodates a small exhibition space dedicated to the artists. The couple lived here between 1934 and 1940.

The day concludes with cocktails and a tour of the famous Casa Azul (Blue House, also known as the Frida Kahlo Museum), a pilgrimage site for Kahlo fans. The house was Frida Kahlo’s birthplace in 1907, where she lived for a time with Diego Rivera and where she died in 1954. The house was donated by Rivera as a museum in 1958 and houses works by the couple and personal effects including photographs, memorabilia and their collection of Mexican folk art.

Overnight: Four Seasons Mexico City

Day 4 Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende

Be ready pre-sunrise for a spectacular day in Teotihuacan. Your adventure starts with a hot air balloon floating over ancient pyramids with incredible views over the surrounding landscape and the archaeological site below. When your feet are firmly back on the ground, explore Teotihuacan on foot. Here you will have the opportunity to climb the 65m tall Pyramid of the Sun which looks out across the ancient city. Continue north towards the picturesque city of San Miguel de Allende, arriving in the early evening. 

Overnight: Rosewood San Miguel de Allende

Day 5 San Miguel de Allende

Explore the colourful and striking city centre of San Miguel de Allende, visiting the famous Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel. You will also visit the beautiful Dos Buhos Vineyard, enjoying a private tour of the property, vineyards and winemaking facilities before sitting down to a sensational lunch paired with five wines.  Spend a relaxed afternoon with a good book around one of the three swimming pools. 

Overnight: Rosewood San Miguel de Allende

Day 6 San Miguel de Allende

A day to discover Mexico’s art world, visiting galleries and contemporary art studios in the trendy art factory, La Aurora. The entire day will be specifically designed to your interests. Should you wish, we can organise an afternoon exploring Mexico's cultural heritage in the form of its fashion and tequila, with a private viewing of the latest collection by Recreo at La Casa Dragonese. Recreo is one of Latin America's fastest growing fashion brands, specialising in hand-crafted ponchos, capes and wraps. The viewing will be arranged in the original 17th century stables of the legendary Dragones cavalry of San Miguel de Allende, owned by the family who created Tequila Casa Dragones, a renowned fine sipping tequila. There will be the opportunity to taste and learn about the techniques behind the drink as well as explore the residence itself.

Overnight: Rosewood San Miguel de Allende

Day 7 San Miguel De Allende to Campeche

Drive south to Mexico City and catch a short flight east to the beautiful fortified city of Campeche. Hacienda Uayamon is a colonial gem dating back to 1700, now seamlessly morphed into a boutique hotel. On arrival stretch your legs with a walk around the tranquil candle lit gardens.  

Overnight: Hacienda Uayamon

Day 8 Campeche and Edzna archaeological ruins

A short drive from the city is the Mayan archaeological site of Edzná.  Away from the crowds, Edzná is pleasantly quiet and well worth a visit.  The main temple, Edificio de los Cinco Pisos is built on a 40m high platform and provides spectacular views over the plazas below, as well as a panoramic vista over the surrounding countryside. During the afternoon, explore Campeche’s charming centre, home to restored cobblestone streets, pastel-coloured mansions and impressive fortified walls. 

Overnight: Hacienda Uayamon

Day 9 Uxmal

Head northwest by road to Uxmal, another preserved ancient city in this progressive and captivating country. Explore the Uxmal ruins, the star of the show being The Pyramid of the Magician. Standing 38m tall, you will enter through a giant mask of Chac (the God of Rain), his mouth being the door. Continue to Mérida and look forward to a swim at Casa Lecanda, your home for the next two nights.

Overnight: Casa Lecanda Boutique Hotel

Day 10 Merida and Celestun Biosphere Reserve

Enjoy a leisurely morning exploring Mérida. Visit the Zócalo (Main Square) and stunning Cathedral, before heading down to El Paseo de Montejo to appreciate its impressive colonial buildings. After a stop for lunch, drive just over an hour northwest to the coastal fishing town of Celestun and visit the Biosphere Reserve, home to over 2,000 pink flamingos.

Overnight: Casa Lecanda Boutique Hotel

Day 11 Chichen Itza to the Riviera Maya

Although you sadly won’t have it to yourself, the most famous and frequented archaeological site in Mexico, Chichen Itzá – declared one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007 - is a must. As you explore you’ll see the Temple of the Warriors, the ballcourt and Sacred Cenote (natural sinkhole in this arid landscape).  During the afternoon, make the journey south to the beautiful beaches of the Riviera Maya.

Overnight: Maroma A Belmond Hotel

Day 12 - 13 Days at leisure

After a busy few days, the final two are intended for you to simply relax and enjoy the relaxed pace of life in Riviera Maya. Indulge in a healing Mayan spa treatment, stroll along the palm-flanked sands and try both the hotel’s fabulous restaurants after sundowners at Freddy’s Tequila and Ceviche bar.

Overnight: Maroma A Belmond Hotel

Day 14 Depart Cancun

Drive north to Cancun where you will catch your international flight home.