Depart from London Heathrow on Continental Airlines flight to Houston (10 hours 20 minutes). At Houston, continue by ExpressJet Airlines to Chihuahua (1 hour 55 minutes). On arrival in the evening, you will be met by your first Tour Escort, and transferred to the Quality Inn Chihuahua San Francisco. Stay here for 2 nights.

Brief morning walking tour of Chihuahua. (Please note that we have included 2 nights in Chihuahua as a precaution, should a flight connection be missed the previous day, as we wouldn’t want you to miss the ride on the Copper Canyon Railway). Most museums are closed on a Monday, so today will be a fairly leisurely day. This will also allow you to adjust to the time difference.

Early morning transfer to the railway station to board ‘El Chepe’ for the first part of the train journey to Posada Barrancas (360kms / about 7 hours). The Copper Canyon Railway is one of the world’s most spectacular train journeys. It covers a distance of nearly 650 kms, passing through 86 tunnels and over 39 bridges. The train ascends throughout the morning by about 800 metres to 2,400 metres above sea level. Train carriages are air-conditioned and have reclining seats and panoramic windows to enjoy the scenery. Refreshments are available on board. The afternoon is free, to either enjoy the stunning views, or maybe walk on a trail some way into the canyon. Overnight at the Hotel Mirador.

The morning is free. Continue on El Chepe in the early afternoon. The train descends overall by around 2,200 metres to El Fuerte where arrival should be at around 6pm (220kms / 5 hours). Stay overnight at El Fuerte Hotel.

Transfer by road to Los Mochis airport for the afternoon flight to Guadalajara (1 hour 30 minutes). You leave behind your first tour escort at Los Mochis, and meet your next tour escort on arrival at Guadalajara airport. On arrival, transfer to the Presidente InterContinental Hotel for 2 nights.

Morning sightseeing in Guadalajara. Visit the Main Square where you see the 16th century cathedral and the Government Palace. On its walls, there are some murals by José Clemente Orozco - one of the greatest modern Mexican painters. See the Degollado Theatre which dates from 19th century, the Plaza Tapatía and the Rotunda of Illustrious Men. Also visit the suburb of Tlaquepaque which is characterised by its restaurants, mariachis and crafts. In the afternoon, travel to Tequila (65 kms) and visit Mundo Cuerva, one of the leading tequila producers. You will learn all about the tequila-making process and have the opportunity to taste this drink.

Depart from Guadalajara in the morning for San Miguel de Allende. Stop en route at Tonala and Guanajuato, a beautiful colonial city with many picturesque buildings and cobblestoned streets. Continue in the afternoon to the pretty city of San Miguel de Allende. Stay at the Real de Minas Hotel for 2 nights.

Today is free to independently explore San Miguel. Founded in the 16th century, this magical city in the Sierra Madre mountains of Central Mexico is a perfect blend of rich history and modern sophistication. Located at an altitude of 1950 metres, San Miguel has a pleasant average monthly temperature in the high 60s Fahrenheit, with cool nights. Because the architecture of San Miguel is so valued there are strict limitations on what can be built in the centre of the city. All new buildings and all renovations must retain the colonial characteristics. Also, to maintain the charm that won the city recognition as a National Monument, there can be no traffic lights, stop signs, hoardings or neon signs in the city centre.

Drive to Mexico City (journey time 5 to 6 hours depending on traffic and stops). Stop en route at Queretaro, another colonial city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Mexico City, stay at the Galeria Plaza Hotel for 3 nights.

A morning visit to the Anthropological Museum housing one of the most comprehensive collections of archaeological and ethnographic artefacts in the Americas is followed by a trip to the ruins of Teotihuacan, once the largest pre-Columbian city on the continent. One of Mexico’s premier attractions, this magnificent site with its huge Pyramids of the Sun and Moon was completed during the 3rd century AD and represents the zenith of one of the most powerful cultures ever to rule the Americas. Return to Mexico City in the afternoon, visiting the Shrine of Guadalupe.

At leisure. Further sightseeing can be arranged locally.

Morning flight to Merida, on the Yucatan Peninsula (1 hour 40 minutes). Transfer to the Presidente InterContinental Villa Mercedes for 1 night. In the afternoon, visit Uxmal, where you see some of the finest examples of Mayan art and architecture in the Americas, including the majestic edifices of the Pyramid of the Magician and the stunning Governor’s Palace.

Depart Merida and visit the fabulous ruins of Chichen Itza, one of the most extensively restored of all America’s ancient sites. Originally founded in the 5th century AD, the palaces and temples of this most revered of sites represents a rich fusion of Maya and Toltec cultures and presents us with one of Central America’s most spectacular finds. After our sightseeing, continue to Cancun, and the Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun for a 1 night stay in Ocean View Rooms. Longer stays can be arranged, subject to availability.

Morning transfer to Cancun Airport. Depart by Continental Airlines flight to Newark, New York (4 hours), and continue from there by Continental Airlines to London Heathrow (7 hours).

Arrive at London Heathrow.