Colonial Cities and the Pacific Coast - self-drive

13 days from  £1,809

Mexico, with its big landscapes and good modern network of paved roads, is ideal for independent exploration by self-drive car hire. No  more so than in the highland colonial cities loop and on the Pacific coast. Your hire car is provided and your point-to point itinerary planned out for you, with hotel reservations made in advance and maps provided.

Day 1 Day time flight to Mexico City. Transfer to the first class hotel the Meliá Reforma, a glassy tower of classic style and comfort in a central location.

Day 2 Full-day city tour visiting the Museum of Anthropology, National Palace and Cathedral before continuing to the temples and pyramids of Teotihuacán

Day 3 Your air-conditioned car is delivered to your hotel. A guide will escort you to the city outskirts. Each of the colonial towns you’ll visit has its own character; Guanajuato is built in a ravine so narrow its roads are forced underground; Morelia has many stately monuments and lake-side Pátzcuaro is one of the most picturesque villages in the country.
Drive to Guanajuato (5hrs)―visiting Querétaro (2hrs) en route―and arrive at the boutique Quinta las Acacias.

Day 4 At leisure to explore the city.

Day 5 Drive to Morelia (3-4hrs) visiting Pátzcuaro (45 mins) en route. Your colonial-style hotel, the hilltop Villa Montaña, has lovely views from the pool and sculptured gardens.

Day 6 At leisure in Morelia.

Day 7 Drive to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo on the Pacific coast (4hrs). Accommodation is at the upmarket property Tides Zihuatanejo. Drop off your car at the rental office.

Days 8-10 Relax and enjoy the many facilities at the resort.

Day 11 Fly to Mexico City. Overnight at the Meliá Reforma.

Day 12 Transfer to airport for your flight to the UK
arriving day 13.

This holiday can also be taken with a car and driver, in which case guided city tours are included in Querétaro, Guanajuato and Morelia. Price from £2,499.