Discover the magnificence of the spectacular Copper Canyon on a thrilling rail adventure. Add vibrant cities, charming colonial towns and mysterious ancient Aztec ruins for the perfect Mexican holiday.

• UK/Mexico City - 1
  

  Fly to Mexico City. Relax in your hotel where you stay for three nights. Throughout the holiday your Tour Guide will be on hand and the expertise of Specialist Guides will ensure you experience the best of Mexico. Join your travelling companions for a welcome drink this evening.

• Mexico City - 2
  

  Delve into a history stretching back over 1,000 years and encounter the many contrasts of the buzzing metropolis that is Mexico City. Begin a full day of exploration in the Zocalo, the city’s main square. See the spectacular National Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral, and visit the fascinating National Anthropological Museum in Chapultepec Park. An included buffet lunch has been arranged at the museum.

• Teotihuacan - 3
  

  Discover ancient Teotihuacan, a pre-Aztec city built by an unknown race and already in ruins when the Aztecs arrived. Walk along the Avenue of the Dead, explore the Temples of Quetzalcoatl and climb the steps of the massive and mystical Pyramids of the Sun and Moon for incredible views. Lunch is included at a local restaurant close to the pyramids. Visit the Basilica of the Virgin of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico, on your return journey to the capital.

• Oaxaca - 4
  

  Travel south to enchanting Oaxaca where you stay for two nights. A guided afternoon walking tour takes you along the cobbled streets to the Baroque Santo Domingo Church and the Cultural Museum. Visit the historic centre with its fine colonial architecture, magnificent cathedral and busy square, and view splendid Zapotec treasures in the museum. Arouse your senses in the Benito Juarez Market, where the streets are filled with chillies and chocolate, and stalls are piled high with flowers, fruit and vegetables. The air is scented with coriander and incense, sweet peppers and cooking tortillas, and a marimba band may be playing close by.

• Mitla & Monte Alban - 5
  

  Step back over 2,000 years with a visit to some of the most important Zapotec archaeological sites. Discover Mitla, the Place of the Dead, explore the remains of magnificent palaces, the stone mosaics here are superb, and visit the huge and ancient Tule Tree. The ruins at Monte Alban are awe-inspiring. Perched on a vast plateau with commanding views over the surrounding valley, they offer a fascinating insight into an ancient culture.

• Puebla - 6
  

  Journey along the road of the giant cactus to snow-capped mountains and the city of Puebla, one of the oldest colonial cities on the continent, where you stay tonight. Linger in the well tended gardens of the shady main square, packed with brightly tiled buildings; visit the imposing cathedral and step inside the Baroque-style Rosary Chapel. Discover Cholula, once the site of the largest pyramid ever built. This vast mound is still capped by a blue and white church, a classic symbol of Spanish conquest, and the views to the Popocatepetl volcano are wonderful. This evening soak up the atmosphere of Puebla, why not sip a margarita, or dine on chicken with a ‘mole’ sauce at one of the many excellent restaurants.

• El Fuerte - 7
  

  Return by road to Mexico City and fly to Los Mochis. Travel to the fort town of El Fuerte, gateway to the last frontiers and former trading post for silver miners and gold prospectors. If time allows, climb up the fortress walls for splendid views of the town and the River Fuerto, and wander across the bustling plaza. You stay here overnight.

• The Copper Canyon - 8
  

  Running across north-western Mexico, 406 miles of track traverse the mighty Copper Canyon, linking Los Mochis and Chihuahua, a magnificent feat of engineering. Board the early morning Chepe train at El Fuerte for the start of this thrilling rail adventure. Travel through towering canyons and plunging gorges, past pine-clad slopes and deep rushing rivers; this is the homeland of the Tarahumara Indians. Cross the El Fuerte Bridge and start the gentle ascent to El Descanso Tunnel from where you emerge into the mountainous terrain. The track twists and turns through tunnels and over bridges with breathtaking views as you continue your ascent to Posadao Barrancas where you stay tonight.

• The Copper Canyon - 9
  

  Wake early for a superb sunrise over the canyon. Enjoy a leisurely morning or discover more of the area with a visit to the Balancing Rock at the junction of the three main canyons, Urique, Tararecua and Copper Canyon, the panoramic vistas are spectacular. Re-board the train and travel via Creel along the highest elevation at over 8,000ft. Your rail adventure ends at the desert city of Chihuahua, just 212 miles south from the El Paso border and the state of Texas. Alight from the train for an overnight stay.

• Chihuahua/UK - 10 to 11
  

  Today you will fly back to the UK, arriving on Day 11.

Accommodation

• Mexico City - Nh Hotel (4-star) 3 nights. Located in the heart of the city, facilities at this hotel include restaurant, bar, swimming pool and gym
• Oaxaca - Victoria Hotel (4-star) 2 nights. The hotel is located on a hill, surrounded by beautiful gardens and enjoying sweeping views of the city and mountains. Facilities include restaurant, lounge and swimming pool
• Puebla - Holiday Inn Puebla Centro Historico (4-star) 1 night. Located in the downtown area of the city, facilities include restaurant and swimming pool.
• El Fuerte - Posada Del Hidalgo (4-star) 1 night. A former colonial mansion, facilities include restaurant, swimming pool and shop.
• Posada Barrancas - Mirador Hotel (4-star) 1 night. Poised at the Canyon edge, with stunning views, facilities include restaurant and bar. All rooms have a private terrace.
• Chihuahua - Palacio Del Sol Hotel (4-star) 1 night. Located in the heart of the downtown area of the city, facilities include restaurant, bar, swimming pool and fitness centre.

• Flights are scheduled services of British Airways
• Flights depart at 1:50 pm and return at 12:15 pm

Includes

Not Included