Mexico's Colonial Heartlands

DAY 1 Fly to Mexico

Your direct 11-and-a-half-hour flight leaves London in the early afternoon and lands into Mexico City in the evening. A private driver will be waiting to whisk you into the heart of the city. After dinner in the hotel restaurant, you may want to bunk down in preparation for tomorrow's adventure, although there's every excuse to explore the city's cool host of mezcalerias should you feel tempted. If so, consult our detailed destination Dossier.

DAY 2 Querataro

After breakfast, start your journey into the highlands towards San Miguel de Allende. On the way, you can stop off at the colonial town of Queretaro to explore its pretty plazas, and 18th century architecture. Then continue half an hour to the colonial jewel of San Miguel de Allende where your hacienda-style resort awaits. Ditch the bags and head to the rooftop for a cocktail and views of the city glowing under the lights at dusk.

DAY 3 San Miguel de Allende

Spend the day exploring Mexico's most immaculately preserved colonial gem with the help of your private guide. Swoon over the city's enchanting cobbled streets, rose coloured houses, beautiful leafy plazas and magnificent Spanish architecture. The city's art scene is just as alluring. You'll have the chance to visit a family-run workshop and watch rugs being woven or lose yourself in La Fabrica de Aurora, a textile factory-turned-artist enclave full of galleries, design stores and workshops. You could easily spend days in the neighbourhood shopping for antique lamps and decorative folk art. Thirsty work? When you're ready to unwind, let us organise a private tequila tasting with an expert mixologist.

DAY 4 To Guanajuato

After breakfast a short drive will take you to the city of Guanajuato. Tucked into a narrow valley, its pastel-hued buildings line the hillsides. On arrival, you will be invited to the workshop of the potter Gorky Gonzalez, famed in his region for traditional ceramics. Then head into the city exploring the narrow maze of alleyways. You can stop for lunch at Jardin de la Union, the beating heart of the city, shaded by laurel trees. Teatro Juarez stands opposite with its magnificent columns and looming muses. It's worth going to see a performance, if only to see the lavish gold and red interiors. Mexico's most famed artist (aside from Frida Kahlo), Diego Rivera was born in Guanajuato, and you can visit his childhood home, now a dedicated museum.

Check-in to your elegant townhouse in the early evening and recharge before your first night in the city. Other activities we can arrange include foodie tours with a culinary expert, a visit to an old silver mine shaft or a tour of the historic Alhondiga de Granaditas museum.

DAY 5 Morelia

It's time to say goodbye to Guanajuato. This morning a private chauffeur transfer will take you a couple of hours south to the virtually unspoiled city of Morelia boasting a pink stone cathedral, baroque facades and charming restaurants. Pop into the Conservatorio de las Rosas and sit in its romantic courtyard listening to the sound of guitars drifting out of classroom windows. Further along, you can marvel at the 18th century aqueduct that fringes the edge of the city. On Sunday morning, the city centre is closed to traffic so hop on a bike and cycle the three miles alongside the arched domes. After exploring the city, head to your hotel, nestled in the city's cultural hub.

DAY 6 Artist's Workshops

Spend the day meeting the region's extraordinary craftsmen. First stop, Capula to visit a ceramics workshop specialising in the macabre Catrina figures (mostly seen during Day of the Dead). Journey to Ihuatzio, a 30-minute drive to lakeshores where local artisans expertly weave console tables, exotic animal figurines and armchairs out of reeds. Onwards to Tocuaro, a village of traditional mask-makers, and then Patzcuaro where the local women embroider richly coloured shawls and pillowcases depicting Mexican mythology. You'll return to your hotel with enough time for a swim or even a massage. Tonight we'll book you somewhere special to celebrate your last night.

DAY 7 Homeward Bound

This morning you can relax at the hotel before a last lunch and then a private transfer to the airport in good time for your one-hour flight to Mexico City. Connect to your late evening direct flight to the UK, which takes ten-and-a-half hours. Don't forget to charge the iPad!