Ancient meets modern in exciting Mexico City. Known as the "City of Palaces", Few traces remain of the city's Aztec origins, but the Historic Centre is stuffed with Spanish colonial architecture, notably the 17th-century Metropolitan Cathedral, and Parisian-influenced Belle Epoque houses. In the financial centre, Santa Fe, it's all gleaming skyscrapers and the hum of business.

Begin your visit in the Zcalo, Mexico City's massive central plaza, where you can admire the baroque Metropolitan Cathedral and the remains of an older place of worship, the Aztec Great Pyramid. The walls of the National Palace here are smothered in murals by Diego Rivera, the world-famous 20th-century Mexican painter. Then get walking the long Paseo de la Reforma boulevard is dotted with monuments.

Look out for the iconic golden Angel of Independence victory column, built to mark the centennial of the start of Mexico's War of Independence. The boulevard leads to Chapultepec Park, which offers spectacular views of the city. You can also get a cultural fix here at the National Anthropology Museum and the National History Museum, both home to pre-Columbian artefacts. Wind up with dinner and drinks in the lively Zona Rosa area.

Fly from Mexico City to Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta. A popular city resort on the Pacific Ocean coastline in the west of Mexico. P.V, as the English speakers call it, enjoys a typical tropical climate. The main hotel zone runs along the shoreline with well-groomed beaches, top notch modern facilities and superb water sports.

Fly from Puerto Vallarta to the UK