Depart from London Heathrow just after midday and arrive in Mexico City the following evening.

Your introduction to Mexico City has a wonderful starting point; your hotel is situated in the historic Zocalo square – just opposite from the Presidential Palace. So you’ll be able to explore this rambling, rumbustious city to your heart’s content. You’ll be surrounded by exuberant Latin American Baroque-style architecture, whilst a half day tour of the Museum of Anthropology will take you back to the Mayan civilisations that pre-date the Spanish Conquest.

Next day your guide will take you to the ancient city of Teotihuacan, to discover the rituals, beliefs and day-to-day life of the Aztecs. Then you’ll visit the shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe to experience an entirely different take on civilisation.

Stay: Two nights in a deluxe double room at the Gran Hotel – bed & breakfast

Now it’s time to take an internal flight to San Jose del Cabo, where you’ll be met and taken to your luxury, urban-style hotel. Here you can laze on the beach, relax around the pool or simply enjoy being pampered in the spa. Enjoy drinks at the rooftop bar and delicious dining at the Japanese fusion and sushi restaurant.

Stay: Four nights in an ocean view room at El Ganzo – bed & breakfast

Today you’ll fly off to Loreto, one of the oldest settlements in Baja California, in a light aircraft. Your hotel is situated in the heart of the city, beside one of Baja California’s most picturesque squares. But the highlight of your journey to Loreto is undoubtedly your grey whale watching tour in Magdalena Bay, followed by a journey through Las Dunas to see the variety of bird species that inhabit the area.

The next day you’ll embark on an excursion to see the whales of the Sea of Cortez. This resource-rich stretch of ocean attracts many marine giants, including blue whales – some of them up to 110 feet long and weighing 200 tons – fin and humpback whales, dolphins and sea lions.

Stay: Two nights in a double room at Posada de las Flores, Loreto – bed & breakfast

Leaving the whales behind, you’ll set off on a fascinating, four hour journey to La Paz and your luxury resort. You’ll have plenty of time to lounge on the beach, or explore the pretty seafront and charming centre of La Paz itself – just a few minutes’ drive away.

The following day enjoy a full-day guided excursion to Espiritu Santo Island where you will have the opportunity to swim, snorkel and interact with playful sea lions. This is followed by lunch on a pristine beach, during which your guide will reveal the island’s intriguing natural history. ¬The next day board a research vessel in search of whale sharks along the coastline of La Paz, learning about the various science and research projects as you go.

Stay: Three nights in a double room at Posada de las Flores, La Paz – bed & breakfast

A domestic flight takes you to Mexico City to meet your overnight flight home. Arrive in London the following afternoon.