"On the eve of the Spanish conquest, Moctezuma's reach across Mexico was vast and complex. Informed and influenced by many of the great civilisations that had preceded it, not least the Olmec and Toltec, the Aztec Empire incorporated most of central Mexico - diverse lands and cultures stretching from the Pacific to the Gulf coast - in a complex system of tribute, trade or warfare. With the arrival of Hernan Cortes and the Spanish in 1519 came an unprecedented cultural collision that shaped and has continued to shape Mexican history, culture and identity - we will witness this during our trip in the colourful Mexican Day of the Dead celebrations on 1 November. This sweeping tour of central Mexico explores the interwoven histories of Moctezuma, Cortes and some of Mexico's more recent heroes and looks at the incredible diversity of geography, culture and customs present today"