In Mexico City visit the fascinating and bustling Mercado de la Merced, the largest market in the city, and shop for fresh produce and local delicacies for an evening meal. Meet famed chef, author and leading Mexican culinary authority, Patricia Quintana, owner of the acclaimed Izote restaurant. Spend the afternoon at her home where she will conduct a cooking demonstration and prepare a special dinner of some of her many mouth-watering creations.

Puebla, a stunning city of historic tiles, adorned buildings and cobblestone streets, has produced some of the country’s most outstanding classic dishes. Spend the afternoon with Patti Olea, chef and owner of La Guadalupana restaurant and learn to prepare some of her specialties. Visit a Talavera workshop where the famous hand-painted pottery and dinnerware is made. Tour Puebla’s candy district and sample some of the marvelous creations at La Flor de Puebla bakery. An optional half-day trip will be offered to the small nearby town of Cholula for a tour of the pyramid, Pyrámide Tepanapa, the largest and one of the finest examples of pre-Columbian monuments in the new world.

Oaxacan cuisine is among Mexico’s best. Here in the land of seven moles, master the art of mixing chilies with chocolate, nuts, toasted seeds and spices. Visit Oaxaca’s largest market, Mercado de Abastos, where you will find ingredients for cooking class. Take an excursion into the countryside to visit nearby craft villages, watch artisans at work in local markets and to meet ceramic artists, rug weavers and wood carvers.