What a wild, electric, and unforgettable ride. The 2026 World Cup journey for our Czech colors on the pitch might have come to an end, but the expedition we curated for our groups at Exciting Travel Holidays will undeniably go down in history as a lifetime experience.
When the Czech national team qualified (at the end of March), we didn’t waste a single second. We immediately partnered up with the sports travel experts at Futbal Tour and extended our services to our other trusted long-term partners. The goal? To design a high-octane itinerary that seamlessly blended the stadium frenzy with the raw, beating heart of Mexico.
From the tequila-infused valleys of Jalisco to the grand historic stage of Mexico City, here is the full diary of our ultimate World Cup adventure.
Part 1: The Kickoff in Guadalajara, Magic Towns & Football Fever Our World Cup adventure began in the birthplace of mariachi, tequila, birria, and charro culture—Guadalajara.
Day 1: Arrival & Colonial Charm
Our groups touched down in Jalisco’s vibrant capital in Guadalajara. After checking into our hotel and grabbing some well-deserved rest after the long flight, we headed straight out to explore the historic center. Standing in the shadow of the magnificent Guadalajara Cathedral, walking through the historic Plaza de Armas, and witnessing the jaw-dropping murals by José Clemente Orozco at the Instituto Cultural Cabañas, our clients fell in love with Mexico instantly. For dinner? We had to try the legendary local street food comfort: torta ahogada (drowned pork sandwich) and we started feeling World Cup atmosphere by meeting so many Korean football fans.
Day 2: Escaping to Lake Chapala
To ease into the trip and combat the jet lag, we took our group on a scenic and relaxed excursion to Lake Chapala (Lago de Chapala), the largest freshwater lake in Mexico. Nestled between rolling mountains, the lake offered a peaceful, micro-climate escape. We strolled along the beautiful boardwalk (malecón) of Ajijic, a picturesque town famous for its colorful murals and cobblestone streets, and enjoyed a lakeside lunch featuring fresh local fish. It was the perfect, tranquil warm-up before the football madness began.
Day 3: Matchday at Estadio Akron
The tension was palpable as the highly anticipated matchday finally arrived. We kicked off our pre-game warm-up right in the middle of the massive, roaring official FIFA Fan Zone in the heart of Guadalajara, building an incredible atmosphere alongside football lovers from all over the world while watching the opening match between Mexico and South Africa. Then, we headed to the ultra-modern Estadio Akron. The architecture of this stadium is mind-blowing—designed to resemble a grass-covered volcano blending seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. Being inside that roaring bowl for our opening World Cup match gave everyone absolute goosebumps.
Day 4: The Magic Town of Tequila
With the matchday adrenaline still pumping, we spent the next day discovering the true spirit of Mexico on a day trip to the magical town of Tequila. Driving through the breathtaking UNESCO-listed blue agave fields was a cinematic experience. We visited a traditional distillery to learn how agave hearts (piñas) are harvested by skilled jimadores, slowly baked in masonry ovens, and distilled into one of the world’s most iconic spirits. The day ended with an unforgettable premium tequila tasting, the sound of mariachi music echoing through the colonial cobblestone streets, and a toast to an incredible journey.
Day 5: Art in Tlaquepaque, Zapopan & The Big Interview
Our final day in Jalisco was all about local culture and football excitement. We started the morning in Tlaquepaque, a charming artistic district just outside Guadalajara. Strolling through its pedestrian streets, lined with colorful umbrellas, art galleries, and renowned pottery workshops, was both relaxing and inspiring. We stopped at the famous El Parián, a lively courtyard of traditional cantinas, where we enjoyed refreshing drinks accompanied by a live mariachi performance.
In the afternoon, we continued to Zapopan, home to its majestic Basilica and the legendary football alley (callejón futbolero). The atmosphere was electric, with streets filled with food vendors, football merchandise, colorful murals, and passionate fans from around the world.
As the sun began to set, the excitement reached another level. I had the opportunity to join a live interview on Czech television, sharing our incredible journey and the enthusiasm of our travelers with viewers back home. To celebrate an unforgettable stay in the state of Jalisco, we ended the evening with a spectacular farewell dinner, raising a toast while the powerful sounds of a live mariachi band filled the air. It was the perfect send-off before continuing our adventure in Mexico City.
Part 2: The Mexico City Chapter – Capital Culture & The Grand Stages
Leaving Guadalajara behind, we took a few days to recharge before flying to the massive capital to begin the highly anticipated Mexico City (CDMX) chapter of our journey with a new group of travelers.
Day 1: Welcome to the Capital & Settling In
We touched down in the vibrant metropolis of Mexico City. After the flight, the day was dedicated to a smooth private transfer to our hotel, giving everyone time to unpack, relax, and adjust to the capital’s higher altitude. Our guests enjoyed a casual dinner nearby before getting a good night’s rest in preparation for the unforgettable experiences ahead.
Day 2: Faith, Flavors & Ancient Civilizations
Our first full day in Mexico City was a perfect blend of culture, history, and gastronomy. We began the morning with a visit to the Basílica de Guadalupe, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the world and the spiritual heart of modern Mexico. Standing before the revered tilma of the Virgin of Guadalupe, surrounded by thousands of devoted pilgrims, our travelers experienced firsthand the deep faith and emotion that define this sacred place.
From there, we headed into the historic valley for a truly unique culinary experience. Our group enjoyed lunch inside a spectacular underground cave restaurant, where the dramatic setting created a magical atmosphere unlike anywhere else. During the meal, we sampled three of Mexico’s most iconic traditional beverages: ancient pulque, world-famous tequila, and rich, smoky mezcal.
With renewed energy, we continued to the majestic archaeological site of Teotihuacán, the ancient “City of the Gods.” Walking along the impressive Avenue of the Dead, framed by the towering Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, left everyone in awe of one of Mesoamerica’s greatest civilizations. Our travelers climbed the Pyramid of the Moon, where they were rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the ancient city and its remarkable geometric design, while taking in the unique atmosphere and enduring legacy of this extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 3: Central Mexico City, Fan Zone Excitement & Matchday at Estadio Azteca
This was an unforgettable day filled with history, architecture, media attention, and pure football passion. We began the morning exploring the heart of historic Mexico City, starting at the iconic Zócalo, one of the largest public squares in the world, where the ancient ruins of the Aztec Templo Mayor stand beside the city’s colonial landmarks. From there, we walked along the lively pedestrian street of Calle Madero before heading up the Torre Latinoamericana, whose observation deck offered breathtaking 360-degree views of the endless urban landscape.
Later, we joined the official FIFA Fan Zone in the Zócalo, where our Czech supporters quickly became the center of attention. Hundreds of friendly Mexican fans approached us for photos, and our group was invited to participate in several live national television interviews, creating unforgettable memories before the match.
As the afternoon progressed, all attention turned to the evening’s main event. Before making our way to the stadium, we gathered with fellow supporters at the Czech Fan Fest in Coyoacán, enjoying traditional Czech sausages, cold beer, and the festive atmosphere while building excitement for kickoff.
That evening, we entered one of football’s most legendary venues: Estadio Azteca. Walking into the historic stadium—where football icons such as Pelé and Diego Maradona created unforgettable moments—was an emotional experience in itself. Although the Czech Republic suffered a difficult defeat against the host nation, being surrounded by more than 80,000 passionate supporters inside one of the world’s most iconic football stadiums was an extraordinary experience that none of us will ever forget.
Day 4: Xochimilco – The Venice of Mexico
After the excitement of matchday at Estadio Azteca, we slowed the pace with the perfect recovery experience in Xochimilco, often called the “Venice of Mexico.” We boarded the iconic, brightly decorated trajineras and drifted through the ancient canal system that dates back to the Aztec civilization.
As we cruised along the waterways, live mariachi bands performed from neighboring boats while floating vendors offered traditional Mexican snacks and refreshing drinks. Enjoying freshly made tacos, ice-cold micheladas, and the festive atmosphere under the warm Mexican sun made for a truly unforgettable afternoon. It was the perfect opportunity to relax, recharge, and experience one of Mexico City’s most colorful and authentic traditions before the next stage of our adventure.
Day 5: The Grand Finale – Cholula & Puebla
We concluded our unforgettable World Cup journey with a visit to two of central Mexico’s most beautiful colonial cities: Cholula and Puebla, framed by the breathtaking backdrop of the snow-capped Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes.
Our first stop was Cholula, home to the Great Pyramid of Cholula, the largest pyramid in the world by volume. We climbed to the hilltop sanctuary of Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, where panoramic views of the valley and the majestic Popocatépetl volcano created one of the most spectacular landscapes of the entire trip.
From there, we continued to the historic city of Puebla, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its magnificent Baroque architecture, colorful Talavera tile facades, and charming cobblestone streets. As we explored its beautifully preserved historic center, our travelers admired centuries of colonial heritage blended with the vibrant atmosphere of modern Mexico.
To conclude the expedition in style, we gathered for a farewell lunch on a rooftop terrace overlooking the magnificent Puebla Cathedral. With its imposing twin towers dominating the skyline, the setting provided the perfect backdrop for our final celebration. While enjoying panoramic views of the city’s historic heart, we savored the legendary Mole Poblano—a rich and iconic sauce crafted from chili peppers, spices, and chocolate—raising one last toast to an extraordinary World Cup adventure and an unforgettable journey through Mexico.
The Verdict: 100% Heart, 100% Results
For a tour operator, the greatest measure of success isn’t appearing on national or international television—it’s the feedback from the people who traveled with us.
“Our 2026 Mexico program was, without a doubt, the best travel experience of my life.”
— Feedback from a veteran football fan who has attended every major international tournament since 1996.
When someone with nearly three decades of football travel experience gives you that kind of praise, you know you’ve created something truly special.
A heartfelt thank you goes to our outstanding drivers, passionate guides, our trusted partners at Futbal Tour, and, above all, to the incredible travelers who shared this unforgettable adventure with us.
The World Cup chapter has come to an end, and we are now back home on the Riviera Maya, welcoming guests on our premium excursions once again. But a part of our hearts will always remain with the unforgettable memories, incredible people, and once-in-a-lifetime moments that made this World Cup journey through Mexico so extraordinary.
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