People often characterize Mexico by its beach cities, and we understand the appeal. But Mexico has so much to offer beyond the sand and the sea. The history of indigenous peoples and Spanish conquerors alike meld together in a cultural excursion that you cannot find anywhere else in the world.  

 

DAY 1             D

We fly from Albuquerque to the Guadalajara International Airport. Guadalajara is the second largest city in Mexico, and is a modern metropolis with an international flavor that still maintains its colonial traditions. We transfer from the airport to our hotel, located in the heart of the beautiful historical district, where we lodge two nights. This evening, we enjoy a welcome dinner and meet our Tour Director. 

 

DAY 2              B,L,D   

We begin our day with a guided walking tour of the main plazas that surround the historical center. At the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Government Palace, we view the murals by José Clemente Orozco. We continue to Tequila, where the internationally renowned Mexican beverage is produced by dozens of distilleries set amidst the blue agave fields.  After lunch, we tour the city and visit a distillery to learn the process of making tequila. We return to Guadalajara this evening. 

 

DAY 3             B,D   

This morning we head for the beautiful city of Morelia, where we check into our centrally located hotel for two nights, the best location in this elegant colonial city. After free time for lunch, we tour the city, where the buildings date back to the 17th century, allowing visitors to recapture the spirit and elegance of Old Spain. Our tour includes the Cathedral, Government Palace with murals depicting the history of the state and the Candy Market. 

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DAY 4             B, D

After breakfast, we drive to the hillside city of Patzcuaro, one of Mexico’s Pueblo’s Magicos that still retains its quaint 16th-century atmosphere.  Afterwards, we go to the ancient capital of Tzintzuntzan, where circular pyramids called yacatas were built overlooking a lake and where we will visit the charming Santa Ana monastery, dating back to the 1500s.  

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DAY 5             B, L

Our route today will take us through the farmlands of El Bajío, arriving in the city of Guanajuato. Our first stop is the Garden of the Union, the city’s lively focal point. After free time for lunch, our guide will lead us down the narrow cobblestone streets lined with the gorgeous architecture of this World Heritage Site city. Our walking tour includes a visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guanajuato, Alley of the Kiss, Alhondiga de Granaditas, Hidalgo Market, and the University of Guanajuato. This afternoon we continue to San Miguel Allende, one of Mexico’s most charming towns, also designated as a National Historic Monument to preserve its unique atmosphere. We check into a hotel in San Miguel de Allende, our home for two nights. 

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DAY 6             B, L, D   

After breakfast, we will tour San Miguel de Allende to admire the colonial homes with their gorgeous inner patios, wrought-iron trimming, and massive wooden doors. The square is filled with artists capturing the magic of the city with their paints and easels. After the guided tour, we will have plenty of time to stroll through the city’s famous art galleries. It’s a true shopper’s paradise. 

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DAY 7            B,D   

This morning we leave lovely San Miguel Allende to visit another colonial jewel, the city of Queretaro. This is a charming colonial city steeped in Mexican history, with graceful balconies, tree lined plazas, colonial streets, and alleyways. Our tour includes the Jardín Zenea, Independence Plaza, Government Palace, and the baroque churches of Santa Clara and Santa Rosa de Viterbo. After free time for lunch, we continue to Mexico City. Before we arrive at our hotel we will have a short panoramic tour of Reforma Avenue, Angel of Independence Monument, the Chapultepec area, and Castle. 

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DAY 8            B, L

Today we will have a tour of Cuernavaca and Taxco, known for its Spanish colonial architecture as well as it’s famous silver jewlery. Then we enjoy some free time to explore Mexico City.  

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DAY 9            B, L,D

After breakfast, we depart for Xochimilco, located in the southern part of Mexico City. We will also enjoy a trip through the canals on a trajinera (gondola).  This afternoon, we tour the central plaza visiting the National Cathedral, the Government Palace, and Templo Mayor. After a stop for dinner, we will finish this busy, exciting day with a farewell dinner.

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Day 10             B

After breakfast, we head to the airport for our flights home, with memories of the beautiful colonial cities of Mexico. 

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Itinerary subject to change

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