Mexico's Colonial Jewels
Highlights include Pyramids of Teotihuacan, National Folkloric Ballet Performance, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Granaditas Museum San Miguel de Allende, Rafael Coronel Museum, El Eden Silver Mine, Hospicio Cabanas, Tequila Agave Fields, Patzcuaro, Morelia, National Museum of Anthropology, 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and more.
Call (256) 413-0701 for more information or to book today! Mention code 6809431
- Tour Operator
- Collette Vacations
- Offer
- Offer valid through 5/31/2008
- Duration
- 12 Days
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Mexico City | Mexico City, Mexico - Tour Begins : Mexico has many faces, each offering visitors a unique insight into this fascinating country and its people. Archaeological sites representing complex and mysterious ancient cultures; fascinating colonial cities, churches, haciendas, and town squares; and lively mariachi bands are just some of the sights and sounds that collide in a travel experience like no other. Welcome as you join Collette Vacations in exploring Mexico's magnificent colonial cities. Your amazing journey begins with a flight to Mexico City, an incredibly diverse and stately city known for its monuments, parks, flowers, fountains and tree-lined avenues. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. Today dinner is included. |
| Day 2 | Mexico City | Mexico City, Mexico : Join a local expert in exploring Mexico City's Centro Historico (UNESCO World Heritage Site) where you will find Plaza de la Constitucion, the second largest square in the world. Visit the 16th century Metropolitan Cathedral and view the nearby ruins of Templo Mayor (Great Temple) with shrines to the gods of rain and war. Next, travel to Our Lady of Guadalupe pilgrimage center where, in 1531, a "Lady from Heaven" appeared to a humble Native American. Today, more than 10 million people visit this world-famous shrine. Today breakfast is included. |
| Day 3 | Guanajuato | Mexico City - Queretaro - Guanajuato : Travel the rolling hills and valleys of central Mexico to charming Queretaro. Enjoy free time for lunch and exploring the historic city center (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Here you will find beautiful examples of Baroque architecture, cozy restaurants, and tree-lined boulevards featuring exquisite colonial buildings. Your travels continue to captivating Guanajuato (UNESCO World Heritage Site), a romantic city where history, art and beauty are woven into a tapestry of winding streets, open plazas and intimate squares. Today breakfast and dinner are included. |
| Day 4 | Guanajuato | Guanajuato - San Miguel de Allende - Guanajuato : After breakfast, a short ride brings you to picture perfect San Miguel de Allende. This beautiful mountain city has become famous as an artist and writer's colony with a large population of retired U.S. and Canadian residents. A local expert takes you on a leisurely-paced walking tour of this well-preserved 16th century mining town famous for its Gothic revival church called La Parroquia. Enjoy the remainder of the day exploring San Miguel's cobblestone streets, colonial mansions, animated town square and outstanding antique shops with imaginative furnishings and folk art. Today breakfast is included. |
| Day 5 | Zacatecas | Guanajuato - Zacatecas : Join a local expert in exploring the hidden treasures of Guanajuato. Today breakfast and dinner are included. |
| Day 6 | Zacatecas | Zacatecas : Zacatecas, known as "the city of light and color", became a mining town in the 16th century when one of the world's richest silver veins was discovered. Your morning city tour features Plaza de Armas and the 17th century Baroque Cathedral of Zacatecas. Today breakfast is included. |
| Day 7 | Guadalajara | Zacatecas - Tlaquepaque - Guadalajara : Travel south to the state of Jalisco arriving at Tlaquepaque, one of Mexico's largest arts and crafts centers offering a wide variety of original crafts ranging from ceramics to stoneware articles to brass ornaments. Enjoy time to browse, shop and taste the local cuisine such as pozole or a lonche ahogado (a traditional pork sandwich drowned in tomato sauce). Or listen to mariachi bands as you admire the ancient colonial houses that are kept in magnificent condition. Today breakfast and dinner are included. |
| Day 8 | Guadalajara | Guadalajara - Tequila - Guadalajara : The Agave Landscape and Ancient Industrial Facilities of Tequila (UNESCO World Heritage Site) compromise more than 85,000 acres of blue agave fields, distilleries and typical haciendas dedicated to producing Mexico's national spirit. Today breakfast is included. |
| Day 9 | Morelia | Guadalajara - Patzcuaro - Morelia : This morning, a leisurely ride brings you to the state of Michoacan and the traditional town of Patzcuaro, known locally as the "Pueblo Magico". Founded in 1540, this beautiful town is known for its rich history, traditions, grand architecture, and natural beauty. Communities of Purepechas Indians populate the region and still adhere to their traditions and costumes. Bartering for goods is common amongst the townspeople. The fishermen of the area are known the world over for their butterfly fishing nets used for centuries to catch the white fish from the lake. Enjoy free time to mingle with the locals and explore Vasco de Quiroga Square, one of the most beautiful and largest in Mexico. Later, your travels continue to beautiful Morelia, an extremely well-preserved colonial city with an aristocratic feel. Morelia also is a place where the traditions of the Tarascan Indians persist, as seen in the traditional attire they wear, the handicrafts they make, and the historical importance of nearby archaeological ruins. Today breakfast and dinner are included. |
| Day 10 | Morelia | Morelia : A local expert provides a leisurely-paced walking tour of Morelia's historic city center (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Built during Mexico's Viceregal era, Morelia delights the visitor with wide boulevards and many architectural treasures such as the National Palace, the impressive 18th century aqueduct, and the magnificent Baroque-style cathedral with its pink stone facade. The afternoon is at leisure for you to experience the joy, traditions and colorful atmosphere of Morelia. Don't forget to try the traditional Purepecha dishes, such as corundas and uchepos (regional tamales) or indulge in such local fare as enchiladas placeras and ates (candied fruit). Today breakfast is included. |
| Day 11 | Mexico City | Morelia - Mexico City : Return to Mexico City for a fascinating tour of the world-renowned National Museum of Anthropology, designed by famed Mexican architect Pedro Ramirez Vasquez. Considered one of the most important of its kind in the world, The National Museum of Anthropology has a number of significant exhibits, such as the Aztec calendar stone, giant stone Olmec heads from the jungles of Tabasco and Veracruz, and treasures recovered from the sacred Maya cenote at Chichen Itza. In this remarkable museum, a local expert guides you through an array of cultures from all regions of Mexico, including the Mayas, Teotihuacan, Tula Olmec and Aztec. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner celebrating the end of an unforgettable trip to Mexico. Today breakfast and dinner are included. |
| Day 12 | Mexico City | Mexico City - Tour Ends : Your tour ends today in Mexico City. Today breakfast is included. |
- Dates/Pricing
- Lodging
Sheraton Centro Historico, Mexico City Hotel La Abadia, Guanajuato Hotel Del Bosque or Hacienda Del Bosque, Zacatecas Hotel Intercontinental President, Guadalajara Hotel Virrey De Mendoza, Morelia Sheraton Centro Historico, Mexico City
- Dining
- Total meals - 17
- Breakfasts - 11
- Lunches - 0
- Dinners - 6
- Disclaimer
- Base Rates Per Person
Air rates are based from the following airport: Philadelphia Intl AirportTour and air prices are lead-in rates from a specific gateway based on double occupancy and include fuel surcharges and internal flights, these rates are subject to change. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. Taxes and fees are additional, for tours that feature a cruise; port taxes are not included in the prices above.
*All special offers are valid on non-group and new bookings only. Special offers can not be combined with any other offer, except AARP discounts.
Tours
Mexico's Colonial Jewels
From $1,299.00 (USD)
