11 DAYS ~ MEXICO

Tour Pace - This comprehensive journey ofdiscovery features relaxed, two-night stays in livelyMexico City and in the colonial gems ofGuanajuato, Morelia and Puebla, whilecomfortable, single-night stays are enjoyed inhistorical Queretaro and Taxco.

Fellow Passengers - This itinerary appeals to aficionados of history, architecture, arts & crafts and cuisine. With no less than five UNESCO World Heritage sites and two cities listed as National Monuments, you’ll gain a better understanding of Mexico’s incredibly rich culture and artistic heritage.

DAY 1 - ARRIVE MEXICO CITY.
Welcome to Mexico! On arrival at the airport you are met andtransferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.Your Tour Director is at the hotel thisafternoon to welcome you and answer your questions. Please join us at 6 p.m. for a WelcomeReception and meet your fellow travelers.
Hotel: JW Marriott Hotel

DAY 2 - MEXICO CITY SIGHTSEEING.
Start the day with a visit to the world renowned NationalMuseum of Anthropology, and explore the superb Maya and Aztec exhibits. One of the highlights ofyour visit is a presentation by your Tour Director on the amazing Aztec Calendar, often referred to asthe Sun Stone. Next visit the Historic Center of Mexico City, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Afterlunch explore Mexico City’s imposing central square, the third largest in the world. The “Zocalo,” asit is known colloquially, is flanked by some of the city’s most impressive sites including the NationalPalace, Metropolitan Cathedral and Templo Mayor. First admire the frescoes and learn about DiegoRivera and the Mexican Muralist Movement at the National Palace. Next visit the MetropolitanCathedral, the largest church in Latin America. Finally visit the Templo Mayor, or Great Pyramid, themost important temple in the Aztec capital city of Tenochtitlan. Then enjoy Mexico’s world-famouscuisine at a welcome dinner of tasty signature dishes at one of Mexico City’s fine restaurants. Enjoytraditional live Mariachis and learn about the history and importance of Mariachis in Mexicanculture. After dinner, there is the option to experience one of Mexico’s most acclaimed artistictreasures - the Ballet Folklorico de Mexico, a world-class performance celebrating colourful ethnictraditions from pre-Columbian to modern days. (B,L,HD)

DAY 3 - MEXICO CITY - QUERETARO.
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Teotihuacan,one of the most famous archeological sites in Mexico and one of the ancient world’s most impressivecities. Under the expert guidance of your Tour Director, discover a vast complex of monuments,including the Temple of Quetzalcoatl and the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon. Learn of theTeotihuacanos’ accomplishments and their far-reaching cultural and artistic influence.Then journey toanother UNESCO World Heritage Site, Queretaro. A private cocktail reception awaits you in one ofthe city’s oldest and most beautiful colonial mansions; meet the owner, tour the mansion and learnmore about this outstanding architectural jewel. Later explore the sights of this little-visited colonialgem with special attention given to the Historic Monuments Zone and its wealth of outstandingbuildings. Later check-in for an overnight stay at a sprawling 16th century hacienda with time toenjoy the grounds and pool before dinner.
Hotel: Hacienda Jurica (B,L,D)

DAY 4 - QUERETARO - GUANAJUATO.
Arrive in San Miguel de Allende, a colonial architecturaljewel with beautiful mansions, flower-filled patios, luxuriant gardens and cobblestone streets. Thetown was declared a National Monument in 1926 and is considered one of the loveliest of Mexico’scolonial cities. Enjoy a stroll through the city center under the guidance of your Tour Director to seethe famous Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel and the beautiful Casa de Allende. Visit one of thespectacular private gardens the city is famous for, then wander on your own and browse the manyinteresting shops, museums and galleries, or simply relax in “El Jardin,” the central square. Thencontinue to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Guanajuato. Check-in at your hotel, located on thesite of one of Guanajuato’s most beautiful haciendas where metals from local mines were onceprocessed. The building has been proclaimed part of a World Heritage site and is protected byMexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History. Dinner tonight is served at one ofGuanajuato’s finest restaurants, situated in an old colonial hacienda with glorious gardens. Meet theChef and learn about tonight’s menu and ingredients.
Hotel: Camino Real Guanajuato (B,L,HD)

DAY 5 - GUANAJUATO SIGHTSEEING.
Set out with your Tour Director on an exploration of thiscaptivating city, built at the center of the world’s leading silver mining area of the 18th century.Guanajuato’s history, culture and monuments are as rich as its silver mines were during the Colonialera. Explore the winding streets, subterranean passages and lively downtown. View the mostinteresting sites including the Juarez Theatre, Alley of the Kiss, La Alhondiga - site of the first rebelvictory in the War of Independence, Hidalgo Market - designed by famous engineer Gustave Eiffel, La Valencia Mine, and visit the Mummies of Guanajuato - the city’s most unusual attraction. Lunch isserved at a lively café along the shaded Union Garden. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisurein the city center, or relax by the hotel swimming pool. This evening dinner is served at a restaurantsituated on top of a hill, high above the city, with breathtaking panoramic views over this colonialjewel. After dinner join your Tour Director for an informal presentation and tasting of Mexico’snational drink - tequila,at the hotel’s amazing glass-floored bar with surprising views into one of thethousands of mine shafts that crisscross this fascinating city. (B,L,HD)

DAY 6 - GUANAJUATO - MORELIA.
Traveling back in time from the Colonial era to pre-Columbian times, you arrive in the state of Michoacan and the impressive colonial city of Morelia. The exquisite colonial architecture has made the Historic Center of Morelia a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stop at El Carmen, where a wonderful display of regional handicrafts can be found, then view the beautiful Conservatory of the Roses, Clajivero Palace and Palace of Justice. At the outstanding central square, visit the Cathedral and Government Palace with its beautiful murals. Check into the delightful Villa Montaña Hotel, designed as a rambling village on a hill with superb views over the historic center. This evening enjoy a Dine-Around program at a choice of restaurants that capture the essence of Morelia’s finest dining.
Hotel: Villa Montaña Hotel & Spa (B,L,DA)

DAY 7 - PATZCUARO EXCURSION.
Explore t...