Mexico's Colonial Jewels - Overview
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.
- Our Lady of Guadalupe, Pyramids of Teotihuacán, National Folkloric Ballet Performance, San Miguel de Allende, Granaditas Museum, Rafael Coronel Museum, El Eden Silver Mine, Hospicio Cabañas, Tequila Agave Fields, Pátzcuaro, Morelia, National Museum of Anthropology, 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Experience a fusion of dance, music and traditional costumes showcasing Mexico's cultures during an exquisite folklore ballet performance.
- Relive Mexico's colonial charm with a visit to historic San Miguel de Allende, ranked as one of the world's top destinations.
- The history of Mexico's fight for independence comes to life when you visit Guanajuato's famous Granaditas Museum.
- Tour the Mundo Cuervo distillery and witness the tequila-making process from beginning to end.
- Learn the history of Mexico's indigenous Indian cultures when you visit the amazing National Museum of Anthropology.
Tour Prices & Dates:
| 11/06/2010 | 02/26/2011 | 03/19/2011 |
| $1499 | $1499 | $1499 |
Tour Prices & Dates:
12 days, 17 meals
Day 1: Mexico City, Mexico - Tour Begins
Explore Mexico's colonial cities where archaeological sites represent ancient cultures and churches, haciendas, town squares and lively mariachi bands set the stage for your adventure. Enjoy a welcome dinner.
Today dinner will be included.
Day 2: Mexico City, Mexico
Join a local expert to explore Mexico City's Centro Histórico – a UNESCO World Heritage site built atop of the ruins of Tenochtitlán. Discover the Plaza de la Constitución; visit the 16th century Metropolitan Cathedral; view the Aztec ruins of Templo Mayor and travel to Our Lady of Guadalupe pilgrimage center’s famous shrine. Enjoy a presentation on the uses of the cactus plant followed by local craftsmen demonstrating the art of stone crafting and jewelry making. Visit Teotihuacán, a city dating back to 200 BCE. Stroll the Avenue of the Dead for views of the Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon. Tonight, attend a folklore ballet showcasing Mexico's dances, music and colorful costumes.
Today breakfast will be included.
Day 3: Mexico City - Querétaro - Guanajuato
Today you visit two UNESCO World Heritage sites. Travel to Querétaro, enjoying time to explore the historic center where you find beautiful examples of Baroque architecture, restaurants and tree-lined boulevards featuring exquisite colonial buildings. Continue to captivating Guanajuato and admire the photogenic twists and turns of its famous streets.
Today breakfast will be included.
Travel to Tlaquepaque, Jalisco, a renowned artisan center. Enjoy time to shop, sample local cuisine and listen to mariachi bands. Visit Hospicio Cabañas, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the early 20th century, the chapel was decorated with a series of murals by José Clemente Orozco, one of the greatest Mexican muralists from the period. Enjoy a panoramic tour of Guadalajara.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 8: Chihuahua - El Paso, Texas
The Agave Landscape and Ancient Industrial Facilities of Tequila, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is set on 85,000 acres of blue agave fields. Visit an agave field where a local worker demonstrates the planting and cultivation of blue agave. Explore the Mundo Cuervo distillery and museum to see the process of converting the blue agave to various grades of tequila.
Today breakfast will be included.
Day 9: Guadalajara - Pátzcuaro - Morelia
This morning, visit Pátzcuaro, Michoacan, founded in 1540 and known for its grand architecture and natural beauty. Enjoy free time to mingle with locals and explore beautiful Vasco de Quiroga Square. Visit Morelia where the traditions of the Tarascan Indians are evident in their traditional attire and handicrafts.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 10: Morelia
Enjoy a leisurely-paced locally guided walking tour of Morelia's historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. View the National Palace, the 18th century aqueduct, and the Baroque-style cathedral. Your afternoon is at leisure.
Today breakfast will be included.
Day 11: Morelia - Mexico City
Return to Mexico City and tour the National Museum of Anthropology, designed by Pedro Ramirez Vasquez. A local expert brings to life engaging exhibits like the Aztec calendar stone, giant stone Olmec heads, and Maya treasures recovered from the sacred Chichen Itza. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Your tour ends today in Mexico City.
Today breakfast will be included.