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For USA & Canada 2009 departures, please refer to our 2009 brochure for tour details, savings and booking conditions

Day 1 - ARRIVE MEXICO CITY

Welcome to Mexico! On arrival at Mexico City International Airport you are met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Your Tour Director is at the hotel this afternoon to welcome you and answer your questions. Please join us at 6 p.m. for a Welcome Drink and meet your fellow travellers. Hotel: JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City

Day 2 - MEXICO CITY SIGHTSEEING

Start the day with a visit to the world renowned National Museum of Anthropology, and explore the superb Maya and Aztec exhibits. One of the highlights of your visit is a presentation by your Tour Director on the amazing Aztec Calendar, often referred to as the Sun Stone. Next visit the Historic Center of Mexico City, a UNESCO World Heritage site. After lunch explore Mexico City’s imposing central square, the third largest in the world. The “Zocalo,” as it is known colloquially, is flanked by some of the city’s most impressive sites including the National Palace, Metropolitan Cathedral and Templo Mayor. First admire the frescoes and learn about Diego Rivera and the Mexican Muralist Movement at the National Palace. Next visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, the largest church in Latin America. Finally visit the Templo Mayor, or Great Pyramid, the most important temple in the Aztec capital city of Tenochtitlan. Then enjoy Mexico’s world-famous cuisine at a welcome dinner of tasty signature dishes at one of Mexico City’s fine restaurants. Enjoy traditional live Mariachis and learn about the history and importance of Mariachis in Mexican culture. After dinner, there is the option to experience one of Mexico’s most acclaimed artistic treasures - the Ballet Folklorico de Mexico, a world-class performance celebrating colourful ethnic traditions 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 impressive cities. 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 the Teotihuacanos’ accomplishments and their far-reaching cultural and artistic influence.Then journey to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Queretaro. A private cocktail reception awaits you in one of the city’s oldest and most beautiful colonial mansions; meet the owner, tour the mansion and learn more about this outstanding architectural jewel. Later explore the sights of this little-visited colonial gem with special attention given to the Historic Monuments Zone and its wealth of outstanding buildings. Later check-in for an overnight stay at a sprawling 16th century hacienda with time to enjoy the grounds and pool before dinner.
Hotel: Hacienda Jurica (B,L,D)

Day 4 - QUERETARO - GUANAJUATO

Arrive in San Miguel de Allende, a colonial architectural jewel with beautiful mansions, flower-filled patios, luxuriant gardens and cobblestone streets. The town was declared a National Monument in 1926 and is considered one of the loveliest of Mexico’s colonial cities. Enjoy a stroll through the city center under the guidance of your Tour Director to see the famous Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel and the beautiful Casa de Allende. Visit one of the spectacular private gardens the city is famous for, then wander on your own and browse the many interesting shops, museums and galleries, or simply relax in “El Jardin,” the central square. Then continue to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Guanajuato. Check-in at your hotel, located on the site of one of Guanajuato’s most beautiful haciendas where metals from local mines were once processed. The building has been proclaimed part of a World Heritage site and is protected by Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History. Dinner tonight is served at one of Guanajuato’s finest restaurants, situated in an old colonial hacienda with glorious gardens. Meet the Chef 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 this captivating 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 Colonial era. Explore the winding streets, subterranean passages and lively downtown. View the most interesting sites including the Juarez Theatre, Alley of the Kiss, La Alhondiga - site of the first rebel victory 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 is served at a lively café along the shaded Union Garden. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure in the city center, or relax by the hotel swimming pool. This evening dinner is served at a restaurant situated on top of a hill, high above the city, with breathtaking panoramic views over this colonial jewel. After dinner join your Tour Director for an informal presentation and tasting of Mexico’s national drink - tequila,at the hotel’s amazing glass-floored bar with surprising views into one of the thousands 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 the Purepecha highlands and discover the subtler aspects of this little known corner of Mexico.Your first stop is in Santa Clara del Cobre, where you enjoy an exclusive visit to one of the local copper craft shops. Observe local artisans at work,learn about the copperworking techniques that produce some of Mexico’s most unique and coveted works, and perhaps try your hand at copperworking! Next visit the small, tranquil colonialvillageofPatzcuaro, the center of Purepechan culture, situated on the shores of Lake Patzcuaro. On the way back to Morelia, stop at the Purepecha archeological site of Tzintzuntzan for a brief but interesting visit. Back at the hotel, enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Relax with a drink on the terrace overlooking the city or take a dip in the inviting pool. (B,L)

Day 8 - MORELIA - TAXCO

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Heading for the legendary silver mining town of Taxco, cross into the state of Mexico and stop in the delightful whitewashed village of Ixtapan de la Sal. Back on the road, enter the state of Guerrero and drop down into the perennial spring time climate of Taxco, one of Mexico’s most beloved colonial towns. From the hotel, marvel at the impossibly situated village wedged into the mountain which was home to the very first and largest Spanish silver mine in the Americas.This boom and bust town has been declared a National Monument to preserve the original character displayed in the cobbled stone streets, red tiled roofs and white adobe buildings. Explore the winding streets lined with cafés and shops, the Plaza Borda (central square) with its ornate church - the Parroquia de Santa Prisca, and Casa Borda.Taxco is famous for its hundreds of silver workshops and has become the most prolific silver jewelry center in all of Mexico. Visit one of the renowned silver mines,watch silversmiths at work, and learn about American architectWilliam Spratling who moved to Taxco in the 1920’s and brought Mexican silversmith to sophisticated international standards. Dinner is at the hotel this evening with superb views of the colourful city center.
Hotel: Hotel Posada de la Mision (B,L,D)

Day 9 - TAXCO - CHOLULA - PUEBLA

Rise early for breakfast before setting out to one of Mexico’s most important and exceptionally well-preserved archeological sites - Xochicalco. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Xochicalco’s ritual centers, temples and plazas cover almost 2500 acres. Xochicalco was a meeting place for a wide variety of cultures including Toltec, Olmec, Zapotec, Mixtec and Aztec. After a visit to the interesting museum, explore the site and view the marvelous Pyramid of the Plumed Serpent. Next find yourself transported back in time to the era of the Spanish conquistadors at the stunning 16th century hacienda of Hernan Cortes, conqueror of Mexico. Explore the majestic buildings and luxuriant grounds before enjoying a delightful lunch in this well-protected refuge. Heading east, journey to Puebla and check in at your remarkable hotel, a former convent built in the 16th century in pure Viceroyship-era style for a wealthy religious order. Discover why Puebla is considered Mexico’s gastronomic capital as you enjoy dinner at a local restaurant featuring “Cocina Poblana” - Puebla’s signature dishes, including two of the country’s most popular recipes: mole and chiles en nogada (seasonal)!
Hotel: Camino Real Puebla (B,L,HD)

Day 10 - PUEBLA SIGHTSEEING

Step aboard a private open air tram for a guided tour of the Historic Center of Puebla, a UNESCO World Heritage site, rich in architectural treasures, traditions and cuisine. The bucolic central square is impressive with its colonial style Cathedral and host of buildings decorated with the ubiquitous azulejos (tiles.) Navigate the most interesting neighborhoods with stops at the Rosary Chapel to admire the dazzling interior, and at one of the finest Talavera Ceramic workshops in the city. Learn the age old tradition ofTalavera craftsmanship that has evolved from pre-Columbian roots and assimilated techniques, materials and process from Spain and the modern era. Enjoy lunch in a shaded courtyard before setting off to wander the city’s picturesque streets on your own. Perhaps visit a museum, explore the shops, join a Mexican cooking lesson or relax at a sidewalk café and soak in the atmosphere. Tonight’s farewell dinner is a privately catered event in one of the lovely courtyards of your hotel. Meet the Chef and learn more about the ingredients and techniques involved in tonight’s tasty local dishes! (B,L,D)

Day 11 - PUEBLA - MEXICO CITY - DEPARTURE

This morning discover Cholula, one of the most important pre-Columbian religious and educational centers, and the oldest continually inhabited city in the northern hemisphere. Cholula is home to 365 churches and the Great Pyramid, the largest monument and the largest pyramid by volume ever constructed in the world. After a visit to the Great Pyramid, return to Mexico City where the tour ends with a complimentary transfer to Mexico City International Airport and the Insight hotel for passengers extending their stay. Please do not schedule flights before 4 p.m. (B)

Please note: In selected locations,the tour requires walking on uneven surfaces and climbing some stairs.