Mexico's Colonial Jewels featuring Mexico City, Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende, Zacatecas, Tequila & Morelia

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.

HighlightsOur Lady of Guadalupe, Pyramids of Teotihuacan, National Folkloric Ballet Performance, San Miguel de Allende, Granaditas Museum, Rafael Coronel Museum, El Eden Silver Mine, Hospicio Cabanas, Tequila Agave Fields, Patzcuaro, Morelia, National Museum of Anthropology, 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Collette Experience

  • 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.

    • Call (888) 429-2905 for more information or to book today! Mention code 7330637

    Tour Operator
    Collette Vacations
    Duration
    12 Days
    DayDestinationDescription
    Day 1Mexico CityMexico 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.

    Todaydinnerwill be included.
    Day 2Mexico CityMexico City, Mexico : Join a local expert to explore Mexico City's Centro Historico - a UNESCO World Heritage site built atop of the ruins of Tenochtitlan. Discover the Plaza de la Constitucion; 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 Teotihuacan, 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.

    Todaybreakfast will be included.
    Day 3GuanajuatoMexico City - Queretaro - Guanajuato : Today you visit two UNESCO World Heritage sites. Travel to Queretaro, enjoying time to explore the historic center where you find beautiful examples of Baroque architecture, restaurants and tree-lined boulevards featuring exquisite colonial buildings. Join in a special visit to El Oasis de los Ninos, a foster home for local disadvantaged children. Learn how the Collette Foundation is supporting a nutrition program for the children and perhaps join them in their coloring and sing-a-long activities. Continue to captivating Guanajuato and admire the photogenic twists and turns of its famous streets.

    Todaybreakfast and dinnerwill be included.
    Day 4GuanajuatoGuanajuato - Dolores Hidalgo - San Miguel de Allende - Guanajuato : Enjoy a demonstration of Talavera pottery-making at a local workshop where artisans hand-paint designs on vases and tiles. Continue to Dolores Hidalgo, the pueblo where Father Hidalgo proclaimed the independence of Mexico in 1810. A short ride brings you to charming San Miguel de Allende, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A local expert leads your leisurely-paced walking tour of this well-preserved 16th century town. Visit Atotonilco el Grande sanctuary, featuring illustrative murals. Enjoy the remainder of the day exploring San Miguel's cobblestone streets and antique shops.

    Todaybreakfast will be included.
    Day 5ZacatecasGuanajuato - Zacatecas : Explore Guanajuato with a local expert. At the Alhondiga de Granaditos Museum, learn why this colonial city is considered the cornerstone of Mexico's Independence movement. Stroll the main plaza of Union Garden and Mercado Hidalgo before venturing underground to explore a network of tunnels under Guanajuato's streets! This afternoon, travel through picturesque countryside to Zacatecas - "the city of light and color" and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

    Todaybreakfast and dinnerwill be included.
    Day 6ZacatecasZacatecas : Travel in a mine car to the depths of El Eden Silver Mine for a captivating tour. Then, enjoy a panoramic cable car ride from El Grillo Mountain to Bufa Hill for incredible city views. Witness how Zacatecan silversmiths fashion metal into jewelry at a local workshop. Visit the fascinating Rafael Coronel Museum with its collection of 4,000 hand-carved and painted masks. Enjoy a walking city tour featuring the Plaza de Armas and the Baroque Cathedral of Zacatecas.

    Todaybreakfast will be included.
    Day 7GuadalajaraZacatecas - Tlaquepaque - Guadalajara : Travel to Tlaquepaque, Jalisco, a renowned artisan center. Enjoy time to shop, sample local cuisine and listen to mariachi bands. Visit Hospicio Cabanas, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the early 20th century, the chapel was decorated with a series of murals by Jose Clemente Orozco, one of the greatest Mexican muralists from the period. Enjoy a panoramic tour of Guadalajara.

    Todaybreakfast and dinnerwill be included.
    Day 8GuadalajaraGuadalajara - Tequila - Guadalajara : 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.

    Todaybreakfast will be included.
    Day 9MoreliaGuadalajara - Patzcuaro - Morelia : This morning, visit Patzcuaro, 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.

    Todaybreakfast and dinnerwill be included.
    Day 10MoreliaMorelia : 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.

    Todaybreakfast will be included.
    Day 11Mexico CityMorelia - 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.

    Todaybreakfast and dinnerwill be included.
    Day 12Tour endsMexico City - Tour Ends : Your tour ends today in Mexico City.

    Todaybreakfast will be included.
    Dates/Pricing

    Click Quote or call us to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

    DatePrice / DescriptionQuote
    November 06, 2010$1,499.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    February 26, 2011$1,499.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    March 19, 2011$1,499.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    April 02, 2011$1,499.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    April 09, 2011$1,499.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    Lodging
    Presidente Intercontinental, Mexico City
    Hotel La Abadia, Guanajuato
    Hotel del Bosque Teleferico, Zacatecas
    Presidente Intercontinental, Guadalajara
    Hotel Virrey de Mendoza, Morelia
    Presidente Intercontinental, Mexico City
    Disclaimer
    Note
    Tour prices are Land Only rates based on per person double occupancy. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Taxes and fees are additional for tours that feature a cruise; port taxes are not included in the prices shown. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking.
      
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