Colonial Treasures Of Mexico

Welcome to Mexico City! From the moment you arrive, you will be mesmerized by the size of the city. Meet and greet with a local representative and transfer to your hotel. After check-in, you will have free time to start exploring the city. The countrys capital is a mosaic of contrasts — but most of all it is an experience where all of Mexico comes together. This is the perfect place to start your trip to Mexico.




Overnight in Mexico City

After breakfast at the hotel, you will leave the big city. Travel to Queretaro, an attractive city that has played a crucial role in Mexican history. After a short tour around the towns well-preserved historic city, recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, you will head to San Miguel de Allende, one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Mexico. Explore the city highlights such as the famous “Parish of San Miguel,” the iconic church of Neo-Gothic style, with pink, sugar-candy pointing towers. These bizarre towers were designed by an untutored Indian, Zeferino Gutierrez, in the late 19th century. In the main chapel, you will see the much-revered image of the Cristo de la Conquista, made from cornstalks and orchid bulbs by Indians in Patzcuaro in the 16th century. In the evening, we recommend you enjoy the night ambiance of the city or take advantage of this perfect opportunity to shop for traditional crafts.




Overnight in San Miguel de Allende

In the morning you will depart for Dolores Hidalgo and travel to Guanajuato, where you will enjoy a tour of the city. Discover the Basílica (Shrine), the University of Guanajuato, the picturesque and historic center with its narrow colonial roads, the underground streets (former riverbeds), and the famous Callejón del Beso (the Alley of the Kiss). You will also enjoy a panoramic view from the El Pipila Monument. With its rich history as an important mining centre, Guanajuato derived great wealth from its abundant silver deposits. This is a true jewel among Mexicos colonial cities. You will be mesmerized by its beauty, with its winding lanes, plazuelas shaded by Indian laurels, and the wide variety of decorative styles. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.




Overnight in Guanajuato

Today you will travel to Zacatecas, a magnificent historic monument of the vice royal era, situated on a hillside of the Cerro de la Bufa. At night we will head out for a walk to get a first impression of this colonial jewel. You will visit the Plaza de Las Armas, the Cerro de la Bufa Hill offering a fantastic panoramic view of the city, and the Mine of Edén. Discover the pink quarry stone constructions and plazas, filigree ironwork on balconies, narrow streets, and stone-paved streets, polished by time, characterized by Zacatecas. The city was founded in 1548, originally as a residence for those working in the surrounding mines. In time, it became a cultural centre with beautiful architecture. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore the city at your own pace.




Overnight in Zacatecas

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you continue your tour to Western Mexico to the pottery village of Tlaquepaque. Tlaquepaque is most likely the largest and most important arts and crafts centre in Mexico, hosting wares from all around the country. Present-day Tlaquepaque continues to be rich in its local tradition and art. Tlaquepaque is famous for manufacturing the finest handicrafts in the state. Upon arrival, you will visit the borough of San Pedro Tlaquepaque, once an independent village and now a part of the city, whose inhabitants are dedicated to the manufacturing of glassblowing and a variety of arts and crafts. Here, you can choose excellent souvenirs for your holiday. This borough attracts many of Jalisco's most talented artists and has a reputation for the high quality and diversity of its products. Many summer homes have been converted into shops which house crafts, arts, and restaurants. In the heart of Tlaquepaque, you will discover El Parian, a popular place to relax, try a local bite, or simply sit and watch the world go by, enjoying the steady pace of life in this small town. Continue your tour to Guadalajara, Mexicos second-largest city and home to many of the countrys most beloved traditions.




Overnight in Guadalajara

Today you will visit the historical center. Discover the Teatro Degollado, the Palacio de Gobierno, the Cathedral, the Rotonda de los Hombres Ilustres Monument (Rotunda of Illustrious Men), and the Hospicio Cabañas. After your city tour, visit Tequila, the origins of Mexicos most famous liquors. On the way to Tequila, you will enjoy spectacular views of the agave plantations. In the colorful town of Tequila, you will enjoy a demonstration of the entire manufacturing process in one of the best Tequila distilleries and learn about the production process of Mexicos national drink. Afterwards, you will return to Guadalajara.




Overnight in Guadalajara

In the morning you will depart to Pátzcuaro, a magical town located on a large lake, famous for its colonial beauty and unique for its traditional customs. Among its attractions you will discover the “Basilique of Our Lady of Health” and Gertrudis Bocanegra Library, with its murals painted by Juan OGorman; and the typical market in the Don Vasco de Quiroga Plaza, along with the historic centre. Dont miss the traditional “Danza de Los Viejitos” (Dance of the Old Men) — perhaps the most entertaining Purépecha tradition. In the afternoon you will proceed to Morelia. This beautiful city was founded in 1541 by Viceroy Antonio de Mendoza, with the name of Valladolid. In 1828 its name was changed to Morelia, to honor Don Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon, hero of the Mexican independence movement. Morelia is known as the aristocrat among Mexicos colonial cities. Explore the wide variety of cafes and restaurants serving typical dishes from this region.




Overnight in Morelia

After breakfast at the hotel, you will head on a tour of the historic centre of Morelia, listed as a World Heritage Site. Here you can discover some of the most beautiful examples of baroque architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries. You will visit the Cathedral — with a Baroque exterior and Neoclassic interior — Plaza de Armas, the Clavijero Palace, and the monumental Aqueduct. We will then depart for Mexico City, arriving in the early evening.




Overnight in Mexico City

Today you will be transferred to the airport in time for your onward flight.