The Treasures of Colonial Mexico
2009
September 27, November 8
2010
January 17, March 7, April 18, December 5
$1,225 per person double, $1,566 per single
Mexico is, and always will be, defined by its beach cities. But there is much, much more to Mexico than sand and sea. There is a rich history melded together by the Spanish conquerors and the indigenous peoples… and you will not find it at the beach. You need to step inside Mexico to really begin to discover and appreciate the soul of the country. It’s here in Mexico’s gorgeous colonial cities that you will find the very heart of this magnificent culture. Exploring this magnificent heritage that lies within Mexico’s interior will forever change your perception of the beauty, grandeur and splendor that is at the colonial heart of Latin America. It will be well worth it to experience the real soul of Mexico through these remarkable cities and many others like them.
DAY 1 – To Guadalajara
Welcome to the city of Guadalajara, known for its beauty as the “City of Roses”, second largest city in Mexico. Graced with a cultural legacy of several centuries, and enriched by secular and religious architecture; also a modern city with international flavor Early afternoon arrival to the city of Guadalajara and transfer to the Hotel de Mendoza located in the heart of the historical district. This evening we feature a walking tour of the main plazas that surround the historical district, including a visit to the Palacio de Gobierno with its interesting murals of Jose Clemente Orozco, and the metropolitan cathedral. To complete our tour you will be transported by a horse drowns carriage through the elegant residential sector with beautiful mansions from 19th century. Your tour will finish at the doorsteps of the restaurant “La Antigua” to enjoy our welcome dinner. (D)
DAY 2 – Guadalajara and Tequila
This morning is to enjoy a visit to the town of Tequila, where the internationally renowned Mexican drink is produced by dozen of distilleries set amidst the blue
agave fields. We will visit one of these distilleries and enjoy lunch with a Mexican Fiesta. This afternoon we will visit Tlaquepaque. This village now part of the city of Guadalajara has evolved into a trendy little town famed for its local artist with excellent craftsmanship. You will be wandering through countless shops offering a huge selections of arts and crafts. Dinner this evening at a local restaurant before our return to our hotel. (B-L-D)
DAY 3 – Guanajuato
Breakfast at the hotel and departure to the city of Guanajuato. After checking into our hotel, we will descend to downtown by a gondola to the Garden of the
Union, the citys lively local point and enjoy our lunch at a local restaurant. Later, relax on your own and stroll from plaza to plaza through narrow streets admiring the great architecture that has contributed to the city being designated a “World Heritage Zone” You will return via underground streets to the hotel for dinner and overnight. (B-L-D)
DAY 4 – San Miguel de Allende
After breakfast at the hotel, and visit the city of Dolores Hidalgo, the birth place of the Mexican Independence from Spain. Then into San Miguel de Allende, a city that has been designated a National Historic Monument to preserve its atmosphere. Our tour downtown lets you admire the colonial homes with extravagant patios, hand wrought-iron trims and tall carved wooden doors. Enjoy visiting the square, with its many artists with easels and paints trying to capture the essence of the city. After lunch, you will have ample time to stroll through the city’s famous art galleries, a shopper’s paradise. Dinner and overnight at hotel. (B-L-D)
DAY 5 – Morelia and Pátzcuaro
After breakfast at the hotel, our route to Morelia will take us through the fertile farmlands of “El Bajio” arriving in the city of Morelia for lunch on a beautiful colonial patio, now part of a hotel. Enjoy a
tour of the city of Morelia, where the civil and religious buildings were erected in the 17th century re-capturing the spirit of old Spain. We will continue our journey to Pátzcuaro. Dinner and overnight at hotel Posada de Don Vasco. (B L D)
DAY 6 – Pátzcuaro and Guadalajara
This morning we will visit Lake Pátzcuaro, with its placid waters dotted with islands. The city of Pátzcuaro is built on a hill with sloping terrain and 16th century atmosphere. You will visit the Vasco de Quiroga square and the house of eleven patios, which was once a convent now holds a labyrinth of small shops where you can watch artisans creating their wares Then traveling around the lake, a visit to the ancient capital of the Purepecha in Tzintzuntzan, where ancient circular pyramids called “Yacatas” are built in a man made hill overlooking Lake Patzcuaro. Visit the Santa Ana monastery that dates back to the 1500’s. We also plan to visit the charming town of Quiroga, a colorful place where the artisans from the state display their goods. We will return to Guadalajara at the Hotel de Mendoza for dinner and overnight. (B L D)
DAY 7 – Return Home
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the Guadalajara airport for flight home. (B)
Tour includes all meals, tours and entertainment listed in the itinerary, all transfers in itinerary, best available accommodations, portage (1 suitcase per person) and taxes. (Driver and Escort Gratuities not included).
Call us at 602-276-9008
Synergy Tours & Cruises
2320 E. Baseline Rd. Ste 148 - 468 Phoenix, Arizona 85042-6951