| Countries Visited:
Mexico |
Tour Type: Regional
Tour Duration: 11 Days (10 Nights)
From: Mexico City to Mexico City
Tour Code: ACMX
Operator: Insight Vacations |
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 Click Map To Enlarge Tour Description
This comprehensive journey of discovery features relaxed, twonight stays in lively Mexico City and in the colonial gems of Guanajuato, Morelia and Puebla, while comfortable, single-night stays are enjoyed in historical Queretaro and Taxco. Bring home memories of ten magical colonial towns, each with its own character, five spectacular pre-Columbian archaeological sites representing different native cultures, wonderful architecture, and not forgetting the rich Mexican folklore and a mouthwatering cuisine! Included Premium Highlights:
- Visit the National Museum of Anthropology and its superb Maya and Aztec collections
- Visit the National Palace, Metropolitan Cathedral and view the Templo Mayor
- Explore the UNESCO-listed Pre-Hispanic and holy city of Teotihuacan
- Visit one of San Miguel de Allende's most beautiful private gardens or art galleries
- Visit one of Guanajuato's richest silver producing mines of the colonial era
- Discover the UNESCO-listed site of Xochicalco and visit the museum
- Visit Hernan Cortes' spectacular hacienda and enjoy lunch on the beautiful grounds
- Visit the outstanding Rosary Chapel, one of Mexico's most elaborately decorated chapels
Included Personal Insights
- Find out about the amazing sacred Aztec Calendar and its use to the Aztec people
- Enjoy a cocktail at Casa de la Marquesa in Queretaro and learn about this colonial jewel
- Meet a Chef in Guanajuato and learn about cooking techniques and ingredients
- Learn all about tequila, Mexico's national drink, and enjoy tequila tasting
- View copper artisans at work in Santa Clara del Cobre and try your hand at copperworking
- Enjoy silversmith demonstrations in Taxco and learn about William Spratling
- Learn about the unique art of Talavera ceramic production on a guided workshop tour
Included Additional Excursions & Sights
- Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Historic Monuments Zone of Queretaro
- Stroll with your Tour Director through San Miguel de Allende, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Walk through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Guanajuato with your Tour Director
- Explore UNESCO-listed Morelia and view the beautiful 18th century, 253 arches Aqueduct
- Tour Purepecha country view the archaeological site of Tzintzuntzan and visit Patzcuaro
- Stroll the main plaza in Ixtapan de la Sal
- Explore Taxco, a National Monument and world-class silver jewellery centre
- Discover Puebla's Historic Centre on foot and navigate its neighbourhoods by coach
Included First Class Services
- Escorted by a professional Tour Director
- Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with extended legroom and onboard restroom
- Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
- Insight Traveller document wallet, map book journal and information pack
- Airport arrival and departure transfers on the first and last day of your tour
- First-class hotels with all service charges, taxes and porterage
- Insight Traveller document wallet, Welcome on Tour book with map and information pack
Included Quality Dining
- 4 Highlight Dinners of local cuisine in Mexico City, Guanajuato and Puebla (HD)
- Choose from a selection restaurants on your Dine-Around evening in Morelia (DA
- 10 Full Breakfasts (B), 9 Lunches (L) and 3 three-course table d'hote Dinners or Buffets (D)
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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. Stay: 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 view 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. (B/L/HD) |
Day
3 |
Mexico City - Queretaro
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Teotihuacan, one of the most famous archaeological 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 the UNESCO World Heritage city of Queretaro. A private cocktail reception awaits you in one of the city's oldest and most beautiful colonial mansions; admire the mansion and learn more about this outstanding architectural jewel. Later enjoy a brief walking tour 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. Stay: 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 UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 and is considered one of the loveliest of Mexico's colonial cities. Enjoy a stroll through the city centre under the guidance of your Tour Director to see the famous Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel and the beautiful Casa de Allende. Wander on your own and browse the many interesting shops; perhaps visit one of the spectacular private gardens or art galleries the city is famous for, 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. Stay: 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 centre 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 and Hidalgo Market - designed by famous engineer Gustave Eiffel. Visit a local mine and learn about Guanajuato's mining industry during the 16th century. Lunch is served at a lively cafe along the shaded Union Garden. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure in the city centre, or relax by the hotel swimming pool. This evening dinner is served at one of Guanajuato's finest restaurants, followed by an informal presentation and tasting of Mexico's national drink - tequila. (B/L, HD) |
Day
6 |
Guanajuato - Morelia
Travelling 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 Montana Hotel, designed as a rambling village on a hill with superb views over the historic centre. Enjoy a cocktail at the hotel and the afternoon at leisure. This evening enjoy a Dine-Around program at a choice of restaurants that capture the essence of Morelia's finest dining. Stay: Villa Montana 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 copper-working techniques that produce some of Mexico's most unique and coveted works, and perhaps try your hand at copper-working! Next visit the small, tranquil colonial village of Patzcuaro, the centre of Purepechan culture, situated on the shores of Lake Patzcuaro. On the way back to Morelia, view the Purepecha archaeological site of Tzintzuntzan and enjoy some time to browse the arts and crafts shops of Tzintzuntzan. Back at the hotel, enjoy the evening at leisure. Relax on the terrace overlooking the city or take a dip in the inviting pool. (B/L) |
Day
8 |
Morelia - Taxco
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 cobblestone streets, red tiled roofs and white adobe buildings. Explore the winding streets lined with cafes 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 jewellery centre in all of Mexico. Visit one of the renowned silver shops and learn about the silver making process before time on your own to explore the city and to browse Mexico's finest display of silver craftsmanship. Dinner is at the hotel this evening with superb views of the colourful city centre. Stay: 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 archaeological sites - Xochicalco. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Xochicalco's ritual centres, 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. Wander the majestic buildings and luxuriant grounds before enjoying a delightful lunch in this well-protected refuge. Later 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. Stay: Camino Real Puebla (B/L/D) |
Day
10 |
Puebla Sightseeing
Enjoy a brief walking tour of the Historic Centre 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). Join a local expert for a privately guided visit to the Iglesia de Santo Domingo. Admire its outstanding Rosary Chapel, one of the most elaborately decorated chapels in Mexico, and a masterpiece of Mexican Baroque with dazzling use of gold-leaf stucco and onyx stonework. Then, board your motorcoach and navigate the most interesting neighbourhoods. Stop at one of the finest Talavera ceramic workshops in the city. Learn the age-old tradition of Talavera craftsmanship that has evolved from Pre-Columbian roots and assimilated techniques, materials and processes from Spain and the modern era. After lunch, set 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 cafe and soak in the atmosphere. Discover why Puebla is considered Mexico's gastronomic capital as you enjoy a farewell 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). Meet the Chef and learn about the ingredients and techniques involved in tonight's tasty local dishes! (B/L/HD) |
Day
11 |
Puebla - Mexico City - Departure
This morning return to Mexico City. En route, stop for the best views of Cholula's iconic Great Pyramid, the largest stone monument in the world, with a colonial church at its top and the active volcanoes of Popocatepeti adn Iztaccihuatl as its background. Your tour ends at Mexico City International Airport and the hotel in Mexico City for passengers extending their stay. Please do not schedule flights before 2:30 p.m (B) |
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Please note: In selected locations, the tour requires walking on uneven surfaces and climbing some stairs |
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