Colonial Jewels of Mexico - Tour and vacation with Mexico City and Guadalajara

Welcome! Upon arrival you will be received and transferred to your hotel. After the check-in, your afternoon will be available at leisure. 

Today you will get to know one of the world´s biggest and most exciting cities! Enjoy a guided tour in the historical center, listed by UNESCO as World Heritage. This interesting tour will include “The Zocalo”, the heart of Mexico City, where you will visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, one of the oldest and largest of the Americas, and (if open) the National Palace, home of the famous murals of Diego Rivera.

You will also see the ruins of the Templo Mayor, one of the most important temples of the Aztecs in their ancient capital city of Tenochtitlan. Next, you will reach beautiful Paseo de la Reforma Avenue to arrive at Chapultepec Park, to visit the Museum of Anthropology. This museum is considered to be among the world’s finest of its kind. Included: Breakfast 
 

Today discover Teotihuacán, one of the most impressive archaeological sites of the country. It was the biggest city of the American continent and one of the biggest of the world. Until its inhabitants abandoned the city around the 8th century, Teotihuacan was probably the most significant and civilized cultural center of ancient Mexico.

During this guided tour you will see the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, walk down the Avenue of the Dead, visit the Temple of Quetzalcoatl with its unique stone sculptures of plumed serpents, the Temple of the Butterflies, and the Fortresses. Before going back to the hotel, you will make a stop at the Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe, a pilgrimage center for millions of Mexicans and people from all around the world.  Included: Breakfast.

Today you will leave Mexico City and depart to Tula. Tula was the capital of the Toltecs and one of the most powerful cities of Mesoamerica. The most famous building of this archeological site is the temple of ‘Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli’, an impressive pyramid with beautiful statues of Toltec warriors (Atlantes) on top of it.

Then it's on to Queretaro, an attractive city which has played a crucial role in Mexican history. In Queretaro enjoy an included lunch. After a short tour around the town´s well-preserved historic center, recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage, you'll travel to San Miguel de Allende, one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Mexico. Here you will visit the famous “Parish of San Miguel”. In the evening you will have some free time for dinner and to enjoy the night ambiance of the city. Also a great opportunity for shopping typical crafts. Included: Breakfast and lunch.
 

In the morning you will enjoy a short drive to the town of Atotonilco. Here you will visit the Chapel built in the XVI century. You can see the fusion of the European and Pre-Hispanic cultures in its walls and ceilings. Continue to the town of Dolores Hidalgo, a small town where Miguel Hidalgo, father of Mexico, delivered his famous “Grito de Dolores” (Cry for Independence). In the evening you will arrive in Guanajuato. After check in at the hotel you will go for a night-tour to see the illuminated center of the city.  Included: Breakfast.
 

With its history as an important mining center, Guanajuato derived great wealth from its abundant silver deposits. The city is a true jewel among Mexico´s colonial cities. In the morning you will further explore the city. Enjoy sights such as the Hidalgo market, Juarez Theater, the University, the “Alley of the Kiss”, the Alhondiga de Granaditas, and the monument of El Pipila.

After this travel to San Luis Potosi. Panoramic tour of the center and then continue to the beautiful city of Zacatecas, a magnificent historic monument of the vice royal era, located on a hillside of the Cerro de la Bufa. At night we will for a walk to get a first impression of this colonial jewel. Included: Breakfast.
 

Departure to Tlaquepaque, a picturesque town of cobblestone streets, portals, galleries, hand crafts of various quality and style. Free time to enjoy this lovely town. The heart of the city is El Parian, a place suitable for relax.

In the afternoon, the tour continues to Guadalajara. This latter is Mexico's largest city and home of many Mexican traditions worldwide famous.

Today you will start with a visit to the town of Tequila, to the origins of Mexico´s most famous liquor. On the way to Tequila, you will enjoy spectacular views of agave plantations. In the colorful town of Tequila, visit one of the most recognized haciendas dedicated to the production of tequila, to learn about the production process of Mexico´s national drink. Of course you will also have the opportunity to taste some tequila!

Afterwards, return to Guadalajara. Back in Guadalajara go for a tour including the huge twin-towered cathedral surrounded by attractive plazas, the “Government Palace”, Degollado Theater, and Hospicio Cabañas.  Included: Breakfast.

In the morning, departure to Lake Chapala, the biggest lake in Mexico, surrounded by mountains. Visit Chapala and then continue to the State of Michoacán. A short visit is planned in Tzintzuntzan, once capital of the Purepecha people. Next stop will be Pátzcuaro, a magical town located on a large lake, famous for its colonial beauty and unique for its traditional customs.  Among its attractions are the “Basilique of Our Lady of Health”, the “House of the Eleven Patios”, and the historic centre. Don’t miss the traditional “Danza de los Viejitos” (Dance of the Old Men), probably the most entertaining Purépecha tradition.

After some free time, at the end of the afternoon, proceed to Morelia. Morelia is known as the aristocrat among Mexico’s colonial cities. Enjoy the wide variety of cafes and restaurants with typical dishes from the region.  Included: Breakfast.

Sightseeing tour of Morelia, Cultural Heritage: Plaza de Armas, Government Palace, Garden and Conservatory of the Roses, Clavijero Palace, Mercado de Dulces, Aqueduct, Fountain of Tarascas, Romance Alley, Calzada. In the afternoon we will make your way back to Mexico City.