MEXICO TOURS - MEXICO COLONIAL MASTERPIECE

              MEXICO COLONIAL MASTERPIECES
                           12 Days - 11 Nights

Unique Features:
- Enjoy a colorful celebration of dance, music and traditional costumes showcasing Mexico's cultures during an exquisite folklore ballet performance
- Visit the Hospicio Cabanas for an up-close view of Jose Orozco's murals
- Tour the museum of Mundo Cuervo and witness the tequila maiking process
- 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Departures: October 4, 11, November 8; January 10, 17, 24, February 21, March 14, 21, April 18, 25

Day 1   Home City - Mexico City
Meet and Greet upon arrival to Mexico's International Airport, and Transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day free to relax, stroll, shop and explore Mexico's bustling capital city on your own. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.   D

Day 2   Mexico City - Sightseeing
Join a local expert in exploring Mexico City's Centro Historico (UNESCO World Heritage Site) where you will find Plaza de la Constitucion, the second largest square in the world. Visit the 16th century Metropolitan Cathedral and view the nearby ruins of Templo Mayor (Great Temple) with shrines to the Gods of Rain and War. Next, travel to Our Lady of Guadalupe pilgrimage center whre in 1531 a "Lady from Heaven" appeared to a humble Native American. Today more than 10 million people visit this world famous shrine. Later, witness an interesting presentation on the many uses of the cactus plant followed by local craftsmen demonstrating the art of stone crafting and jewelry making. Your day continues to ancient Teotihuacan, known as the first true city of the Americas and home to Mexico's tallest pyramid. Your day ends with a captivating folklore ballet show showcasing Mexico's traditional dances, lively music and colorful costumes.    B

Day 3   Mexico City - Queretaro - Guanajuato
Travel the rolling hills and valleys of central Mexico to charming Queretaro. Enjoy free time for lunch and exploring the historic city center (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Here you will find beautiful examples of Baroque architecture, cozy restaurants and tree-lined boulevards featuring exquisite colonial buildings. Your travels continue to captivating Guanajuato (UNESCO World Heritage Site), whre history, art and beauty are woven into a tapestry of winding streets, open plazas and intimate squares.   B, D

Day 4   Guanajuato - San Miguel de Allende - Guanajuato
After breakfast, a short ride brings you to picture perfect San Miguel de Allende. A local expert takes you on a leisurely-paced walking tour of this well preserved 16th century mining town. Enjoy the remainder of the day exploring San Miguel's cobblestone streets, colonial mansions, animated town square and outstanding antique shops.   B

Day 5   Guanajuato - Zacatecas
Join a local expert in exploring the hidden treasures of Guanajuato. At the Alhondiga de Granaditos Museum you will learnn why this attractive, perfectly preserved colonial city is considered the cornerstone of Mexico's independence movement. Later, explore the main plaza of Union Garden and Mercado Hidalgo, a 1910 cast iron and glass building designed by Gustave Eiffel. This afternoon you travel the picturesque countryside of valleys and vineyards to Zacatecas (UNESCO World Heritage Site), an undiscovered colonial gem of cultural treasures.   B, D

Day 6   Zacatecas
Zacatecas, known as "the city of light and color", became a mining town in the 16th century when one of the world's richest silver veins was discovered. Your morning city tour features Plaza de Armas and the 17th century Baroque Cathedral of Zacatecas. Next, visit the fascinating Rafael Coronel Museum with its collection of 4,000 hand-carved, hand painted Mexican masks used in ritual dances of indigeneous communities. A must for all is a tour of El Eden Mine where mine cars will transport you to the depths of an old silver mine followed by spectacular views of the city from Bufa Hill.   B

Day 7   Zacatecas - Tlaquepaque - Guadalajara
Travel south to the state of Jalisco arriving at Tlaquepaque, one of Mexico's largest airts and crafts centers offering a wide variety of original crafts ranging from ceramics to stoneware articles to brass ornaments. Enjoy time to browse, shop and taste the local cuisine. Your day ends with a visit to one of Guadalajara's most important sites, Hospicio Cabanas (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Here, in the early 20th century, the chapel was decorated with a series of murals, now considered to be some of the masterpieces of Mexican art by Jose Clemente Orozco.   B, D

Day 8   Guadalajara - Tequila - Guadalajara
The Agave Landscape and Ancient Industrial Facilities of Tequila (UNESCO World Heritage Site) comprise more than 85,000 acres of blue agave fields, distilleries and typical hacciendas dedicated to producing Mexico's national spirit. Visit an agave field and witness one of the local workers demonstarte the palnting and cultivation of the valuablke blue agave plant. Explore the Mundo Cuervo Brewery and Museum to see the actual process of converting the blue agave plant to various grades of tequila. Afternoon and evening at leisure.   B

Day 9   Guadalajara - Patzcuaro - Morelia
This morning, a leisurely ride brings you to the state of Michoacan and the traditionall town of Patzcuaro, known locally as the "Pueblo Magico". Founded in 1540, this beautiful town is known for its rich history, traditions, grand architecture and natural beauty. Communities of Purepechas Indians populate the region and still adhere to their traditions and costumes. Bartering for goods is common amongst the townspeople. The fishermen of the area are known the world over for their butterfly fishing nets used for centuries to catch the white fish from the lake. Enjoy free time to mingle with the locals and explore Vasco de Quiroga Square, one the most beautiful and largest in Mexico. Later, your travels continue to beautiful Morelia, where the traditions of the Tarascan Indians persits, as seen in the traditional attire they wear, the handicrafts they make, and the historical importance of nearby archaeological ruins.   B, D

Day 10   Morelia
A local expert provides a leisurely paced walking tour of Morelia's historic city center (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Built during Mexico's Viceregal era, Morelia delights with wide boulevards and architectural treasures such as the National Palace, the 18th century aqueduct, and the Baroque style cathedral. Afternoon and evening at leisure to relax, shop, stroll and explore on your own.   B

Day 11   Morelia - Mexico City
Return to Mexico City for a fscinating tour of the world-renowned National Museum of Anthropology. Considered one of the most important of its kind in the world, the Museum has a number of significant exhibits, such as the Aztec calendar stone, giant stone Olmec heads from the jungles of Tabasco and Veracruz, and treasures recovered from the sacred Maya cenote at Chichen Itza. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your new found friend, yur fellow travelers.   B, D

Day 12 Mexico City - Home City
At the appropiate hour, Transfer to Airport for flight homeward or next destination.   B

B   Breakfast     D   Dinner

Tour Includes:
- Meet and Greet at the Airport upon arrival, and Transfer to your hotel
- Sightseeing Excursions and Local Guide as described
- 3 Nights Accommodations in Mexico City at the Sheraton Centro Historico*
- 2 Nights Accommodations in Guanajuato at the Hotel La Abadia*
- 2 Nights Accommodations in Zacateca in the Hotel Del Bosque* or Hacienda Del Bosque*
- 2 Nights Accommodations in Guadalajara at the Hotel Intercontinental Presidente*
- 2 Nights Accommodations in Morelia at the Hotel Virrey De Mendoza*
- 11 Breakfasts, 6 Dinners
- Departure Transfer to the Airport

* On some dates alternate hotels may be used.

Not Included in Tour Price:
The land price of the tour does not include Air Travel, Airline Fees, Airport or Departure Taxes, Transfers, Visas, customary end of trip Gratuities for your Tour Manager, Driver, Local Guides, Hotel Housekeepers, and any Incidental Charges.

Sample Air Inclusive Rates:
Starting at $1689.00 Per Person from Washington D.C. Includes fuel surcharges at the time of print. Based on double rate. Taxes and fees are additional. Availability of prices in the brochure is limited, and at the time you purchase your tour, prices may be higher. Internal flights are included with the vacation if you purchase air through Collette Vacations -Escorted Latin America Tours. Ask about our Business Class upgrade.

Important Notes:
- Travelers must be in good health as sightseeing requires walking on uneven terrain, wheelchairs and walkers cannot be accommodated on this tour. Many activities in this itinerary include walking on uneven terrain, or require significant walking at times. Some of the unique experiences, such as visiting historical areas, means accessing locations by foot because motor coaches are restricted. In addition, temperatures on this tour can be very high. Adequate sun protection is recommended.
- The elevation in Zacatecas is approximately 8,000 feet above sea level.
- The days and order of sightseeing may change to best utilize your time on tour.

Deposit and Payment Policy:
- A $275.00 non-refundable deposit is required at time of booking to secure your reservation.
- Balance is due 65 days prior to departure.

Cancellation Policy:
- More than 65 days prior to departure, a non-refundable deposit will be retained
- 64 - 21 days prior to departure: 25% of total price
- 20 - 2 days prior to departure: 40% of total price
- 1 Day prior to Departure and afterward: 100% of total price

Travel Insurance is strongly recommended.

Escorted Latin America Tours
14115 Budworth Circle • Orlando, Florida 32832
Phone: (800) 225-0117 • Fax: (407) 208-0208

Website & Marketing: L.E.T. Group