Tour of the colonial Highlights of Mexico

Departure from Mexico City and transfer to Morelia, capital city of the State of Michoacan.

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 fight for independence. Morelia is known as the aristocrat among Mexico’s colonial cities. Its monumental status has been recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage. With its fine sculptured churches, a colorful plaza, numerous arcades, and lively ambiance, this is an off-the-beaten-track treasure that wants to be discovered.

Continuation to Patzcuaro, a small but pretty fishing town, where we will stay to overnight.

In the morning you will get to know more of Patzcuaro. Visit the “House of the Eleven Patios”, the main plaza and the “Basilica de la Salud”. It is the oldest city of the Purepechas, whose indigenous customs are still conserved and whose dialects are still spoken in this town. Don’t miss the "Danza de los Viejitos” (“Dance of the Old Men”), probably the most entertaining Purepecha tradition.

Then departure to Guadalajara, Mexico’s second largest city and home of many typical Mexican traditions.

On the way to Tequila, we will enjoy the lovely view of maguey plantations. It is called “Tequila Weber Blue Agave” because of its color, and it is the raw material for producing “tequila”, Mexico’s national drink.

In the town of Tequila, we will visit the Hacienda San Jose del Refugio and we will learn about the modern process of making tequila in a new distillery. Of course we will also have the opportunity to taste the tequila. In the afternoon we will return to Guadalajara. Guadalajara is the capital of Jalisco State, in Western Mexico.

The city itself is filled with numerous museums, historical buildings, galleries and outstanding restaurants. Enjoy a sightseeing tour, including the huge twin-towered cathedral surrounded by attractive plazas, the government palace, the Degollado theater and Hospicio Cabañas.

In the morning we will visit the pottery village of Tlaquepaque, probably Mexico's largest and most important arts and crafts center, offering goods from all over the country. Present day Tlaquepaque is still rich in local tradition and art. It attracts many of Jalisco's most talented artists, and has a reputation for the quality and diversity of its products.

Many summer homes have been converted into shops, which house various crafts, art and restaurants. The heart of Tlaquepaque is El Parian, a popular place to relax for people wishing to watch other people or simply to sit and watch the world go by, enjoying the steady pace of life in this small town.

Lunch is included in a typical local restaurant.

In the morning, we will continue our journey to Guanajuato. You will be surprised by the beauty of this city, with its winding lanes, its plazuelas shaded by Indian laurels, its large variety of decorative styles, its Mummy Museum, and its curious underground avenue.

In the morning you will explore more of Guanajuato.

This guided visit, mainly on foot, includes the Hidalgo market, Juarez Theater, the University, the “Alley of the Kiss” and the monument of El Pipila, a hero of the Independence. With its history as an important mining center, it derived great wealth from its abundant silver deposits.

This city is a true jewel among Mexico’s breathtaking colonial cities.

We will then depart to San Miguel de Allende.

Walking tour in the town San Miguel de Allende.

Let us take you, among other places, to the iconic Parish church of San Miguel, famous for its pink, sugar-candy pointing towers. These bizarre towers were designed by an untutored Indian, Zeferino Gutierrez in the late 19^th century. In the main chapel is the much revered image of the Cristo de la Conquista, made by Indians in Patzcuaro from cornstalks and orchid bulbs in the 16th century.

We will then continue to Queretaro, an attractive city which has played a crucial role in Mexican history. It is situated at the bottom of a basin surrounded by hills from where you have excellent views.

After a tour around the town´s well-preserved historic center, recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage, we continue to Mexico City.

Drop off at hotel (accommodation is not included).