The Spanish Conquerors first arrived in Mexico in the XVI Century. Undoubtedly they are remembered as having plundered Mexico of much of its natural wealth especially gold and silver, but they also left a wonderful legacy of impressive buildings and colourful traditions. On this journey through some of the beautiful cities left behind by the Conquerors, we will see many of the reminders of this turning-point in Mexican history.
DAY 1 - Arrival in Mexico City. You will be met at the airport to be transferred to your city-centre hotel. Overnight.
DAY 2 - After breakfast there will be a chance to see some of the historic downtown area of the city. This will begin in the Zocalo with the Metropolitan Cathedral and National Palace. Then there will be a short walking tour which will more than display the colonial beauty of Mexico City. Following this you will be taken out to see the magnificent Pyramids at Teotihuacan and finish off the day at the world-renowned Museum of Anthropology. Overnight.
DAY 3 - Breakfast. The coach will be waiting to take you out of the city to the small town of Tepotzotlan where one of the greatest treasures of the Colonial era lies - The Museum Virreinal. After visiting this impressive Museum you will carry on to the city of Queretaro, where there will be a short walking tour of the centre of the city, which looks so much like a typical city In Spain. Continuing on from here the next stop will be the lovely town of San Miguel Allende, which is an attraction for artists of all types, because of its beautiful cobble-stone streets lined with bougainvillea and houses opening out into courtyards. There will be a visit to the magnificent Cathedral before you continue on to your destination for the night - Guanajuato.
DAY 4 - Breakfast in the hotel. The day will be devoted to a visit to this most famous colonial city. Such famous buildings as the Cathedral and of course the famous ‘Callejon del Beso’ will be visited. You will feel as if you are in old Spain as you walk through this marvellous legacy of the Spanish Conquest. Return to the hotel and at night there will be a chance to hear one of the typical ‘Estudiantina’ bands which perform in the streets of Guanajuato.
DAY 5 - After breakfast the coach will leave Guanajuato and drive south to the State of Michoacan and its beautiful capital city of Morelia. The scenic drive will take you past the lovely lakes of Yuriria and Cuitzeo - the road actually runs along a causeway over the latter lake. On arrival in Morelia there will be a walking tour with the magnificent Cathedral being the centre of attraction. Overnight.
DAY 6 - Just a short drive away from Morelia is the peaceful Lake of Patzcuaro. After breakfast this will be the destination for the day. You will pass through small villages with such names as Tzintztuntzan before reaching the lake. On arrival you will board a launch which will take you out to the Island of Janitizio with the huge statue to the Independence hero, Morelos, dominating it. Time will be spent on the island in order to explore all the area and the return to Morelia will be in the late afternoon. Overnight.
DAY 7 - After breakfast the coach will continue to Guadalajara, the second biggest city in Mexico. On arrival the coach will take you to the area of Tlaquepaque, known as a great centre for handicrafts and artisan's work. There will be time here for shopping and looking around before continuing to the hotel. Overnight.
DAY 8 - Breakfast. There will be first a tour of the centre of Guadalajara to see some of the beautiful colonial buildings in the centre like the Cathedral, Hospice 'Cabañas and the Degollado Theatre. Following this the coach will continue out of the city and over the Sierra Madre mountains to the Pacific resort of Puerto Vallarta. On arrival there will be time for a first swim. Overnight.
DAY 9 - Breakfast. A full free day in Puerto Vallarta to enjoy the sun and sea. Late afternoon transfer to the airport for the flight back to Mexico City and continuation to your destination. Or the possibility of staying on for a few relaxing days in beautiful Puerto Vallarta!
GUARANTEED DEPARTURE DATES FOR 2004
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January 2 + 30
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July 16 |
February 27
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August 13 |
March 26
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September 10 |
April 23
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October 8 |
May 21
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November 5 |
| June 18 |
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The programme operates daily with a minimum of 4 people. |
