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Mexico City - San Miguel de Allende
Savor the sights and sounds of one of the world's largest, most cosmopolitan cities. Walk through museums in the company of recognized experts in art and anthropology. Enjoy a blend of old world charm and modern luxury as you explore the beautiful colonial towns of Queretaro, San Miguel, and Guanajuato. You'll go inside gorgeous private homes, enjoy leisurely meals in lush, secluded gardens, and get to know great new friends.
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Mexico CityMexico City, the City of Palaces, the ancient capital of the Mexica empire and the jewel in New Spanish Viceroys crown, is today a modern, cosmopolitan city - one of the biggest, most complex and most exciting cities in the world.
Many diverse cultures have inhabited the area that is now the capital of Mexico, and we are fortunate that today their influences are still visible throughout the city. When the Europeans arrived, they brought with them the baroque and neoclassic styles of art and architecture. The indigenous peoples adapted them to create a style unique in the world, which can still be seen in the capitol citys palaces, mansions, churches and cathedrals.
Mexico Citys many museums display the colorful pre-Hispanic and Colonial history, as well as artwork from some of the 20th Centurys greatest artists and world-famous muralists.
The sheer size of the city means there is something for everyone. In addition to a fascinating history and unique architecture, Mexico City boasts great restaurants, nightclubs, music, markets, shopping, and grand city parks. Hotel Gran ChapultepecThis architecturally innovative hotel, opened in 2001, provides birds-eye views of Chapultepec Castle, the cultural heart of Mexico City. The Castle is the former home of Emperor Maximillian and now houses the National Museum of History. The Gran Chapultepec is a contemporary hotel with a modern art deco interior. In the guest rooms you will find all the amenities and creature comforts and in the public areas are two restaurants, a lounge, business center, beauty salon, spa and fitness center.
Even with all of this, the Gran Chapultepec offers such personal service you will feel you are in a luxury boutique hotel. Mexico's Colonial HeartlandA visit to Colonial Mexico is a refreshing experience for the mind, body, and spirit. Colonial cities in Central Mexico were developed under the Spanish Crown and once boasted some of the worlds most prosperous silver mines. The Mexican Government realized the value of these beautiful cities and their amazing architecture and atmosphere and has worked hard to keep them intact and authentic.
San Miguel de Allende is located in the center of the Colonial cites and in 1926 was designated a National Monument by the Mexican Government as a means of forever preserving its colonial splendor. San Miguel de Allende will be our base for a few days, but you will also have the opportunity to tour two more examples of Mexicos Colonial era, Queretaro and Guanajuato. La Puertecita Boutique HotelTranquility on the edge of excitement', La Puertecita is located a short walk from the center of colonial San Miguel. The hotel is built in Mexican colonial style and the spacious, comfortable rooms are decorated with colorful local furnishings. While quaint, they offer everything needed including telephones, cable TV, safety deposit boxes, comfy robes and bath amenities. La Puertecita has two pools, a Jacuzzi, fitness studio, business center, and the well known Restaurante La Puertecita, serving traditional Mexican specialties.
Itinerary
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| Saturday Home - Mexico City Gran Chapultepec (D) |
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Arrive in Mexico City and check in at the Grand Chapultepec Hotel. After checking in, you will join the other tour participants in the Hospitality Suite for a meet and greet. In the evening there will be a cocktail party followed by a Welcome Dinner. |
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| Sunday Mexico City Gran Chapultepec (B D) |
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After brunch, we will meet in the Hospitality Suite for group activities. Optional shopping or sightseeing excursions are also available. In the evening there will be a cocktail party followed by a group dinner |
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| Monday Mexico City - San Miguel La Puertecita (B L D) |
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This morning we'll take off from Mexico City and travel by deluxe motorcoach to Queretaro. We'll have a Continental breakfast on board. We'll have lunch at Hacienda Jurica, a 30-acre estate built in the 1500s, followed by a leisurely walk around the courtyards and grounds, or simply relax outside in the beautiful garden area. After lunch, we'll drive to downtown Queretaro for a walking tour. We'll start at the Plaza de la Independencia (Plaza de Armas), where restored colonial mansions face a central fountain that was originally fed by an old stone aqueduct. We'll visit the Palacio del Gobierno del Estado, which in 1810 was the home of La Corregidora (a famous leader of the struggle for independence from Spain), and the Casa de Ecala, an 18th century palace in the Mexican Baroque style. We'll continue our walk along narrow bougainvillea-shaded streets, lined with shops, and finish at the city main square, Jardin Obregon. The late afternnon we'll continue by motorcoach to San Miguel de Allende and check in at La Puertecita Inn. In the evening there will be a cocktail party followed by a group dinner. |
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Continental Breakfast onboard luxury motorcoach. Sightseeing enroute and lunch in Queretaro. |
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| Tuesday San Miguel de Allende La Puertecita (B L D) |
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The morning will consist of topic-related activities or presentations. There will be a mid afternoon break for a group lunch and free time. We'll reconvene in the afternnon for more topic-related activities or presentations. In the evening there will be a cocktail party followed by a group dinner. |
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| Wednesday San Miguel de Allende La Puertecita (B L D) |
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This morning we'll travel to Guanajuato by deluxe motorcoach for an all-day excursion and Guanajuato city tour. Guanajuato sits at about 7,000 feet and while winters are cool, the rest of the year enjoys wonderful spring-like weather.Once the silver capital of the world, for over 300 years Guanajuato accounted almost one-third of the world total silver production. This beautiful Colonial city has 15 plazas, a number of cathedrals with soaring steeples, cobblestone walkways and many elegant mansions - all a reflection of the great wealth of the silver barons. It is said that Guanajuato has the most Spanish feeling of all the Colonial cities in Mexico. The fabulous historic area has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988, prohibiting modern construction.Guanajuato played an important role in the Battle for Independence. Among the sites our tour will visit are La Alhondiga de Granaditas, site of Padre Hidalgos first victory in the battle of Independence, as well as where he lost his head; the stunning Teatro Jurez, built in the early 20th Century, and inaugurated by Mexican President Diaz in 1903, today it is the main venue of the annual Cervantes Festival; the museum of Don Quixote, with its extensive collection of artwork of the Man from LaMancha; and the Iglesia de San Cayetano, one of the most incredible colonial churches in the churrigueresque style, filled with floor-to-ceiling carvings in white cedar covered with 18-carat gold. Mexican muralist Diego Rivera was born in Guanajuato and there is a museum with his early works. The 18th century Hacienda San Gabriel de Barrea features acres of luxurious theme gardens; each English, Chinese, Italian, and French garden is decorated with statues and fountains from that country.We'll have lunch at Truco Cafe & Gallery, on a hillside above Teatro Juarez, overlooking Jardin de la Union. We'll then continue our Guanajuato city tour, with leisure time for shopping and relaxing in a plaza. In the evening there will be a cocktail party followed by a group dinner at the Hotel San Diegos dining room, overlooking Jardin de la Union. We'll return to San Miguel de Allende after dinner. |
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| Thursday San Miguel de Allende La Puertecita (B L D) |
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The morning will consist of topic-related activities or presentations. We'll take a San Miguel city tour, with lunch at the Sierra Nevada Hotel. In the evening there will be a cocktail party followed by a group dinner. |
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| Friday San Miguel - Mexico City Gran Chapultepec (B L D) |
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In the morning, we'll take a Motorcoach to Queretaro for a city tour. We'll have lunch at the Comedor La Marquesa, with some afternoon free time. We'll take a motorcoach to Mexico City and and check in at Grand Chapultepec Hotel. In the evening there will be a cocktail party followed by a Farewell Dinner Party. |
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| Saturday Mexico City - Home (No Meals Included) |
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On your own you'll depart the Gran Chapultepec Hotel for the airport and your return flight home.. |
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