Colonial Mexico
- Duration
- 9 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,299
MODERATE | SMALL GROUP: Discover the influences and legacies of the Spanish Colonial era in Mexico. Visit exceptionally beautiful towns and immerse yourself in history. You will be delighted at the colourful cities and towns offering extraordinary and remarkable sights including the Colonial-style buildings, plazas and avenues.
The Spanish Colonial era lasted around 300 years between 1521 and 1821 after which Mexico became independent. During this period, many cities and towns in Mexico inherited the style of architecture and ambience of the Spanish influence which can be experienced today.
Your Colonial Mexico journey will start and finish in Mexico City. After a night here, you will head north west to the city of Morelia, one of the most beautiful cities in the country and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The elegant 16th and 17th Century stone buildings, baroque facades and archways line the narrow downtown streets and are home to museums, hotels, restaurants, sidewalk cafes and a popular university. The baroque cathedral is exceptionally large covering more than 2 city blocks and is unforgettable when it is lit up at night. It dominates the main city plaza and took more than a century to build (1640−1744). In the interior is a well preserved sculpture of the Senor de la Sacristia made from dried corn paste and topped with a gold crown. It also has a working organ with 4600 pipes.
Other highlights to view are the main square, the Plaza dos Armas, the Government Palace constructed between 1760 and 1770 and the Clavijero Palace with its large courtyard. Continue later to Patzcuaro where you will have an overnight stay.
Patzcuaro is an attractive mountain town and is Colonial Mexico at its most enchanting. A charming Zocalo (main square) is lined with hotels, restaurants and shops housed in buildings dating from 14th Century. Here you will visit the Basilica de la Nuestra Senora de Salud, Patzcuaro's most important church, the Gertrudis Bocanegra Library, a beautiful public library which also houses a famous mural by modern artist Juan O'Gorman, the House of 11 Patios constructed in 1742 for Dominican nuns and the local market.
Continue north to the city of Guadalajara for a 2 night stay. Guadalajara is the second largest city in the country. It is a lovely Colonial city and contains many pleasant areas for walking. The historic centre is filled with Colonial era buildings. It also boasts several important mural paintings by Jalisco-born José Clemente Orozco, one of Mexico's most important artists which you will have the opportunity to see.
Start your first day here visiting one of the only tequila-producing regions in Mexico to discover how tequila is made. You will visit a tequila distillery and witness the process of making this famous drink. Also have a tequila tasting session. Then visit the village of Tlaquepaque with its important shopping district as it is a main arts and crafts centre. You will have a demonstration of glass blowing at a local studio.
The following morning brings a tour of the highlights of Guadalajara including the Palacio de Gobierno (Governor's Office), mostly visited for the murals painted there by José Clemente Orozco. the twin towered cathedral which boasts a richly decorated interior with gold-leaf pillars, Gothic vaults and a stained-glass window of the Last Supper, the Teatro Degollado (Degollado Theater) with its neo classical design and the Hospicio Cabanas, built at the beginning of the 19th century to provide care and shelter for disadvantaged orphans, old people, the handicapped and chronic invalids.
Later, drive to Guanajuato for overnight.
Guanajuato means "Place of Frogs" in the local indigenous language. It is a beautiful mountain Colonial town which many consider to be the most beautiful in Mexico. Here you will see El Pipila, A 28-metre tall statue of an independence hero on top of a hill, the Teatro Juarez. Juan Jose Martinez whose architecture is part Roman, part Greek and part Moorish making it a really beautiful building, the Callejon del Beso (Back Alley of the Kiss), its two balconies separated by only 69 centimetres and the scene of an old love legend and the Basilica of our Lady of Guanajuato, built in the 17th Century.
Afterwards, head to San Miguel de Allende for overnight. It is one of a group of old silver mining cities with quaint, cobblestone streets. Most activities surround the arts and learning, painting, weaving, photography and sculpture. Gathered around the Colonial centre are a number of fine examples of great Colonial architecture including the Parish Church which resides in front of the tree-lined main plaza.
The following morning, continue to the town of Querataro. The historic centre here is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is another silver city with charming pedestrian streets, stunning plazas and interesting churches. Finally arrive back at Mexico City for one more night’s accommodation.
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- Duration
- 9 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,299
Itinerary View Trip Map
Arrive Mexico City
Arrival at Mexico City International Airport and transfer to Hotel Regente or similar accommodation.
| Duration | 1 Night |
|---|---|
| Accommodation |
Hotel Regente |
| Location | View map |
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Hotel Regente
The Hotel Regente has a team of professionals ready at all times to offer an excellent service and personalized attention. We have 143 fully equipped rooms as well as a privileged location in the Gran Vía de Madrid, a step away from Plaza de Callao. …
The Hotel Regente has a team of professionals ready at all times to offer an excellent service and personalized attention.
We have 143 fully equipped rooms as well as a privileged location in the Gran Vía de Madrid, a step away from Plaza de Callao.
Among the services we offer our clients include: Terrace overlooking the Gran Vía, Meeting Room, Gym, Events, etc.
Everything with the highest quality and with an environment full of possibilities a step away from everything, right in the center of Madrid.Facilities
- Bar
- Conference Room
- Gym
- Laundry Service
- WiFi
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 1
Mexico City - Queretaro - San Miguel de Allende
Early departure to Queretaro, 211km from Mexico City. Capital of the state of Queretaro and of major importance during the Independence wars. City visit followed by a 1 hour drive to San Miguel de Allende. Explore this colonial city with its beautiful mansions and it's symbol - the Gothic style cathedral. Accommodation at the Casa Primavera Hotel Boutique Spa or similar.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
| Accommodation |
Hotel Real Minas |
| Location | View map |
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Hotel Real Minas
Situated in the beautiful city of San Miguel Allende, overlooking the valley, this hotel features sauna, fitness centre and massage service. A spa and wellness centre is available. The historic city of Virreinato is located only a short distance from the Hotel de Minas. Guests …
Situated in the beautiful city of San Miguel Allende, overlooking the valley, this hotel features sauna, fitness centre and massage service. A spa and wellness centre is available. The historic city of Virreinato is located only a short distance from the Hotel de Minas. Guests can discover beautiful architecture, stunning temples and churches as well as Baroque-style streets. The hotel is 850 metres from the San Miguel Arcangel Church and the History Museum.
Facilities
- 24 Hour Reception
- Airport Shuttle (Surcharge)
- Bar
- Barber/ Beauty Shop
- Billiard
- Business Centre
- Car Hire
- Childrens Playground
- Concierge
- Currency Exchange
- Express Check In/Out
- Fax/Photocopying
- Fitness Centre
- Free Parking
- Free WiFi
- Games Room
- Garden
- Ironing Service
- Laundry
- Luggage Storage
- Massages
- Meeting/ Banquet facilities
- Outdoor Pool
- Restaurant
- Sauna
- Spa
- Tennis Court
- Terrace
- Ticket Service
- Tour Desk
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 1
San Miguel de Allende - Guanajuato
Morning departure to Dolores Hidalgo and proceed to Guanajuato, an hours drive away, and City visit. Admire the Basilica; the University; the picturesque, historic center with its narrow colonial roads; the underground streets (former riverbeds); the famous Callejon del Beso (The Alley of the Kiss) and enjoy a panoramic view from the El Pipila monument. Arrival and accommodation at the hotel Mision Guanajuato or similar.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
| Accommodation |
Holiday Inn Express Guanajuato |
| Location | View map |
-
Holiday Inn Express Guanajuato
Holiday Inn Express Guanajuato has charming colonial-style decor. The Diego Rivera Museum and Mummy Museum are both within a 15-minute walk of the Holiday Inn Guanajuato. Free parking is offered on site. Located next to the hotel, Applebee's bar-restaurant serves international dishes. A hot buffet …
Holiday Inn Express Guanajuato has charming colonial-style decor.
The Diego Rivera Museum and Mummy Museum are both within a 15-minute walk of the Holiday Inn Guanajuato. Free parking is offered on site.
Located next to the hotel, Applebee's bar-restaurant serves international dishes. A hot buffet breakfast is served each morning.Facilities
- Air Conditioning
- Babysitting Service
- Bar
- Business Centre
- Childrens Playground
- Dry Cleaning
- Fitness Centre
- Free WiFi
- Hot Tub
- Laundry
- Meeting Rooms Available
- Newspapers
- Parking
- Restaurant
- Safety Deposit Box
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 1
Guanajuato - Zacatecas
Depart for Zacatecas. Arrival and visit to the historical center and the Cathedral, one of the pearls of Mexican baroque architecture, built in rose stone during the XVIII century. Visit the Plaza de Las Armas; the Cerro de la Bufa hill offering a fantastic panoramic view of the city; and the Mine of Eden. Accommodation at the City Express Zacatecas or similar.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
| Accommodation |
Hotel Emporio Zacatecas |
| Location | View map |
-
Hotel Emporio Zacatecas
Just steps from the Basilica Cathedral, where you will find Emporio Zacatecas, with an eye-catching baroque facade. At Hoteles Emporio, it has renovated one of the center's prettiest buildings-classed as a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site-and transformed it into a modern hotel with outstanding customer service, …
Just steps from the Basilica Cathedral, where you will find Emporio Zacatecas, with an eye-catching baroque facade. At Hoteles Emporio, it has renovated one of the center's prettiest buildings-classed as a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site-and transformed it into a modern hotel with outstanding customer service, prestige and quality.
Facilities
- Bar
- Meeting Rooms
- Parking
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 1
Zacatecas - Guadalajara
In the morning enjoy a scenic 4.5-hour drive to Guadalajara, named for its beauty - "The Pearl of the Occident". Arrival and visit of the neighborhood of Tlaquepaque famous for manufacturing the finest handicrafts of the state. Arrival and visit the borough of San Pedro Tlaquepaque, once an independent village and now a part of the city, whose inhabitants are dedicated to the manufacture of glassblowing and a variety of arts and crafts; here you can choose excellent souvenirs of your holiday. Accommodation at the Hotel Morales or similar hotel.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Nights |
| Accommodation |
Hotel Morales Guadalajara |
| Location | View map |
-
Hotel Morales Guadalajara
Centred in the heart of downtown Guadalajara, this historic hotel provides elegant accommodations, first-class amenities and is only a short distance from many area attractions. The Hotel Morales ideally places guests only minutes from a number of popular points of interest. A number of historical …
Centred in the heart of downtown Guadalajara, this historic hotel provides elegant accommodations, first-class amenities and is only a short distance from many area attractions. The Hotel Morales ideally places guests only minutes from a number of popular points of interest. A number of historical sites, cathedrals and more are in close proximity.
Facilities
- 24 Hour Medical Service
- Air Conditioning
- Bar
- Business Centre
- Concierge
- Currency Exchange
- Dry Cleaning (Surcharge)
- Free WiFi
- Gym
- Ironing Service
- Laundry Service
- Luggage Storage
- Newspapers
- Restaurant
- Swimming Pool
- Valet and Self Parking
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 1
Guadalajara
Today, visit of the historical center: the Teatro Degollado, the Palacio de Gobierno, the Cathedral, the Rotonda de los Hombres Ilustres monument (Rotunda of Illustrious Men) and a panoramic visit of the Hospicio Cabanas.
Departure to the "Tequila" region, home of the ancient and famous Mexican alcoholic drink. At the Tequila village enjoy a demonstration of the whole manufacturing process in one of the best Tequila distilleries. Return to Guadalajara and accommodation.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Guadalajara - Patzcuaro - Morelia
Morning departure to Patzcuaro. Upon arrival, visit the House of the Eleven Patios; the Basilica of Nuestra Senora de la Salud; Gertrudis Bocanegra Library, with its murals painted by Juan O' Gorman; and the typical market in the Don Vasco de Quiroga Plaza. In the afternoon we travel by bus to Morelia, the gorgeous capital of the State of Michoacan. Accommodation at the Mision Catedral hotel or similar.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
| Accommodation |
Hotel Mision Catedral |
| Location | View map |
-
Hotel Mision Catedral
Mision Catedral Hotel in Morelia Mexico boasts an enviable location almost directly in front of the historically majestic Morelia Cathedral. Originally a 16 Century mansion that belonged to Conde de Pereda, the hotel is the perfect place to start an unforgettable vacation. Explore the beautiful …
Mision Catedral Hotel in Morelia Mexico boasts an enviable location almost directly in front of the historically majestic Morelia Cathedral. Originally a 16 Century mansion that belonged to Conde de Pereda, the hotel is the perfect place to start an unforgettable vacation. Explore the beautiful monuments, plazas and streets of the city, full of life and legends.
Facilities
- Business Corner
- Parking
- WiFi
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 1
Morelia - Mexico City
In the morning we visit the cathedral, with its Baroque exterior and Neoclassic interior; the Plaza de Armas (Weapon's Plaza); the Government Palace; the Clavijero Palace and other interesting monuments. The tour continue to Mexico City, with accommodation at the Regente hotel.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
| Accommodation |
Hotel Regente |
| Location | View map |
-
Hotel Regente
The Hotel Regente has a team of professionals ready at all times to offer an excellent service and personalized attention. We have 143 fully equipped rooms as well as a privileged location in the Gran Vía de Madrid, a step away from Plaza de Callao. …
The Hotel Regente has a team of professionals ready at all times to offer an excellent service and personalized attention.
We have 143 fully equipped rooms as well as a privileged location in the Gran Vía de Madrid, a step away from Plaza de Callao.
Among the services we offer our clients include: Terrace overlooking the Gran Vía, Meeting Room, Gym, Events, etc.
Everything with the highest quality and with an environment full of possibilities a step away from everything, right in the center of Madrid.Facilities
- Bar
- Conference Room
- Gym
- Laundry Service
- WiFi
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 1
Mexico City
Transfer to the Mexico City International Airport and a farewell to your Mexico trip.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
2023: May 10, 24; June 7, 21; July 5, 19; August 2, 16; October 4, 18; November 8, 22; December 6
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Shared arrival and departure airport transfers
- 2 nights in moderate accommodations in Mexico City
- 1 night in first-class accommodations in San Miguel de Allende
- 1 night in first-class accommodations in Guanajuato
- 1 night in first-class accommodations in Zacatecas
- 2 nights in first-class accommodations in Guadalajara
- 1 night in first-class accommodations in Morelia
- Small group escorted coach tour (max 10 guests) including:
- Transportation (10-seater air-conditioned minibus)
- Entry to archaeological sites and museums as listed
- English-speaking guide
- Porter services at hotels and airports
- Breakfast daily (excluding day 1)
PRICE EXLUDES:
- Travel insurance
- International airfare & airfare taxes
- Meals and beverages not mentioned
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
- Visa fees if applicable
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Itinerary and inclusions subject to change or amendment prior to departure due to local conditions. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.
8 Nov 2023
