Mexico's Colonial Jewels

Day 1 : Mexico City > Morelia > Patzcuaro

This morning you will be collected from your pre-tour hotel before travelling to the city of Morelia. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has a wonderfully preserved historical centre, built with pink shimmering limestone from the region. See the cathedral on the great main square, walk along the limestone scenery to the Tarasca Fountain, where the colonial aqueduct comes crossing the main boulevard giving a lovely urban setting. Later in the afternoon proceed to Patzcuaro and check into your hotel before enjoying the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 2 : Patzcuaro  > Guadalajara

Enjoy a morning city tour of Patzcuaro highland colonial town which is dominated by pine woods. In comparison to limestone Morelia, here is a more traditional abode, with construction mostly of wooden roof beams covered with burned tiles. See the main squares Bocanegra and Vasco de Quiroga, main Basilica church and the famous House of 11 Patios, among others. Enjoy a boat ride on Patzcuaro Lake and visit Janitzio Island with its Morelos statue on the top.

Continue overland to Guadalajara city before checking into your hotel, enjoying the evening at leisure.

Day 3 : Tequila & Guadalajara

After breakfast drive from Guadalajara to the town of Tequila and the surrounding blue agave fields (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and home of the famous Mexican spirit. Enjoy a tasting at a local distillery and get a look at the agave plant, learning about the processing of it.

In the afternoon return to Guadalajara for a city tour in the so called “Perla Tapatia” with its colonial cathedral and the neoclassical ensemble around. Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

Day 4 : Guadalajara > Zacatecas

After breakfast depart Guadalajara for the colonial city of Zacatecas which its wealthy appearance dates back to the times of silver mining in Mexico. Visit the historical town centre (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) with the biggest continuous colonial urban ensemble in all of Mexico. See the cathedral, the market hall, Bufa Hill and visit one of the ancient silver mines. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 5 : Zacatecas > Leon > Guanajuato

This morning depart Zacatecas and travel to the city of Leon, famous for leather processing and its beautiful colonial centre La Madero, San Juan de Dios city quarter. Learn about the history of Leon and see precious products made from leather. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure before driving to the city of Guanajuato.

Day 6 : Guanajuato > Dolores Hidalgo > San Miguel de Allende

Enjoy a morning city tour of Guanajuato, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an old mining town with a historical centre full of colonial architecture, nestled with irregular street pattern in a narrow valley. See the underground street built in the dry river bed, visit the Juarez Theatre and Alhondiga, the Hidalgo Market Hall and Pipilia monument.

In the afternoon continue towards San Miguel de Allende and also stop in the town of Dolores Hidalgo which has an important past in Mexico’s history of Independence. Arrive in San Miguel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Day 7 : San Miguel de Allende > Queretaro > Mexico City

This morning enjoy a city tour of San Miguel de Allende to discover this small jewel colonial city (also a UNESCO World Heritage Site), dates back from active mining times in the Spanish colony. See the House of Allende, the neo-gothic architecture in Parroquia church and all the art and colours in town.

Later in the morning depart San Miguel de Allende for Mexico City, stopping enroute in Queretaro colonial city for a panoramic visit to its historical town centre. Visit the colonial aqueduct, the cathedral, Lane of Poems, Corregidora House and more. Arrive back in Mexico City in the evening and be transferred to your hotel or the airport.