Guanajuto - Patzcuaro - Morelia - Diego Rivera House - Boca Mina - Michoacan - Purepecha - Tzintzuntzan - Santa Clara del Cobre - Isla Janitzio

Mexico's Colonial Heartland offers the inquisitive and sophisticated traveler the opportunity of authentic contact with Mexico’s rich and multi-layered history, culture, and people. From the pre-Columbian past through the colonial era and on to modern day integration of the old with the new, the colonial heartland boasts a deep cross section of Mexico’s engaging and colorful history.

Join us for a journey into the heart of Mexico's independence and revolutionary past. Prepare for an intimate experience with the history and lore of the colonial heartland. Accompany us on unexpected explorations of the highlands of Michoacán where the independence movement intertwines with Purépecha traditions and handicrafts that are coveted worldwide. Delve into pre-Columbian times in Morelia and Pátzcuaro where the friendly locals are glad to share a smile or invite you into their workshops to browse the rich crafts traditions that have continued unchanged for generations.

Price: From £1475.00 Per Person

Departure Dates:

2010 5-11 September, 10-16 October, 21-27 Nov, 20-26 Dec Special Christmas Departure, 26 Dec – 1 Jan, 2010 Special New Years Departure

2011 16-20 January, 13-19 February, 27 March – 2 April, 17-23 April Semana Santa Departure, 29 May- 4 June, 3-9 July, 23-29 Oct, 27 Nov – 3 Dec, 24-30 Dec Christmas Departure

Day 1: Arrival: Home/Leon/Guanajuato.

Arrival and private transfer from the Leon or Mexico City International Airport to the World Heritage City of Guanajuato (:30 mins / 4:30 hrs.). Check in and enjoy a well deserved rest! (Overnight Quinta Las Acacias: Std. Suite) No Meals

Day 2: Guanajuato/City Tour.

Today you will enjoy a privately guided tour of this incredibly interesting and historical city. You will visit the sites of most interest including: The central plaza or Zocalo as it is known in all Mexican towns and cities in the Republic, Teatro Juárez, Callejón del Beso, Alhondiga de Granaditas (site of the first rebel victory in the War of Independence), Museo y Casa de Diego Rivera, the Museo de las Mómias, the Mina and Templo de la Valencia and more depending on time and interest. Lunch and dinner are on your own today and you will finish your tour in the mid-afternoon. Enjoy the atmosphere in the city center before returning to your hotel for the night. (Overnight Quinta Las Acacias: Std. Suite) B

Day 3: Guanajuato/Patzcuaro.

After breakfast you will be picked up and privately transferred to the highland colonial gem of Patzcuaro (3:00 hrs.). Mid-day arrival and check in to your lovely boutique hotel located right off of the Central Plaza and Basilica followed by a guided tour of the city center. Upon deeper exploration, the cobble stone streets and 17th C. Architecture give way to the Tarascan and Purepecha traditions of the indigenous inhabitants in a delightful blend of modern Mexico that piques your interest and imagination. (Overnight Mansion de los Sueños) B

Day 4: Patzcuaro/Isla Janitzio/Santa Clara del Cobre/Tzintzuntzan.

After breakfast you will be picked up for a full day privately guided tour of Isla Janitzio and the fascinating crafts villages that surround Lake Patzcuaro. This picturesque lake, is accented with the now famous island of Janitzio, one of the most important and visited villages for Dia de los Muertos ritual celebration. The moderate walk (:30 mins.) to the top of the gently sloped island is great to stretch your legs and acclimatize further to the crisp mountain air. Climb the several hundred steps to the top of the 140 ft. statue of Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon up onto his wrist to view the lovely panorama or simply relax in the small park at his feet enjoying the view. We return mid-day and will continue on to Santa Clara del Cobre for a delicious locally prepared lunch of Tarascan fare. During the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead Nov. 1st – 2nd), Isla Janitzio and the villages surrounding Lake Patzcuaro are swarmed with visitors clamoring to understand the mystical and somber rituals of the locals that go to sit vigil with their deceased family members in commentaries. However, during the rest of the year, the island and surrounding villages offer a window into pre-Columbian times and the friendly Purépecha indigenous people who are glad to share a smile or invite you into their work shops to browse the rich crafts traditions. We will have ample time to visit the silver shops for which Santa Clara is famous for before continuing on to the Purepecha ruins of Tzintzuntzan for a brief, but interesting visit. Late afternoon return to our hotel. (Overnight Mansion de los Sueños: Jr. Suite) B,L

Day 5: Patzcuaro/Morelia.

Today after breakfast you will have our last morning to enjoy the shops and plazas of Patzcuaro. You will be picked up at 11:00 a.m. and privately transferred to the economic center of Michohuacan, the impressive colonial city of Morelia (:40 mins.). Named after one of the most important fathers of the independence movement and hero of countless epic battles, Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon, the exquisite colonial architecture and 16th century ambience have made the historic center of Morelia a UNESCO world heritage site. Lunch is on your own at one of the many fine restaurants in the city center before returning to your lovely and well-situated hotel in the Historic City Center to check in. In the afternoon, you will see the important historic sites including: The Cathedral (which took over a century to build!), the Palacio Clavijero (site of the Jesuit school of St. Francis Xavier, and the Casa de Artesanias (where you’ll find a robust array of handicrafts from all over the state of Michohuacan and beyond). (Overnight Hotel los Juaninos: Superior Room) B

Day 6: Morelia.

Free morning to enjoy the city center and soak in the local flavor of the Plaza. It is here where the daily life of Morelianos is transacted and despite the international recognition and acclaim Morelia has received, this still remains very much a typical Mexican City. After lunch on your own, you will be picked up 2:00 p.m. for a privately guided tour to visit local artisans in the workshops. Depending on interest you may visit craftspeople working with clay, wood carving, weaving, furniture and more. Alternately you may opt to focus on colonial history, architecture, or the archeological past of this rich city and surrounding country side. Late afternoon return to your lovely hotel for dinner on your own. (Overnight Hotel los Juaninos: Superior Room) B

Day 7: Departure: Morelia / Home.

Pick up and private transfer to the Leon/Toluca/Mexico City Airport (3:00/3:00/4:30 hrs.) for your onward flight home.

Price Includes: Airport transfers in group, additional transfers available at extra cost; All accommodation as noted above or in equivalent when available; all transport in private vehicle as noted in itinerary above; all guided services and tours as indicated in detailed itinerary above unless noted as “optional at extra cost”; all taxes; all meals as indicated in the detailed itinerary above (B,L,D).

Price Doesn’t Include: International and internal flights; entrance/exit airport fees; meals and/or beverages not indicated in detailed itinerary; Airport transfers not on group arrival; Alcoholic beverages, Gratuities to guides, drivers, wait-staff, maid service, porters; telephone calls and items of a personal nature.