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Colonial Cities & Gardens of Mexico Tour
with top-rated tour director Manuel Renteria

March 8 - 16, 2008

Program Itinerary

Day 1:
USA / Guadalajara
Flight from USA to Guadalajara, Mexico then transfer to hotel Mansion del Sol, a deluxe boutique hotel. Welcome reception and dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2:
Guadalajara
After breakfast, we depart for a tour of the second largest Mexican city, Guadalajara including the artisan town of Tlaquepaque. Lunch is on your own with a mid-afternoon return to the hotel.

Day 3:
Tequila
Today we travel to the heart of Tequila country visiting the farms and distillery. We will see and learn about Jima, the harvest of the agave, and all the traditional process of this most Mexican drink.

Day 4:
Guadalajara / Morelia
In the morning, we visit the regal city of Morelia, capital of the state of Michoacán, one of the most beautiful and well preserved colonial cities in Mexico. Then we check into Villa Montana, a beautiful hotel and spa.

Day 5:
Morelia / Patzcuaro / Morelia
Today we see the beautiful state of Michoacán with a visit to the colonial town of Patzcuaro by the lake of the same name and the highest in the country at 7,000 feet elevation. You will have time to stroll the cobble stone streets of Patzcuaro while shopping the arts and crafts stores for items made in and around town. Enjoy a Mexican country lunch.

Day 6:
Morelia / San Miguel de Allende
We travel to the picturesque town of San Miguel de Allende; a city designated a national monument. In the afternoon, we visit the botanical garden, El Charco del Ingenio, a natural master piece. Villa Jacaranda is the hotel for the night.

Day 7:
San Miguel De Allende / Guanajuato
This morning, discovery and curiosity await you around every street and corner in San Miguel de Allende. You can join us for a tour of Homes and Gardens before departing to the city of Guanajuato where we check into our hotel, Camino Real.

Day 8:
Guanajuato
Today, we enjoy this UNESCO heritage designated city, Guanajuato, known for its silver mining history, colonial architecture, and winding streets. We will also visit the old mining ex-hacienda, San Miguel de Barrera, with its beautiful gardens before we enjoy a group lunch at the Conde de la Valenciana restaurant. The afternoon is at your leisure. In the evening, join us at the Jardin the la Union outdoor cafes for an evening of farewell to this tour of Colonial cities and gardens.

Day 9:
Guanajuato / USA
In the morning we transfer to the Airport for the flight back to USA.

Manuel Renteria

For more than 26 years, Manuel Renteria, your Tour Director has been showing experienced travelers his country, Mexico. Manuel will take you behind the scenes and beyond the monuments to show you a side of the country that others miss.

Boyce Thompson Arboretum member: $2,589.00
Non-Member 2,689.00
Single Supplement: 500.00

Click here for a printable Reservation form PDF file and additional information

       Features Included:

• Airfare from USA (Phoenix or Tucson)

• Eight Nights First Class Hotel Accommodations

• Seven Breakfast, Six Lunches and Two Dinners

• All Tours mentioned in the Itinerary

• Escorted by Manuel Renteria

• Entrance Fees to Museums and Attractions

If you have any questions please call Leandra Lewis, Director of Development at 520-689-2723 or email llewis@cals.arizona.edu

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