Special Features
- Visit Casa Azúl, the museum dedicated to the life of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo
- Tour Mexico City’s historic center including the National Palace and Palacio de Bellas Artes
- Visit the mysterious archaeological site of Teotihuacán, also known as the City of the Gods
- Walking tour of Queretaro, known for its magnificent Spanish colonial architecture
- Enjoy San Miguel Allende, whose history is intertwined with Mexican Independence
- Travel via the lush farmlands of El Bajío to Guanajuato known for its silver mining history
- In Morelia, a UNESCO Site, view the elegant historic center and inspirational cathedral
- Visit the Patzcuaro Artisan Center housing small shops where artisans display their wares
- Explore Guadalajara, the quintessential Mexican city where tequila and mariachi were born
- Tour Mexico City’s historic center including the National Palace and Palacio de Bellas Artes
- Visit the mysterious archaeological site of Teotihuacán, also known as the City of the Gods
- Walking tour of Queretaro, known for its magnificent Spanish colonial architecture
- Walking tour of Queretaro, known for its magnificent Spanish colonial architecture
- Enjoy San Miguel Allende, whose history is intertwined with Mexican Independence
- Travel via the lush farmlands of El Bajío to Guanajuato known for its silver mining history
- In Morelia, a UNESCO Site, view the elegant historic center and inspirational cathedral
- Visit the Patzcuaro Artisan Center housing small shops where artisans display their wares
- Explore Guadalajara, the quintessential Mexican city where tequila and mariachi were born
- Explore Guadalajara, the quintessential Mexican city where tequila and mariachi were born
Daily Itinerary
DAY 1, Saturday – Arrive in Mexico
Welcome to Mexico City, a thriving metropolis and the nation’s capital. This evening, an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager on the exciting program that awaits you in Mexico, followed by a Welcome Drink with your fellow travelers. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 7 pm on the day of arrival. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in your destination no later than 5 pm on Day 1 of the itinerary or earlier, if possible
Overnight: Mexico City
DAY 2, Sunday – Coyoacán, Mexico City Tour
The day begins in the neighborhood of Coyoacán, childhood home of Frida Kahlo. Here, visit Casa Azúl (Blue House), now a museum where the renowned Mexican artist lived most of her life. The museum is not only a testament to her life but also a fine example of early 20th century Mexican architecture. After an exploration of this delightful city, on to Xochimilco with its gorgeous Floating Gardens, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the festive atmosphere before returning to cosmopolitan Mexico City to tour the Centro Historico. Stop at the Zocalo (Central Square), the second largest plaza in the world; view the National Palace known for Diego Rivera’s dramatic murals depicting thousands of years of Mexican history. Travel past the city’s iconic buildings including the art nouveau Palacio de Bellas Artes and the Metropolitan Cathedral, the largest in the Americas. Tonight, a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travelers
Overnight: Mexico City
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 3, Monday – Teotihuacán, Travel to San Miguel de Allende
Departing Mexico City, travel to the mysterious archaeological site of Teotihuacán, known as the City of the Gods, built around 100 BC as the centerpiece of an enormous ancient city often compared to ancient Rome. View the Jaguar Temple before continuing to the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon and the Avenue of the Dead flanked by temples and palaces. If time allows, enjoy some free time to journey to the top of the Pyramid of the Sun. Depart to the charming city of Queretaro famous for its beautiful Spanish colonial architecture. Enjoy a walking tour of the city’s historic center with its fountain-filled squares and winding cobbled streets lined with bougainvillea. After lunch at leisure, continue to San Miguel Allende, a city whose history and lore intertwines with the Mexican Independence movement. Dinner is together at the hotel
Overnight: San Miguel de Allende
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4, Tuesday – City Tour of San Miguel de Allende
Morning tour of this colonial-era city submersed in arts and architecture. Stroll the cobblestone streets to the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel, whose dramatic pink towers rise above the main plaza and the Templo de San Francisco church with its 18th century façade. In the afternoon, leisure time to explore the city’s markets and museums or, join the optional tour to the important city of Dolores Hidalgo where the seeds for the Mexican independence movement began in 1810
Optional: Half-Day Dolores Hidalgo (PM)
Overnight: San Miguel de Allende
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5, Wednesday – Guanajuato, Travel to Morelia
Today, a drive through the lush farmlands of El Bajío to the extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage city of Guanajuato. View the opulent colonial buildings, tree-filled plazas and brightly colored houses. After leisure time for lunch in the main square, visit the major historic sites of the city including the Juarez Theatre built in 1903, San Diego Church and Shrine of Our Lady of Guanajuato. Stroll along the Alley of the Kiss and stop at the Garden of the Union, the city’s lively meeting place. Later, proceed to Morelia, composed of elegant 16th and 17th century stone buildings, baroque facades and inspirational cathedral. Dinner together at the hotel
Overnight: Morelia
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6, Thursday – Patzcuaro, Tzintzuntzan
Morning drive past scenic Lake Pátzcuaro to the quaint hillside town of Pátzcuaro, accented by terracotta tile roofs, red-and-white adobe walls and narrow cobblestone streets. Visit Vasco de Quiroga Square and the House of Eleven Courtyards, originally a convent, now housing a labyrinth of small shops where artisans display their crafts. After lunch at leisure, travel to the ancient capital of Tzintzuntzan, ceremonial center of the pre-Columbian Tarascan state. Circular pyramids called Yacatas were built to protect the city lined up overlooking the lake. Visit the old Franciscan Monastery of Santa Ana – a unique architectural jewel!, before returning to Morelia for an evening at leisure
Overnight: Morelia
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7, Friday – Travel to Guadalajara
Depart to Guadalajara often referred to as the quintessential Mexican city, where tequila and mariachi music were born. After lunch, arrive in a colorful contrast of both modern and historic features, embraced by verdant green parklands, rushing fountains, inspiring 16th century architecture and beautiful tree-lined avenues. On this evening at leisure, acquaint yourself with the iconic downtown at your own pace
Overnight: Guadalajara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 8, Saturday – Walking Tour of Guadalajara, Tlaquepaque Artisan Square
The discovery of Guadalajara begins with a walking tour in the heart of the city; visit the impressive Metropolitan Cathedral with its twin golden spires and beautiful stained glass windows. Pause at the Government Palace, the site where Padre Miguel Hidalgo abolished slavery in Mexico; view the powerful murals by famed artist Jose Clemente Orozco. Next, a visit to Tlaquepaque with its renowned artist’s village — the perfect showcase for Mexican arts and crafts. Time to explore the area and sample local favorites at one of the sidewalk cafes. Tonight, bid adios to your newfound friends at the Farewell Dinner — share wonderful memories of your shared journey together through Mexico
Overnight: Guadalajara
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9, Sunday – Finish Tour
Today you finish the organised tour, what next…..
Meals: Breakfast
Accomodation
Barcelo Mexico Reforma, Mexico City
This first class hotel is situated on the famous Paseo de la Reforma Avenue.H
Hotel Real de Minas, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
This tourist class hotel is located in the city of San Miguel de Allende.Hotel
Hotel Alameda, Morelia
This tourist class hotel is situated in the Historic Center of Morelia.Hotel
Hotel De Morales, Guadalajara
This first class hotel is located in the heart of Guadalajara.Hotel Details
Optional Tours
Half Day Dolores Hidalgo Tour – Day #4 $50.00
Travel to the charming city of Dolores Hidalgo, where the seeds for the independence of modern day Mexico started. It was at the foot of its main church that Father Miguel Hidalgo ignited the insurgence against the Spanish in 1810. The tour begins at the tree-lined Zocalo, a popular meeting point; view the magnificent monument dedicated to Mexico’s national heroes. Next, visit the beautiful baroque church followed by a delicious homemade ice cream tasting from one of the many street vendors around the main square. Be adventurous and try the different exotic flavors! After, visit a “talavera” factory to see how local colorful ceramics are made before returning to San Miguel Allende.
Entry and Visa information
Most Australian and New Zealand passport holders will not require a visa to enter Mexico. Please check the Smartraveller Website for more information.
Entry requirements are your own responsibility, and you should check. Generally it is a good idea to have 6 months validity on your passport remaining at the end of your trip, though this is not a requirement in all countries. If your passport is due to expire please ask for more information before booking.
