General Information

Duration:

8 Days

Location Start:

Leon, Guanajuato

Location Finish:

Leon, Guanajuato

Phone:

800-499-5685

Fax:

520-803-1355

Payment Types:

Paypal, Payment Transfer

We Speak:

Spanish, English

Last updated: 06/25/2006

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Leon, Transfer to Guanajuato

Arrive in Leon. Transfer to Guanajuato. Your hotel is on the principal plaza right in the heart of town.

Day 2

Tour of the Town of Guanajuato, a Unesco World Heritage City

Become acquainted with one of the most important colonial cities of the16th-18th centuries; visit the Juarez Theater, built during the opulent era of Porfirio Diaz in 1903; see the paintings and the house of the revolutionary painter, Diego Rivera; and enjoy a luxurious 18th century grand hacienda and its 17 gardens. Eat a late lunch in Count of Valenciana's home (now a restaurant) and visit his magnificent Churriqueresque style church-one of the most beautiful colonial churches in Mexico.

Day 3

Transfer to San Miguel de Allende

Tour to Dolores Hidalgo en Route to San Miguel

En route to San Miguel, we will tour the beautiful historic colonial town of Dolores Hidalgo. Mexico's "George Washington," Father Miguel Hidalgo, gave the official cry for freedom here and the War for Independence begun. Today the town is justly well-known as a center for the designs and fabrication of the popular Talaver ceramics. Dolores is also famous for its exotic ice creams.

San Miguel de Allende is a city featured as the 7th best travel destination in the world! (according to Conde Nast Traveler). Home to endless art galleries, great craft shops, a wonderful variety of restaurants and many language schools that all contribute to the lasting popularity with sophisticated international tourists. Next to the cathedral grounds, there is a large colonial mansion made from the same stone as the church.

Day 4

Historic Walking Tour of San Miguel de Allende

There is a blessed absence of traffic lights, billboards and neon in this national monument town of 65,000 people. On our walking tour, take a relaxed stroll around town today to a visit to the market, the imposing Gothic Cathedral, the Allende museum, the Cultural Center, the Juarez Park, the San Miguel Art Gallery and some of the most prominent plazas and churches.

Day 5

Transfer to Queretaro

We transfer to the captivating capital of the state. Queretaro is characterized by its colonial architecture and charm. In 1810, Queretaro was recognized as a state and in 1847, the city of Queretaro became the capital of the Republic. This is where Mexico and the United States signed a peace treaty. Our hotel is centrally located by the Plaza de la Independencia to be able to enjoy the sites within walking distance of this principal downtown plaza.

Day 6

Day in Queretaro

We will explore this wonderful city. Admire the beautiful aqueducts, having 74 arches, the Convent of San Francisco, the Regional Museum, the Santa Clara church, the Convent of the Cross, with its famous tree, and many Baroque Mexican style buildings. Visit the hill where the French Emperor Mazimiliano made his last stand against the Liberal army and was executed here shortly after.

Day 7

Transfer to Leon

Transfer to Leon today. It is about a 2-hour ride. Our hotel in Leon is located in the historic center, right in front of the Palacio Municipal.

Day 8

Transfer to Leon Airport and Depart

Extra Information

Inclusions -

bilingual guide

Exclusions -

meals not specified

Extras -

With its many contrasts, this trip has so much variety it will please everyone. Colonial and revolutionary history will come alive in San Miguel de Allende. The hidden gem of Guanajuato will help you appreciate the influence of French architecture. Queretaro was at the center of events for the three wars that forged the Mexican nation: the War of Independence, the War of the Reform and the Mexican Revolution. History abounds here. {italic}We also offer customized independent itineraries to this destination.{-italic}