San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

DAY 1: FRIDAY (D)

Arrive early afternoon for the group transportation to San Miguel de Allende. Time to unpack and take a stroll around town before our group dinner. Overnight in San Miguel de Allende (SMA).

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DAY 2: SATURDAY (B,L)

During the night groups from each of the barrios make their way to the central area and congregate in front of the church. A spectacular fireworks display begins the day at 5 am. After breakfast our local guide will take us on a walking tour of downtown San Miguel visiting Parroquia de San Miguel, Ex-Convent of La Concepcion, Parque “El Charro”, Templo de San Francisco and the Artisans Market. After lunch you will have time to explore San Miguel on your own. Horse and Rider parade in early afternoon, then around 5 pm begins the Dancers and Holy Cross parade and finally wraps up with more fireworks around 9:30 pm. Dinner on your own. Overnight in San Miguel.

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DAY 3: SUNDAY (B,L)

The festivities continue with another dancers parade beginning around 11 am. In the morning we can head over to Parque Juarez for a local art show and then on to the Tianguis (craft market) at the Instituto Allende. Lunch at a local restaurant and then you have free time in San  Miguel.  The fireworks finale begins around 9:30 pm. Dinner on your own. Overnight in San Miguel.

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DAY 4: MONDAY (B,L)

Breakfast at the hotel, then off to Pena de Bernal, one of the world’s largest monoliths, rising above the semi-arid plains of Queretaro state. On clear days you can see the rock’s pointed crown for miles. Capilla de las Animas - at the foot of the monolith, is a small country chapel. According to local legend, a local merchant took refuge from thieves in the spot where the chapel now stands. He prayed to the souls in purgatory to keep him safe. In appreciation, he began the construction of the church on the site. Next stop, the town of Cadereyta where we will see a baroque style altarpiece covered with gold leave, and the cactus garden, one of the largest collections of cactus in the world. Lunch at Hacienda Tovares which includes a horse carriage ride around the property. Our final stop will be the Decote Winery for a private tour and wine tasting. Dinner on your own. Overnight in San Miguel.

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DAY 5: TUESDAY (B,L)

After breakfast we head out to the towns of Dolores Hidalgo and Atotonilco. Santuario de Atotonilco – a UNESCO SITE since 2008, has often been referred to as Mexico’s Sistine Chapel and has recently been lovingly restored.  The walls of this 18th century chapel are completely covered with frescoes depicting Christ and his life and times. The church is a revered holy place for hundreds of Mexicans who make yearly pilgrimages here to worship El Señor de la Columna, a highly venerated image of Christ. Then on to Dolores Hidalgo for a brief tour of the town. After lunch a visit to Galeria Atotonilco. Deepen your appreciation of Mexican culture with an experience in this very unique setting. Gallery owner Mayer Shacter shares his knowledge and stories freely, having traveled all over México to select each item. He brings over fifty years of experience as a collector, dealer, and ceramic artist. Dinner on your own. Overnight in San Miguel.

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DAY 6   WEDNESDAY (B,L)

Today we explore the archaeological site of Canada la Virgin with our local tour guide. Recently opened to the public, the ruins of this pre-Columbian city are believed to be the remnants of the Panteca people of the greater Toltec Empire. Occupied from around 540 – 1000 AD, the site contains five groups of monuments, including a 15-meter pyramid temple and a large sunken plaza  Lunch at the Astrological Museum - Rosanna Quiroz Ennis has spent over a decade studying the relationship of the sun, moon, planets and stars to the structures in the pyramid complex. She will prepare a delicious traditional homemade / seasonal Mexican lunch. Dinner on your own. Overnight in San Miguel. 

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DAY 7: THURSDAY (B,L)

Bags need to be packed and ready before breakfast as today we leave San Miguel to travel to Guanajuato for the next 2 days. First stop will be the Pottery Village of Santa Rosa for a brief tour of a pottery workshop whose work is in the Talavera style. Next stop is Guanajuato for a walking tour of the town which will include Basilica de Nuestro Señora de Guanajuato, the Jardin de La Union, Ex Hacienda San Gabriel de Barrera, the Juarez Theatre and a drive to the hillside overlooking the city.  Lunch at a downtown restaurant. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Guanajuato.  

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DAY 8: FRIDAY (B,D) 

Today is totally at your own pace to explore Guanajuato. You will be provided with a “Things To Do and See” to help you through your exploration. Tonight we will have our final group dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Guanajuato.

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DAY 9: SATURDAY (B)

Time to say goodbye and catch our flights home. There will be one (1) group transportation to the airport for flights departing around noon. For those travelling on the very early AM flights, transportation to the airport will be at your own expense.

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B - Breakfast 

L - Lunch

D - Dinner

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*Excludes:

• Airfare

• Travel insurance

• Alcoholic beverages

• Meals not included in itinerary

• Tips to driver, guide, etc.

• Non-group transportation to/from airport

• Medical expenses

• Personal purchases

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