Mexicos Colonial Jewels

br />Book by August 31, 2010 and save $100 per couple on air-inclusive bookings on 2/26/11 departure.

Restrictions apply, based on availability.
Ask your agent for details today!Click here for terms and conditions.Mexico has many faces, each offering visitors a unique insight into this fascinating country and its people. Archaeological sites representing complex and mysterious ancient cultures; fascinating colonial cities, churches, haciendas, and town squares; and lively mariachi bands are just some of the sights and sounds that collide in a travel experience like no other. Welcome as you join Collette Vacations in exploring Mexico's magnificent colonial cities. Your amazing journey begins with a flight to Mexico City, an incredibly diverse and stately city known for its monuments, parks, flowers, fountains and tree-lined avenues.

Day 1: Mexico City, Mexico - Tour Begins
Explore Mexico's colonial cities where archaeological sites represent ancient cultures and churches, haciendas, town squares and lively mariachi bands set the stage for your adventure. Enjoy a welcome dinner.

Day 2: Mexico City, Mexico
Join a local expert to explore Mexico City's Centro Histórico – a UNESCO World Heritage site built atop of the ruins of Tenochtitlán. Discover the Plaza de la Constitución; visit the 16th century Metropolitan Cathedral; view the Aztec ruins of Templo Mayor and travel to Our Lady of Guadalupe pilgrimage center’s famous shrine. Enjoy a presentation on the uses of the cactus plant followed by local craftsmen demonstrating the art of stone crafting and jewelry making. Visit Teotihuacán, a city dating back to 200 BCE. Stroll the Avenue of the Dead for views of the Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon. Tonight, attend a folklore ballet showcasing Mexico's dances, music and colorful costumes.

Day 3: Mexico City - Querétaro - Guanajuato
Today you visit two UNESCO World Heritage sites. Travel to Querétaro, enjoying time to explore the historic center where you find beautiful examples of Baroque architecture, restaurants and tree-lined boulevards featuring exquisite colonial buildings. Join in a special visit to El Oasis de los Niños, a foster home for local disadvantaged children. Learn how the Collette Foundation is supporting a nutrition program for the children and perhaps join them in their coloring and sing-a-long activities. Continue to captivating Guanajuato and admire the photogenic twists and turns of its famous streets.

Day 4: Guanajuato - Dolores Hidalgo - San Miguel de Allende - Guanajuato
Enjoy a demonstration of Talavera pottery-making at a local workshop where artisans hand-paint designs on vases and tiles. Continue to Dolores Hidalgo, the pueblo where Father Hidalgo proclaimed the independence of Mexico in 1810. A short ride brings you to charming San Miguel de Allende, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A local expert leads your leisurely-paced walking tour of this well-preserved 16th century town. Visit Atotonilco el Grande sanctuary, featuring illustrative murals. Enjoy the remainder of the day exploring San Miguel's cobblestone streets and antique shops.

Day 5: Guanajuato - Zacatecas
Explore Guanajuato with a local expert. At the Alhondiga de Granaditos Museum, learn why this colonial city is considered the cornerstone of Mexico's Independence movement. Stroll the main plaza of Union Garden and Mercado Hidalgo before venturing underground to explore a network of tunnels under Guanajuato’s streets! This afternoon, travel through picturesque countryside to Zacatecas – “the city of light and color” and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Day 6: Zacatecas
Travel in a mine car to the depths of El Eden Silver Mine for a captivating tour. Then, enjoy a panoramic cable car ride from El Grillo Mountain to Bufa Hill for incredible city views. Witness how Zacatecan silversmiths fashion metal into jewelry at a local workshop. Visit the fascinating Rafael Coronel Museum with its collection of 4,000 hand-carved and painted masks. Enjoy a walking city tour featuring the Plaza de Armas and the Baroque Cathedral of Zacatecas.

Day 7: Zacatecas - Tlaquepaque - Guadalajara
Travel to Tlaquepaque, Jalisco, a renowned artisan center. Enjoy time to shop, sample local cuisine and listen to mariachi bands. Visit Hospicio Cabañas, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the early 20th century, the chapel was decorated with a series of murals by José Clemente Orozco, one of the greatest Mexican muralists from the period. Enjoy a panoramic tour of Guadalajara.

Day 8: Guadalajara - Tequila - Guadalajara
The Agave Landscape and Ancient Industrial Facilities of Tequila, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is set on 85,000 acres of blue agave fields. Visit an agave field where a local worker demonstrates the planting and cultivation of blue agave. Explore the Mundo Cuervo distillery and museum to see the process of converting the blue agave to various grades of tequila.

Day 9: Guadalajara - Pátzcuaro - Morelia
This morning, visit Pátzcuaro, Michoacan, founded in 1540 and known for its grand architecture and natural beauty. Enjoy free time to mingle with locals and explore beautiful Vasco de Quiroga Square. Visit Morelia where the traditions of the Tarascan Indians are evident in their traditional attire and handicrafts.

Day 10: Morelia
Enjoy a leisurely-paced locally guided walking tour of Morelia's historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. View the National Palace, the 18th century aqueduct, and the Baroque-style cathedral. Your afternoon is at leisure.

Day 11: Morelia - Mexico City
Return to Mexico City and tour the National Museum of Anthropology, designed by Pedro Ramirez Vasquez. A local expert brings to life engaging exhibits like the Aztec calendar stone, giant stone Olmec heads, and Maya treasures recovered from the sacred Chichen Itza. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner.

Day 12: Mexico City - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today in Mexico City.

Don't miss our current specials: Free or Reduced Companion Air to Europe Check out these last minute SAVINGS provided by our airline partners who have offered special pricing for specific tours and dates only. As a result, we're delighted to offer you FREE or reduced companion air on select tours. See list of tours for details on our last minute offer applied to that specific tour when you make your air-inclusive booking. Some restrictions may apply, please call 800-942-3301 for details. Italian Vistas This 13 day trip has everything you've always wanted in a trip to Italy. Enjoy multiple night stays in Rome, Florence, Venice, the Amalfi coast and Stresa in the Lakes District. Discover the treasures of Classical and Christian Rome. Walk in the footsteps on the ancients in Pompeii. See the gems of the Renaissance in Florence's Academy Gallery, including Michelangelo's David. Visit Lugano, Switzerland, and cruise to Isola Bella, one of the scenic Borromean Islands. Reflections of Italy Revel in the magic of Italy on this 10-day tour that explores the cities of Rome, Florence, Venice, Assisi and Perugia. Travel the Tuscan and Umbrian countryside, exploring medieval hill towns and visiting the birthplace of St. Francis, Assisi. Discover the masterpieces of the Renaissance in Florence and see hot glass transformed into exquisite art on Murano Island. Linger in Venice for two nights before ending your journey in the lovely Italian Lake region. Cross the border and explore the Swiss resort town of Lugano. Spain's Classics Spain is a colorful pageant of art, history and culture, set against a backdrop that spans sunny Mediterranean shores and grand mountain ranges, dotted with groves of oranges and olives. Explore the priceless treasures in Madrid’s Prado Museum. Visit the exotic and expansive Alhambra palace, resplendent with Moorish regal flair. See Columbus’ tomb. Feel the passion of the Flamenco with reserved seating at a performance in Seville. Explore Valencia, Barcelona, Granada, Cordoba and Toledo. Travel the Sierra Nevada Canada's Winter Wonderland Immerse yourself in the ultimate winter wonderland — the Canadian Rockies. Hop aboard VIA Rail Canada's Snow Train Express and head for Jasper with spectacular views. Travel across the Icefields Parkway with breathtaking scenery. Relax at three Fairmont properties: Jasper Park Lodge, Château Lake Louise, and the Banff Springs Resort, each magically decorated for the holiday. Enjoy a cooking demonstration, kitchen tour and learn how to make your own holiday pastries FREE Door to Door Service Now Vacations Start at HOME! Don't worry about getting to the airport... because a vacation should be worry-free. With Collette Vacations, enjoy free round trip sedan service that takes you from your home to the airport when you purchase an air-inclusive Collette tour.* This personalized service - including gratuities - is available on new air-inclusive bookings to the South Pacific, Canada, and Europe; and on ALL Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures and Explorations by Collette tours. On departures May 2010 and beyond, Door to Door transfers are included with air-inclusive bookings to all destinations Great Savings • Added Comfort • More Convenience
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
11/6/2010 - 11/18/2010	$1,499
2/26/2011 - 3/10/2011	$1,499
3/19/2011 - 3/31/2011	$1,499
4/9/2011 - 4/21/2011	$1,499
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

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