Day 01: Mexico City, Mexico
Arrive Mexico City and transfer to your luxury hotel La Casona, a stately home with pink facades and period balconies, listed as an artistic monument by the National Institute of Fine Arts. Check-in and enjoy the day at leisure in Mexico City. Mexico City (formerly Tenochtitlan) is the oldest urban center in the Western Hemisphere. Spanish conqueror Hernan Cortes and his men were awestruck by the sight of the imposing temples of the Aztecs. Reporting back to King Carlos V, Cortes was struggling to convey the majesty of what he saw. Imagine the King's surprise at learning that "one of the plazas is twice the size of that of Salamanca ", and "the principal pyramid is taller than the tower of the cathedral at Seville ", or that the stone and wood craftsmanship that adorned these monuments "could nowhere be bettered." Hotel La CasonaDay 02: Mexico City
In the morning, start exploring the city! Your local guide will take you along the main boulevard Paseo de la Reforma to the Centro Histórico (historic center). Nowhere is Mexico 's explosive past better depicted than at its central plaza, the Zócalo. Surrounded by some of the finest buildings of the colonial era, lie the remnants of one of the Aztecs' principal monuments, the Templo Mayor. Its mysterious shapes stand as a haunting tribute to the pre-Hispanic civilization that flourished here long ago. This afternoon, continue to Teotihuacán, at its peak a city of over one hundred thousand people - not only was it the largest city in America, it was one of the largest cities in the ancient world. This grand civilization, which arose in the second century BC, would dominate the culture of the valley of Mexico for almost a millenium and stands as the most significant cultural influence throughout the history of Central American civilizations. The site is impressive for its scale, both in the size of the Pyramid of the Sun (the third largest pyramid in the world) and the majesty of the Calle de los Muertos (Street of the Dead) - originally 4km long and flanked by temples, palaces and platforms. Return to your hotel late afternoon. Hotel La Casona (B)Day 03: Mexico City - Queretaro
A 2-hour drive will take you to Querétaro, one of Mexico 's colonial jewels. This picturesque town is studded with charming and amazingly well-preserved baroque churches, temples and mansions boasting graceful balconies and ornate facades. The name "Querétaro" is believed to be Purepecha for "site of the ballgame" or "place where there are rocks." If the second translation is true, perhaps the rocks the Indians were referring to were the opals, amethysts and other semiprecious stones found in rich supply throughout the mountainous region. In 1531, the city was overtaken by the Spanish. It became a point of transit for anyone traveling between the nation's capital and the interior provinces, and its prominence was acknowledged with the designation "Third City of New Spain." It later played a leading role in both the struggle for independence and the revolution. It was here that Mexico 's Constitution was written and signed. The city's most prominent landmark is an 8-kilometer long 74-arch aqueduct built in the early 1700s to supply the city with water. The ancient structure runs through the center of one of the city's main thoroughfares, with intersections laced through its high arches. Appropriately, a fountain built in the city's main square pays tribute to the man who financed the 12-year project (1726-38), Don Juan Antonio Urrutia, the Marquis de la Villa del Villar del Aguila. Explore the city with your guide and overnight at luxurious La Casa de Marquesa, nestled in the heart of historic downtown. Hotel La Casa de Marquesa (B)Day 04: Queretaro - San Miguel de Allende - Guanajuato
After breakfast, head to the colonial town of San Miguel de Allende, so strikingly lovely in its architecture that it has been designated a national monument. Its many beautifully restored colonial mansions house delightful patio restaurants and fine shops. Students of all ages come to San Miguel de Allende to study art, painting, weaving, sculpting, photography and Spanish. All this makes the city a fascinating place to spend a few hours! Your local guide will take you through the hidden colonial streets of the town. After, continue to Guanajuato, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988. Nestled in a narrow canyon between huge mountains, Guanajuato is a photographer's delight with its quaint plazas, colonial buildings, winding cobblestone streets, hidden alleyways and underground passageways. When the Spanish arrived, they discovered the mountains here were rich in silver and a mining town flourished that soon became the richest city in Mexico, producing more than a third of the world's silver by the turn of the 18th century. Guanajuato played an important role in Mexico 's War of Independence. In 1810 it was invaded by Father Miguel Hidalgo - a rebel priest and leader of Mexico 's independence movement - and his ragtag army of farmers and mine workers. The wealthy mine owners fled to the town's granary, barricading themselves and their treasures behind its thick walls, until a brave young miner nicknamed El Pipila immortalized himself by breaking down the door and allowing the revolutionaries to defeat their enemies and seize the city. A hilltop monument honoring Pipila is also the site of a lookout that offers a magnificent view of the town and its mazelike layout. Explore the city with your guide and overnight at the hotel Quinta Las Acacias, an elegant summer residence from the 19th century. Hotel Las Acacias (B)Day 05: Guanjuato - Morelia
After breakfast, head for Morelia, considered the aristocrat of colonial cities. You will find a few modern buildings, but mostly the architecture has been kept in the traditions of Old Spain. Wide polished-stone streets and stately buildings give this city its special attraction. Mexico 's first viceroy, Antonio de Mendoza, founded the city in 1541 and named it Valladolid after his home in Spain. After Mexico 's War of ndependence, the city was named Morelia in honor of a local hero, José María orelos. In the center of town, the lovely Plaza de los Mártires is the focal point of town life. It is flanked on one side by the cathedral, constructed of pink stone, with twin towers 200 feet high. It took more than 200 years to build and is one of the most beautiful in the country. Visit Morelia´s highlights with your guide and overnight at the hotel Los Juaninos, a former Episcopal palace ideally located in a privileged corner of historical downtown. Hotel Los Juaninos (B)Day 06: Morelia - Guadalajara
After breakfast, head for Guadalajara, the second largest metropolis in Mexico and one of the most serenely beautiful and stately cities in North America. It is a city of parks and fountains, of monuments and rose-lined boulevards, a city alive with color. Its rich colonial heritage dates back to 1542 and is evident throughout the city. Enjoy a guided visit to Tlaquepaque, a village outside of Guadalajara, with its famous mariachi bands and gorgeous handicrafts specializing in leather, glass and textiles. Overnight at the elegant hotel Villa Ganz, 10 minutes from Guadalajara 's historic center. Hotel Villa Ganz (B)Day 07: Guadalajara - Costalegre
Today you will head for the ocean! Transfer to Costalegre making a quick detour to the village of Tequila en route. Hotel check-in and balance of day at leisure. Hotel El Careyes Beach Resort (B)Day 08 & 09: Costalegre
The active can enjoy snorkeling, fishing, sailing, kayaking and tennis. A full spa caters to those seeking relaxation. Watch the sun go down as you enjoy a fine dinner, the perfect ending to the day. Hotel El Careyes Beach Resort (B)Day 10: Costalegre - Depart
Transfer to Puerto Vallarta airport to board your homebound flight. (B)
