Journey Mexico Mexico’s Colonial Heartland Trip

Journey into the heart of Mexico’s independence and revolutionary past. Marvel at the colonial architecture, see what inspired two of Mexico’s greatest artists, meet local chefs and taste the finest of the area’s cuisine, be welcomed into the homes and shops of local artisans, and take in the unforgettable culture of Mexico’s Colonial Heartland.

Highlights

Guanajuato:

Spectacular Colonial Era architecture including Barroque churches and facades
Diego Rivera house and museum, one of Mexico’s most famous and renowned muralists
Underground passage ways and mines including the Boca Mina, one of Latin America’s most productive silver mines for over a century
The beautiful Quinta de las Acacias: http://www.quintalasacacias.comboutique hotel that combines old world charm and authenticity with modern day comforts and service
Lively music, art, restaurants, and nightlife

San Miguel de Allende:

World famous culinary experiences with local chefs
Iconic San Miguel Cathedral and tranquil central square
Visits to the workshop of local artists that capture the spirit of Colonial Mexico
Virtuoso property Casa Sierra Navada http://www.casadesierranevada.com

Dates

This trip can be run year round

Price Includes

Because this itinerary will be custom tailored to your liking, please inquire for pricing

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Itinerary

Day 1

You will be welcomed and privately transferred from the Leon Airport to your lovely Boutique hotel in Guanajuato. Bienvenidos to Mexico's Colonial Heartland! Includes:

Day 2

You will meet your expert guide in the hotel lobby for an orientation of Guanajuato's fascinating city center and then hit the streets for a taste of the vibrant cultural center. Guanajuato’s history is as rich as its mines full of silver during the Colonial Era. With your guide, you will enjoy a walking tour of the historic landmarks of the city center and use the morning to orient yourself to the winding streets and subterranean passages that make this city a Mexican medina! The thriving down town is full of interesting shops, and the smells of delicious Mexican fare wafts through the streets inviting you in to the many delicious eateries.

Day 3

Guanajuato Artistico Today you will delve deeper into the soul of this creative center of Mexico. Literature, painting, art, and hand crafts have all flourished here along with the spirit of independence and expression that made this the cradle of Mexican independence. You first arrive to the Casa de los Espirituos, an 18th Century Colonial Mansion and current day textiles museum. The view from the balcony is unbeatable. You then continue on to Gorky Taller (Workshop) to view the works of the famous Gorky Gonzales. Gorky Gonzalez began his studies under his father, the Sculptor Rodolfo Gonzalez. In 1963, he founded Alfareria Tradicional, a pottery work shop in Guanajuato, in order to reproduce and revive the Traditional Majolica of the region. In 1965, Gorky Gonzalez was granted a scholarship to study pottery in Japan, under the artists Tsuji Seimei and Kei Fijiwara who were considered two of Japan's national living treasures. Since his return from Japan, Gorky Gonzales has devoted himself to the preservation of the Traditional Majolica technique in Mexico, utilizing the original designs used during the colonial period. You will lunch on your own (with recommendations and maps provided!) at one of Guanajuato's fine restaurants in the city center . After lunch, you will visit the home of the late Chavez Morado and Olga Costa-Jose and have a chance to view the fine collection of paintings, hand crafts, and other fine artwork housed in this exceptional structure. Time permitting, you may visit the Museo y Casa de Diego Rivera. You return to your hotel to relax and freshen up in the late afternoon.

Day 4

After a free morning to have one last chance to stroll the winding streets of Guanajuato, you will be met in the hotel lobby and privately transferred to the small and charming colonial city of San Miguel Allende (1:15 hrs.). Upon arrival, you will enjoy a walking tour of the city center and the sites of most importance including the famous Parroquita de San Miguel Arcángel designed by the indigenous stonemason Zeferino Gutierrez from a postcard depicting a Belgian Church! The history and lore of San Miguel are intertwined with the Independence Movement, and the energy and spirit of freedom of expression have continued on in the lively creative enclave of modern day San Miguel. After you check into your lovely and luxurious boutique hotel, the late afternoon is open for you to relax in the hotel or to browse the many interesting shops, visit museums and galleries, and relax in the central square of San Miguel Allende.

Day 5

After breakfast, you will transfer to the little known colonial mining center of Mineral de Pozos (:45 mins). “Pozos”, once known throughout colonial Mexico for its opulence and its thriving mining industry, has been a virtual ghost town for almost a century and is now experiencing a resurgence of interest on the part of visitors looking for a unique experience with authentic Mexico. You will visit the mysterious ruins of the Seven Brothers Mine and Hacienda and city center before a lovely lunch in the courtyard of the boutique hotel Posada de las Minas. Following lunch, you will visit a local artisan who crafts unique, hand-made musical instruments in his workshop with a demonstration and opportunities to buy. You return to San Miguel Allende in the mid-afternoon with some time on your own in the city center or in your hotel to relax. You are free to make your own dinner plans.

Day 6

After breakfast, you will walk down to the renowned Sazon Cooking School only 4 blocks from your hotel to enjoy a group (shared) cooking class. Depending on the day of the week and availability, you will have the option to participate in one of the following cooking classes: Market Tour and Class Regional Cuisines Of Mexico Series: Cuidad de Mexico Entertaining - Easy and Delicious Breakfasts In the afternoon, you are at your leisure. You may opt to return to the city center for time on your own to browse the myriad galleries, shops, and cafes and soak in the atmosphere of this magical town. Afternoon Options (Please note the following suggestions are optional and at additional cost; please advise at the time of booking): In the late afternoon, you may choose to: Option #1:San Miguel Artistico: You will visit Canadian Troller Cranston's home for a viewing of his eclectic paintings, and other unique artwork. His house and garden are art in and of themselves. You continue on to the private collection of Bill and Heidi La Vasseur filled with original works by little known Mexican artists including Milagros (charms incorporated into boxes, hearts, crosses, frames, and jewelry) by Estela Ogazon; unique silk embroidered stitchery by Natividad Amador; Ceremonial masks from a variety of artists; ingenious toys by Gumercindo España Oliveres, celebrated Mexican Folk Artist; handmade hammered paper art by Humberto Trejo Gonzalez; and unusual and elaborately painted tin box art by Blanca Estela Gomez Santiago. Some items are available for purchase. Time permitting, we may also visit the private collection of works by renowned Mexican artist Romero V. Tabuena Filipino whose works continue to attract high dollar bids when available. The view from his home is exceptional of San Miguel Allende. Option #2: :San Miguel Relajado: Your expert guide will take you to Las Grutas, the mineral hot springs 15 minutes outside of San Miguel to soak and heal in the crisp high desert air. Option #3: Design your Afternoon. Don't hesitate to let us know your interests and we can create a special experience including house tours, garden tours, and more with your own private expert guide. Early booking is essential to guaranty services.

Day 7

You will be privately transferred from San Miguel de Allende to the Leon Airport for your homeward flight. Buen viaje and come back soon!

Our trip to Mexico could not have been better.The arrangements with Journey Mexico were flawless. We had a knowledgeable and very pleasant guide, who met us on arrival, took us on our day trips, which were wonderful, and and then loaded us on the luxury bus to San Miguel. He was always at our hotel door on time and managed to get us back when promised.We would definitely recommend this firm and this particular guide, Guillermo Castaneda. We also enjoyed staying at La Casona, a small boutique hotel in a nice neighborhood, with fine service and a very good little dining room. The continental breakfasts were excellent and the dinner menu, though limited, was most satisfying after late lunches and full days. Many thanks for all your good efforts. We loved Mexico!

Dorothy and Bill

By Dorothy and Bill on 2011 04 11

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