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DAY 1, Wednesday - Depart for Mexico
Welcome to Mexico City, a thriving metropolis and the nation’s capital, transfer to the hotel. Tonight, an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 7 PM introduces you to the exciting journey that awaits you in Mexico. After a Welcome Drink with your fellow travelers, the remainder of the evening is at leisure. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in your destination no later than 5 PM
Overnight: Mexico City
DAY 2, Thursday - Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City’s Historic Center
The day begins with a visit to the National Museum of Anthropology. Learn from the vast collection of archaeological treasures from pre-Hispanic civilizations. After lunch, take a tour of Mexico City's Centro Historico. Stop at the Zocalo (Central Square) to view the National Palace* known for Diego Rivera's dramatic murals. Travel past the art nouveau Palacio de Bellas Artes and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Tonight, celebrate your arrival to Mexico at dinner
*The visit to Diego Rivera’s murals is subject to unexpected closures that occur for political activities, renovations and routine maintenance
Overnight: Mexico City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3, Friday - Historic Cuernavaca, Atlixco, Drive to Puebla
Leaving the city, travel to Cuernavaca, the capital of the state of Morelos. Embark on a walking tour of its historic center. View Plaza de Armas, admire the magnificent architecture, a blend of Gothic and Moorish style of the Palacio de Cortes and the 16th century Cathedral de la Asuncion. After lunch, travel to Atlixco, boasting the best climate in the country, located along the slopes of Popocatepetl volcano. Take an orientation walk of the charming downtown before continuing to Puebla. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel. The evening is free to explore the city's charm and exquisite regional cuisine on your own
Overnight: Puebla
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 4, Saturday - Colonial Puebla
This morning, tour the picturesque Centro Historico de Puebla. Admire gorgeous views of the stunning cathedral, a wealth of beautiful churches, and colonial buildings adorned with Talavera ceramic tiles for which the city is famous. Balance of the day is at leisure, or join the optional Half Day Cholula with lunch. A short drive from Puebla transports you to the city of Cholula with its more than 3,000 years of history. After lunch, begin the exploration of the city and marvel at the Mexican Baroque style churches. Continue to the Great Pyramid, the largest pyramid in the world. Spend time wandering through its tunnels, visit the church of los Remedios at the top and admire panoramic views of the area . Return to Puebla for an evening at leisure
Optional: Half Day Cholula with lunch (PM)
Overnight: Puebla
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5, Sunday - Travel to Oaxaca
Depart Puebla and travel to Oaxaca, a bastion of indigenous culture and colonial history. The drive will take you through craggy mountains, remote villages, valleys, and volcanoes looming on the horizon. Stop for lunch along the way and later continue your drive to Oaxaca. Arrive at the hotel in the afternoon. After time to settle in, take an orientation walk with your Tour Manager, followed by dinner together
Overnight: Oaxaca
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6, Monday - Explore Cultural Oaxaca
Spend a leisurely morning in Oaxaca today, or join the optional to Monte Albán archaeological site, an ancient center of Zapotec and Mixtec culture. After a short drive, arrive at the impressive pre-Columbian ruins, located on a mountaintop with stunning views of the Oaxaca Valley. Tour the complex, filled with temples, pyramids, magnificent tombs and learn about the Zapotec culture. Afterward, return back to the hotel. In the afternoon, take a walking tour of Oaxaca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you stroll along the picturesque streets of the city’s historic center, view lavish colonial mansions, Santo Domingo Church, Museum of Cultures, Centro Cultural Santo Domingo, Government House and the Zocalo (Main Square). Conclude the tour at the colorful local market with stalls brimming with textiles, jewelry, fresh produce and much more
Optional: Half Day Monte Albán (AM)
Overnight: Oaxaca
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7, Tuesday - Mitla, Teotitlan del Valle, Mezcal Distillery
Begin the day with a drive to the archaeological site of Mitla, which means “place of the dead”, known for its unique architecture. Admire the intricate stone mosaics that adorn many of the walls of the ruins. Proceed to the Zapotec village of Teotitlan del Valle and observe a weaving demonstration. Marvel at the beautiful wool weavings before sharing lunch at the artisan’s home. Later, visit a Mezcal distillery. Tour the facility and learn about the process of producing this alcoholic drink from any type of agave. Conclude your visit with a tasting, before departing for Oaxaca. En route, stop to visit Santa Maria del Tule, known for its giant 2,000-year-old cypress tree. Tonight, bid adios to your newfound friends and Tour Manager at the Farewell Dinner
Overnight: Oaxaca
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8, Wednesday - Depart Mexico
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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