Itinerary

Day 1: USA - MEXICO CITY - COCOYOC

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Depart for Mexico City, arriving in the late afternoon. Once the group has assembled, we travel to our first hacienda, located approximately two hours from the Mexico City airport, with a welcome briefing en route.

Accommodation: HACIENDA COCOYOC (view website)

Day 2: OAXTEPEC - TEPOZTLAN - YECAPIXTLA

Sunday, January 11, 2009

After breakfast, visit several noteworthy colonial monuments located a short drive from our hacienda. Visit Oaxtepec and its monastery dating from the 16th century, and Tepoztlán, a convent believed to have been built in 1555 by the Dominicans and which features stunning vistas of the valley. Finally, stop at Yecapixtla to tour a former monastery and take in its beautiful gothic pulpit. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner together. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: HACIENDA COCOYOC

Day 3: COCOYOC - TEQUESQUITENGO

Monday, January 12, 2009

After breakfast, depart for our next hacienda located in the town of Tequesquitengo. En route, stop in Tlayacapan, known for its pottery, where we visit the remains of the former Hacienda Pantitlán, offering a wonderful insight into how these haciendas were divided among the workers after the 1910 Revolution. Continue to Lake Tequesquitengo for lunch before arriving at our historic hacienda. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: HACIENDA VISTA HERMOSA (view website)

Day 4: XOCHICALCO

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Xochicalco, which means “Place of the Flowers,” is a small but impressive archaeological complex nestled in the highlands of Mexico. Developed during the period 800 to 900 A.D., Xochicalco was not only the oldest known fortress in Middle America, but also a religious center. The main attraction here is the well-preserved Pyramid of the Feathered Serpent, which features some of Mexico’s finest decorative paneling. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: HACIENDA VISTA HERMOSA

Day 5: TAXCO

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Depart for the city of Taxco, a national monument perched on a mountainside at 5,000 feet. A silver mining center since colonial times, Taxco is still known for its traditional silverwork. Enjoy a specially arranged visit to El Chorrillo, a former mining hacienda. El Chorrillo is the Taxco campus of the university where Professor Rodriguez teaches. There is time to explore this delightful city and have lunch on your own. Stroll along the city’s cobbled streets lined with whitewashed houses with red-tiled roofs; visit the exquisite baroque-style Santa Prisca Cathedral; and observe the Plaza Borda, the city’s central square. Return to Hacienda Vista Hermosa in time for dinner. (B,D)

Accommodation: HACIENDA VISTA HERMOSA

Day 6: TEQUESQUITENGO - CUERNAVACA

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Today, travel to the charming city of Cuernavaca. Due to its warm climate, Cuernavaca is known as the “city of everlasting spring” and boasts palatial houses, year-round blossoming vegetation, and tropical gardens. After a city tour and lunch in a local restaurant, continue to our historic hacienda on the outskirts of town. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: HACIENDA DE CORTES (view website)

Day 7: CUERNAVACA - MEXICO CITY

Friday, January 16, 2009

This morning, we visit the restored 16th-century Hacienda la Noria that houses the Dolores Olmedo Museum, home to some of Diego Rivera’s and Frida Kahlo’s best works. Enjoy lunch at Hacienda de Tlalpan before continuing to Mexico City and our comfortable hotel located in the Zona Rosa, a neighborhood known for its fine shopping and dining. This evening, gather for a festive farewell dinner. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: GALERIA PLAZA HOTEL (view website)

Day 8: MEXICO CITY - USA

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Transfer to the airport this morning for flights home. (B)