Time for a San Miguel Allende Vacation!

Day 1

Arrival to Leon
You will be welcomed and privately transferred from the Leon Airport to your lovely Boutique hotel in Guanajuato.

Day 2

Guanajuato
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. 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

San Miguel Allende
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. 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

Mineral de Pozos
After breakfast, you will transfer to the little known colonial mining center of Mineral de Pozos, a Mexican Magic Town. “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

San Miguel Allende
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. In the late afternoon, you may choose from two optional activities: San Miguel Artistico or San Miguel Relajado (Relaxed). In San Miguel Artistico,you will visit the private collection of Bill and Heidi La Vasseur filled with original works by little known Mexican artists including Milagros 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. If you choose option two, 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.

Day 1

Arrival to Guanajuato
Arriving at to Leon, Guanajuato Airport (BJX) you will meet your private transfer to San Miguel de Allende where you will settle into your beautiful hotel to rest and refresh. Enjoy rest of evening at leisure and dinner on your own. Overnight: Rosewood San Miguel Allende

Day 2

San Miguel Allende Private Tour & Fabrica La Aurora
Today you will meet your guide to enjoy a privately guided walking tour of San Miguel. Visit the most important attractions including the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel. 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.

San Miguel de Allende is also known internationally by its great variety of handicraft works, today you will also visit Fabrica La Aurora a beautiful art and design center housed in a former textile factory that dates to the turn-of-the century. The Fabrica La Aurora is home to over forty galleries, studios, shops, and restaurants. Among old textile machines and hydraulic turbines, you will find artists busy at work in their studios, new exhibits in contemporary art galleries, furniture and interior design stores, antiques and jewelry boutiques. We suggest lunch at the Food Factory restaurant in la Aurora.
Overnight: Rosewood San Miguel Allende

Day 3

Evening Private Tour to Dos Buhos Vineyard & Gourmet Picnic
Today you will enjoy your morning at leisure to explore town on your own or relax at the hotel. In the evening, you will delve into the world of local wine with a visit to a boutique winery – Dos Buhos. A working organic farm, tour their property and wine making facilities in a special tour and deluxe wine pairing. Evening includes tasting of 5 wines, a gourmet meal with cheese platter, home-made marmalade, quiche, cookies, and chocolates a menu that can either be packed into a picnic basket or served under a beautiful Mezquite tree on an antique picnic table with elegant table settings.
Overnight: Rosewood San Miguel Allende

Day 4

Tlaquepaque & Guadalajara
This morning you will be met by your guide for a private transfer to Tlaquepaque and Guadalajara Historic Center. Your first stop is in Tlaquepaque; experience the culture and see and shop the local artisan crafts. A pedestrian mall awaits, lined by precious 17th and 18th century houses that have been converted into art galleries, museums, souvenir shops and restaurants; our suggestion lunch for today is at El Parian to enjoy an authentic, local meal while listening to mariachi play. You continue on to Guadalajara Historic City Center discovering some of this colonial city’s most treasured sights including the Palacio de Gobierno, Hospicio Las Cabanas Cultures, Plaza Tapatia, and many other beautiful sites. You will finally end your journey with a drive to Tequila.
Overnight: Solar de Las Animas

Day 5

Tequila Tradition Tour
Today you will enjoy a privately guided experience to discover tequila as a way of life, on a trip full of tradition, visual delights and pleasure for your palate. Meet the skilled teams who bring us this iconic drink: the agave harvesters, the men who work in the distillery ovens and the master tequileros.

Visit blue agave fields and see the jimadores at work, take a tour of la Rojeña (the oldest distillery in Latin America), enjoy tequila tasting in the private cellar where the Premium Reserva de la Familia is aged, and sample tequila straight from the barrel.
Overnight: Solar de Las Animas

Day 6

Guachimontones Pyramids & Tequila Tasting at Hacienda Labor de Rivera
Today you will meet your private guide to discover the great archaeological wonder known as the Guachimontones Pyramids. These pre-Hispanic pyramids are near the Mexican town of Teuchitla and consist of circular stepped pyramids amidst circular building complexes. Here you will stroll the grounds, hike to the top for breathtaking views and visit the new state-of-the-art museum.

The day continues towards Hacienda Labor de Rivera for lunch & Tequila Tasting. Ancient shade trees welcome you to a beautiful old hacienda that has been lovingly restored into a luxury boutique hotel. At arrival enjoy a 3-course traditional meal with regionally sourced products and creative touchs. Afterwards experience a private Tequila Tasting at the lienzo charro rodeo which was once the center of colorful competitions by skilled horsemen and women. You will enjoy a brief demonstration of charro skills and admire the collection of beautiful horses while you discover the unique qualities of the Sprit of Mexico, the tequila.
Overnight: Solar de Las Animas

Day 7

Departure Day
Meet your driver for your private transportation to the Guadalajara Airport.

Day 1

Arrive to Leon, Guanajuato
Arriving at to Leon Guanajuato Airport (BJX) you will be privately transfered (1:45 min) to San Miguel de Allende. Settle into your beautiful hotel to rest and relax before meeting your expert guide for an afternoon excursion to learn why visitors from all over the world fall in love with this unique, colorful, and art-filled colonial town. Your local guide will show you all the great sites while explaining the history of the area and providing you with the knowledge you will also need to explore at your own pace in the following days.
Overnight: Rosewood San Miguel Allende

Day 2

San Miguel Allende Private Tour & Fabrica La Aurora
San Miguel Allende Market and La Aurora
San Miguel de Allende is known internationally by its great variety of handicraft works and today you will enjoy a privately guided excursion to visit the Artisans Market for a cultural experience that showcases outstanding works such as tin ware, wool, stonework, paper mache and hand-blown glass. Afterwards you will you will visit Fabrica La Aurora, a beautiful art and design center housed in a former textile factory that dates to the turn-of-the century. The Fabrica La Aurora is home to over forty galleries, studios, shops, and restaurants. Among old textile machines and hydraulic turbines, you will find artists busy at work in their studios, new exhibits in contemporary art galleries, furniture and interior design stores, antiques and jewellery boutiques. The rest of the evening is to be enjoyed on your own.
Overnight: Rosewood San Miguel Allende

Day 3

Escondido Natural Hot Springs
This morning you will enjoy a private transfer and time at leisure at Escondido Mineral Hot Springs where you can ease your tensions and soothe tired muscles by slipping into pools of steaming, mineral-rich waters in nearby natural springs. You can also relax under the open sky or sheltered by rock-lined grottas. Back to San Miguel enjoy lunch, dinner and rest of evening at leisure. Overnight: Rosewood San Miguel Allende

Day 4

Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo
Today you will meet your private driver for a transfer to the Queretaro Airport, to catch your flight towards Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, your next destination for the following 3 nights. This afternoon/evening is at your leisure at one of the most prestigious Zihuatanejo luxury resorts, Viceroy Zihuatanejo. One thousand feet of private beach stretch along the azure waters of the resort’s splendid Pacific coastline, strewn with teak lounge chairs and exclusive palapas, daybeds and cabanas. Guests can enjoy three swimming pools, including a fantastic infinity pool poised at water’s edge – as if spilling directly into the sea.
Overnight: Viceroy Zihuatanejo

Day 5

Ixtapa Island
Swim and snorkel at Playa Coral Reef and adventure to two other areas in the island. Today is truly meant to be a day of fun and relaxation in the sun. Snorkel gear and other water sports are available (additional cost). Tour guide, transportation and lunch included. Overnight: Viceroy Zihuatanejo tequila straight from the barrel.
Overnight: Solar de Las Animas

Day 6

Safari Holiday
We’ll take you straight to the jungle and virgin beaches of this region. Arriving at a fisherman’s village, take a trip on boat through the lagoon Barra de Potosi and then be ready to gallop on the beach. We’ll enjoy a traditional fish ‘a la talla’ and handmade tortillas. Tour guide, transportation, boat ride, horseback riding and lunch included.
Overnight: Viceroy Zihuatanejo

Day 7

Depart Ixtapa
Today you will be privately transferred to Zihuatanejo Airport for your onward flight home.

Highlights:

Your guide will meet you at your hotel and you will travel just outside of central San Miguel de Allende to start your day with a visit to the Dos Buhos vineyard. Learn about the specialized wines produced at this certified organic property, which has interesting ties to the local art community. Explore the barn, rich in artwork, before partaking in a tasting of three wines paired with local cheeses and artisanal marmalades made with local ingredients.

Heading next towards Dolores Hidalgo you will make a short stop in Atotonilco, home to a sanctuary that is considered a World Heritage Site. Explore the Mexican Baroque mural work that adorns the chapels and nave and discover why the sanctuary is dubbed the Sistine Chapel of Mexico.

Arriving next at Cuna de Tierra you will take a walk through their expansive vineyards and learn how this family run vineyard is now producing 70,000 bottles of their award winning wine every year. You will learn the techniques for growing the perfect grape, and upon tasting the fruit straight from the vine, you will discover how to distinguish the wines made from each type of grape. Climb up the contemporary tower for a bird´s eye view of the different grape varietals and later move along to the modern structures that contain the barrel room and wine production area, that have won awards for architectural design. Your visit will culminate with a gourmet multi-course Mexican lunch paired with a selection of their award winning wines.