Active pace with longer touring days. Expect intermittent walking at a moderate pace for 2–3 hours over a variety of terrain, including cobblestones, hills and uneven pavements. Must be able to negotiate stairs of varying heights, sometimes without handrails. Can tolerate periods of standing during guided tours and be able to climb in/out of various modes of transportation. Some days may include 5–7 km of walking over the course of the day.
We depart for Guadalajara and transfer to our hotel. This evening, we enjoy our Welcome Dinner and orientation meeting
This morning, enjoy a guided walking tour through Guadalajara’s historic center, visiting architectural and cultural landmarks such as the Plaza de Armas, Guadalajara Cathedral, the Rotonda of Illustrious Men, Liberation Square, Degollado Theatre, and the expansive Plaza Tapatía. In the afternoon, travel to Tlaquepaque, a lively artisan town known for its colourful streets, handcrafts, galleries, and restaurants. Enjoy free time for lunch and shopping.
Take a scenic drive through blue agave fields to the charming town of Tequila, birthplace of Mexico’s iconic spirit. Visit a traditional distillery to learn about the tequila-making process, followed by a tasting session. Enjoy a lively mariachi performance during a regional lunch before returning to Guadalajara.
Tour the Cabañas Cultural Center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning chapel murals painted by José Clemente Orozco, one of Mexico’s great muralists. Afterward, walk across the street to explore the San Juan de Dios Market, the largest indoor market in Latin America— brimming with everything from local foods to crafts and clothing
Depart for the elegant colonial city of Morelia, a UNESCO-listed gem. This afternoon enjoy a guided tour of the historic center, visiting the main plaza, San Nicolás College, the serene Garden of the Roses, and the historic Conservatory of Music. Browse local sweets at the candy market, then drive to admire the 17th-century aqueduct and the stunning Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe, known for its opulent baroque interior.
Discover Purepecha heritage with a morning visit to Tzintzuntzan, once the capital of the indigenous kingdom, where you’ll explore the Santa Ana monastery, built in the 1500s. Continue to the lakeside town of Pátzcuaro for a walking tour including the Main Plaza, House of the Eleven Patios, and the Jesuit Cultural Center. Enjoy lunch at a traditional Purepecha restaurant and free time to explore this Pueblo Mágico. We return to Morelia in the evening.
Drive through the highlands to San Miguel de Allende, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its art, architecture, and colonial charm. This afternoon, join a guided walking tour to see highlights like the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, cobblestone streets, and lively plazas.
Take a morning excursion to Querétaro, an elegant colonial city where history and modernity blend. On a guided walking tour, visit the Aqueduct, Zenea Garden, and historic downtown. Enjoy free time for lunch before returning to San Miguel.
Visit the town of Dolores Hidalgo, known as the “Cradle of Mexican Independence.” Tour a Talavera ceramic workshop and the historic center, including the church where Miguel Hidalgo sparked the 1810 independence movement. After lunch in a historic mansion, stop in Atotonilco to visit the mural-filled Sanctuary of Jesus Nazareno, often called the “Mexican Sistine Chapel.”
Depart San Miguel for the serene shores of Lake Chapala, Mexico’s largest freshwater lake. Settle into your lakeside hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening.
This morning we set out on a walking tour to explore Ajijic, a picturesque village known for its artistic community, cobblestone streets, and vibrant local culture.
Enjoy two full days to unwind at your own pace. Your tour manager will offer complimentary optional activities such as basic Spanish lessons, Mexican bingo, or a local bus trip to Chapala town.
Enjoy another day to unwind at your own pace. Your tour manager will offer complimentary optional activities such as basic Spanish lessons, Mexican bingo, or a local bus trip to Chapala town.
Spend the morning at leisure. In the afternoon, we will have our farewell cocktail party, followed by a festive mariachi dinner to celebrate the journey.
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (90 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
