Colonial Mexico Deluxe

Arrival at the international airport in Mexico City. Reception by our partner, and transfer to the hotel in the city center. You will have the rest of the day at leisure for private activities.  Overnight at the Hilton Mexico Reforma or similar.

Breakfast at the hotel. Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the BASILICA DE GUADALUPE, religious complex in honour of the Virgin of Guadalupe, Patroness of Mexico. Located on the Cerro del Tepeyac, indicates the approximate place of the apparitions of the Virgin to the Indian San Juan Diego; the place is a complex of the Antigua Basílica (now Templo Expiatorio a Cristo Rey, completed in 1709); the Capilla del Pocito (a small building completed at the end of the 18th century); the Templo y Ex Convento de Capuchinas next to the ancient shrine and the Nueva Basílica (dedicated in 1976). After this visit, we will continue to TEOTIHUACAN, archeological site and UNESCO´s World Heritage site since 1987, located at 50 km from Mexico City. Founded around the 5th century BC, the site was abandoned by its first settlers, the Teotihuacans. Among its important constructions are the Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon, the Palaces of the Jaguars and the Plumed Snail and Quetzalpapálotl, the latter having preserved remains of mural painting. It seems to have been occupied by Toltecs at a time after the XVII century, testimony of which is the Great Pyramid of Quetzalcoatl. It is believed that it was the Aztecs who called the main street Calzada de los Muertos (Street of the dead).  Back to the city of Mexico, we will have a guided tour visiting the main attractions of the capital of Mexico: The Cathedral built on top of an Aztec temple by the Spaniards, the Government Palace with its famous frescoes by Diego Rivera, one of Mexico's most famous artists.  Continue through El Paseo de la Reforma, the most important street in Mexico City and its main artery in east-west direction. On their route are numerous roundels with monuments of famous personalities. The road was built at the behest of Emperor Maximilian, because he wanted a direct connection between the Castillo de Chapultepec, occupied by him and his office at the Zócalo. Consequently, the road was first called Calzada del Emperador (road of the Emperor). After he was deposed, it was renamed in view of their statues located in it as Paseo de los Hombres Ilustres (promenade of famous men) before finally adopted in 1861 its present name in honour of President Benito Juarez´s reform legislation. You will pass close to the Palacio de Bellas Artes, the Palace of Fine Arts and the Monumento a la Revolución. Finally you can see the Castle of Chapultepec and panoramic visit of the residential neighbourhood of Polanco as well as the famous Masaryk Street. Back to the hotel. Overnight at the Hilton Mexico Reforma or similar. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Day at leisure for private activities. We suggest visiting the National Anthropological Museum, which provides an impressive collection of Mexican culture from the pre-Hispanic period on display. Also is very interesting to visit Xochimilco, a district consisting of freshwater canals and floating gardens. You can have lunch on board a "trajinera" (local boat) accompanied by the music of mariachis. Back to the hotel. Overnight at the Hilton Mexico Reforma or similar. (B)