COLONIAL CITIES TOUR
This journey invites travelers to discover the soul of colonial Mexico, where every city tells a story through its baroque churches, artisan markets, and lively plazas. Designed as a seamless shared itinerary, it flows from the grand boulevards of Mexico City to the pink-hued alleys of San Miguel de Allende, visiting UNESCO World Heritage cities and off-the-beaten-path gems along the way.
You’ll explore vibrant traditions, regional flavors, and the fascinating stories behind Mexico’s independence, spirituality, and artistic legacy. With carefully curated experiences and smooth, scenic transitions between each destination, this is the ultimate slow-travel journey for culture lovers seeking depth, color, and authenticity at every turn.
January | 11 | July | 12 |
February | 8 | August | 9 |
March | 8 | September | 13 |
April | 12 | October | 4 |
May | 10 | November | Not available |
June | 14 | December | 20* Under request |
ITINERARY
Duration: Full Day • Language: English and Spanish
Leave the energy of Mexico City and travel west through scenic highlands to Morelia—a UNESCO World Heritage city carved from pink quarry stone and rich with centuries of tradition and elegance.
A guided walking tour reveals the city’s baroque beauty, beginning at the Cathedral of Morelia. Continue to the Palacio de Gobierno to admire independence murals, then stroll across Plaza de los Mártires. At the colorful Mercado de Dulces, sample traditional treats like candied tamarind and sugar cicadas.
As daylight fades, pass beneath the arches of the Morelia Aqueduct and visit the breathtaking Capilla de Guadalupe. Check into your hotel and enjoy a peaceful night in this timeless city.
Included: Shared Transportation, Guided City Tour, Entrance Fees, Hotel Check-in in Morelia
Not Included: Meals, Tips, Personal Expenses
Duration: Full Day • Language: English and Spanish
Head to Pátzcuaro, a beloved Pueblo Mágico beside a misty lake, renowned for Day of the Dead traditions. Visit the Casa de los Once Patios—now a vibrant artisan hub of copper, textiles, and lacquerware—then see the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Salud and stroll Plaza Don Vasco de Quiroga.
Continue to Rancho Los Tres Potrillos, the legendary estate of Vicente Fernández. If access is granted, admire the property, enjoy a traditional lunch (not included) at the on-site grill, and browse the vast western store packed with boots, saddles, and mariachi memorabilia.
Arrive in Guadalajara by evening for check-in and a relaxed night in La Perla de Occidente.
Included: Shared Transportation, Guided Visits, Hotel Check-in in Guadalajara
Not Included: Meals, Personal Shopping, Tips
Duration: Full Day • Language: English and Spanish
Begin with Guadalajara’s historic center—Cathedral, Rotonda de los Hombres Ilustres, Teatro Degollado, and Plaza Tapatía—plus a panoramic view of UNESCO-listed Hospicio Cabañas and its powerful Orozco murals.
Continue to Tequila, a Pueblo Mágico amid blue agave fields. Tour a renowned distillery to learn the process from harvest to barrel-aging, ending with a tasting.
In the afternoon explore Tlaquepaque’s artisan streets—blown glass, ceramics, hand-painted furniture—and enjoy the festive mariachi ambiance. Return to Guadalajara in the evening.
Included: Shared Transportation, Guided Visits, Distillery Entrance & Tasting, Hotel in Guadalajara
Not Included: Lunch, Personal Expenses, Tips
Duration: Full Day • Language: English and Spanish
Travel to Guanajuato (UNESCO) for a panoramic city tour—colorful hillsides, maze-like alleys, and signature subterranean streets. Drive by iconic landmarks: Teatro Juárez, University of Guanajuato, and the romantic Callejón del Beso; pause for an exterior view of the Diego Rivera House-Museum.
By mid-afternoon, continue to San Miguel de Allende—check in and enjoy a relaxed evening in this creative colonial treasure.
Included: Shared Transportation, Panoramic City Tour of Guanajuato, Bilingual Guide, Hotel Check-In in San Miguel
Not Included: Entrance to museums, Meals, Personal Expenses, Tips
Duration: Full Day • Language: English and Spanish
Begin in San Miguel de Allende—cobblestones, pastel façades, and blooming balconies. A panoramic tour features the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, Chapel of the Holy House, Convent of La Concepción, Church of San Francisco, and Casa e Instituto Allende, with free time for cafés, galleries, and artisan shops.
In the afternoon, head to Querétaro (UNESCO) to see the soaring Aqueduct, Ex-Convent of the Cross, Plaza de la Corregidora, and the Teatro de la República where Mexico’s constitution was signed. Return to Mexico City in the evening.
Included: Shared Transportation, Panoramic City Tour of San Miguel de Allende and Querétaro, Bilingual Guide, Return Transfer to Mexico City
Not Included: Meals, Personal Expenses, Tips
Looking to extend the journey? This program connects seamlessly with our Mexico South & Riviera Journey (starts in Mérida, ends in Cancún). Combine routes to experience colonial highlands, Mayan wonders, and Caribbean coasts in one balanced adventure.
Ask us how to link these programs for a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience.
What’s Included
What’s Not Included
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FAQ’S
The airport you should fly into is Oaxaca International Airport (OAX).
Please note that the hotel cost is not included in the price displayed, as we understand that each traveler has unique accommodation preferences. Rest assured, our team is dedicated to assisting you in finding the perfect option that aligns with your needs.
In our exclusive program, we have carefully selected Grand Fiesta Americana Oaxaca as our preferred hotel, and we will offer unbeatable pricing. Please contact us to help you book this property.
To ensure a seamless and hassle-free experience, we recommend contacting the accommodation through our agency. By doing so, you gain access to our expertise in selecting the ideal lodging and enjoy the added convenience of a daily pick-up service from your hotel. Our professional drivers will be at your disposal, whisking you to each day’s activities and experiences, ensuring you take advantage of every moment of the program’s highlights.
Alternatively, if you choose to arrange your accommodation independently, we kindly request that you meet the group daily at Grand Fiesta Americana Oaxaca, the designated meeting point. From there, our expert guides will lead you on an extraordinary journey, immersing you in Oaxaca’s vibrant culture and captivating landscapes.
To secure the accommodation and discuss further details, please don’t hesitate to contact our team. We are delighted to assist you in finding the best option that meets your preferences and ensures an unforgettable experience in Oaxaca.
Absolutely! If you need additional accommodation during your stay, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are happy to help you find the best option that meets your needs and preferences. Just let us know how we can assist you.
The trip starts with cocktails at 5 PM, and we suggest arriving no later than 4 PM on the day the tour starts. The booking section has the various tour dates available.
We understand that everyone’s dietary needs are unique and important. That’s why we’re here to help you plan a trip that caters to your specific requirements.
Whether you have dietary restrictions due to allergies, health concerns, or personal preferences, we will work with you to create a travel itinerary that accommodates your needs. Oaxaca cuisine is incredibly diverse, and we can recommend a wide range of options to suit your tastes.
Additionally, all the venues we visit on our tours are equipped to handle special dietary needs. Just let us know in advance, and we’ll prepare your meals with your dietary requirements in mind. Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or have other dietary restrictions, we’ll ensure you can enjoy Oaxaca’s amazing food and drinks without any worries. So go ahead and send us your request – we’re here to make sure that your trip to Oaxaca is not only delicious but also stress-free.
Absolutely! Solo travel is a wonderful opportunity to connect with new people, and you won’t be alone. Our tour welcomes travelers from all backgrounds, and we’re all in this experience together. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be part of a friendly and inclusive group, ready to explore the best of Oaxaca and make unforgettable memories. So don’t hesitate to join us – we can’t wait to meet you!
Yes, this trip is designed to be family-friendly. We’ve carefully crafted an itinerary that balances cultural experiences with culinary delights, making it a great option for families with children. However, we do want to note that some of the activities on this trip are centered around mezcal, which is an alcoholic beverage. While drinking is allowed for those over 18 years old, we always offer non-alcoholic drink options to those who prefer them. Rest assured that we prioritize the safety and comfort of all our guests, including children, and we are happy to make adjustments to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable and age-appropriate experience.
Absolutely! Each day, there will be designated periods of free time for you to explore Oaxaca on your own terms. Typically, this will be in the afternoons, allowing you to relax and recharge before the evening’s activities. During these times, our knowledgeable Local Experts will be available to provide recommendations and advice to help you make the most of your free time and enhance your overall experience in Oaxaca. So go ahead and plan that visit to the local artisan market or simply relax with a book – the choice is yours!
We do not provide travel insurance as each person’s needs and circumstances are unique. However, having travel insurance is a mandatory condition of your booking. We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for COVID-19. If you have not yet purchased travel insurance, we can assist you in finding suitable coverage, or you can purchase it on your own. Please let us know if you need any assistance with this.
Not at all! While we highly recommend taking part in the activities we’ve planned, we understand that everyone has their own preferences and interests. If you’d like to explore Oaxaca on your own during your designated free time or choose to dine at a different restaurant, you are more than welcome to do so. We will provide you with the necessary information and recommendations, and if you choose to join us, we will establish a meeting time at the hotel lobby. If you are running late, please let us know so we can make alternative arrangements. Ultimately, this trip is all about experiencing Oaxaca in your own way and creating memories that will last a lifetime!
To secure your spot on our tour, you can pay using a credit card or wire transfer. A non-refundable deposit of $200 USD is required upon booking. The remaining balance is due 21 days before the start of the trip.
Your deposit is essential to secure your reservation and is non-refundable. In the event of cancellation, the deposit cannot be refunded. However, the final payment may be refundable depending on the vendor’s policies and the date of cancellation. To safeguard your investment, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance.
If you cancel your trip 21 days before the start date, you will not incur any cancellation fee and will receive a full refund of your payments. However, you will not receive a refund if you cancel within 21 days of the start date. Please note that the deposit is non-refundable. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment in case of cancellation.
Certainly! If you cannot join the trip on the scheduled dates, we can assist you in rescheduling for another date. Your deposit and payments can be transferred to the new date, but this can only be done once. Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to reschedule.