Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day; cobblestone streets. Taxis available at your own cost.
At the hotel, enjoy a buffet featuring Mexican and international cuisine including a variety of hot dishes, bread, pastries, yogurt, fruit, plus coffee, tea, juice, water.
Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. All transportation will be provided via bus unless specified otherwise. An instructor will conduct all sessions in the classroom; a certified expert will lead field trips and excursions. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. We’ll then be joined by our instructor for a lecture to learn about the history of San Miguel de Allende, a colonial silver trade city and birthplace of Ignacio Allende, a captain in the Spanish army who sympathized with the Mexican cause and was a vital figure in the War of Independence. In the mid-20th century the town was revitalized by domestic and foreign artists; who were interested in its colonial architecture. With our newly acquired knowledge, we will then set out on a walking field trip with a local expert to downtown San Miguel de Allende, including a visit to the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel, an emblem of the city with its neo-gothic facade and tall towers, which can be seen across the town. With our local expert, we’ll go inside to see the oil paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries, a large German organ brought in in the mid 19th century and carvings of saints including one of St. Miguel Arcangel.
At local restaurant, we will have a plated meal featuring a local specialty, plus coffee, tea, fruit water, water; other beverages available for purchase.
We will walk with a local expert to Museo Casa de Don Ignacio Allende y Unzaga. The actual family home where Ignacio Allende was born, this preserved house from the early 1800s was bought by the state government and turned into a museum to display information on the beginning of the armed conflict for independence of Mexico. Along with valuable historical, social, and cultural context of the time San Miguel lived through, some sections of the museum also show how important San Miguel de Allende is as industrial and commercial center. Next, we will continue on our expert-led walk to Plaza Civica, which used to be the main market place and square in San Miguel de Allende. On the edge of the plaza is the Church of our Lady of Health, built in 1735 Baroque style and has indigenous influence. A short walk will bring us to the Biblioteca Publica, Mexico’s second largest bilingual library, and a visit to the Craft’s Market. We’ll gather at our private meeting room for a social hour, an opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers.
At a local restaurant, we’ll have a plated dinner consisting of a 3-course meal including dessert, plus coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.
At leisure.