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Mexico

The Best of Central Mexico: Magical Towns and Bustling Cities

Program No. 23083RJ
Beginning in Mexico City’s bustle, journey to five colorful, European-inspired cities in Central Mexico, experiencing archaeological gems, open-air markets and savory cuisine.

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Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

Program
At a Glance
Duration
15 days
Program Begins
Mexico City
Program Concludes
Oaxaca
Meals
35 ( 14B, 12L, 9D )
Activity Level
Forget the Mexico you think you know. Oh, the sensory-piquing surprises — archaeological gems, mouth-watering mole, locals’ warm welcomes — that await you in Mexico’s romantic, central highlands! Beginning in bustling Mexico City, journey to five magnificent, European-inspired cities and learn about 3,500 years of rich history rooted in advanced, indigenous civilizations. Venture to elevations of 6,000-plus feet in these colonial jewels that pulse with an effervescent mestizo culture thriving to this day. Open-air markets, 16th-century cathedrals, a cooking class — find memories of a lifetime at every turn!
Best of all, you'll...
  • Experience the Indigenous Purepecha village of Pátzcuaro, a quaint, colorful town of simple adobe homes founded in the 1320s, and an adjoining ancient village.
  • Discover world-renowned cuisine and experience a cooking class in Oaxaca that begins with a trip to the market and preparation of a four-course meal.
  • Witness the allure of San Miguel de Allende, which continues to attract Americans to its orderly, colorful streets.
General Notes
All dates follow the same itinerary, but select departures of this program are “On Your Feet” Activity Level to allow for a more relaxed pace.
Profile Image
Maria Mitrani
Maria Mitrani was born in Italy, then lived in Canada, the United States and France. She finally settled in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, where she has been living since 1976 with her husband and three children. She has a bachelor’s in Italian and art history from the University of California at Berkeley. Since 1985 she has led learning adventures through different parts of Mexico and is a specialized guide for Baja California. She is one of the owners and founders of Andiamo.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Profile Image of Cristina Vannucci
Cristina Vannucci
Cristina Vannucci was born and raised in Italy. After graduating from college she worked in England and the United States, then spent several years traveling and working between Italy and France. Cristina arrived in Mexico by chance in 1992 and made it her home working as a group leader ever since. For over 20 years, her love for this country has taken her to hidden places, allowing her to meet different people and to learn about the vast array of culture and nature within.
Profile Image of Benjamín González
Benjamín González
Benjamin González was born to a traditional Mexican family. As the son of an anthropologist mother and sociologist father, he decided to major in history. His curious spirit has driven him to travel to the 32 state capitals of Mexico and a number of countries in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Benjamin enjoys sharing his knowledge about Mexico in a natural, local, and joyful way. When he's at home, he likes to read and to write posts for his travel followers.
Profile Image of Anilu Lopez
Anilu Lopez
Anilu was born and raised in Mexico City. After earning a BA degree in Tourism, she traveled to England and France to learn languages. She lived in France for 11 years, where she studied History of Art at La Sorbonne and worked as a Group Leader. Back in Mexico, she raised her children and has always continued to work as a Group Leader. Anilu is amusing and enthusiastic when sharing her knowledge and passion of her country, its people, culture, and history with people from around the world.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking 2.5 - 3 miles on six days; standing up to two hours. Climbing one flight of stairs. Driving 2-4.5 hours some days. Walking on cobblestones, generally uneven, sometimes with narrow sidewalks, unavoidable uphills, and high steps. Standing in museums and archaeological sites.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List (9 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
Enroll with Confidence
Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.






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