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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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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
Activity Level: On Your Feet (1)
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Sep 5 - Sep 19, 2024
Starting at
5,249
Itinerary Note

This date welcomes participants who move at a slower pace.

Activity Level: On Your Feet (1)
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Filling Fast!
Sep 5 - Sep 19, 2024
Starting at
6,699
Itinerary Note

This date welcomes participants who move at a slower pace.

Activity Level: Keep the Pace (17)
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Filling Fast!
Sep 19 - Oct 3, 2024
Starting at
5,249
Sep 26 - Oct 10, 2024
Starting at
4,799
Oct 10 - Oct 24, 2024
Starting at
5,249
Itinerary Note

On this date, participants will spend two overnights in San Miguel de Allende instead of Guanajuato. The city of Guanajuato is visited as a day field trip.

Filling Fast!
Nov 7 - Nov 21, 2024
Starting at
4,799
Dec 5 - Dec 19, 2024
Starting at
4,799
Jan 9 - Jan 23, 2025
Starting at
5,299
Full Inventory
Jan 16 - Jan 30, 2025
Starting at
5,799
Jan 30 - Feb 13, 2025
Starting at
5,299
Feb 6 - Feb 20, 2025
Starting at
5,299
Full Inventory
Feb 20 - Mar 6, 2025
Starting at
5,299
Mar 6 - Mar 20, 2025
Starting at
5,299
Full Inventory
Mar 20 - Apr 3, 2025
Starting at
5,299
Apr 24 - May 8, 2025
Starting at
5,299
Sep 18 - Oct 2, 2025
Starting at
5,799
Full Inventory
Oct 9 - Oct 23, 2025
Starting at
5,799
Itinerary Note

On this date, participants will spend two overnights in San Miguel de Allende instead of Guanajuato. The city of Guanajuato is visited as a day field trip.

Full Inventory
Nov 6 - Nov 20, 2025
Starting at
5,299
Dec 4 - Dec 18, 2025
Starting at
5,299
Activity Level: Keep the Pace (17)
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Filling Fast!
Sep 19 - Oct 3, 2024
Starting at
6,699
Sep 26 - Oct 10, 2024
Starting at
6,249
Oct 10 - Oct 24, 2024
Starting at
6,699
Itinerary Note

On this date, participants will spend two overnights in San Miguel de Allende instead of Guanajuato. The city of Guanajuato is visited as a day field trip.

Filling Fast!
Nov 7 - Nov 21, 2024
Starting at
6,249
Filling Fast!
Dec 5 - Dec 19, 2024
Starting at
6,249
Jan 9 - Jan 23, 2025
Starting at
6,809
Filling Fast!
Full Inventory
Jan 16 - Jan 30, 2025
Starting at
7,339
Jan 30 - Feb 13, 2025
Starting at
6,809
Feb 6 - Feb 20, 2025
Starting at
6,809
Full Inventory
Feb 20 - Mar 6, 2025
Starting at
6,809
Mar 6 - Mar 20, 2025
Starting at
6,809
Full Inventory
Mar 20 - Apr 3, 2025
Starting at
6,809
Apr 24 - May 8, 2025
Starting at
6,809
Filling Fast!
Sep 18 - Oct 2, 2025
Starting at
7,339
Filling Fast!
Full Inventory
Oct 9 - Oct 23, 2025
Starting at
7,339
Itinerary Note

On this date, participants will spend two overnights in San Miguel de Allende instead of Guanajuato. The city of Guanajuato is visited as a day field trip.

Full Inventory
Nov 6 - Nov 20, 2025
Starting at
6,809
Dec 4 - Dec 18, 2025
Starting at
6,809

At a Glance

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!
Activity Level
Varies by date
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.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Experience the indigenous Purepecha village of Patzcuaro, 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 Allende that 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.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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 this program.

Profile Image of Maria Mitrani
Maria Mitrani View biography
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.
Profile Image of Cristina Vannucci
Cristina Vannucci View biography
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.
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