Mexico
Mexico City: History, Art & Culture at a Slower Pace
Program No. 25739RJ
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Mexico City: History, Art & Culture at a Slower Pace
Mexico City: History, Art & Culture at a Slower Pace
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Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date.
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While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
9 days
8 nights
What's Included
Included
21 meals (
8B, 7L, 6D
)
5 expert-led lectures
11 expert-led field trips
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City: History, Art & Culture at a Slower Pace
Nov 6 - Nov 14, 2028
Program Number
25739
Day
1
In Transit, Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Mexico City, Mexico
Meals:
D
Stay:
Hotel Barcelo Reforma
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
After arriving at the hotel, checking in, and getting your room, take some time to unpack, freshen up, and relax.
Dinner:
In the hotel restaurant, we’ll enjoy a welcome buffet dinner featuring Mexican and international cuisine with a variety of salads, soups, main dishes, and dessert, plus coffee, tea, fruit water, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the days ahead.
Day
2
Orientation, Lecture & Historical Center, Templo Mayor
Location:
Mexico City, Mexico
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Barcelo Reforma
Activity Note
Walking up to 1.3 miles throughout the day; flat terrain, busy sidewalks; periods of standing up to 1/2 hour at a time.
Breakfast:
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.
Morning:
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.
Next, we’ll be joined in our private meeting room by our instructor to receive the first in a series of lectures on the history of Mexico City. Founded as Mexica-Tenochtitlan by the Mexica people in the early 14th century, it is commonly referred to as Tenochtitlan. According to Mexica mythology, they were signaled by their principal god Huitzilopochtli to build their home where they saw an eagle resting on a cactus with a snake in its beak. For nearly two centuries, the city prospered and expanded as the capital of the Aztec empire, until falling to Spanish conquest in 1521.
Leaving the hotel, we’ll walk to The Templo Mayor, this was the site of the main temple of Tenochtitlan and regarded as the center of the world by the Aztecs. It was dedicated to Huitzilopochtli, the god of war, and Tlaloc, the god of rain and agriculture. After seeing the ruins, we will then walk to the Templo Mayor Museum, which holds some 7,000 pieces recovered during excavations of the site.
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.
Next, we’ll be joined in our private meeting room by our instructor to receive the first in a series of lectures on the history of Mexico City. Founded as Mexica-Tenochtitlan by the Mexica people in the early 14th century, it is commonly referred to as Tenochtitlan. According to Mexica mythology, they were signaled by their principal god Huitzilopochtli to build their home where they saw an eagle resting on a cactus with a snake in its beak. For nearly two centuries, the city prospered and expanded as the capital of the Aztec empire, until falling to Spanish conquest in 1521.
Leaving the hotel, we’ll walk to The Templo Mayor, this was the site of the main temple of Tenochtitlan and regarded as the center of the world by the Aztecs. It was dedicated to Huitzilopochtli, the god of war, and Tlaloc, the god of rain and agriculture. After seeing the ruins, we will then walk to the Templo Mayor Museum, which holds some 7,000 pieces recovered during excavations of the site.
Lunch:
At a local favorite restaurant, we’ll have a 3-course plated lunch with fruit water, coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
After lunch we will walk by the "Plaza de la Independencia," well known as Zócalo. It is the second largest square in the world. Here, we can admire the buildings that represent the headquarters of the religious and political powers of Mexico.
We’ll then go back to our hotel. At 6:00 PM we will gather in our private meeting room for a Social Hour, an opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers.
We’ll then go back to our hotel. At 6:00 PM we will gather in our private meeting room for a Social Hour, an opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers.
Dinner:
At the hotel restaurant, we’ll have a buffet dinner featuring Mexican and international cuisine with a variety of salads, soups, main dishes, and dessert, with coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
3
Colonial Period, San Ildefonso Mus., Metropolitan Cathedral
Location:
Mexico City, Mexico
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Barcelo Reforma
Activity Note
Walking up to 1.5 miles; periods of standing and walking in museum up to 1 hour; flat terrain, city sidewalks.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We will then meet with our instructor to continue our lecture series on the history of México City, focusing on the colonial period as the capital of New Spain.
Then, setting out on foot with our local expert, we’ll walk into the city for a field trip to the San Ildefonso School Museum, known locally as the Antiguo Colegio de San Ildefonso. Currently a cultural center in downtown Mexico City, the college is the most important of the many founded by the Jesuits in the late 16th century. It offered both a secular and religious education until the expulsion of the Jesuits from all Spanish territories in 1767. The building was renovated in the 1990’s to serve as a public center and museum. It also serves to promote local culture and businesses.
We will then walk to a restaurant for lunch.
Then, setting out on foot with our local expert, we’ll walk into the city for a field trip to the San Ildefonso School Museum, known locally as the Antiguo Colegio de San Ildefonso. Currently a cultural center in downtown Mexico City, the college is the most important of the many founded by the Jesuits in the late 16th century. It offered both a secular and religious education until the expulsion of the Jesuits from all Spanish territories in 1767. The building was renovated in the 1990’s to serve as a public center and museum. It also serves to promote local culture and businesses.
We will then walk to a restaurant for lunch.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant, enjoy a plated lunch with flavored water, coffee, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
After lunch we will walk to the Metropolitan Cathedral. Accompanied by our local expert, we will then visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, constructed over a period of two centuries from 1573 to 1813. We’ll learn about the problems they faced during construction and the problems they are facing now to stabilize and maintain the magnificent building suffering from sinking on the unstable soil.
Dinner:
Tonight's dinner is at a local restaurant, we’ll have a plated 2-course meal with coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure
Day
4
Neoclasic Art, Anthropology Museum
Location:
Mexico City, Mexico
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Barcelo Reforma
Activity Note
Walk up to 1 mile on flat surface. Standing in museum. Bus ride about 10 miles.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will join our instructor for another lecture, this time is Neoclassic Art in the Independence Century.
After the lecture, and accompanied by our local expert, we will board the bus to go to one of the most visited museums in Mexico. We will visit the Anthropology Museum, the Museo Nacional de Antropologia, or the National Museum of Anthropology. Built in the 1960s, this large and prestigious museum houses over 52,000 pieces in 23 exhibition rooms. Among its collections are pieces from the Teotihucans, Toltecs Mexicas, Mayans, and other cultures. One of the most important items we will see is the Aztec Calendar carved in stone. After the presentation, we will have some time to explore the museum independently.
After the lecture, and accompanied by our local expert, we will board the bus to go to one of the most visited museums in Mexico. We will visit the Anthropology Museum, the Museo Nacional de Antropologia, or the National Museum of Anthropology. Built in the 1960s, this large and prestigious museum houses over 52,000 pieces in 23 exhibition rooms. Among its collections are pieces from the Teotihucans, Toltecs Mexicas, Mayans, and other cultures. One of the most important items we will see is the Aztec Calendar carved in stone. After the presentation, we will have some time to explore the museum independently.
Lunch:
At the Anthropology Museum restaurant, we will have a plated 3-course meal with flavored water, plus coffee, tea, fruit water, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
Continue browsing the museum independently.
At a designated time we will board the bus to go back to our hotel.
At a designated time we will board the bus to go back to our hotel.
Dinner:
Tonight's dinner is on your own. This meal has been excluded from the program cost. Group leader can make suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure
Day
5
Xochimilco, Museum Dolores Olmedo
Location:
Mexico City, Mexico
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Barcelo Reforma
Activity Note
Walking up to 1.0 miles total throughout the day; periods of standing in museum flat terrain. Driving approx. 20 miles each way; about 1 hour total.
Breakfast:
At the hotel restaurant.
Morning:
In our meeting room with our instructor, we will continue learning about the history of México. The focus of our lecture today will be on Neoclassic Art in the Independence Century.
Setting out via bus to the Xochimilco area of Mexico City. There we will board a trajinera for a tranquil float to the garden, learning about the history of the Chinampas. We then mindfully absorb the serene environment before visiting and exploring a traditional floating garden farm on a chinampa
Setting out via bus to the Xochimilco area of Mexico City. There we will board a trajinera for a tranquil float to the garden, learning about the history of the Chinampas. We then mindfully absorb the serene environment before visiting and exploring a traditional floating garden farm on a chinampa
Lunch:
Enjoy lunch at the farm prepared by a local chef at the Chinampa.
Afternoon:
After the farm visit, guests can enjoy a serene float back to the bus on a traditional trajinera. This tranquil journey offers a perfect opportunity un unwind and soak in the peaceful surroundings.
We’ll then boar our bus to go to Museum Dolores Olmedo (Museo Dolores Olmedo). This museum is one of Mexico City's most distinctive cultural attractions, celebrated for its extraordinary collection of Mexican art, beautiful gardens, and traditional architecture. Established by art collector and philanthropist Dolores Olmedo, the museum is especially known for its works by Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, as well as its collection of Mexican folk art and pre-Hispanic artifacts.
We’ll then boar our bus to go to Museum Dolores Olmedo (Museo Dolores Olmedo). This museum is one of Mexico City's most distinctive cultural attractions, celebrated for its extraordinary collection of Mexican art, beautiful gardens, and traditional architecture. Established by art collector and philanthropist Dolores Olmedo, the museum is especially known for its works by Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, as well as its collection of Mexican folk art and pre-Hispanic artifacts.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
6
Mexico’s Art, San Angel, Coyoacán, Frida Kahlo Museum
Location:
Mexico City, Mexico
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Barcelo Reforma
Activity Note
Walking up to 1.5 miles total throughout the day; flat terrain. Driving approx. 22 miles roundtrip; about 1.5 hours.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
After breakfast and aboard our bus we'll head out to the neighborhood of Coyoacán. Once an independent village on the shore of Lake Texcoco, Coyoacán welcomed the Spanish and served as the headquarters of Hernan Cortes and the conquistadors. Its name comes from a Nahuatl word of which the exact meaning is unknown but most likely means “place of coyotes.”
While here, we’ll visit the Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as Casa Azul, with our expert. The museum is housed in the building where Kahlo spent most of her life and was donated, along with its contents, to be a museum in her memory by her husband Diego Rivera. Here, we will admire many exhibits for Frida’s work, as well as some personal items that are on display. The museum displays works of art by the couple and other artists, in addition to displaying the lifestyle of Mexican artisans and bohemians in the first half of the 20th century. We will also be able to enjoy some of Diego Rivera's work and, during some time for independent exploration after visiting the museum, you can walk in the beautiful gardens on the property.
While here, we’ll visit the Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as Casa Azul, with our expert. The museum is housed in the building where Kahlo spent most of her life and was donated, along with its contents, to be a museum in her memory by her husband Diego Rivera. Here, we will admire many exhibits for Frida’s work, as well as some personal items that are on display. The museum displays works of art by the couple and other artists, in addition to displaying the lifestyle of Mexican artisans and bohemians in the first half of the 20th century. We will also be able to enjoy some of Diego Rivera's work and, during some time for independent exploration after visiting the museum, you can walk in the beautiful gardens on the property.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant in San Angel, enjoy a 2-course meal, plus lemonade, coffee, and water; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
After lunch we will start walking in the neighborhood of Colonia San Angel and visit the Bazar del Sabado where local artists show and sell their work. With a local expert, we’ll see much of Mexico’s native art.
We’ll then return to the hotel with time to freshen up and then, in our meeting room with our instructor, we will have another presentation in our series of lectures, The focus of our last lecture will be Mexico XX Century.
We’ll then return to the hotel with time to freshen up and then, in our meeting room with our instructor, we will have another presentation in our series of lectures, The focus of our last lecture will be Mexico XX Century.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant, enjoy a three-course dinner with flavored water, coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure
Day
7
Alameda Central, Fine Arts Palace, Ballet Folklorico
Location:
Mexico City, Mexico
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Barcelo Reforma
Activity Note
Walking up to 1.5 miles total throughout the day; periods of standing in museum flat terrain.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We’ll set out on foot for our field trip to the Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes), built in the place of the first National Theater of México in the early 1930s. Here, we will have the opportunity to enjoy a presentation of the Ballet Folklorico of Amalia Hernandez. This piece reflects the various genres and art forms from across the country through both dance and music. After the performance, we will explore the marvelous interior. Primarily a combination of Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles, the grand building is divided into a main hall with smaller exhibition rooms, the theater, and the institute’s offices.
Lunch:
At a Fine Arts Palace restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will head to our hotel for free time. You can rest or you can continue exploring the city. The group leader will be happy to provide suggestions.
Dinner:
We will go to a local restaurant for a three-course meal, plus coffee, tea, and water; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
8
Teotihuacan Archaeological Site, Basilica de Guadalupe
Location:
Mexico City, Mexico
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Barcelo Reforma
Activity Note
Walking up to 1.5 miles throughout the day, periods of standing under direct sun, dirt paths. Driving approx. 30 miles one way; about 1.5 hours.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
Departing the hotel via bus, our field trip will begin with a visit to the Basilica de Guadalupe. Once there, we will learn about the old and new Basilica, as well as the Capuchinas Convent, and stand on the Atrio of the Americas. The Basilica is the most visited sanctuary in Latin America, housing the miraculous image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. While here, we’ll also learn the story of St. Juan Diego and the apparition of the Virgin Mary in 1531. Originally, the site of a shrine to a mother goddess, the conquistadors destroyed the chapel and adapted the location into the parish, eventually building the Old Basilica that was completed in 1709. Due to its sinking foundation, the New Basilica was constructed next to it from 1974 to 1976, creating a dichotomy of old and new.
Our field trip will continue to the Teotihuacan Pyramids. Our local expert will introduce us to Teotihuacan and how it became the 6th largest city in the world between 150 BCE and 450 CE. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the pyramids are the centerpiece of the holy city that once hosted a population of at least 125,000 people. Some of the most famous temples include the Temple of the Plumed Serpent and the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon.
Our field trip will continue to the Teotihuacan Pyramids. Our local expert will introduce us to Teotihuacan and how it became the 6th largest city in the world between 150 BCE and 450 CE. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the pyramids are the centerpiece of the holy city that once hosted a population of at least 125,000 people. Some of the most famous temples include the Temple of the Plumed Serpent and the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant, we will have a buffet meal featuring a variety of salads, soups, main dishes, and dessert, plus coffee, tea, fruit water, and water; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
We’ll return to the hotel.
Dinner:
Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, we’ll have a 3-course plated meal, plus coffee, tea, and water; other beverages available for purchase. Share some of your favorite experiences from the program with new Road Scholar friends.
Evening:
The Group Leader will then review the program and discuss airport transfers for when the program concludes. The remainder of the evening will be at leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.
Day
9
Program Concludes
Location:
Mexico City, Mexico
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out is by 12:00 Noon. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers. Driving approx. 5 miles to the airport; about 1/2 hour.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we’ll then board the bus and transfer to the airport. This concludes our program.
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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