Oaxaca & San Miguel de Allende: Archaeology, Crafts and Culinary Traditions March 5-11, 2022

The Valley of Oaxaca is known for its magnificent colonial buildings, world-famous crafts, fabulous cuisine and nearby ancient temples. Encircled by the majestic Sierra Madre del Sur Mountains, the charming city of Oaxaca (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) sits at 5,000 feet on a fertile plateau and enjoys a springlike climate year-round. This fascinating city brims with the colonial architecture of the Spaniards, who founded it in 1532, and the culture of the 17 indigenous groups that have inhabited the region for centuries. The bustle of everyday life takes place around the zócalo, or town square, considered one of the prettiest in all of . Journey to the heart of Mexico to experience the UNESCO World Heritage cities of and San Miguel de Allende. Marvel at impressive colonial architecture, discover what inspired some of Mexico’s greatest artists, and taste the finest of the area’s cuisine.

National Trust Tours - 888.484.8785 - [email protected] HIGHLIGHTS

❖ Enjoy an expert-guided tour of pre-Columbian archaeological ruins at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Monte Albán, with its impressive ceremonial center filled with temples, pyramids, and tombs, all carved out of a mountain ❖ Take a curator-led tour of the Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca, with its outstanding display of archaeological treasures, and gaze upon colonial architecture as you stroll the cobblestone streets of Oaxaca with a scholar ❖ Delight in an exclusive after-hours tour of the former home of acclaimed 20th-century artists José Chavez Morado and , and view their exceptional collection of pre-Hispanic pieces ❖ Engage all of your senses on a behind-the-scenes tour of a vast private vineyard in UNESCO-listed town of Guanajuato, and enjoy a tasting right from its barrels ❖ Meet innovative artists and craftsmen in their own private studios, including a local artisan who crafts unique, handmade musical instruments in his workshop

SCHEDULE BY DAY

March 5 USA/ OAXACA R Saturday Gather this evening for an orientation and welcome reception. Accommodations: Casa De Sierra Azul or similar

March 6 OAXACA B / L / D Sunday Situated at the confluence of three valleys, Oaxaca’s sunny, temperate climate and rocky landscape provide a bracing contrast from the Maya lowlands. A center for handicrafts and the arts, the capital city of Oaxaca de Juárez is also famous for its creative cuisine. This morning visit Templo de de Guzmán, which was constructed primarily from 1570 to 1608 and remains the most splendid of Oaxaca’s churches. The church is part of a great Dominican monastery, whose stone cloister is the antechamber to the Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca, with its outstanding display of archaeological treasures. After lunch from Santo Domingo, stroll down the Calle Macedonio Alcalá, a boulevard restricted to pedestrians, to view many of the city’s most remarkable colonial buildings and shops. Highlights include La Mano Mágica, with its original and sophisticated crafts, and Mujeres Artesanas de las Regiones de Oaxaca (MARO) , a women’s cooperative representing hundreds of craftsmen. Visit a private artist's studio. Gather this evening for a welcome dinner. Accommodations: Casa De Sierra Azul or similar

National Trust Tours - 888.484.8785 - [email protected] March 7 OAXACA B / L Monday Perched on a flattened hilltop just a few kilometers west of the city and with commanding views of the surrounding valley, Monte Albán is one of the most impressive sites in Mexico. First occupied around 500 B.C., Monte Albán was the center of the Zapotec Empire, which extended over most of the present state of Oaxaca, between 300-700 A.D. Explore the pyramids, palaces, platforms and tombs arranged around a grand plaza. Highlights include bas-relief “Dancers” (conquered chieftains) and hieroglyphs that are the earliest examples of writing in Mexico. Evening at leisure. Accommodations: Casa De Sierra Azul or similar

March 8 OAXACA/ SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE B / D Tuesday Depart this morning for a flight to San Miguel de Allende. San Miguel de Allende is a city in the Mexican state of Guanajuato. It is part of the Bajío macroregion. it was inscribed by UNESCO as a Cultural Heritage of Humanity, under the title of Villa Protectora de San Miguel and Santuario de Jesús Nazareno de Atotonilco, the distinction was awarded due to its cultural and architectural contribution to the Mexican Baroque and its importance in the struggle of Independence of Mexico from Spain. Gather this evening for dinner. Accommodations: Hotel Imperio De Angeles or similar

March 9 SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE / GUANAJUATO B / L Wednesday Today explore the capital city of Guanajuato, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of . Begin with an orientation walking tour of the fascinating city center with its winding streets, subterranean passages and many historic landmarks, including the Alhóndiga de Granaditas, the site of the first major victory over the Spanish in 1810. Visit a vineyard for a tasting and lunch. Accommodations: Hotel Imperio De Angeles or similar

National Trust Tours - 888.484.8785 - [email protected] March 10 SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE B / D Thursday This morning travel to La Aurora to meet with local artists at their galleries. What used to be a textile factory, today houses canvases, sculptures and artisan products of great artists who live in San Miguel. After lunch enjoy a walking tour of the city center, including a stop at the famous Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, designed by the stonemason and architect Zeferino Gutierrez in the neo-Gothic design. Visit the hand craft market and enjoy a private visit to a workshop. Gather this evening for a farewell dinner Accommodations: Hotel Imperio De Angeles or similar

March 11 SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE / RETURN B Friday Depart the hotel early this morning for the flight home.

Please note: This proposed itinerary is the property of Arrangements Abroad and may not be duplicated or distributed without written permission. All prices are estimated based on preliminary quotes provided by hotel and service providers, prevailing fuel prices, airfares and currency exchange rates in effect as of the date of this proposal and are subject to change. Reservations are subject to the Terms & Conditions of Arrangements Abroad.

National Trust Tours - 888.484.8785 - [email protected] ACCOMMODATIONS

CASA DE SIERRA AZUL, OAXACA

This imposing and noble house of the nineteenth century, cataloged as Historical Monument of the Nation; located in the heart of downtown Oaxaca, just two blocks from the zócalo and the cathedral and five blocks from the Santo Domingo Cultural Center; with its classic balconies and unparalleled wooden gate, it stands out for its elevated concept of comfort, service and good taste.Upon entering the patio you will feel immediately transported to the magical and evocative memory of 19th century Mexico; its arcades with original frescoes, its fountain, patio and corridors, all of green quarry; which is why the city is known as "La Verde Antequera" (The Green Antequera). https://www.hotelcasadesierrazul.com/

HOTEL IMPERIO DE ANGELES, San Miguel de Allende

Experience the magic of Guanajuato and stay in a colonial hotel with excellent services and facilities. Imperio de Angeles features 68 guest rooms and suites, fully equipped with cozy beds, Wi-Fi, cable TV and organic amenities. Enjoy a quiet stay in this facilitiy, decorated with elements and colors that highlight the colonial, rustic and cozy atmosphere of this San Miguel de Allende hotel. http://www.imperiodeangeles.com.mx/english/

National Trust Tours - 888.484.8785 - [email protected] PROGRAM DETAILS

PROGRAM RATE (PRELIMINARY) $4,999 per person, double rate; $5,799 single rate

RATES INCLUDE

● Six nights accommodations as per itinerary ● Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, R=Reception, D=Dinner) ● Bottled water, soft drinks, juices, and coffee/tea with all meals, house wine at welcome and farewell dinners ● Enrichment program of lectures and talks ● Escorted sightseeing, transportation and entrance fees for all included visits ● Airport/hotel/airport group transfers for all participants on suggested flights ● Executive Tour Director from Arrangements Abroad ● Taxes, service, and porterage charges; gratuities to local guides and drivers ● Personal protective materials, including masks, hand sanitizer, wipes, and gloves

NOT INCLUDED International airfare; passport/visa fees; meals not specified; alcoholic beverages other than noted in inclusions; personal items and expenses; airport transfers other than for those on suggested flights; excess baggage; trip insurance; any other items not specifically mentioned as included.

A NOTE ON SUGGESTED FLIGHTS Preliminary group flights will be selected to work best with the proposed program. Transfers and baggage handling are provided for guests opting for the suggested flights. We understand that guests will book flights from alternative gateways therefore, as a courtesy; we will make every effort to accommodate individuals on group transfers as long as they arrive at the same time or earlier than the suggested flight. Suggested Group Flight: TBD

National Trust Tours - 888.484.8785 - [email protected]