DAY 1: DEPART USA
We depart en route to Mexico City. Our English-speaking guide will meet us at the airport for transfer to our hotel. Dinner awaits us at our hotel. (D)
DAY 2: ARRIVE MEXICO CITY: CITY VISIT & PYRAMIDS
This morning we visit St. Francis of Assisi Church (once the headquarters for the Franciscan Order in Mexico). Here we celebrate Mass. We visit Tlatelolco and the Plaza of the Three Cultures. The Church of Santiago nearby dons a plaque offering a memorable message to the passing of the Aztec nation and the birth of the ‘mestizo’ nation. It is an interesting point to note that on December 12, 1531, Juan Diego, an Indian convert to Catholicism, was walking across a hill on his way to this very Franciscan Monastery at Tlatelolco when the Blessed Virgin appeared to him.
Leaving Mexico City, we proceed toward the world-famous Pyramids of Teotihuacan. We will have lunch together nearby prior to visiting the Pyramids. We return to our hotel for dinner on our own. (B, L)
DAY 3: MEXICO CITY: BASILICA OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
We will visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe to celebrate Mass. We will spend this morning seeing the many churches, chapels and points of interest around Tepeyac associated with Our Lady’s visit. We continue with the visit of the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Great Temple of the Aztecs (the most sacred site of the ancient Aztec empire).
We finish out tour with a visit to the National Museum of Anthropology and the Castillo de Chapultepec, perched on a hill overlooking the Valley of Mexico. Dinner is at the hotel this evening. Tonight we attend the folkloric ballet at the Palacio de Bellas Artes. (B, D)
DAY 4: MEXICO CITY / QUERETARO
Today we depart Mexico City by motor coach and make our way to Queretaro. This charming colonial town has plenty of well-preserved churches, historical landmarks and beautiful gardens to enjoy. It is also the site of several historical events in Mexico’s history. The Mexican Independence War began in Queretaro in 1810 and more notably, the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo was signed here under which Texas, New Mexico, and California were ceded to the United States. Before dinner, we will celebrate Mass at the 17th century Church of Santa Clara. Dinner will be served at our hotel. (B, D)
DAY 5: QUERETARO: EXCURSION TO SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE
We begin our day with an excursion to the cosmopolitan town of San Miguel de Allende. This town is a bustling center for culture and art, where many foreigners, including Americans come to study and learn about the many intricacies of Mexican heritage. Many Americans have settled and have come to embrace the splendor and allure of this quaint little town. An example of the town’s artistic revelry is showcased in the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel, a Mexican-Indian version of a Gothic cathedral that completely sets the town apart from any other in the area. We will celebrate Mass here, then return to Queretaro for dinner. (B, D)
DAY 6: QUERETARO/ MORELIA
This morning we celebrate Mass at St. Francis Church. Following Mass, we depart Queretaro by motor coach and make our way to Morelia. Dinner will be served at our hotel. (B, D)
DAY 7: MORELIA: VISIT OF CITY
Today, we begin our visit of the town of Morelia, one of Mexico’s truly beautiful towns, often described as ‘The Aristocrat of Mexico’s Colonial Cities.’ It retains the character of an elegant, old Spanish colonial town. Mass is at the Cathedral in Morelia followed by a sightseeing tour to include the Government Palace and the street market at the Mercado Independencia.
All the major sites are within easy walking distance of the town’s center, as are the shopping districts, making for an enjoying afternoon of leisurely sightseeing and shopping. We enjoy a city tour, and dinner is at our hotel. (B, D)
DAY 8: MORELIA/ USA
After some time at leisure in the morning, we transfer to the airport for our return flight to the USA. (B)
NOTE: While no changes are anticipated, there might be occasions when certain alterations become necessary to this itinerary due to changes in airline schedules or for other reasons. All Masses are subject to final church schedules.
