Colonial Mexico
February 23-March 1, 2008

Overview
Itinerary

Overview (Return to top)

From the ancient Tlahuica to the Spanish conquistadors, from Mexican freedom fighters to Afro-Caribbean slaves, from a French prospector to an American expatriate, individuals and entire cultures have long sought the sanctuary of serene Cuernavaca Land of Eternal Spring. Today, visitors to this mountain resort can indulge in the rejuvenating powers of its European-style spas, explore its ancient spiritual sites and verdant landscape, and relax in its gentle, sunny climate. Visit the elaborate Santa Prisca Church in Taxco de Alarcon and the mysterious pyramids at Xochicalco. Explore the highlights of Mexico City, admire one of the best collections of modern Mexican art with a visit to the Centro Cultural Muros and discover the stunning array of artistic treasures at the Museo Robert Brady.

Priced from $1,895 plus air
Alumni Holidays, Inc.

For reservations or additional information, contact:
Jan Breitman [jbreitman@alumni.iastate.edu]
Iowa State University Alumni Association
Fisher-Nickell Hall
Ames, Iowa 50011-1370

Phone: (515) 294-6526 direct or (877) ISU-ALUM toll-free
Fax: (515) 294-9402

Itinerary (Return to top)

Day 1
Depart your gateway city for Mexico City, Mexico. Upon arrival, transfer to the resort town of Cuernavaca and the Hosteria Las Quintas Resort & Spa.
Independent Exploration:  Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 2
Educational Focus: Colonial Mexico-Conquistadors, Catholicism and Haciendas.
Excursion: Cuernavaca City Tour.  Visit the 16th-century cathedral, built with stones from ancient Aztec pyramids. See the Cortes Palace, now the Cuauhn huac Museum, where colonial artifacts mingle with pre-Hispanic art and a famous Diego Rivera mural that depicts the history of the state of Morelos.
Local Flavor:  Enjoy lunch at one of the city's finest restaurants, Las Ma¤anitas.
Independent Exploration:  The afternoon is at your leisure.
Educational Focus: Spanish Language Lesson.
This evening, gather with fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception and Dinner.

Day 3
Excursion: Taxco de Alarcon.  In a mountain town celebrated for silver, visit the elaborately baroque Santa Prisca Church, a masterpiece of Mexican Viceregal architecture with a carved pink sandstone facade. Explore the central market overflowing with handicrafts.
Local Flavor:  Lunch is served at the Hacienda San Gabriel de las Palmas, originally built as a Franciscan monastery.
Educational Focus: Mexico's Ancient Civilizations: Olmec, Mayan and Aztec Cultures.

Day 4
Excursion: The Pyramids of Xochicalco.  Explore the mysterious temples built at Xochicalco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, from the amazing tunnels beneath the magnificently carved Pyramid of the Plumed Serpent to its famed large ball courts.
Local Flavor:  Enjoy lunch at Hacienda Vista Hermosa, built by Cortes in 1529.
Independent Exploration:  The afternoon is at your leisure.

Day 5
Excursion: Mexico City. Marvel at the Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe, dedicated to Mexico's patron saint. Then, tour the Museo Nacional de Antropologia, brimming with collections that reveal the wonders of Mexico's history. See the bustling Centro Historico and the Plaza de las Tres Culturas. Continue to the Palacio Nacional with its remarkable Diego Rivera murals and visit the Catedral Metropolitana, the largest and oldest cathedral in Latin America.

Day 6
Educational Focus: Spanish Lesson.
Excursion: The Centro Cultural Muros.  Discover one of the best collections of modern Mexican art. This museum showcases work by renowned artists such as Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera and Jos‚ Clemente Orozco.
Educational Focus: Great Mexican Artists-Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Jos‚ Orozco and David Siqueiros.
Excursion: Museo Robert Brady.  Visit the Robert Brady Museum, which is home to more than 1,300 works of art. Admire the beautiful rooms during a tour showcasing its wide range of artistic masterpieces, then enjoy a reception at the house.
Educational Focus: Meet the People.
Local Flavor:  Savor a dinner of fine regional cuisine at a local restaurant.

Day 7
Educational Focus: Contemporary Mexico.
Independent Exploration:  The day is at leisure for individual interests.
Attend a Graduation Ceremony and Farewell Reception and Dinner.

Day 8
Transfer to the airport for the return flight to your gateway city.