DAY 4 • Mexico City • Visit National Museum of Anthropology • Boat ride in Xochimilco
Visit Mexico City ’ s National Museum of Anthropology this morning . Showcasing artifacts from all of Mexico ’ s indigenous civilizations — including Aztec , Mixtec , Zapotec , and Maya — the museum is also home to the famed Aztec Calendar , a 12-foot , 25-ton , carved basalt stone slab , dating to the late 1400s . This afternoon , visit the magical floating world of Xochimilco , a rarified town Spanish conquistadors called “ the Venice of the New World ,” now a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Enjoy a ride along the canals aboard a colorful , traditional boat before returning to our hotel in Mexico City Meals : B , D | Barcelo Mexico Reforma Hotel or similar
DAY 5 • Mexico City • Transfer to Puebla Bid adios to Mexico City this morning as you begin your journey to Puebla . Upon arrival this afternoon , enjoy a short orientation walk followed by an included dinner at a local restaurant . Meals : B , D | NH Puebla Centro Historico or similar
DAY 6 • Explore Puebla Explore the city of Puebla this morning . Highlights include the baroque Capilla del Rosario , or Rosary Chapel bedecked in gold leaf from floor to ceiling ; the Barrio del Artista , or Artists ’ Quarter , a city block handed over to local artists in the mid-20th century as a place
to practice their trade and sell their wares ; and Calle de los Dulces , or Sweets Street , a threeblock stretch of the city lined with dulcerias ( candy shops ). Your tour concludes at Capilla del Rosario , or Rosary Chapel , of the Church of Santo Domingo in the city center . Meals : B , D | NH Puebla Centro Historico or similar
DAY 7 • Puebla • Transfer to Oaxaca Depart Puebla after breakfast and begin your overland transfer to Oaxaca , traversing a scenic landscape of desert vegetation and gentle hills undulating in the background . A boxed lunch will be provided along the way , and we should arrive in Oaxaca by mid-afternoon . Dinner is included at your hotel this evening . Meals : B , L , D | Holiday Inn Express Oaxaca Centro
Historico Hotel or similar
DAY 8 • Mitla • Explore Oaxaca Explore the pre-Hispanic city of Mitla this morning , an ancient Zapotec religious and ceremonial location and UNESCO World Heritage Site . Then , enjoy a walking tour of Oaxaca this afternoon , a Spanish colonial-era gem with deep indigenous roots . Highlights include Oaxaca ’ s zocalo , or main square ; and Santo Domingo Church , whose simple 17th-century façade belies the lavishly decorated baroque interior within . Meals : B , L | Holiday Inn Express Oaxaca Centro
Historico Hotel or similar
1-800-221-2610 • www . gct . com / mex 117