Mexico
January 2–10, 2016
The Route of Cortés
Mary Miller
Sterling Professor of the History of Art
Dear Yale Traveler,
In 1519, Hernán Cortés and his army of 500 men marched
from the tropical coast of Veracruz to conquer the Aztec Empire
in Tenochtitlan, better known today as Mexico City. This military
expedition profoundly altered the course of history in ways Mexicans
are still grappling with today.
Accompanied by the always popular Mary Miller,
Sterling Professor of the History of Art, explore one of history’s
greatest stories on an exciting eight-day program in Mexico, January
2–10, 2016. Begin in Antigua, one of Cortés’s earliest settlements
near Veracruz, and continue to the archaeological sites of Zempoala
and El Tajin, believed to be linked to the Totonacs, local allies of
Cortés eager to overthrow Moctezuma and the Aztec Empire.
Enjoy the best of Mexico’s culture, cuisine, and art
during visits to the colonial towns of Jalapa, Coatepec, and Tlaxcala
and the cosmopolitan capitals of Puebla and Mexico City. Learn
how Mexico’s renowned mole sauce and colorful Talavera pottery
are made; browse through displays of beautiful handicrafts in
Mexico City’s San Angel Saturday market; and visit the Frida
Kahlo Museum and Diego Rivera workshop. Between Puebla and
Mexico City, marvel at fabulous views of the Popocatepetl and
Ixtaccihuatl volcanoes from the storied Paso de Cortés mountain
pass. Celebrate your journey with a festive farewell dinner at one
of Mexico City’s world-renowned restaurants.
ocotlan church
preparing mole
This adventure is limited to 32 participants, so I encourage you
to reserve your space today by visiting www.yaleedtravel.org/
mexico16. If you have any questions, feel free to email
[email protected] or call (203) 432-1952.
Happy travels,
Kathy Edersheim ’87
Senior Director, International Alumni Relations and Travel
Association of Yale Alumni
www.yaleedtravel.org/mexico16
talavera pottery
Yale Study Leader
Reader’s Corner
mary miller
Mary Miller is the Sterling Professor of the History
of Art, former Dean of Yale College, and former
master of Saybrook College. A specialist in the
art of the ancient New World, Miller curated The
Courtly Art of the Ancient Maya at the National
Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., and the Fine
Arts Museums of San Francisco in 2004. For that exhibition, she wrote
the catalogue of the same title with Simon Martin, senior epigrapher at
the University of Pennsylvania Museum. In 2009, her essay “Shaped
Time,” on George Kubler, appeared in Art Journal; her book, The Aztec
Calendar Stone, co-edited with Khristaan Villela, was published in 2010.
Among her other books are The Murals of Bonampak, The Blood of Kings
(with Linda Schele), The Art of Mesoamerica, Maya Art and Architecture,
The Gods and Symbols of Ancient Mexico and the Maya (with Karl Taube),
and A Pre-Columbian World (co-edited with Jeffrey Quilter).
For her work on ancient Mexico and the Maya, Miller has won national
recognition, including a Guggenheim Fellowship. She was elected to the
American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1994. Miller earned her A.B.
from Princeton in 1975 and her Ph.D. from Yale in 1981, joining the faculty
that year. She has served as chair of the Department of History of Art, chair
of the Council on Latin American Studies, director of graduate studies
in Archeological Studies, and as a member of the Steering Committee of
the Women Faculty Forum at Yale.
Want to learn more about
Mexico? Here are some
selections to get you started.
Maya Art and Architecture
by Mary Miller
An illustrated overview of the art and
architecture of the Maya, using the
latest discoveries at Tikal, Copan, and
Palenque to demonstrate the range
of Mayan artistic influence. Revised
and up-dated, with color illustrations
throughout.
The Labyrinth of Solitude
by Octavio Paz
These essays by the Nobel Prize–
winning poet address Mexican
culture and character. The chapters on
Mexico’s Day of the Dead celebration
and the conquest are especially
memorable.
Recommendations by
Longitude Books
Upcoming Trips
Spain & Portugal
May 17–29, 2016
Prof. Paul Bracken
www.yaleedtravel.org/spain16
Malta to Istanbul
June 1–13, 2016
Prof. Kirk Freudenburg
www.yaleedtravel.org/malta16
Castles & Campaigns:
Europe’s Northern Shores
June 10–18, 2016
Prof. Jay Winter
Highlights
Enjoy a fascinating
lecture program as Yale
study leader Mary Miller,
Sterling Professor of the
History of Art, brings the
adventures and exploits
of Hernán Cortés and
Moctezuma to life.
Explore the archaeological sites of Zempoala, ancient capital
of the kingdom of
Totonacapan,
and
El Tajin, a UNESCO
World Heritage site
believed to be linked to
the Totonacs, local allies
of Cortés who were eager
to overthrow the Aztecs.
Attend demonstrations
on making mole, the
classic Mexican sauce
that comes in a variety of
flavors and ingredients,
and Talavera pottery,
a type of colorful
majolica ceramic-ware
distinguished by a milkywhite glaze.
www.yaleedtravel.org/
castles&campaigns16
National Parks of the Rockies
Sep 12–20, 2016
Prof. John Mack Faragher
www.yaleedtravel.org/
nationalparks16
Yale Educational Travel
Association of Yale Alumni
Box 209010
New Haven, CT 06520-9010
Reservations: (203) 432-1952
www.yaleedtravel.org/
mexico16
talavera pottery
paso de cortés
cathedral of tlaxcala
Itinerary
welcome phone call
Date & time to be determined
Join the group for a pre-trip welcome
call with Professor Mary Miller to learn
more about what to expect and to ask
questions.
home / veracruz,
mexico
Saturday, January 2
Depart home on flights to Veracruz.
Upon arrival, check in to the hotel.
Gran Hotel Diligencias
veracruz
Sunday, January 3
Visit the fortress of San Juan de Ulua
and the Baluarte de Santiago, which
contains Aztec-era gold. Continue
to Cortés’s settlement at Antigua
and the Totonac archaeological site
of Zempoala. This evening enjoy a
festive welcome reception and dinner.
Gran Hotel Diligencias (B,L,R,D)
el tajin / san rafael
Monday, January 4
Depart this morning for El Tajin, a preColumbian city noted for its unique
architecture, decorated niches, and
ornate scroll patterns. A part of the
Classic Veracruz culture, El Tajin was
designated a UNESCO World Heritage
site in 1992 for both its cultural and
its architectural importance. El Tajin’s
best-known monument is the Pyramid
of the niches. Continue to San Rafael
and check in to the Maison Couturier,
an agricultural estate built in the 19th
century by French immigrants and
since converted into a boutique hotel.
Hotel Maison Couturier (B,L,D)
coatepec
Tuesday, January 5
Drive to the Jalapa Museum, one of the
premier anthropological museums in
Mexico. After time to explore the
museum’s rich collection of Olmec
www.yaleedtravel.org/mexico16
and Totonac artifacts, continue to the
charming town of Coatepec, known for
its locally grown coffee and orchids.
Dinner on your own this evening
is an opportunity to try one of the
town’s many delightful restaurants.
Posada Coatepec (B,L)
coatepec / xico /
puebla
Wednesday, January 6
Enjoy a traditional mole cooking
demonstration, followed by a visit
to a finca, or coffee plantation in the
colonial town of Xico. After a picnic
lunch near scenic waterfalls, continue to
the historic city of Puebla, one of the five
most important Spanish colonial cities
in Mexico. A UNESCO World Heritage
site, Puebla is famous for mole poblano,
chiles en nogada, and Talavera pottery.
Hotel Quinta Real (B,L,D)
What is Included:
• Educational program of lectures
and discussions with Yale
Professor Mary Miller
• All accommodations, meals, and
excursions, including entrance
fees, as specified in the itinerary
• Transfers for all participants on
group arrival and departure days
frida kahlo museum
• Baggage handling
baluarte fortress
• Gratuities to porters, wait staff,
guides, and drivers
• Welcome wine reception
• Wine, beer, or soft drinks with
welcome and farewell dinners
• Bottled water on motorcoaches
• Professional tour manager
Wiggie Andrews throughout
the program
coffee cherries
What is Not Included:
• U.S. domestic and
international airfare
• Passport/visa expenses
• Medical expenses and
immunizations
puebla
mexico city
Thursday, January 7
From Puebla, drive to the lovely
colonial town of Tlaxcala to see its
spectacular church, Santuario de la
Virgen de Ocotlan, an important
pilgrimage site for those who believe
the Virgin Mary appeared here in
1541. The church’s Churrigueresque
façade combines ornate white stucco
“wedding cake” decorations with plain
red tiles. In the afternoon, attend a
private Talavera pottery-making
demonstration. Hotel Quinta Real (B,L)
mexico city
Saturday, January 9
This morning, marvel at the beautiful
handicrafts at San Angel’s Bazar
Sabado (Saturday market). Continue
to the Frida Kahlo Museum and Diego
Rivera workshop before celebrating
the conclusion of your journey at
one of Mexico City’s best restaurants.
St. Regis Hotel (B,L,D)
mexico city / home
Sunday, January 10
After breakfast, transfer to the airport
for flights home. (B)
Friday, January 8
Follow the famous Paso de Cortés
from Puebla to Mexico City, enjoying
fabulous views of the Popocatépetl and
Ixtaccíhuatl volcanoes from this storied
mountain pass. St. Regis Hotel (B,L,D)
aztec calendar
• Private airport transfers for
travelers arriving before the first
day of the trip or departing after
the last day of the trip
• Travel insurance
• Deviations from the scheduled tour
• Excess baggage charges
• Meals not specified in the
itinerary; dishes and beverages
not part of the included meals;
liquor or soft drinks except at
welcome and farewell dinners
• Laundry or dry cleaning
• Telephone, email, and fax charges
• Room service
• Other items of a personal nature
Insurance
Yale Educational Travel highly
recommends the purchase of
trip cancellation insurance. If
participants purchase trip insurance,
and we hope that they do, they are
free to purchase the insurance of
their choice. Most travel insurance
must be purchased within 7–30
days of paying a deposit in order to
include certain provisions such as
pre-existing conditions.
Program Rates
puebla
(per person, including VAT and taxes)
Double occupancy: $6,950
Single occupancy: $8,140
ar e a
of
de tai l
Gulf of Mexico
MEXICO
SAN RAFAEL
MEXICO
CITY
COATEPEC
PUEBLA
popocatepetl and iztaccihualtl volcanoes
VERACRUZ
What to Expect This is a moderately strenuous program that
is at times physically demanding
and busy. During early January,
the weather in the areas we visit
will generally be sunny and warm
during the day, with temperatures
ranging from the high 60s °F (in
Mexico City) to the low 80s °F
(along the Caribbean coast), and
dropping into the low 40s °F in the
early mornings and evenings. An
occasional rain shower is possible.
All passengers should be in good
health and capable of keeping up
with an active group of travelers. By
forwarding the deposit for passage,
the passenger certifies that he/she
does not have any physical or other
condition of disability that would
create a hazard for him/herself or
other passengers.
Group Size This exclusive Yale
Educational Travel program is limited
to 32 participants.
A Note About Costs Tour costs are
based upon current taxes, tariffs,
currency values, and a minimum
number of participants. While we will
do everything possible to maintain
the listed prices, they are subject
to change. If there are significant
changes, details and costs will be
advised prior to departure.
Air Arrangements Airfare or other
transportation costs between your
home and Mexico are not included
in the program rates. Information
about making flight arrangements
will be sent to all participants.
Photo Credits: (From Dreamstime.com) Ocotlan
church © Jésus Eloy Ramos Lara; Mole © Leon
Rafael; Talavera pots © James Mattil; Talavera
bowls © Deef217; Cathedral of Tlaxcala © Jésus Eloy
Ramos Lara; Balauarte fortress © Gustavo Alfredo
Schaufelberger Pirron; Coffee cherries © Carolina Garcia
Aranda; Aztec calendar © Furzyk73; Puebla © Arturo
Osorno; Volcanoes © Albertoloyo; Handcrafted crosses
© Lucidwaters. (From Wikipedia.com) Frida Kahlo
Museum © Anagoria; Frida Kahlo Museum entrance
© Peter Andersen. (Courtesy of Journey Mexico)
Pyramid of the Niches, El Tajin and Paso de Cortés.
Mexico: The Route of Cortés, January 2–10, 2016
Reserve your space today
To register, return this form with your deposit of $1,000 (per person) to YET. Final payment is due September 4, 2015.
Contact Information
Accommodations
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Yale Affiliation
2) Name as on passport
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Yale Affiliation
Hotel Room Preferences (not guaranteed):
❒ One bed ❒ Two beds
❒ I wish to have a single accommodation (limited availability;
please call).
❒ I will share accommodations with
❒ I’d like to know about roommates.
I am a ❒ smoker ❒ non-smoker
Address
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final payment deadline of September 4, 2015, I will pay the
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Conditions and Responsibility section of this brochure and
agree to their terms.
E-mail
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❒ Please charge the deposit of $1,000 per person to
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To book, return the above form with credit card authorization or check payable to “Criterion Travel” to
Yale Educational Travel, P.O. Box 209010, New Haven, CT 06520-9010. Phone: (203) 432-1952. Fax: (203) 432-0587.
or
Visit www.yaleedtravel.org/mexico16 to book online.
Terms and Conditions
reservations, deposits, and f inal payment:
To reserve a space on this tour, please mail a
deposit of $1,000 per person payable to “CRITERION
TRAVEL,” along with the completed reservation
form, to: Yale Educational Travel, Association of
Yale Alumni, P.O. Box 209010, New Haven, CT
06520-9010 or fax the completed form to (203)
432-0587. Deposits may be charged to a credit
card. Reservations are acknowledged in order of
receipt. Final payment is due September 4, 2015.
cancellations and refunds: All cancellations must
be in writing to Yale Educational Travel. Refunds, less
a cancellation fee of $300 per person, are made if
we are notified in writing on or before September
4, 2015. No refunds are made after that date. There
are no refunds for unused meals, accommodations,
or other trip features.
itinerary changes: The itinerary presented for this
tour is subject to modification and change by Yale
Educational Travel and Criterion Travel (the tour
operator). Every reasonable effort will be made to
operate the program as planned; however, should
unforeseen world events and conditions require
the itinerary to be altered, Yale Educational Travel
and the tour operator reserve the right to do so
for the safety and best interest of the group. Any
extra expenses incurred in this situation are the
responsibility of the participant.
Insurance Yale Educational Travel highly
recommends the purchase of trip cancellation
insurance. If partici¬pants purchase trip insurance,
and we hope that they do, participants are free
to purchase the insurance of their choice. Most
travel insurance must be purchased within 7-10
days of paying a deposit in order to include certain
provisions including pre-existing conditions.
responsibility: Travel and services are subject
to the terms and conditions under which such
accommodations, services, and transportation are
offered or provided and Yale Educational Travel
and Criterion Travel (YET/CT) and their respective,
employees, agents, representatives, and assigns
accept no liability therefor. YET/CT and their owners
and employees act only as agents for the various
independent suppliers and contractors providing
transportation, hotel accommodations, restaurant,
and other services connected with this tour. YET/
CT assume no liability for any injury, damage, loss,
accident, delay, or other irregularity which may be
caused by the defect of any aircraft or vehicle or the
negligence or default of any company or person
engaged in carrying out or performing any of the
services involved. Additionally, responsibility is not
accepted for losses, injury, damages, or expenses
of any kind due to sickness, weather, strikes, local
laws, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature, or
other such causes. All services and accommodations
are subject to the laws of the country in which they
are provided. YET/CT reserve the right to make
changes in the published itinerary whenever, in
their sole judgment, conditions warrant, or if they
deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or
safety of the tour participants. They reserve the
right to withdraw this tour without penalty. The
right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain
any person as a member of the tour, or to substitute
another qualified leader or special guest. Baggage
and personal effects are the sole responsibility of
the owners at all times. The price of the program
is given in good faith based on current tariffs and
rates and is subject to change. Any tariff, exchange
rate, airfare, or fuel increases will be passed onto
participants. YET/CT accept no liability for any airline
cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a
nonrefundable airline ticket. The air ticket when
issued shall constitute the sole contract between
the passenger and the airline concerned. As part
of the consideration and right to participate in
this tour, each participant will be asked to sign
a liability release.
California Seller of Travel | Program CST #2088800-40
Association of Yale Alumni
Box 209010
New Haven, Connecticut
06520-9010
www.yaleedtravel.org/mexico16
PRSRT STD
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Paid
Permit No. 604
Sacramento, CA
Mexico: The Route of Cortés
Mary Miller
Sterling Professor of the History of Art
January 2–10, 2016
Stroll along the cobblestone streets and treelined plazas of Mexico City’s charming San Angel
neighborhood as you take in the sights and sounds
of the vibrant Saturday bazaar and art fair.
Explore the bright-blue Casa Azul, where
renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo was born,
grew up, lived with her husband, artist Diego
Rivera, and eventually died, and which is now
a historic house and art museum dedicated to
her life and work.