Chocolate and Orchids
Mexico City, Puebla & Oaxaca
February 22 - March 2, 2018
Sydney
Teotihuacán
Escape this winter on an
exciting and delicious
tour of Mexico!
Vanderbilt Alumni
Association is proud to
present a program
designed to introduce you
to Mexico’s traditions and
vast cultural heritage that
often intersect in the form
of cuisine. Join us as we
examine ancient and
modern Mexican culture
in Mexico City, Puebla,
and especially Oaxaca,
and the influence of
climate, elevation, flora,
and fauna on agriculture,
art, architecture, and daily
life. The cultural scene in
these regions pulsates
with a vibrant spirit and
creative energy. Visit the
home of Frida Kahlo, see
splendid museums and
murals and explore the
archaeological sites of
Teotihuacan, Mitla and
Monte Albán. Tour
artisan workshops,
explore markets and
sample some of the best
modern Mesoamerican
food.Melbourne
Monday, February 26
Puebla
Tour the historic center of Puebla and explore colonial
Thursday, February 22
buildings beginning at the Biblioteca Palafoxiana, at its
USA / Mexico City
time, considered the finest library in the New World.
Arrive Mexico City and transfer to your hotel. Orientation
Continue to the Museo de Santa Rosa, a 17th-century
to the program followed by cocktails and a welcome
former convent which showcases an excellent collection
dinner at Hacienda de Los Morales, deservedly one of the of handicrafts. At lunch, sample regional cuisine
most noted restaurants in the country. Stylish, classic,
renowned for its traditional mole dishes.
artistic, and colonial, it was once the home of Emperor
Maximilian.
Tuesday, February 27
Oaxaca
Friday, February 23
Explore the Santo Domingo Cultural Center and its
Mexico City
Museum of Oaxacan Cultures. Examine the gold
Visit the renowned Anthropological Museum. See
treasures from Monte Albán followed by a private visit to
precious jade carvings, and the famous Aztec Calendar,
the Ethnobotanical Garden of Oaxaca. Stroll through the
among other treasures of Pre-Columbian Mesoamerican
streets of this UNESCO World Heritage town and tour the
societies. Receive a historical introduction to the
new San Pablo Cultural Center and beautiful Textile
importance of chocolate in Pre-Columbian times. Visit the Museum. Learn how chocolate is made in Oaxaca.
Mexico City Historical Center, one of the largest
UNESCO World Heritage cities where the great ancient
Wednesday, February 28
Aztec capital city of Tenochtitlán stood. See the Zócalo,
Oaxaca
with its Aztec ruins, cathedral and 20th century Diego
Drive to the remarkable archaeological site of Mitla, an
Rivera murals.
important Mixtec site with intricate geometric friezes.
From approximately 100-650 A.D. this settlement was a
Saturday, February 24
large religious center and a burial ground for priests and
Mexico City / Teotihuacán
kings. Continue to Teotitlán del Valle, a major Zapotec
Depart for Teotihuacán, one of the largest and most
weaving village to see traditional rugs and blankets using
impressive archaeological sites in Mesoamerica. See the organic and mineral dyes. Also learn about mezcal, a
impressive pyramids of the Sun and the Moon. Stop at
type of tequila, and stop at a distillery for a tasting.
the botanical garden in Chapultepec and learn about the
cacao plant. Then, explore the rotated rhomboid shaped Thursday, March 1
Soumaya Museum, the most visited art museum in
Oaxaca
Mexico named after the wife of the founder of the
Drive to the spectacular site of Monte Albán. The great,
museum Carlos Slim.
flattened mountaintop and the layout of this Zapotec
ceremonial center are impressive. Visit the famous village
Sunday, February 25
of San Martin Tilcajete, to see the wonderful alebrijes,
Coyoacán / Puebla
colorful wooden animal figures made from the copal tree.
Travel to the historical neighborhood of Coyoacán in the
Explore San Bartolo Coyotepec, famous for its shiny,
south of the city where Hernán Cortés, Mexico’s famous
purely ornamental, black pottery.
conquistador, based himself during the siege of
Tenochtitlán. Visit the Casa Azul (Blue House), the home Friday, March 2
and workshop of the artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Oaxaca / USA
Continue to Puebla, see glorious views of the snowy
Following breakfast, transfer to the Oaxaca airport for
heights of Popocatépetl and Ixtaccíhuatl volcanoes.
return flights to the U.S.
ITINERARY
Dome of Puebla’s Cathedral
COSTS
Land Rates
Highlights
·
Visit authentic markets and
trace the origins and use of
chocolate.
·
Tour the world class Anthropological Museum in Mexico
City.
Approximate Airfare Nashville/Mexico City and Oaxaca/Nashville $490 as of April 2017, subject to change.
·
See Frieda Kahlo and Diego
Rivera’s home and workshop.
Ayers Rock
·
Walk the streets of Puebla
one of Mexico’s most important and beautiful colonial
cities.
·
Explore Teotihuacán, one of
the most impressive archaeological sites in Mesoamerica.
·
Experience the mystical
charm of Oaxaca and its arts,
crafts, and cuisine.
Double
Occupancy
per person
$4,390
Single
Supplement
$790
Colorful houses in Oaxaca
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------PRE-REGISTRATION FORM
Please FAX or email your pre-registration form and deposit information to our Tour Operator, Royal
Adventures (CST# 2009579-40): FAX: 925-855-1909 OR E-mail to Katie Howe: [email protected]
Enclosed is my deposit for $_________($500 per person) for ______person/s. This secures our space on the
following tour: Chocolate and Orchids, February 22 - March 2, 2018. Please charge my deposit to:
o AMEX
o VISA
o MasterCard
o Discover
Card # _______________________________________ Expiration Date ___________ Security code___________
I/we understand that I will be contacted once the final brochure for the tour is available, and will be given the
opportunity to cancel at that time, without penalty. I also understand that billing and a complete confirmation packet,
including information about optional trip insurance and travel protection will follow once I convert this preliminary
registration into a confirmed booking. As part of the consideration and right to participate in this tour, each
participant will be asked to sign a liability release.
Passport Name ___________________________________ Date of birth__________ Gender ____ Class Yr._____
Passport Name ___________________________________ Date of birth__________ Gender ____ Class Yr._____
Street Address_________________________________________ City _______________State ____Zip __________
Phone: Home (
) ______________ Cell (
) _________________ E-mail ___________________________________
Sponsored by the Vanderbilt Alumni Association. Call 615-322-3673 for details.