Discover the Magic of

SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE TOUR

 

SEPTEMBER 20-30, 2020

 

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, with a population of 100,000 was voted “Best City in the World” for 2017 beating out other favorite destinations like Florence and Cape Town by Conde Nast magazine. San Miguel de Allende is located in the sun-drenched highlands of central Mexico with an altitude of over 6000 feet offering dry air with sunny days and cool nights.

 

This colonial city, located in the Central Highlands of Mexico, has garnered an excellent reputation for its thriving art scene, cultural activities and Baroque architecture. There are more than 2 dozen art galleries, a plethora of restaurants and a large array of shopping experiences. Additionally, there are more than 25 churches in this small city. San Miguel de Allende encompasses 64 blocks in the city center and was named a UNESCO Heritage Site in 2008. That designation has transformed this city into a world-class destination.

 

San Miguel de Allende was named a UNESCO Heritage Site in 2008 and encompasses 64 historic blocks in the city center. That designation has transformed this city into a world class destination. There are more than 25 churches in this small city.  Just 25 minutes north of the city, the sanctuary of Atotonilco, often referred to as the Sistine Chapel of Mexico, also received the same designation in 2008. That designation earmarked money for its desperately needed restoration. It is an exquisite example of 18th century Baroque Mural work.

 

This 9 day/8 night trip will be a food, art, and history tour introducing you to the many wonders and magic of San Miguel de Allende. This is also the time of year when you can experience the passion San Miguel de Allende has for pageantry. The multi-day celebration of the Dia de San Miguel de Allende Archangel, Michael, the city’s patron saint is something to see. We will also visit the surrounding towns of Guanajuato, Delores Hidalgo and Atotonilco. Guanajuato was named one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico known for its silver mining history, colorful architecture, and colonial buildings found along the tree-lined streets and lovely plazas. It is also Diego River’s birthplace. Delores Hidalgo is known as the birthplace of the Mexican Revolution and the heart of the Independence movement. It’s also known for its Talavera Pottery brought to Mexico by the Spaniards. Atotonilco is a shrine worshipped by thousands of Mexicans every year. It became a UNESCO Heritage making it a must see destination.

 

The Trip Director will be Brigitte Cowan who has visited San Miguel a half dozen times and has participated in the International Writer’s Conference multiple times hosted in this city. Brigitte Cowan lived in Manzanillo, Mexico for over 10 years and travelled all over this country. She speaks both Spanish and French and has been involved in the art community, in Manzanillo as well as a volunteer and board member at the Staunton Augusta Art Center in Staunton, VA.  This tour will highlight why she has such great affection for Mexico.

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ACCOMMODATIONS

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Madam Turca’s Casa de la Noche www.casadelanoche.com is a 14 room B&B located at Organos 19, Centro San Miguel de Allende. This quiet close-in location is an easy walk to the Main Square and Jardine. Your stay will include a healthy start breakfast daily.

 

INCLUDED IN THE COST OF THE TRIP

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• 8 nights lodging at Madame Turca’s Casa de la Noche B&B

• 8 Breakfasts at Casa de la Noche B&B

• 1 Welcome Margarita Party and Orientation

• All transfers from and to Leon, Mexico City, and Queretaro airports

• Day Trip to Guanajuato and a visit to Diego Rivera birthplace with lunch

• Day Trip to Delores Hidalgo, Atotonilco and lunch at Vincente’s Carnitas

• Historic walking tour of SMA

• Taste of SMA Food Tour/ lunch

• Visit to La Fabrica Aurora and Art Gallery Tours

• Mask Museum Tour

• 1 dinner at La Casa del Diezmo for authentic Mexican food

• Guided tour of El Charco, SMA’s Botanical Garden and sketching

• Final Evening celebration and Pozole Party at the B&B

• Gratuities for the entire staff at the B&B for 8 nights

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NOT INCLUDED IN THE COST OF THE TRIP

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• Some lunches

• Some dinners

• Air Transportation to San Miguel de Allende

• Alcohol with meals

• Alcohol and any other beverages at the B&B. There is an honor bar

• Gratuities for cabs, porters, drivers and anyone else lending a helping hand

• Trip Insurance

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PLEASE NOTE: This tour includes a moderate amount of walking, at times on cobblestone streets and sidewalks. It is not considered suitable for wheelchair guests. Those with mobility concerns are cautioned to evaluate their personal level of ability and stamina. Hats and flat comfortable walking shoes are recommended. This trip includes 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners and 2 cocktail parties.

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SUGGESTED OTHER ACTIVITIES

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• Authentic Otomi out-of-town tour of rug hookers which includes a racheritos lunch. Cost is $35 and includes transportation: www.rughookproject.com

• Art classes with the Galaria San Francisco: www.galeriasanfrancisco.com

• Cooking class with Gaby Green at La Fonda Rosa Cooking School: www.lafondarosa.com

• Canada de la Virgin archaeological site and tour of a local pyramid. Cost is $65 which includes transportation and lunch: www.viator.com/tours/com

• Jewelry making can be scheduled through the B&B and is walking distance from the B&B.

 

All the activities above must be scheduled by each participant.

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COST OF TRIP

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Double Occupancy: $2150

Single Occupancy:  $2400

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PAYMENT SCHEDULE

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$500 with initial reservation on Jan. 15th, 2020

$1,000 due March 15th, 2020 and copy of current passport and proof of trip insurance

$500 due on June 15th, 2020

Balance due Aug. 1, 2020

Double Occupancy: due $150

Single Occupancy: due $400

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CANCELLATION POLICY

 

Up to 30 days after registering: $350 deposit less administration fee of $150.

Before April 15, 2020: 50% of deposit less $150 administrative fee of $150.

After June 15th, 2020: Trip insurance is required for reimbursement

 

***You may purchase trip insurance through Allianz Global Assistance.

 

Register for this trip by contacting the Staunton Augusta Art Center today at

540-885-2028 or info@saartcenter.org. 

Space is limited to 15 guests.

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