| Dates: April 10-19, 2010 |
.Cost: $1700/person, $3000/couple |
Length: 10 days, 9 nights |
Trip Summary: A uniquely authentic guided vacation that perfectly balances professional planning and organization with individual freedom and spontaneity. This is a trip for people who appreciate or are curious about good tequila and want to learn more about where it's from and how it's made, while having fun and spending some time on the beach. It's for people who look forward to having all the trip-planning work done for them, but are independent-minded and have a sense of curiosity and adventure. It is strictly limited t
o ten people.
DESTINATIONS
Tequila, Jalisco (4 days): Visiting Tequila is an unforgettable experience. Nestled in a valley amongst endless fields of blue agave, this UN World Heritage Site lies at the foot of a dormant volcano and enjoys excellent weather. We stay in the colonial center, two blocks from the plaza, cathedral and marketplace. With most of the tequila in the world being made in town, our distillery visits make for easy jaunts, leaving plenty of time for evening activities. You will see blue agave harvested (and have the opportunity to do so yourself), taste it fresh-roasted from a brick oven, learn and see the various techniques of fermenting and distilling and, best of all, savor the finished products directly from the barrels in exclusive Old Mexico settings.
Costa Alegre (4 days): The Costa Alegre (Joyful Coast) and some of Mexico's most pleasant beaches lie a few hours away, and you'll spend the latter half of the trip relaxing on the sand with your tequila treasures. What you do with these four days is truly up to you. Most opt to lounge in the sun or a palm hut all day, sipping margaritas and eating unsurpassed ceviche. If you're feeling more ambitious however, the area offers world-class fishing, bird-watching, and snorkeling. It's the perfect place to shop for gifts and the local Huichol natives offer irresistible bargains on textiles, pottery and intricate beadwork. We wrap up our time at the beach with an evening boat ride and an incredible sunset dinner on a small island.
Guadalajara (2 days): The capital of Jalisco, cradle of Mexican independence and "most Mexican of cities" is where we begin and end our trip. The historic city center where we stay features world-renowned architecture, murals, museums, food and music. This is the birthplace of most things you think of as typically Mexican: mariachis (dozens of whom await your patronage at the Plaza de los Mariachis), the Mexican Hat Dance, pozole soup and charros (Mexican cowboys). ¡Ándale!
ACCOMMODATIONS
Distilleries: We visit 4 distilleries in Tequila. The selection changes regularly and strikes a balance with regard to both size and history. For a sense of tradition, visiting either Jose Cuervo (the oldest distillery in the Americas), Herradura (the first 100% agave distillery) or Sauza (the company that brought tequila to the world) is indispensable, and they have facilities that must be seen to be believed. Visiting these large, industrial producers also makes it easier to appreciate the care and attention to detail involved at small-scale distilleries such as Los Abuelos, Partida or Tres Mujeres. The customer service and knowledge base at each is impressive, and we have a tasting of the finest products available at all of them. If you don't come home a tequila snob, then you weren't paying attention!
Hotels: All the hotels are charming, clean, comfortable and feature plenty of local flavor. We stay in hotels that cater to Mexican tourists, rather than foreigners, and in general date from the Spanish colonial era, with inward-facing rooms ringing a picturesque garden or patio. All have a restaurant and bar on-site or next door. Guests have a private room and bath, plenty of hot and cold water, cable TV and climate control.
Restaurants: You'll eat mostly Mexican food prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Meals range from an elegant garden dinner in Tequila's most esteemed restaurant, to simple lunches in the marketplace and popular taquerías, to just-caught seafood under the shade of palm leaves on the beach. Guadalajara and the coast in particular are delights for foodies, and there is ample opportunity to explore dishes largely unavailable in the US.
Transportation: All our transportation is safe and comfortable. We have an excellent and knowledgeable private driver in and around Tequila, and take a first-class bus to the coast. If you have never taken an inter-city bus in Mexico before, you are in for a pleasant surprise. It's more comfortable than flying, with huge amounts of leg room, snacks and movies!
Contact us to make your reservation.
