suggested itinerary

Transcription

suggested itinerary
UC BERKELEY ALUMNI CHORUS
CONCERT TOUR OF COLONIAL MEXICO
WITH OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO OAXACA
JUNE 14-28, 2014
SUGGESTED ITINERARY
SATURDAY, JUNE 14, 2014
SAN FRANCISCO-MEXICO CITY
Depart San Francisco on a flight bound for Mexico City, Mexico.
Select meals, snacks and refreshments will be served on the
flight.
Upon arrival in Mexico City, your Music Contact International Tour
Manager will greet your choir at the airport.
Together, board your waiting motor coach and depart for San
Miguel de Allende (approximate travel time 3 hours). On the
way, stop for a guided tour of Queretaro, where modern suburbs
hide a treasure trove of colonial history. It was here that the treaty
ceding half of Mexican territory to the US was signed, and here
also that Emperor Maximillian faced the firing squad. Visit the Plaza de la Independencia. With its
austere colonial fountain, bougainvillea-covered garden, and stately old mansions, walking through this
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intimate 18 -century square will transport you to Spain. Also see Los Arcos, one of the world’s largest
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aqueducts, financed by the Marques de la Villa in the 18 century.
Continue to San Miguel de Allende and check in to your hotel. The delightful town of San Miguel de
Allende is filled with opulent mansions and handsome churches, all connected by narrow, cobbled
streets. Later, your group will enjoy a special Welcome Dinner of delicious traditional recipes. Mexican
cuisine is at the heart of Mexican culture and this meal will be a wonderful start to your visit to this
remarkable country.
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE
CONCERT*
After breakfast, join a local guide for a half-day tour of the city of San
Miguel de Allende. Once an important crossroads for mule trains, which
carried silver and gold to the capital city, San Miguel is now home to a
large number of foreign retirees, artists, writers, and tourists. The main
attraction of the town is its well-preserved historic center, filled with
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buildings from the 17 and 18 centuries. On your tour, visit La
Parroquia, a two-towered church notable for its fantastic neo-gothic
exterior; Casa del Mayorazgo, the town’s most sumptuous mansion;
Templor de la Concepcion, notable for the huge dome that towers over
the gilded altar; Oratorio de San Felipe Neri, which features a series of 33
oil paintings depicting the life of the Florentine St Philip Neri; and many
other unique and beautiful landmarks of the city.
This evening, perform a concert at the Parroquia San Miguel Arcangel,
the major landmark church of the town*.
MONDAY, JUNE 16, 2014
SAN MIGUEL - GUANAJUATO
Check out of the hotel in San Miguel after breakfast this morning, and board your private motor coach
bound for Guanajuato (approximate travel time 1.5 hours). Nestled in a narow canyon between two
huge mountains, Guanajuato is a photographer’s delight with its quaint plaza, colonial buildings, winding
cobblestone streets, hidden alley ways and underground pasageways. The town played an important
role in Mexico’s War of Independence. In 1818 it was invaded by Father Miguel Hidalgo, a rebel priest
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UC BERKELEY ALUMNI CHORUS
CONCERT TOUR OF COLONIAL MEXICO
WITH OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO OAXACA
JUNE 14-28, 2014
and leader of Mexico’s independence movement, and his rag tag
army of farmers and mine workers. The wealthy mine owners
fled to the town’s granary, barricading themselves and their
treasures behind its thick walls, until a brave young miner named
El Pipila immortalized himself by breaking down the door and
allowing the revolutionaries to defeat their enemies and seize the
city. A hilltop mounument honoring Pipila is also the site of a look
out that offers a magnificent view of the town and its mazelike
layout.
Upon arrival, meet a local guide for a half-day private tour of the
city. Guanajuato climbs out of a rugged ravine and up bald hills
that once supplied a quarter of the coutnry’s silver output. Mine
owners studded the city’s narrow twisting streets and charming plazas with stately mansions and
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imposing churches. A later bonaza added splendid late 19 -century touches, and modern engineers
burrowed an ingenious tunnel network under the city to help overcome its challenging geography. The
unique result is a city center devoid of traffic lights and signs. On your tour, visit the Templo de la
Comapañia, a Jesuit church with a Neo-Classical dome which is a city landmark; Jardin de la Union, a
laurel-shaded plaza desgined in 1861 and in many ways the heart of the city; and Teatro Juarez, a lavish
theater with impressive doric columns and giant statues. Your tour will end with a visit to one of the
historic silver mines located in the city.
Enjoy some free time following your tour for browsing and a relaxed lunch before transferring to your hotel
located just outside the city center and across from the seventh century Ex-Hacienda San Gabriel de la
Barrera, filled with marvelous gardens, excellent craft shops and museums.
TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2014
GUANAJUATO
CONCERT*
Enjoy a free day in Guanajuato today. You may choose to visit
the Museo de las Momias (the mummy museum), a strange and
unique museum which contains a number of bodies that were
exhumed in 1910 due to overcrowding at the local graveyard,
which surprised authorities by being mummified. Alternatively,
climb to the top of the mountain that overlooks the city (or use the
funicular), or simply take in the activity that transpires at the
central square, Jardín de la Unión. This evening peform a
concert at one of the excellent venues in the city, such as the
Teatro Juarez or the Basilica de Nuestra Senora de
Guanajuato*. Dinner is arranged this evening to complement
your concert schedule.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18, 2014
GUANAJUATO - MORELIA
After breakfast at your hotel, check out, and load your bags on the motor coach bound for Morelia
(approximate travel time 2.5 hours). Considered the aristocrat of colonial cities, Morelia is known for its
wide polished stone streets and stately colonial era buildings that have preserved the traditions of old
Spain. Mexico’s first viceroy, Antonio de Mendoza, founded the city in 1541 and named it Valladolid after
his home in Spain. After Mexico’s War of Independence, the city was named Morelia in honor of a local
hero, José María Morelos. In the center of town, the lovely Plaza de los Mártires is the focal point of
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Fax: 802.862.2251 • [email protected] • www.Music-Contact.com
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UC BERKELEY ALUMNI CHORUS
CONCERT TOUR OF COLONIAL MEXICO
WITH OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO OAXACA
JUNE 14-28, 2014
town life. It is flanked on one side by the Cathedral, constructed of pink stone, with twin towers 200 feet
high. It took more than 200 years to build and is one of the most beautiful in the country.
Acquaint yourself with this charming city on a private tour, led by
a local, English-speaking guide. The city was laid out by the
Spanish nobility and religious elders who settled Valladolid in the
mid-1500s. They filled the city with magnificent palaces, convents
and churches along beautiful avenues and plazas.
Enjoy
panoramic views of the city, including the 253 arches of the
impressive Aqueduct, built in 1788 to meet the city’s growing
water needs. Visit the Guadalupe Sanctuary, a lavish baroque
church, and the Casa de
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las Artesanias, the 16
century convent of San Buenaentura, which is now a showcase for
Michoacán’s rich craft tradition. Here you can observe artisans at
work and browse the cooperative marketplace, filled with small
shops that represent specific Michoacán towns. Among the crafts
available at the marketplace are guitars from Paracho, copper
from Santa Clara del Cobre, lacquerware, pottery and much more.
Check in to your hotel, then enjoy the remainder of the day at your
leisure.
THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014
MORELIA
CONCERT*
Following breakfast in the hotel, enjoy a free day in the
beautiful city of Morelia. Stroll the streets and wander into
shops and cafes. You may choose to visit the Museo de Arte
Colonial, a colonial house with an exhibition of religious arts
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from the 16 to the 18 centuries, or the Museo del Estado,
with exhibits that include a display on the archaeology and
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history of the area and a 19 -century apothecary shop.
Later, perform a concert at the Morelia Cathedral.* The
seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Morelia, work began on the majestic pink stone building in
1660. Today the church frequently hosts artistic and cultural events such as the International Organ
Festival of Morelia and the International Music Festival of Morelia due to the venue’s beauty, excellent
acoustics and ample space.
Enjoy your final evening in Morelia dining on your own before relaxing in your comfortable
accommodations.
FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014
MORELIA – TAXCO
Enjoy breakfast and a free morning in Morelia before having
lunch on your own and departing for Taxco (approximate travel
time 4 hours).
In the 1930s, Taxco was declared a national colonial monument,
ensuring the preservation of its beautiful mansions built by the
city’s early silver barons. Taxco is famous for its silver, and shops
line the main plaza filled with beautiful silver jewelry in traditional
and modern designs. The town is also known for the elaborate
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Fax: 802.862.2251 • [email protected] • www.Music-Contact.com
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UC BERKELEY ALUMNI CHORUS
CONCERT TOUR OF COLONIAL MEXICO
WITH OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO OAXACA
JUNE 14-28, 2014
processions and ceremonies presented during Holy Week, a tradition that dates back to at least 1622.
Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and join your tour manager on an orientation walk of the
neighborhood. Enjoy dinner arranged for your group at the hotel this evening.
SATURDAY, JUNE 21, 2014
TAXCO
CONCERT*
In the morning, have breakfast before embarking on a half day guided tour of the city of Taxco. Your
first shop will be a silver shop, where you will learn about the silver
mining process and the significance the mineral plays in the town’s
history. Spaniards were drawn to the area in 1522 by Aztec tales of rich
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mineral deposits, and the subsequent silver boom lasted until the 19
century. Continue your tour by walking through the town. Clinging to a
steep hillside, its narrow, cobblestone streets twist and turn between
colonial buildings and open onto pretty plazas. Most streets are paved
with dark stones adorned with lines, pictures, and even murals of white
stone. Some of the pictures in the streets are from the Zodiac and were
used to indicate certain commercial activities; for example a Taurus near
the Church of Santa Prisca, used to indicate an area populated by
butcher shops. Visit the Church of Santa Prisca, a treasure of baroque
architecture built with funds provided by silver tycoon José de la Borda.
It may be possible to sing a brief, informal concert as part of your visit to
the landmark church*. At the conclusion of your tour, enjoy lunch in one
of the many cafes located on the main plaza. The afternoon is yours to
explore the city. Enjoy dinner on your own this evening; your tour
manager would be happy to offer suggestions..
SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2014
TAXCO – PUEBLA
Following breakfast, check out of the hotel in Taxco and load your
luggage on to the motor coach. Travel by coach to the city of
Puebla (approximate travel time 3 hours). Mexico’s fourth largest
city, Puebla is best known for the beautiful Talavera tiles that
adorn its walls, domes, and interiors, and for mole poblano,
Mexico’s national dish, which originated here. The streets of
Puebla, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are lined with
churches, mansions, and other handsome buildings with
architectural styles ranging from Renaissance to Mexican
Baroque.
Upon arrival, meet a local English-speaking guide for a half-day
city tour highlighting the city’s colonial origins. Visit the Cathedral, which took 300 years to complete
and is the second largest in Mexico; Mercado El Parian, a popular crafts market located near the central
plaza; the Templo de San Francisco where the mummified body of San Sebastian de Aparicio, a patron
saint of travelers known as the “Angel of Mexico” lies; Cerro de Guadalupe, a hilltop park containing the
hisotric forts of Loreto and Guadalupe, and the Calle 6 Oriente, known for its picturesque candy shops
which sell famous local sweets, such as carnotes, which are made from yams.
At the end of your tour, check in to your hotel in the historic city center, then enjoy free time for lunch and
shopping. You may even want to visit one of the workshops that produce the Talavera earthenware that
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Fax: 802.862.2251 • [email protected] • www.Music-Contact.com
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UC BERKELEY ALUMNI CHORUS
CONCERT TOUR OF COLONIAL MEXICO
WITH OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO OAXACA
JUNE 14-28, 2014
is the face of Puebla. Be sure to sample some of the delicious local cuisine before retiring to the hotel for
the night.
MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2014
PUEBLA – MEXICO CITY
Following breakfast in the hotel, check-out and depart for Mexico City. Upon arrival, join your tour
manager on an orientation walk to get a feel for the local ambiance.
One of the world’s largest cities, Mexico City is also the oldest urban center in the Western Hemisphere.
Spanish conqueror Hernán Cortes and his men were awestruck by the sight of the imposing temples of
the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan. Reporting back to King Carlos V,
Cortes struggled to convey the majesty of what he saw. Imagine
the King’s surprise at learning that “one of the plazas is twice the
size of Salamanca,” and “the principal pyramid is taller than the
tower of the cathedral at Seville,” or that the stone and wood
craftsmanship that adorned these monuments “could nowhere be
bettered.” Nowhere is Mexico’s explosive past better depicted
than in the city’s central plaza, the Zócalo. Surrounded by some
of the finest buildings of the colonial era lie the remnants of one of
the Aztec’s principal monuments, the Templo Mahor.
Its
mysterious shapes stand as a haunting tribute to the pre-Hispanic
civilization that flourished here long ago.
TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014
MEXICO CITY
After breakfast in the hotel dining room, join your local, Englishspeaking guide for a city tour. On foot and from your airconditioned motor coach, you will explore magnificent Mexico City,
built on top of the ruins of the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan. Your
tour will begin at the Zócalo, one of the biggest public squares in
the world. Officially the Plaza de la Constitución, the square is
almost exclusively referred to as the Zócalo. Plans were made to
erect a column at the center of the square as a monument to
independence, but only the base, or zócalo, was ever built. The
square has been a gathering place for Mexicans since Aztec
times, and has served as the site of Mexica ceremonies, the swearing in of viceroys, royal proclamations,
and other important official events, and has also been the main venue for national celebration and
national protest. Visit the Catedral Metropolitana de la Asunción de María (Metropolitan Cathedral of
the Assumption of Mary), the largest church in Latin America, which was built on the former Aztec sacred
precinct, reportedly with the very stones of the Aztec’s temples, so that the Spanairds could lay claim to
the land and its people. Also visit the Palacio Nacional (National Palace), the seat of Mexico’s federal
executive. This site has been a palace for the ruling class of Mexico since the Aztec empire, and much of
the current palace’s building materials came from the original palace of Montezuma II. Among the
features of the complex are Diego Rivera’s murals depicting the history of Mexico. The murals, divided as
a triptych, were painted between 1929 and 1935 and are jointly titled “The Epic of the Mexican People.”
Drive along the famous boulevard Paseo de la Reforma, built during the short reign of Emperor
Maximillian to connect the main square with his castle in Chapultepec.
This wide boulevard cuts
diagonally though the city and is lined with many monuments to the people and events of Mexican history.
The tour will end at the Museo Nacional de Antropología (National Museum of Anthropology), which
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UC BERKELEY ALUMNI CHORUS
CONCERT TOUR OF COLONIAL MEXICO
WITH OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO OAXACA
JUNE 14-28, 2014
contains significant archeological and anthropological artifacts from the pre-Columbia heritage of Mexico,
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such as the Piedra del Sol (Stone of the Sun), the Aztec calendar store and the 16 -century Aztec
statue of Xochipilli.
Following your tour, the remainder of the day will be left open for you to pursue individual interests.
Perhaps relax in the Bosque de Chapultepec, the city’s largest park located in the Zona Rosa, or
browse the upscale shops in the Polanco neighborhood.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014
TEOTICHUAN EXCURSION
CONCERT*
After breakfast in the hotel dining room, meet your local guide and depart
Mexico City on your coach to drive to the impressive archaeological site
of Teotihuacan. On the way, stop at the Basilica of Our Lady of
Guadalupe, perhaps the most revered religious shrine in Latin America.
The shrine was built near the location where Our Lady of Guadalupe is
believed to have appeared to Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin in 1531.
Accounts of the incident tell how, while walking from his village to Mexico
City in the early morning of December 9, Juan Diego had a vision of a girl
of fifteen or sixteen years or age, surrounded by light on the slopes of the
Hill of Tepeyac. Speaking to him in the local language, she identified
herself as the Virgin Mary and asked that a church be built at the site in
her honor. Diego told his story to the Spanish Archbishop, who instructed
him to return to Tepeyac Hill and ask the lady for a miraculous sign to
prove that she was indeed the Virgin Mary. The girl told Juan Diego to
gather flowers from the top of Tepeyac Hill. When Juan Diego climbed
the hill, usually barren at that time of year, he found Castilian roses, which
the Virgin then arranged in his peasant tilma cloak. When Juan Diego
opened the cloak before the bishop, the flowers fell to the floor and in their place was the image of the
Virgin of Guadalupe, miraculously imprinted on the fabric. Since
that time, pilgrims have continuously flocked to the site, where the
original tilma of Juan Diego, has been preserved. The modern
basilica is a circular building constructed in such as way as to
allow maximum visibility of the image to all those inside. As part
of your visit, it may be possible to perform a brief musical
offering to experience the church’s unique acoustics*. From the
Basilica, proceed to Teotichucan, one of the most impressive
cities of the ancient world, held sacred by the Aztecs. Apart from
its pyramids, the city is also anthropologically significant for its
complex, multi-family residential compounds, the Avenue of the
Dead, and the small portion of its vibrant murals that have been exceptionally well-preserved. Together
with your local guide, explore its temples, palaces and pyramids, including the Quetzalpaplotl Palace
Complex, the Temple of the Feathered Serpent, the Pyramid of the Moon, and the immense Pyramid
of the Sun.
Return to Mexico City late this afternoon, and enjoy a relaxed evening on your own. Dinner can be
arranged for your group upon request.
THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014
MEXICO CITY
CONCERT*
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UC BERKELEY ALUMNI CHORUS
CONCERT TOUR OF COLONIAL MEXICO
WITH OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO OAXACA
JUNE 14-28, 2014
After breakfast in the hotel dining room, enjoy a day in Mexico City left open for you to pursue individual
interests.
You may choose to remain in Mexico City and visit the Museo
Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo, which was once
home to the couple. Some of Rivera’s last paintings are still
resting here on ready easels, and his denim jacket and shoes sit
on a wicker chair, awaiting his return. Or, spend the day in
Tepotzotlan (40 minute drive; supplemental pricing applies), a
small colonial
city best-known for the magnificent
churrigueresque Templo de San Francisco Javier convent and
church and its Museo Nacional de Vierreinto, which occupies
another magnificent ex-convent, and is Mexico’s largest and most
exhaustive museum of colonial history.
Regroup late this afternoon to prepare for your evening
performance for an enthusiastic local audience*.
FRIDAY, JUNE 27, 2014
MEXICO CITY
Enjoy breakfast in the hotel. The day is free for you to shop for last
minute souvenirs or to catch a glimpse of an attraction you missed
before.
In the evening, attend a private Folklore Dance Show at La
Fonda del Recuerdo and a delicious farewell dinner arranged for
your group. There will be ample opportunity to recount the
highlights of your tour!
SATURDAY, JUNE 28, 2014
DEPART OR EXTEND
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and depart for Mexico City’s
Benito Juárez International Airport and your return flight to the
United States.
Alternatively, remain in Mexico on an optional extension to
Oaxaca. Together with a local, English-speaking guide, travel to
Oaxaca by motor coach (approximate travel time 5-6 hours),
stopping as needed for meals and breaks.
Oaxaca is located in a valley surround by the Sierra Madre del Sur,
and was once the center of the Mixtec and Zapotec civilizations.
Today’s Oaxaca is a combination of pre-conquest, colonial and
modern influences. The early Zapotecs developed a great civilization at nearby Monte Albán centuries
before the birth of Christ. After the Spanish conquered Oaxaca in 1533, the city quickly took on a
Spanish flavor, with ornate buildings, churches, elegant archways, balconies, decorative grill work and
charming plazas. Despite its colonial heritage, the city remains true to its Indian origins, wherein lies its
unique charm.
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Fax: 802.862.2251 • [email protected] • www.Music-Contact.com
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UC BERKELEY ALUMNI CHORUS
CONCERT TOUR OF COLONIAL MEXICO
WITH OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO OAXACA
JUNE 14-28, 2014
Arrive in Oaxaca and check in to your hotel, then together with your guide, enjoy dinner arranged for your
group at a local restaurant.
SUNDAY, JUNE 29, 2014
EXTENSION DAY TWO
Eat a hearty breakfast at the hotel this morning, as today you’ll be busy exploring Oaxaca and some of
the fascinating history near the city. This morning join your
tour manager and head for the Tlalacula Market, a wonderful
weekly market.
This afternoon join your local guide on a half-day visit to the
Monte Alban archaeological site. A UNESCO World Heritage
Site, Monte Alban is spectacularly situated on a mountain
over 1300 feet above the Oaxaca Valley, a few miles west of
Oaxaca. Monte Alban was the greatest of the Zapotec cities
and came to dominate the cultural, religious, and economic
life of the region. It was also a triumph of engineering; the
mountain top was leveled to allow for the creation of the
ceremonial site. On your visit, explore the Grand Plaza, the Ball Court, the Observatory, the Palace,
and other beautiful structures.
Later in the afternoon return to Oaxaca and explore the city’s colonial and Indian heritage on a guided
tour led by your local guide. Walk through the streets of the colonial city center, past the Cathedral, with
its attractive baroque façade and also see the Iglesia de Santo Domingo, a church with a breathtaking
interior that dazzles with gold ornaments. Take time to browse the colorful local markets, and soak up the
bustling atmosphere on the Zocalo (main square).
Enjoy a free evening in Oaxaca tonight.
MONDAY, JUNE 30, 2014
EXTENSION DAY THREE
Depart for a full-day excursion to the Mitla archaeological site following breakfast this morning.
Together with your local guide, visit Mitla, located 30 miles
southeast of Oaxaca. Mitla was an important Zapotec city after the
decline of Monte Alban, and it was later occupied by the Mixtecs.
Many of Mitla’s temples were destroyed by the Spanish, and the
stones were used to build the Iglesia de San Pablo, the Catholic
church that now dominates
the site.
Explore the
beautiful buildings with their
unique geometric stone
mosaics, and the church in
their midst. On your way back to Oaxca, stop at the Arbol del
Tule, one of the world’s largest trees which is thought to be over
2000 years old. Located in the church grounds in the town center
of Santa Maria del Tule, the Montezuma cypress has the stoutest
trunk of any tree in the world. Return to Oaxaca and enjoy your
final evening in Mexico.
TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014
OAXACA-SAN FRANCISCO
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UC BERKELEY ALUMNI CHORUS
CONCERT TOUR OF COLONIAL MEXICO
WITH OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO OAXACA
JUNE 14-28, 2014
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and depart for the Xoxocotlán International Airport in Oaxaca and
your return flight to San Francisco. Welcome home!
*All concert opportunities proposed in this itinerary are pending final confirmation and availability
at time of booking. Your group's final program will be determined by confirmed times and
locations for concerts, workshops, lectures and other activities. Although your choir's exact
itinerary will vary to accommodate performance schedules, the same type of concerts, activities
and caliber of venue will be included in your choir's final concert tour program.
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Fax: 802.862.2251 • [email protected] • www.Music-Contact.com
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UC BERKELEY ALUMNI CHORUS
CONCERT TOUR OF COLONIAL MEXICO
WITH OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO OAXACA
JUNE 14-28, 2014
TOUR DETAILS
YOUR TOUR INCLUDES:
 FLIGHTS
Roundtrip airfare on regularly scheduled flights from San Francisco to Mexico City and from Mexico City
to San Francisco (may include one or more layovers in each direction)
 ACCOMMODATIONS
14 nights in upper middle class hotels, double occupancy, including all hotel service charges and taxes:
2 nights San Miguel de Allende (Hotel Mision San Miguel de Allende or similar)
2 nights Guanajuato (Hotel Mision Guanajuato or similar)
2 nights Morelia (Hotel Mision Catedral Morelia or similar)
2 nights Taxco (Hotel Monte Taxco or similar)
1 night Puebla (Hotel Posada San Pedro or similar)
5 nights Mexico City (Hotel nH Centro Historico or similar)
 TRANSPORTATION
Transportation as described in the itinerary in a modern climate controlled motor coach with a
professional driver
 MEALS
Breakfast served daily in the hotel dining room
4 dinners served as follows –
Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant in San Miguel
Dinner in Taxco
Dinner in Guanajuato
Festive Farewell Dinner and Folklore Dance Show in Mexico City
 PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
6 performance opportunities as indicated in the itinerary, pending availability and acceptance:
Musical Offering at Our Lady of Guadalupe
Mid-day concert at historic church in Puebla
Evening Performance in Mexico City
Performance at Parroquia San Miguel Arcangel, San Miguel de Allende
Concert in Guanajuato
Performance at Morelia Cathedral
 TOUR MANAGER
Full-time Music Contact International tour manager to accompany your group from arrival to departure
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Fax: 802.862.2251 • [email protected] • www.Music-Contact.com
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UC BERKELEY ALUMNI CHORUS
CONCERT TOUR OF COLONIAL MEXICO
WITH OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO OAXACA
JUNE 14-28, 2014
 LOCAL GUIDES
Sightseeing tours with local English-speaking guides as described in the itinerary:
Mexico City:
City Tour
Teotichuan Excursion
Puebla:
City Tour
Taxco:
City Tour
Queretaro:
City Tour
San Miguel de Allende: City Tour
Guanajuato:
City Tour
Morelia:
City Tour
 ENTRANCES
Entrance to the following:
Mexico City:
Catedral Metropolitana
Palacio Nacional
Museum of Anthropology
Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Teoihuacan pyramids
Puebla:
Mercado El Parian
Templo de San Francisco
Taxco:
Santa Prisca
San Miguel de Allende:
La Parroquia
Casa del Mayorazgo
Templo de la Concepicion
Oratoria de San Felipe Neri
Guanajuato:
Templo de la Compañia
Teatro Juarez
Silver Mine
Morelia:
Casa de las Artesanias
Guadalupe Sanctuary
 COMPLIMENTARY PLACES
2 complimentary land and air packages covering services listed above, based on double occupancy, for a
minimum of 35 paying travelers
119 South Winooski Avenue • Burlington, VT 05401 USA • Tel: 802.862.2200
Fax: 802.862.2251 • [email protected] • www.Music-Contact.com
6/7/2013
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UC BERKELEY ALUMNI CHORUS
CONCERT TOUR OF COLONIAL MEXICO
WITH OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO OAXACA
JUNE 14-28, 2014
 ONLINE PAYMENT SYSTEM
Group leaders can opt that each traveler in the group makes individual trip payments online with credit
cards, debit cards or e-checks. Individuals receive electronic reminders, receipts and statements.
Group leaders can track payments made by each travelers and receive automated reports with current
balances and due dates.
 CUSTOM TRAVELER’S RESOURCE WEBSITE FOR YOUR GROUP FEATURING
 Day to day itinerary
 Things to Know Before You Go
 Maps
 Helpful links, including recommended reading and websites
 Blog
 Photo gallery
 ADDITIONAL MATERIALS
Each member of your group will receive:
 A customized handbook including detailed hourly tour itinerary with regional and travel information
 Luggage tags and ticket jackets
119 South Winooski Avenue • Burlington, VT 05401 USA • Tel: 802.862.2200
Fax: 802.862.2251 • [email protected] • www.Music-Contact.com
6/7/2013
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UC BERKELEY ALUMNI CHORUS
CONCERT TOUR OF COLONIAL MEXICO
WITH OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO OAXACA
JUNE 14-28, 2014
Prices based on a minimum of 35 paying travelers (no more than 44):
LAND PACKAGE PRICE:
AIR FARE
FLIGHT TAXES & FUEL SURCHARGES
$2,036.00 per person in double occupancy
$ 550.00 estimated
$ 150.00 estimated
TOTAL LAND AND AIR PACKAGE:
$ 2,736.00
(including estimated flight taxes and fuel surcharges based on current projections)
FLIGHT TAXES AND FUEL SURCHARGES are subject to change until tickets are issued. For this reason,
flight taxes and fuel surcharges are not included in the package price and are listed separately.
 NOT INCLUDED IN PACKAGE PRICE:




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
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
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Any airport departure taxes or fees
Checked bag fees imposed by the airline
Visas and travel documents such as passport fees
Immunizations
Porter service (available upon request)
Drinks with meals (except breakfast)
Any meals not listed above
Entrance fees and bus services not indicated in the above itinerary
Instrument rental and transportation
Tips for tour managers, local guides, and bus drivers
Travel insurance*
*Travel Insurance can be purchased for the entire group or per individual requests. Please contact us for
more information.
OPTIONAL PRICES:
$645.00 per person supplement for a single room
119 South Winooski Avenue • Burlington, VT 05401 USA • Tel: 802.862.2200
Fax: 802.862.2251 • [email protected] • www.Music-Contact.com
6/7/2013
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UC BERKELEY ALUMNI CHORUS
CONCERT TOUR OF COLONIAL MEXICO
WITH OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO OAXACA
JUNE 14-28, 2014
Optional 3-day extension to Oaxaca, including:
3 nights accommodations, double occupancy (Hotel Hostal de La Noria, or similar)
Breakfast each morning
Dinner on arrival in Oaxaca
Transportation in a private, air-conditioned motor coach
Half-day guided excursion to Monte Alban archaeological site
Half-day guided city tour of Oaxaca
Full-day guided excursion to Mitla archaeological site and Tule tree
Currently forecasted airfare supplement
$1,015.00 for minimum of 10 paying travelers in double occupancy (max 14 travelers).
$110.00 per person supplement for a single room for extension.
NOTES ON PRICING
LAND PACKAGE:
The prices for land services in this offer are valid until June 8, 2013. In order to guarantee these prices,
please send a confirmation deposit of $1500 and registration materials by this date. Prices cover above
dates and listed services only, and are based on current availability. Severe fluctuation in the exchange
rates before the choir has confirmed their plans can also lead to a change in the price. Therefore, please
inform Music Contact International in writing of your confirmed plans when they are made.
FLIGHTS:
At this time, no flight reservations have been made for your choir. The tour package prices in this
proposal are based on the most currently available group flight quotes for your dates of travel as indicated
on this itinerary. Please understand that airfare and seats are subject to availability and can only be
guaranteed when seats are reserved. Music Contact International recommends that we secure your
group’s flights as early as possible in the tour planning process. In order to reserve group space and lock
in airfare, a $100 per person flight deposit will be required. Upon receipt of your deposit, our flight
department will confirm the best flight option for your choir. Therefore, we suggest that you prepare to
send us your choir’s flight deposit upon confirmation of this tour.
FLIGHT TAXES AND SURCHARGES:
Flight taxes and fuel surcharges are subject to change until tickets are issued. The exact amount of flight
taxes and surcharges will be determined by the airlines at the time of ticketing which normally occurs 30
to 60 days before departure. The amount of the flight taxes and surcharges varies greatly depending on
a wide range of factors from the number of scheduled connections to the price of fuel.
119 South Winooski Avenue • Burlington, VT 05401 USA • Tel: 802.862.2200
Fax: 802.862.2251 • [email protected] • www.Music-Contact.com
6/7/2013
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UC BERKELEY ALUMNI CHORUS
CONCERT TOUR OF COLONIAL MEXICO
WITH OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO OAXACA
JUNE 14-28, 2014
IMPORTANT TOUR INFORMATION
NOTES ON COMPLIMENTARY PLACES:
Complimentary land and air packages are based on a minimum of 35 paying travelers. Any additional
services requested may or may not be included in the complimentary package, such as meals or theater
tickets.
No complimentary places have been included in the optional extension.
CONCERTS:
Indicated in the itinerary are times when and venues where concerts could be planned. We would be
glad to pursue any specific venue. All venues are pending final confirmation and will be pursued to the
fullest extent once the tour has been accepted and placed under deposit by the client. The proposed
repertoires for the tour should be provided to Music Contact International, in addition to the director’s and
choir’s biographies, photographs for promotional purposes and a recent recording of your group.
MOTOR COACH:
This proposal was prepared using a standard motor coach which can seat up to 44 passengers (14 for
extension). Should the group size increase beyond 44 passengers (14 for extension), an additional
motor coach will need to be hired, affecting the cost of the land program. Please notify Music Contact
International of the exact size of your group. Additional transfers or a change in itinerary may result in
added coach fees.
MANAGER AND LOCAL GUIDES:
Music Contact International will send a professional, full-time manager to accompany your group during
the entire tour. The manager will handle all logistics for your group during the tour and provide general
information about the region(s) to be visited. Local guides will conduct tours of specific cities and sites as
indicated in your itinerary.
OPTIONAL SERVICES:
Music Contact International can make additional meal or excursion arrangements for the group, for
example: lunches, museum tours, theater or performing arts tickets. Prices listed for optional activities are
subject to reconfirmation at the time a reservation is made. Group discounts may be available.
119 South Winooski Avenue • Burlington, VT 05401 USA • Tel: 802.862.2200
Fax: 802.862.2251 • [email protected] • www.Music-Contact.com
6/7/2013
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