STUDIO TRAVELER

$3900 with a $1500 single supplement

Please note that the above total does not include a $150 donation to Preservation North Carolina which will be billed separately.

Accommodations: Casa Arcas

Includes 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners, all guides, admissions, transportation and gratuities.

Does not include airfare, airport transfers or alcohol except where specified in the itinerary.

WEEK 1, JANUARY 12 to 18, 2025

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WEEK 2, JANUARY 19 to 25, 2025

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SUNDAY

Tour begins 3:00 p.m.

We begin our time in San Miguel with the first of four walking tours led by Benjamin Briggs—and, as those of you who have traveled with Benjamin know, we are all in for a treat! Engaging, encyclopedic and endlessly observant, Benjamin will be an ideal guide as we explore the landmarks, parks, and barrios of this World Heritage Listed (WHL) city.

After our introduction to San Miguel, we then gather to get better acquainted over welcome drinks and dinner.

 MONDAY

Under the guidance of local expert Joseph Toone, we spend the day exploring some of the villages surrounding San Miguel.  A special highlight of our day will be our visit to UNESCO WHL site Sanctuario de Atotonilco, perhaps the finest extant example of Mexican Baroque architecture to be found in the country. It is decorated throughout with paintings by Rodriguez Juárez as well as murals by Miguel Antonio Martínez de Pocasangre.

Open dinner

TUESDAY

San Miguel has been known since the mid-20th century as an expat-friendly artist colony, a reputation that grew naturally out of its strong arts and crafts traditions. Arturo Aranda of SMA Art Tour will lead us today as we delve into the many facets of this rich heritage. Arturo will start by taking us on a tour of Fabrica La Aurora, the renowned art and design center just steps from our hotel. We will then visit the studios of a painter, a goldsmith and a very special puppeteer. This busy day will also include a group lunch with Arturo so that we can relax, get refreshed and hear more about San Miguel’s very busy art scene.

This afternoon Benjamin will focus his walking tour on sites in SMA’s southeast quarter including the Paseo Chorro and the Plaza of the Templo de San Francisco.

Open dinner

WEDNESDAY

Today we travel to Guanajuato where we spend the morning in the excellent hands of guide Susana Ojeda along with one of her colleagues as we tour this fascinating WHL city chocked full of cultural history and colonial architecture. At the end of our tour we will enjoy another very special lunch at Macaria, one of the top-rated restaurants in Guanajuato, which will open its doors just for us. After lunch, the group have an hour or two to further explore Guanajuato on their own—whether it is a trip up the funicular to visit El Pipila, a stroll through the town’s gorgeous covered food market or a coffee and a day dream at one of the city’s many sidewalk cafes.

We will return to San Miguel late afternoon

Open Dinner

THURSDAY

There are a number of unique pleasures to be found during our guided tour through The Charco del Ingenio, the extraordinary botanical garden and nature preserve situated in hills above San Miguel. Of special interest is their extensive cactus collection with its special focus on collecting and protecting endangered specimen cacti.  We return to town midday for some down time before our late afternoon walking tour.

Benjamin’s walking tour today will explore the sites of the northeast quarter, including Plaza de la Soledad and Mercado de Artesanías.

Open Dinner

FRIDAY

This morning we open things up a bit for what we like to think of as a half-day plus of ‘choose your own adventure’. Offerings include one of Bici Burro’s bike tours through the surrounding countryside or a cooking class at La Pura Vida Kitchen & Cooking School.

Benjamin’s final walking tour will focus on the northwest quarter, including Templo de la Concepcion and Antiguo Panteón De San Juan De Dios.

We are especially excited about our very special farewell dinner at Trazo, knock-out fare to go with knock-out views out over the elegant rooftops of San Miguel. A fitting end to a busy and rich week together.

SATURDAY

Tour ends after breakfast