Pilgrimage to Guadalupe Shrine and Tour of Mexico City

Day 1: Arrival in Mexico City

One of the world's largest metropolises, Mexico City is also the oldest urban centre in the Western Hemisphere. Initial visit and prayer time at Guadalupe Shrine. Reception dinner at “Fonda del Recuerdo” followed by Mexican Traditional show, available only on Thursdays, at no extra cost.

Day 2: At Guadalupe Shrine for Mass and Prayer and Place of Apparition and other Sacred Spots

Basilica de Guadalupe, Latin America's most revered religious shrine: It is here where the Virgin of Guadalupe is said to have appeared to an Indian named Juan Diego in 1531, and an image of her was miraculously emblazoned on his cloak. We will explore the New Basilica de Guadalupe, the Old Basilica (built in 1700, which is slowly sinking) and to see Juan Diego's cloak. Most spectacular miracle is that this cloak was untouched in a bomb blast in 1921, which destroyed a marble rail, twisted a metal crucifix and shattered windows in the Basilica.

Day 3: Full-day tour to Puebla, Colonial City and Tonantzintla : A day to Explore Mexico and its rich Culture.

World Heritage Site of Puebla is located 130 kms. South-east of Mexico City. On the way, we stop in Tonantzintla, where we will visit its exuberant church. Its dome is a great example of indigenous artisanship applied to Christian themes. Mexico's national dish, the 'mole poblano', originated here! We will explore the colonial centre, lined with churches and colonial mansions, many adorned with the beautiful hand-painted Talavera tiles for which Puebla is famous. Time to shop before driving back to Mexico City.

Day 4: Half-day Mexico City Tour and another halt at the Guadalupe Shrine

We will explore magnificent Mexico City, built on top of the ruins of the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan. We visit the Zocalo (one of the biggest public squares in the world), Cathedral Metropolitana (the biggest church in Latin America) and the Palacio Nacional, which hosts Diego Rivera's murals depicting the history of Mexico. We halt at a handicraft market, where we will have time for some browsing. We then drive along the famous boulevard Paseo de la Reforma, built during the short-lived reign of Emperor Maximilian to connect the main square and his castle in Chapultepec.

Day 5 Morning: Departure from MEXICO CITY

• Transportation in Mexico by air-conditioned coach.
• 4 Nights stay (Category: 4 star)
• Round Trip Air fare from and to JFK, NY
• Daily American Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• English speaking guide.

(Travel Insurance is not included)