Meet Me In San Miguel de Allende in October - Itinerary

 

Over the past few years, I have been leading guided tours of San Miguel de Allende and the surrounding areas.  My next, and only tour for 2012 is October 9 - 15.

The first evening, I host a welcome reception and dinner at my home right in the historic center of town and only a few blocks from Posada Carmina where my groups stay.  The second floor patio, mirador, is where we have our drinks with an incredible view of San Miguel with the Monjas church and the Parroquia church.

My home is equally inviting at night.  Aren't the stone pavers a work of art?

The second day we start with breakfast at one of my favorite spots, Cafe Parroquia, followed by a leisurely guided walking tour of San Miguel.  We tour the Parroquia, the magnificent parish church, right in the jardin (the central plaza).

We walk around the jardin and take in its grandeur.  Later we visit the Monjas church, shown in the photo above in the background.  

We stroll by some of the town's old and elegant homes, a few select galleries and folk art boutiques, just to mention some of the sights. We relax at lunch at another one of my favorite restaurants.

Many of the streets are so inviting and you later will find yourself walking everywhere!

The market is a favorite stop by all my groups!  Such vivid colors.

Especially the flower section.

One day we will visit Guanajuato, once the richest city in the world due to its silver mining. The colors are breathtaking.

Carlos is telling us about the Teatro Juarez which we will visit along with the home and museum of Diego Rivera and the studio of world-famous ceramist, Gorky Gonzales.

Guanajuato has a very old European feeling to it with its stately mansions.  After a gourmet lunch, we head up the mountain to the church in Valencia with its gold-encrusted altar. 

We'll venture on to Dolores Hidalgo, a small town where virtually everyone is employed in making beautiful ceramics.

Day four, you are in for a treat as we venture just a few miles out of town into the picturesque countryside.  We will visit the home and gallery of Mayer Shacter who has one of the best folk art collections around.  The architecture and landscaping are pretty remarkable too.

We will visit the lush gardens and wildy adorned and brightly-colored tiled studio and home of artist Anado McLauchlin.    On the way back into town, we will stop at the Sancturary of Atotonilco, often referred to as the Sistine chapel of the Americas because of its ancient and simply wonderful frescos.  We will dine at another of my favorite restaurants, La Chamonix and then to Fabrica La Aurora.  For 90 years the Aurora factory manufactured premium cotton fabrics.  Today, it is the Aurora Art & Design Center where internationally recognized artists exhibit their work and galleries display furniture, interior design treasures, antiques, jewelry, paintings, folk art, linens, accessories and much more.

On Saturday, take the day off and wander around town by yourself, just shopping or sightseeing.  It will be a festive time, the churches will be decorated in honor of St. Francis and St. Miguel the week before (the patron saint of San Miguel).  

Indulge in a lazy morning on Sunday.  At 12:30, we will enjoy a leisurely comida (lunch) of unbelievable Italian cuisine in a beautiful setting few miles outside of San Miguel.

In the evening, we all meet for music by Los Comodines (that is if I can find them in town at one of the local cantinas) up on my mirador.  

Soak up the San Miguel ambiance with a glass of sangria along with an assortment of delicious empanadas made especially for the occasion.  

Monday, October 8, I will meet you for breakfast at Posada Carmina and say my good byes.  One of the ladies on my previous trip said it perfectly, "Superlatives to express how impressed I am with your planning escape me.  Varied and interesting experiences, great food, wonderful company and generous hospitality certainly made for a super trip!"

Please join me for my next and only tour in 2012. 

I have already started to take reservations.

The dates are October 9 - 15.

You may reach me at:

robindsg@aol.com