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Spouse/Guest Program

Monday November 7th

Tour to Tlaquepaque*

9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The word Tlaquepaque comes from a Nahuatl phrase, the language that the Aztecs spoke, that means “Hill where the clay comes from”. This tells us that this fabulous place has been an artisan village for many centuries. Now Tlaquepaque is one of Mexico´s preeminent centers for decorative arts and crafts, being pottery and blown glass two of the most popular items that are found here.

During the colonial period, many wealthy families made their summer or weekend homes in Tlaquepaque and these magnificent colonial mansions are now shops and galleries, making them the perfect setting for the large variety of crafts made in the region.

After visiting the main sites in Tlaquepaque, such as the Parián, a large plaza flanked by columned arcades, the Jardín Hidalgo, which is the main square, the Church of Saint Peter, Our Lady of Solitude and the Independence Street, you will have free time to stroll around on your own before we meet again for your special pottery work shop, where the artisan will teach you how to make clay items and you will be able to make your own master piece.

After the walking tour, you will go have lunch in the traditional and majestic Mansion of the “Casa Fuerte” restaurant. Here you will enjoy the art of Mexican cuisine with delicious meals based in authentic Mexican recipes from the prehispanic and colonial period.

Finally, to end up the day in Tlaquepaque, you will attend a spectacle in the famous Jardín Hidalgo, where young and talented children will present us a singing show.

End of the tour at the hotel.

At 6:30 pm pick up from your hotel to attend the Gala dinner at “Instituto Cultural Cabañas”.

Includes:

Transportation.
Bilingual tour guide (English/Spanish).
Arts & Craft workshop (material included).
Gala dinner.

$50.00 USD per person

*Tour included in GPPS 2011 All Inclusive + Companion Package

Tuesday November 8th

Guadalajara City Tour*

10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Guadalajara, best known as the “Pearl of the West” or “The City of Roses”, is a majestic city, with amazing qualities, and a perfect balance between modern and traditional; with plazas, parks, typical markets and beautiful colonial buildings. Today we will begin with a panoramic tour of the main avenues and areas in the city until we arrive to the historical centre, where we will start with a guided walking tour that includes: the Cathedral, Government Palace, Liberation Square, Degollado Theatre, Plaza Tapatía and the Cabañas Institute, a World Heritage Site, with fabulous murals made by Jose Clemente Orozco.

The history and traditions of this city will come alive with our last stop, San Juan de Dios Market, the largest in Latin America. Markets are the best place to learn about a country, there is a special magic in them. The markets in Mexico are not only colorful, but they are the best place to discover the true essence of our people. We will interact with the locals that come to purchase their goods for the day´s meal, the owners and workers of the stalls and their stories, to learn something from each one of them.

After enjoying of Guadalajara´s beautiful weather in historic downtown, we will go to eat in one of the most famous and well-known restaurants of the city: “El Sacromonte”. This eating place offers a variety of meals from the new Mexican cuisine inspired in more than forty years of generational culinary heritage.

End of the tour of the Hotel.

Optional Shopping Tour (2 hours):
Pick up from your hotel at 3:00 pm for a free time to shop.

All day Includes:

Transportation.
Bilingual tour guide (English/Spanish).
Entrance ticket and explanation of the murals in the Cabañas Institute.

$50.00 USD per person

*Tour included in GPPS 2011 All Inclusive + Companion Package.

Wednesday November 9th

Option 1: Tour to Tequila

10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

This is truly an exciting and fun filled cultural experience. As soon as we leave the city limits, the tour guide will comment with the group about the history and traditions that accompany our national drink. We will stop to admire the Agave Landscape, recently honored as a World Heritage Site. We will afterwards arrive to the city of Tequila to visit the historical center and learn about the history and legends that surround this Magical Town. We continue with a visit to a distillery to learn the process of elaboration of the tequila and distinguish the different types.

Our day continues as we visit the museum and the Aging Cellars where we will become experts after receiving a complete explanation and tasting session. Finally, we will arrive to a private terrace where we will enjoy our Mexican Fiesta, with margaritas, Mexican buffet (make your own taco), live mariachi band, folkloric dancers, rope tricks and fun activities for the group.

End of the tour at your hotel.

Includes:

Transportation.
Bilingual tour guide (English/Spanish).
Entrance and visit of the distillery and museum.
Buffet lunch with drinks.

$75.00 USD per person

Option 2: Tour to Chapala Lake and Lakeside Villages

10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Explore the largest natural lake in Mexico; enjoy nature, excellent climate (the world´s second best after Kenya), lush vegetation and romantic lakeside villages. On our way to the lake, we will drive by Vicente Fernandez Ranch popular amongst nationals and admire Hacienda La Calera façade, home of a popular singer Joan Sebastian.

Upon arrival to the city of Chapala we will walk along the Board Walk where the guide will talk about the area and you will see the various stalls with arts & crafts from the region, along with the typical ice cream, charales (small deep fried fish), and the popular beverages.

We will then continue driving along the lakeside until we arrive to San Juan Cosalá. You will be able to enjoy the benefits of natural treatments in the mineral thermal waters. The hydrotherapies includes: Thalassotherapy (magnesium, salts and seaweed), fitotherapy (medicial plants), mineral treated mud and coffee therapy.
The spa area also has several restaurants where you can have lunch or enjoy a refreshing drink beside the pool.

After our relaxing time in the spa, we will drive to Ajijic.
Ajijic is a charming mexican village with cobblestone streets full of lovely shops and art galleries where you can shop, walk and relax.
End of the tour at your hotel.

Includes: