Join us on an extraordinary journey to learn about how Mexicans observe Day of the Dead. We will visit the grave sites and altars that have been decorated to commemorate the return of deceased family members and loved ones. We will learn about the "synchretism" or fusion of the pre-Hispanic world and the Catholic world that produced a unique form of internalized meaning and outward expressions and symbols. By traveling to small villages, we gently observe this most meaningful tradition that honors the memory of loved ones.

• Travel to remote villages to witness the decoration of grave sites and observe the vigil of the Day of the Dead
• See Artisan Communities on the shores of Lake Patzcuaro
• Visit the island community of Janitzio
• Learn of ancient Purepecha ruins at Tzintzuntzan
• Walk the streets of the Colonial Captial Morelia

• Day 1: Arrive Morelia, where we will transfer to our centrally located hotel. We enjoy a light snack at the Portales, across from the Cathedral, which is illuminated at night!(D)
• Day 2: Breakfast at hotel, followed by a guided walking tour of Morelia, the capital of Michoacan and a colonial gem! Morelia is a conservative city with deep traditions in higher education, music and the arts. Highlights include: The Government Palace and Alfredo Zalce Murals, Palace of Justice, Cathedral, Temple of the Roses, the former Aqueduct, and the outstanding House of “Artesanias”. We will enjoy a fabulous welcome dinner at one of Morelia’s top rated restaurants.(B, D)
• Day 3: Breakfast at hotel followed by journey to the lakeshore town of Patzcuaro. En route, we pay a visit to the local farmers who have been cultivating their marigold fields since May, for the Day of the Dead celebrations. In this lakeside community, you can smell the lake air and the rich earth that combine to produce a bountiful harvest of marigolds. This bucolic paradise is followed by a guided walking tour of Patzcuaro that includes visits to: the Basilica, Large and Small Town Squares, House of Eleven Patios. Special dinner overlooking Patzcuaro. (B,D)
• Day 4: After breakfast, we travel to the lakeside ruins of the pre-Hispanic Purepecha empire in Tzintzuntzan. Little is known about the early Purepecha people, but it is believed that they are descendants of peoples from northwestern Mexico, known as the Chichimecas. We spend time visiting the present day village and artisans of Tzintzuntzan. From here, we travel to the artisan community of Santa Clara del Cobre, where the ancient tradition of hammered copper thrives to this day. Free Evening (B,L)
• Day 5: We rise before dawn, quaff down coffee and breakfast and head out on our early morning boat journey across Lake Patzcuaro to the island community of Janitzio. We travel early in order to witness the Vigil of the Little Angels, where the souls of children who have died, are visited. Following our return boat journey, we have a free afternoon to stroll and shop in Patzcuaro, and to rest up for our night time departure to witness the all night gravesite vigils that take place in the communities surrounding Lake Patzcuaro. It is here that we begin to understand how Mexican people view the concept of life and death.(B)
• Day 6: On our final day in Patzcuaro, we take a wonderful guided Lakeside drive and tour to visit the numerous artisan villages that surround Lake Patzcuaro. We make stops in the villages of Tocuaro, which is known for wooden mask carving, Erongaricuaro, and Santa Fe de la Laguna, the first town founded by Vasco de Quiroga. (B,L)
• Day 7: We return to a place we have all grown to love, Morelia for our final day to further explore the museums, galleries, shops, Music Conservatory and cafes of this colonial city. We enjoy a Farewell Dinner. (B,D)
• Day 8: Depart for Home

Through the Eyes of the Soul, Day of the Dead in Mexico: Michoacan, Mary J. Andrade