See the best of Jalisco! This is traditional Mexico; the Mexico of mariachis, charros, tequila, blown glass, pottery and other rich aspects of Mexico's colonial traditions. In Guadalajara we will see what is known as Mexico's Sistene Chapel, the Hospicio las Cabanas, where Jose Clemente Orozco painted some of his finest murals. At Guachimontones, we will learn more about the pre-hispanic civilizations that inhabited Western Mexico. In Tequila (yes this is the name of the town), we will see how the agave plant is cultivated, trimmed and processed to produce the white, medium aged and aged drink that makes margaritas a world wide favorite. If this is not enough, our grand finale is the Feria Maestros del Arte on sceanic Lake Chapala. Marianne Carlson has been bringing together the finest artisans throughtout Mexico to participate in this annual event. Here, you will see the finest artisans in all of Mexico!

• Sing with Mariachis
• View Mexico's Greatest Murals by Jose Clemente Orozco
• Travel to Tequila and learn about this distilled drink from the agave plant
• Visit charming Tlaquepaque
• Explore the ancient ruins of the region
• Travel to Lake Chapala for the Feria Maestros del Arte to see Mexico's finest artisans

• Day One, Sunday, Nov. 7, Arrive, Guadalajara,, Welcome Dinner. Tonight we will enjoy a special welcome dinner in one of Guadalajara’s most typical and fun restaurants. We will be personally serenaded by a local mariachi troup. Bring your favorite requests! Overnight Guadalajara (D)
• Day Two, Monday, Nov. 8, Guadalajara City Tour, Murals of Jose Clemente Orozco. Today, we will explore the great capital city of Jalisco, Guadalajara, which dates to the 16th century. While we will explore the colonial architecture of yellow “cantera” or quarried stone, our focus will be on the magnificent murals of Jose Clemente Orozco. In the Hospicio Cabanas, we will see one of his masterpieces, considered the Sistene Chapel of Mexico. Overnight Guadalajara (B)
• Day Three, Tuesday, Nov. 9, Tlaquepaque, Traveling to the suburbs / outskirts of Guadalajara, we will learn of the craft traditions of this region, namely pottery and blown glass. Tlaquepaque is a charming village. We will enjoy a lovely lunch today. Overnight Guadalajara (B, L)
• Day Four, Wednesday, Nov. 10, Tequila, We travel west as we embark on our journey to explore the heart of Mexico’s tequila manufacturing region. In fact the town we go to is called, Tequila. We begin by spending time in the maguey fields, where an expert “jimador” will demonstrate the highly honed skills required to properly cut and trim the maguey plant. From here, we follow the manufacturing process to see how the maguey leaf is steeped, the pulp is ground and the liquid is extracted and distilled to produce the various varieties of tequila known around the world. We will learn the differences between reposado and anejo. In addition to visiting Cuervo, we will visit a smaller artisan producer. We enjoy a special lunch at one of the tequileros. From here, we check into our relaxing Hacienda/Spa,Hacienda El Carmen, where we enjoy the rest of our afternoon and evening. (B,L)
• Day Five, Thursday, Nov. 11, Guachimontones, we further enjoy our Hacienda over a leisurely breakfast and free time to enjoy the grounds and facilities at this special location. Now that we are refreshed, we travel to the mysterious ancient site of Guachimontones, to learn of the early inhabitants of this region. We end our evening in Chapala on the shores of Lake Chapala, where we settle in for 3 relaxing nights on Mexico’s largest and highest lake. (B)
• Day Six, Friday, Nov. 12, Chapala, We are well positioned today to be among the first to arrive to see the spectacular crafts of the Master Artisans of Mexico, at the Feria Maestros del Arte. Marianne Carlson is in her 10th year of bringing together the Best of the Best at the Lake Chapala Yacht Club, where we can see Mexico's crafts in one special location. B)
• Day Seven, Saturday, Nov. 13, Chapala, We enjoy day two of the Feria Maestros del Arte with the new friends we have met. In the afternoon, we take a sunset cruise on Lake Chapala, before we enjoy our sad but festive farewell dinner (B,D)
• Day Eight, Sunday, Nov. 14, Depart