Alumni and Parent Trip to Mexico June 27 July 6, 2015
Come discover the richness and beauty of Mexico! This summer, join us for an exclusive journey through MEXICO S BAJÍO REGION QUERÉTARO, SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, GUANAJUATO AND MEXICO CITY. Rich in history, the Bajío is known as the cradle of Mexican Independence and is celebrated for its great beauty, colonial architecture, geographical diversity, and its rich and dynamic culture. As a more affluent area, it is also recognized as the safest region in Mexico. We will TRAVEL to the cities of Querétaro, San Miguel de Allende, and Guanajuato all colonial gems recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. Together we ll LEARN more about their history and culture, as we EXPLORE colorful cobble-stoned streets, elegant cathedrals and baroque mansions. We ll SAVOR exquisite cuisine in old monasteries and even learn some new Latin dance steps! For those wanting an escape from city life, we ll HIKE up one of the world s tallest monoliths, the famous Bernal Rock. In Mexico City we ll CLIMB pyramids, FLOAT down the same canals the Aztecs used for travel, ENJOY an intimate Mariachi performance, SHOP at the world famous San Angel Bazaar, and take in an elegant night of folklore and ballet at the Palace of Fine Arts. Enjoy all of this and more on this unique travel experience that combines guided sightseeing tours with ample free time to immerse yourself in the local culture. Come discover the richness and beauty of Mexico!
INCLUDED FEATURES Accommodations: Nine nights in luxury and boutique hotels selected for their unique history, beauty and elegance. Activities and Events Querétaro: Mesón de Santa Rosa WWW.MESONDESANTAROSA.COM INFORMATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL programs presented by local experts and our own Dr. Mary Docter, Westmont Spanish professor All EXCURSIONS as outlined in your itinerary ADMISSION TO ALL SITES, including Mexico s Folkloric Ballet at the Palace of Fine Arts AN EXTENSIVE MEAL PROGRAM including all breakfasts and 10 unforgettable meals Guanajuato: Mesón de los Poetas WWW.MESONDELOSPOETAS.COM Many included extras Services of an EXPERIENCED CAMPUS DIRECTOR throughout your stay TIPPING of excursion guides and drivers Detailed TRAVEL AND DESTINATION INFORMATION to assist in planning Mexico City: Gran Hotel WWW.GRANHOTELDELACIUDADDEMEXICO.COM.MX
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Goals for Alumni Travel: Offer educational, spiritual and intellectual enrichment to Westmont alumni and friends Provide insight into off-campus cultural experiences offered to current students Encourage camaraderie and meaningful connections among Westmont parents, alumni and the extended Warrior family Develop a greater sense of cultural awareness as we learn more about our own culture and that of Mexico The group is limited to 25 to maximize your travel experience. DISCOVER the beauty of several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Querétaro, where our Westmont in Mexico students live and study. LEARN from informational, educational programs and tours led by Westmont Spanish professor Mary Docter and local experts. ADMIRE the impressive architecture of the San Miguel s Gothic Cathedral of and Querétaro s famous Casa de la Marquesa, recently featured in Architectural Digest. EXPLORE Guanajuato s winding tunnels and curving streets, rich in legends and charm. The entire city is one big picture postcard! DRESS UP for an elegant evening of ballet at Mexico s City s architectural masterpiece, the Palace of Fine Arts, and watch the famous Tiffany curtain change color as the show begins. FLOAT down indigenous canals while enjoying carnitas and our own, private Mariachi concert! ENJOY Mexico s artists and artisans, and perhaps even pick up a souvenir or two at one of the local markets. LEARN some Latin dance steps from a local Mexican professor. SAMPLE authentic regional specialties during select meals at exquisite Mexican restaurants, including one located entirely in a cave! GET TO KNOW Westmont alumni and parents from different generations as we learn more about our culture, our neighbors, ourselves, and our God in a unique time of exploration and fellowship.
DAILY ITINERARY DAY 1: IN TRANSIT (JUNE 27) Travel to Querétaro, Mexico, and check into the Mesón de Santa Rosa. Enjoy a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel, an evening stroll of the main plaza, and a time to get to know your fellow sojourners. First group meeting and meal will be at 7 p.m. at the hotel. DAY 2: QUERETARO (JUNE 28) Educational focus: History and architecture of colonial Mexico. Founded in 1531, the capital city of Santiago de Querétaro is famous for its crucial role in Mexican history. Enjoy a walking tour of the historic downtown, with its quaint plazas, cathedrals and museums. A highlight of the day will be our meal at the CASA DE LA MARQUESA, an opulent colonial masterpiece with Moorish influences throughout. In the evening, we ll gaze upon the city s landmark, THE FAMOUS ARCOS, or arches of the aqueduct which grace the landscape. DAY 3: QUERETARO AND BERNAL (JUNE 29) Educational focus: Cultural awareness. Today we ll get a taste of how Westmont students experience the study-abroad program, with a talk by Mary Docter on the cycle of learning. For those who are up to it, we ll take a half-day trip to the city of Bernal, to hike one of the WORLD S TALLEST MONOLITHS and enjoy gorditas in the charming town below. Our Mexican dance instructor will also show us how to move and sway to the Latin rhythms of cumbia and salsa. DAY 4: SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE (JUNE 30) After breakfast we ll head out for a day trip to the lovely town of San Miguel de Allende. There we ll tour the famous GOTHIC CATHEDRAL, and you ll have time to explore the city s many plazas and artisan markets. In the afternoon, we ll head to our next destination: Guanajuato. That evening we ll follow a local estudiantil, or TRAVELING MINSTRELS, on an evening tour of the curving streets. DAY 5: GUANAJUATO (JULY 1) Educational focus: Mexican Independence. Lose yourself in the winding streets and tunnels of downtown Guanajuato, a colonial silver mining town with a surprise around every corner. Learn some of the legends of this charming place, including that of the ALLEY OF THE KISS, where you ll see a street so narrow that two lovers living across the street could kiss each other from their own balconies! Visit DIEGO RIVERA S HOME, the market designed by Gustave Eiffel, the ghoulish mummy museum, the Teatro Juárez, and more. In the evening, we ll take the funicular up the mountain to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city at sunset.
DAY 6: GUANAJUATO/TRAVEL (JULY 2) Enjoy time to explore the city, allowing yourself to follow the labyrinthine streets and alleys and find hidden treasures on your own! Following comida we ll head out to one of the largest cities in the world, MEXICO CITY. DAY 7: MEXICO CITY (JULY 3) Educational focus: Pre-Colombian Mexico. Begin your morning by climbing the famous PYRAMID OF THE SUN and exploring Teotihuacán. To cool down, enjoy a magical meal inside a cave! Then learn how mescal is made with a tour and tasting. Time permitting, we ll tour the famous SHRINE OF GUADALUPE and learn about the importance of the Virgin in Mexican Catholicism. At sunset, ascend the LATIN AMERICAN TOWER for stunning views of the city from one of the highest points in all of Latin America, and conclude your day with a lovely meal at the famous House of Tiles. DAY 8: MEXICO CITY (JULY 4) Educational focus: Art. Enjoy the famous SATURDAY BAZAAR in San Angel, followed by a tour of the quaint neighborhood of Coyoacán and FRIDA KAHLO S HOME and museum. Float down one of the canals the indigenous people used for travel while savoring a typical Mexican meal of carnitas and guacamole and enjoying our own private Mariachi concert on board. DAY 9: MEXICO CITY (JULY 5) Educational focus: Art and architecture in Mexico City. Spend time strolling through Mexico s famous MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY, viewing the famous Sun Stone (Aztec calendar), Olmec heads, and bejeweled Mayan masks. Spend your afternoon admiring the magnificent cathedral as well as DIEGO RIVERA S MURALS at the National Palace and in the Palace of Fine Arts. At sunset, head to your hotel balcony to watch the intricate lowering of the national flag. And finally, put on your finest clothes and head out to enjoy MEXICO S FOLKLORIC BALLET at the Palace of Fine Arts. DAY 10: TRAVEL HOME (JULY 6)
TERMS AND CONDITIONS Westmont Alumni and Parent Trip to Mexico June 27 July 6, 2015 $2,550 PER PERSON + AIRFARE This tour is based on rates in effect in November 2014 and is subject to change in the event of currency fluctuations. The tour is based on a minimum of 20 paying participants. Included in the tour at time of booking are: Shared double room accommodations in historic, luxury and boutique hotels (triple room will receive a slight discount where available), to be applied at the final booking; daily meals as indicated on the itinerary; transportation and entrance fees to sights, museums and most activities listed in the itinerary. All program participants must be in good physical and mental health, ambulatory, and fully able to participate in all tour activities. Anyone requiring assistance must be accompanied by an individual able and willing to provide the necessary support at all times. Wheelchairs are NOT readily available. Westmont reserves the right to decline, accept or retain a person who in the opinion of the tour leaders is unfit for travel or whose physical or mental condition may constitute a danger to themselves or to others on the trip. In the event of removal, no refund will be given. Minimum age of participant: 18 as of date of travel. Price: $2550 per person; price includes all breakfasts and 10 meals; price does not include airfare. Not included in price: Airfare and transportation to and from airport and hotel; single room supplement ($500); additions/ changes to standard program, travel insurance, alcoholic beverages; excess baggage. Reservation and deposit: A non-refundable deposit of $500 is due at time of reservation; a first payment of $1,000 is due by January 15, 2015. Full payment of $2550 or a second payment of $1,050 is due by March 1, 2015. For reservations received after this date, a late booking fee of $100 per person is due. Cancellations fees: Westmont College must receive all cancellation and refund requests in writing. Refund policy is as follows: Cancellation from 104 days (March 15, 2015) to 76 days (April 12, 2015) prior to trip will result in forfeiture of 25 percent of entire cost of trip per person; 75 days (April 13, 2015) to 30 days (May 27, 2015) will result in forfeiture of 50 percent of entire cost of trip per person; 29 days (May 28, 2015) or less will result in forfeiture of 100 percent of cost of trip per person. Luggage: Limit of one suitcase and one carry on per person. There is no porterage service included in the cost of the trip. Airline transportation: You are responsible for your own transportation to and from arrival and departure cities. Arrival city: Queretaro, Mexico on June 27. See itinerary for first group meeting and necessary time of arrival. Departure city: Mexico City on July 6, 2015. For various transportation options, click here. Insurance: Tour participants are highly recommended to purchase insurance for trip cancellation, trip interruption, sickness, accidental loss of baggage, and personal effects.
Revisions of printed itinerary: While no revisions of the printed itinerary are anticipated, Westmont reserves the right to make any changes, with or without notice, that might become necessary. Permission to use images, video and/or audio: On occasion, Westmont obtains from its staff or passengers photos or video images of passengers and trip activities. By participating in this travel program, you authorize Westmont, without providing compensation to you, or obtaining additional approvals from you, to include photos or video recordings of you, as well as voice recording included with any videos, in Westmont advertising and publicity. Documentation: U.S. citizens will require a valid U.S. passport. The traveler assumes complete and full responsibility for, and hereby releases Westmont College, from any duty of checking and verifying any and all passports, visa, vaccination or other entry requirements for destination, and all safety and security conditions during the proposed travel. Statement of Responsibility: Westmont College shall not be held responsible for any wrongful or negligent acts or omissions by a supplier or other party not directly controlled by Westmont College or by the failure of any equipment operated by any such supplier or other party. Westmont College shall not be liable for any loss, injury, or damage to person property or otherwise, in connections with any accommodations, transportation, or other services, resulting directly or indirectly form any acts of God, dangers, incidents, fire, breakdown of equipment, acts of government or other authorities, wars whether or not declared, hostilities, terror attacks, kidnappings, civil disturbances, diseases, strikes, riots, thefts, pilferages, epidemics, quarantines, medical or customs regulations. For information concerning possible dangers at international destinations, contact the U.S. State Department, (202) 647-5225 or the online travel advisory service at http://travel.state.gov/travel. For medical information, call the U.S Centers for Disease Control (CDC) (404) 332-4559 or log on to http:// wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx. The receipt of your deposit/ and or final payment will indicate that you have read these Terms and Conditions, and that you have agreed to them. Prices are subject to change due to currency fluctuations. For more information, please contact: Teri Bradford Rouse 77 Senior Director of Alumni and Parent Relations tbradfordrouse@westmont.edu (805) 565-7255