Oaxaca Tour

Crafts • Fine Art • Archeology • History

10 Days: July 24 to August 2, 2010

Oaxaca, one of the world’s prime artistic centers, is sophisticated and international, yet exotic and charming. Renowned artists and artisans work in their native villages.

  Stunning colonial architecture is made from the pale green stone from Oaxaca’s own quarry.

  Spectacular archeological sites provide insights into ancient civilizations.

  Visit the Santo Domingo Church and Rosary Chapel; Museo de las Tres Culturas, and select shops and arts and crafts galleries.

  In the Tlacolula Market, hear merchants who have come from all over Oaxaca to sell their wares, speaking their ancient indigenous languages.

  Witness how native artisans make their crafts when you visit them in their village workshops in Teotitlan del Valle, the rug weaving village, San Juan Jalieza, the backstrap weaving village; San Antonio, the embroidery village; San Bartolo Coyotepec, the black pottery village; Arrazola and San Martin Tilcajete, the wood carving villages; Atzompa, the unglazed pottery village; and in the village of Ocotlan where the famous Aguilar sisters create there witty ceramics.

  Explore the ruins of Monte Albán, meso-America’s first great city, and the ruins of Mitla, meso-America’s most unique ruin.

  Visit the distinctive Dominican Monastery of Cuilapam begun in 1550.

  Visit the fascinating home of the late painter Rodolfo Morales, and enjoy a native lunch, prepared especially for you in his famous tiled kitchen. See some of his collages, prints, paintings and murals.

  Visit three small museums: the Rufino Tamayo Museum featuring Mr. Tamayo’s pre-Columbian Collection, the Museum of Oaxacan Painters, and MEAPO Oaxaca’s dazzling crafts museum.

  Attend a cocktail reception at the premier Galería Quetzali.

  Learn how mezcal is made.

  Attend a performance by the Guelaguetza Dancers, an elaborately staged extravaganza of Oaxacan dances.

  Dine on Oaxaca’s famously delicious food.

  Take an optional cooking class.

  On the tour you’ll have some free time to shop, walk around, or relax.

  Cost: Double occupancy: $2,195.  Single occupancy: $2,495.  Airfare not included.