Flavors of Mexico & Our Lady of Guadalupe with Fr. Michael Galuppi and Fr. Christopher Ballard

We gather at Syracuse International Airport for a group flight to Mexico City. Quotes for add-on airfare from most major cities are available upon request. As we work with group airfares, which do not permit seat selection, we are unable to secure specific airline seats for trip participants. If you wish to have a specific seat on the flights or to choose a specific airline, we recommend that you purchase the Land Only package and plan to book your own flights. Upon arrival, we are greeted by our tour escort and transferred to our hotel. Enjoy a welcome drink during our group orientation, followed by dinner. No Mass will be celebrated today. Overnight in Mexico City. (Welcome drink and dinner)

This morning, after a leisurely breakfast and Mass, we drive about an hour outside of the city to Teotihuacan. Once the largest city in the world, it is the home of the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon. We have a guided tour and time to climb the Pyramids if we wish. While it is challenging to climb, it is well worth the effort to see the breathtaking views from the top of the pyramids. We visit the nearby Museum of Teotihuacan, which has some interesting exhibits on the history and culture of the city. In San Juan Teotihuacan, we enjoy lunch and a guacamole-making class. In the afternoon, enjoy a fun and relaxing visit to the Tequila Museum for a tasting experience. Dinner is at leisure tonight. Overnight in Mexico City.

Today, we visit the Church of Sagrada Familia (the Holy Family) to see the tomb of Fr. Miguel Agustin Pro, the Jesuit Martyr. Mass will be celebrated. Before we return to our hotel, we can stop at Mercado De Artesanias La Ciudadela, a massive handicraft market with everything from traditional Mexican textiles to hand-carved wooden animals. It is the perfect place to pick up some souvenirs for your friends and family back home. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the city on your own. Tonight we will have a bus transfer to Condesa and Roma Norte neighborhoods, which are the hubs of Mexico City’s culinary movement, and near the convivial Plaza Rio de Janeiro, where residents congregate for coffee, dog walks, music, and dancing. Dinner is at leisure, but you may want to try Contramar, one of the city’s most popular restaurants (reservations are advised and can be made by the hotel for individual or small group dining). Overnight in Mexico City.

This morning, we enjoy breakfast at the hotel, followed by a visit to the Church of Santiago Tlatelolco, where St. Juan Diego was baptized. Next, we continue to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Upon arrival at the Shrine, we visit the beautiful basilica, have time to kneel in front of the Tilma, where Our Lady’s image was miraculously imprinted, and visit the El Pocito (Chapel of the Little Well) the site of the original apparition. We celebrate Mass at the Shrine. We have time to explore and pray at the Shrine as our entire day is devoted to Our Lady of Guadalupe. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

After a buffet breakfast, we depart for Puebla, known as the City of the Angels and Churches, the fourth-largest city in Mexico, and a prime example of Spanish colonial architecture. The Puebla region is renowned for its stunning churches, delectable cuisine, and exquisite hand-painted Talavera tiles. We visit the unforgettable Chapel of the Rosary to celebrate Mass (TBC). Then enjoy visits to the Cathedral, Santo Domingo Church, the Santa Monica religious museum, and the Church of St. Francis to see the incorrupt body of St. Sebastian. The cuisine of Puebla is one of Mexico’s most richly developed culinary traditions. The renowned Mexican mole sauce is one of the most iconic dishes of the region, having gained international recognition. The delicious Mole Poblano and Chile en Nogada originated here in Puebla, as tradition tells us, when a nun at the Santa Rosa Convent in Puebla invented the mole recipe in the 17th century, inspired by the impending visit of a dignitary. Today for lunch, we try a local Poblano dish. Other characteristic dishes are the chalupas, pipián sauce (made with chiles and pumpkin seeds), and maguey worms (don’t worry, you don’t have to try them if you don’t want to!). Also notable are the homemade desserts, such as the delicious Santa Clara cakes, made with marzipan and goat’s milk, as well as camotes. Following lunch, we have time for shopping in the local market. Return to Mexico City for dinner and overnight

Today, we explore another authentic Mexican market where we can sample traditional Mexican dishes or vegetarian tamales and café de olla. Our day continues with a cooking class where the chef will teach us how to make a local dish. Mass will be celebrated. The afternoon is at leisure. We suggest a visit to the fascinating Museo Mural Diego Rivera, a museum located just a few minutes’ walk from our hotel, which showcases the works of the renowned Mexican artist Diego Rivera, known for his massive murals (museum visit not included). Tonight, have fun at the farewell dinner accompanied by Mariachi Music in a local restaurant. Overnight in Mexico City. (B. Special lunch and farewell dinner)

Following breakfast, our first stop is a visit to the Church of San José del Altillo, where we will see the crypt where Blessed Conchita Cabrera is buried and celebrate Mass. Blessed Conchita was beatified at the Guadalupe Basilica and is the first Mexican laywoman to receive beatification. We are met by a local priest who gives us a short presentation about Blessed Conchita’s life. Time for prayer will be included. Continue to the Church of Santiago Tlatelolco, where St. Juan Diego was baptized. We visit Zocalo Square to see the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace. During your free time for lunch, we recommend visiting the rooftop restaurant at the Zócalo Central hotel, situated directly in the square and offering stunning views of the city. In the afternoon, we return to Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine for Holy Hour. Dinner is at leisure. Overnight in Mexico City.

Following breakfast, we check out of the hotel, celebrate Mass, and are transferred to the airport for our flight to Syracuse International Airport.