Pilgrimage to Mexico
Spiritual Directors: Fr. Ivan Nienhaus & Fr David Ambrosy
Group Coordinator: Mary Johnston
January 30 - February 4, 2020
MJ013020
Your trip includes
- Round-trip airfare from Cedar Rapids (CID)
- *
- Airport taxes & fuel surcharges
- Centrally located five Star hotel as follows: (or similar)
- ~ 5 nights: Jan 30 - Feb 4: Galeria Plaza, Mexico City, Mexico
- Transfers as per itinerary
- Breakfast daily at your hotel
- Lunch daily at local restaurants (except on day of arrival/departure)
- Dinner daily at local restaurants
- Transportation by air-conditioned motor coach
- Assistance of a professional local Christian guide(s)
- Sightseeing and admissions fees as per itinerary
- Mass daily & Spiritual activities
- Free Wi-Fi at Hotel Galeria Plaza
- Headsets
- Luggage handling (1 piece per person)
Not included
- Tips to Guide & driver, Lunches, beverages not mentioned
Itinerary
Thu, Jan 30: Depart for Mexico City
Make your way to your local airport where you will board your flight(s) to Mexico City. Upon arrival, you will collect your luggage in the baggage claim area, and continue to the Arrival's Hall where you will be greeted by a tour guide and/or driver. Transfer to your hotel. Enjoy free time before celebrating Mass and dinner. Overnight in Mexico City.
Fri, Jan 31: Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe
After breakfast, transfer to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Patroness of the Americas), by way of the Plaza of the Three Cultures. We will visit the Church of Santiago Tlatelolco where St. Juan Diego was baptized. This plaza is important as it symbolizes the unique blend of pre-Hispanic, and Hispanic cultures that make up Mexico. Continue to the Shrine of Guadalupe built in response to Our Lady's request to the visionary, St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin. Upon arrival at the Shrine, you will celebrate Mass as you marvel at the brilliantly colored Basilica. Following Mass, you will join the other pilgrims as you kneel in front of the "Tilma", where Our Lady's image was miraculously imprinted. Following this visit, you will make your way to Guadalupe and San Juan Teotihuacan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. According to mythology, this site was chosen to be the center of the universe, and from then it became a prominent political and religious center from the second century until the ninth century. While in San Juan Teotihuacan, you will enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant, followed by a guided tour of the Archaeological zone. We will view the pyramids of the Sun and Moon and know more about how the Aztecs used to work the obsidian stone and the multiple use of the Maguey Plant. Your fun-filled busy day will culminate with a delicious dinner and overnight at your hotel.
Sat, Feb 01: Mexico City
This morning, your day will begin with breakfast, followed by Mass at the Holy Family Church, where you will view the tomb of Fr. Miguel Agustin Pro, the Jesuit martyr. In a time of great religious persecutions, Fr. Pro was exiled from Mexico during the Mexican Revolution. However, he returned to Mexico and was aided by a secret ministry who helped him hide from authorities. During his time in Mexico, he assisted many individuals in their spiritual, as well as temporal, needs. Although he helped many, he was eventually arrested and killed by authorities. While at this Church, you may pray to this great martyr who remained filled with the joy of serving Our Lord even in the midst of very difficult times. We will also visit the small but very inspiring Museum dedicated in honor of Father Pro. Time for a prayer and a special blessing. After this visit, you will tour the oldest and largest Cathedral in all of Latin America, the Metropolitan Cathedral. Throughout your time in the Cathedral, you will become overwhelmed by the stunning paintings, altar pieces, and statues. Your tour continues with a transfer to the National Palace. This extraordinary palace has been a building of the ruling class of Mexico since the Aztec Empire's rule. During this visit we will be able to view some amazing murals painted by Diego Rivera. Continue our day with a visit to the Plaza of Santo Domingo. This plaza contains two Holy places that are architecturally exquisite; the Church of Santo Domingo, the first Church built by the Dominicans in 1576 and; the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary, the first Rosary Shrine in Mexico. additionally you will visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Covadonga, the headquarters of the Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary. This Shrine is dedicated to the Patron Saint of Asturias (Spain). Return back to your hotel to enjoy a delicious dinner and rest before the next day of activities.
Sun, Feb 02: Excursion to Puebla
A fun-filled day is ahead. Spectacular drive to what is known as Mexico's most beautify city Puebla. On your ride, you will climb to over 10,000ft above sea level, and view two magnificent peaks; one that is covered with snow and the other that is an active volcano. Stop in Tlaxcala to visit the Shrine of San Miguel Del Milagro. Holy Mass will be celebrated upon the site where St. Michael the Archangel appeared to Diego Lazaro in 1631. Next we head to Puebla, where a typical lunch is waiting for us. Following lunch visit Puebla's Cathedral St. Dominic's Church, and its Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary, Church of St. Francis of Assisi where you will view the incorrupt body of St. Sebastian of Aparicido. Return to Mexico City for dinner and overnight.
Mon, Feb 03: Church of Tulpetlac - Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe & Coyoacan
After breakfast, transfer to the Church of the 5th apparition, where the Blessed Virgin Maria de Guadalupe appeared to Juan Bernardino, Juan Diego's uncle. Here we can find a well of healing water which locals drink. Followed with a return visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe to attend Mass, and bid farewell to Mary the Mother of God. Continue on to Coyoacan. Upon arrival enjoy a nice lunch, followed with a visit of the pretty plaza and suburbs of Coyoacan with its Church of St. John the Baptist. This Church was originally constructed as a Dominican Monastery but then changed to a Franciscan Monastery. We will view the stunning architecture of the Franciscan Monastery's seven Chapels as well as an altar piece that dates back to the seventeenth century. Free time to stroll around and make sure to taste the famous ice cream of Coyoacan, where during the weekend locals queue up to enjoy a delicious ice cream. Return to the Hotel dinner and overnight.
Tue, Feb 04: Return Home
(*Or Optional Post Tour to Riviera Maya)
This morning, transfer to the airport for your return flight(s) home. You will say farewell to friends and a pilgrimage that will last in your memory for years to come.
*Or for passengers continuing to Riviera Maya (Cancun):
Day 6, Tue, Feb 04: Mexico City - Cancun
After breakfast transfer to airport for your short flight to Cancun Airport. Upon arrival in Cancun you will be transferred to your hotel in Cancun. Enjoy dinner and overnight.
Wed - Fri, Feb 05 - Feb 07: Cancun
Enjoy three days of rest, relaxation, and recreation at your beachfront resort. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and Non-alcoholic beverages are included. Your time in Cancun is designed for rest and relaxation.
Sat, Feb 08: Cancun - USA
After breakfast you will transfer to Cancun Airport for your return flights home to the USA.
Occasionally local religious and national holidays, weather, traffic conditions and other events may necessitate changes in the sequence of events or the missing of certain events/places. Though every effort will be made to follow the itinerary, it should be considered as an indication, rather than a contract of events and places to be visited.
Why buy "With Airfare" from 206 Tours
- 1000’s of flights are being cancelled. 206 Tours will assist getting you to your destination.
- Your transfer will be waiting for you upon arrival, even if your flights are rescheduled.
- In the event your tour is not operating we will refund you all your money back or provide a full credit
- Your seats will be assigned according to your request (most online fares do not include seat assignment appox. $300)
- If you need to travel few days prior or stay few days later, make a stop-over, we will arrange it for you.
If you do not buy Airfare from 206 Tours
- With many flight cancellations and overbookings, we feel that you should know:
If your flight is cancelled - 206 Tours will not be able to assist you. - In order to guarantee your arrival and departure transfer, we need your detailed flight arrival / departure by 45 days prior, Any changes within 45 -3 days prior, additional transfer cost may apply.
- For changes in arrival / departure within 3 days of departure, we will not be able to rebook your transfer and you will need to make your own way to / from hotel or airport at your own cost
- Often times low online fares, do not include seat assignments ($300 approx.). It will be a challenge to get a good seat assigned at the airport.
- If you book your own airfare, travel insurance provided by 206 Tours will not reimburse expenses caused by your flight changes.