A Connoisseur’s

MEXICOArt, Architectural & Culinary

Treasures of Mexico City & Oaxaca

MARCH 6–13, 2020

Experience the art, architecture, and culinary specialties of Mexico City and charming Oaxaca. Scattered throughout Mexico City’s urban core are oases of beauty, from the colorful murals that adorn more than a dozen public buildings in the historic center to the artistic domestic aura of the homes of Frida Kahlo and Luis Barragán. Gain special insight into many of Mexico City’s cultural gems during special tours of the city’s best museums and contemporary spaces. Then in the city of Oaxaca, learn about the well-preserved history of two of the largest indigenous populations in Mexico, the Miztec and Zapotec pre-Hispanic civilizations, in outstanding museums and ceremonial centers such as Monte Albán and the Mitla palace complex. Observe the influence of Spanish colonization in the architecture of the zócalo and surrounding city center. Experience present-day Oaxaca, from the colorful dreamlike paintings of Rodolfo Morales to local crafts by artisans who preserve traditional techniques, including pottery and loom weaving. Throughout the tour, enjoy a culinary journey of regional specialites at local food markets, a chocolate mill, the home of a local family, and top restaurants.

Accommodations

Hilton Mexico City Reforma The Hilton Mexico City Reforma offers an ideal downtown location and modern decor, including original artwork by renowned Mexican artists. Three hotel restaurants and the Lobby Bar provide several options to dine and unwind on site in addition to a 25-meter rooftop lap pool, fully equipped gym, spa, and whirlpool.

Parador de AlcaláLocated in the heart of Oaxaca’s historic center between the Santo Domingo de Guzmán Ex-Convent and Oaxaca’s zócalo, the boutique Parador de Alcalá is located in a restored 18th-century mansion with a mix of modern and rustic colonial styling. The hotel features an on-site restaurant, a colonial courtyard, and rooms with marble floors and soft, warm tones.

Explore Monte Albán

and Mitla, whose ruins

preserve the rich history

and stories of ancient

Mexican civilizations.

Stamen Design / Open Street Map

Monte Albán

Dolores Olmedo Museum

Friday, March 6, 2020

Welcome to Mexico City Arrive on independent flights into Benito Juárez International Airport in Mexico City and join your fellow travelers for a group transfer to the Hilton Reforma Hotel, ideally located beside Alameda Park, an expansive green space in the heart of the city. Settle in before a visit to the fascinating National Archaeological Museum—a crown jewel of Latin American cultural institutions. Our guide will lead us on a tour of the museum’s highlight relics and stand-out art from the many ancient civilizations that thrived throughout the region, from the Olmecs and Aztecs to the Maya and Zapotecs. Celebrate the start of a fantastic week with a feast of Mexican specialties in one of the city’s top restaurants.Hilton Reforma, Mexico City (D)

Saturday, March 7, 2020

Art in Splendid Settings Following breakfast at the hotel, tour the Dolores Olmedo Museum, which houses an excellent collection of works by Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo in a magnificent hacienda setting. Olmedo—an intuitive businesswoman, keen collector, and close friend of Rivera—transformed her former home to open this museum in 1994. Later this morning, visit the contemporary home of Casa Pedregal, designed by architect Luis Barragán and today a private residence owned by one of Mexico’s most important art collectors. Then explore the collections at Frida Kahlo’s Blue House, the artist’s birthplace and home. The space and its contents were donated in 1958 by her husband, Diego Rivera, following Kahlo’s death. Today, the items on display focus on pieces created by the couple and items from their collection of Mexican folk art, pre-Hispanic artifacts, and personal items. On our return to the hotel, stop at the Camino Real, a hotel in the Polanco neighborhood

designed by Ricardo Legorreta. Enjoy a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres in the hotel’s unforgettable Blue Bar.Hilton Reforma, Mexico City (B, L, R)

Sunday, March 8, 2020

Mexico City’s Murals & Museo de Bellas ArtesSpend a leisurely Sunday morning exploring the spectacular murals around the city’s Zócalo, or main square. Enter the Colegio de San Ildefonso to view works by José Clemente Orozco and later explore treasures inside the National Palace—notably Diego Rivera’s incredible murals. Following a casual luncheon, witness the iconic Palacio de Correos, a building emblematic of the Spanish Renaissance Revival style, dating back to the early 1900s. Finish the afternoon at the Museo de Bellas Artes, a phenomenal Art Deco building with treasures by Mexican artists David Siqueiros, José Clemente Orozco, Diego Rivera, and Rufino Tamayo. Enjoy dinner together this evening. Hilton Reforma, Mexico City (B, L, D)

Monday, March 9, 2020

Culinary Mexico City & Arrival into Oaxaca Embark on a culinary tour through a famous Mexico City food market followed by lunch together at a top local spot. Take a short afternoon flight to Oaxaca where our accommodations for the remainder of the tour are the Parador de Alcalá, a boutique hotel in a restored 18th-century mansion that is perfectly located in the heart of the city. Enjoy a brief tour of the city as we walk to dinner at the upscale La Catedral, where we’ll savor a delicious meal under the stars on the restaurant’s lovely colonial patio.Parador de Alcalá, Oaxaca (B, L, D)

Mitla, Oaxaca / Russ Bowling

TOUR COST Land Only ....................................................... $3,995 Single Supplement .............................................. $995Tour price is per person based on double occupancy, with a minimum of 18 paying participants. Land prices are calculated as of November 2018 and are subject to change. DATES | March 6–13, 2020

ACTIVITY LEVEL | This is a moderately active tour that requires one to two miles of walking per day; standing for longer periods of time at museums; and traversing uneven terrain at some of the archaeological sites.

DEPOSIT & FINAL PAYMENT | A deposit of $1,500 per participant is required to guarantee participation in the program. This deposit may be paid by check or by Visa or MasterCard. Final payment will be invoiced and is due on November 27, 2019 by check to International Seminar Design, Inc. Registrants will be accepted beyond this date on a space-available basis with payment in full by check only.

FLIGHTS | Airfare into and out of Mexico is not included in the tour price. Participants are responsible for all aspects of their round-trip air arrangements into Mexico City and out of Oaxaca.

TERMS & CONDITIONS | International Seminar Design, Inc. (ISDI) acts only as an agent for the partic-ipant with respect to transportation, accommodations, and all other services relating to this tour. ISDI, Duke Alumni Association, Inc. (DAA Inc.), and/or their agents assume no responsibility or liability for any act, error or omission, or for any injury, loss, accident, delay or irregularity, which may be caused by any defect in any

aircraft, ship, train, bus, or other carrier, or through neglect or default of any subcontractor or other third party, which may be used wholly or in part in the per-formance of their duty to the participants of the tour. ISDI and DAA Inc. reserve the right to cancel any tour prior to departure for any reason including insufficient numbers of participants, as well as the right to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the tour at any time. If bookings fall below the minimum required, passengers will be advised of additional costs or itinerary alterations before departure date.

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS | All cancellations must be received in writing by ISDI, and are subject to a nonrefundable administrative fee of $500 per person. Written cancellation received by ISDI on or before November 27, 2019: full refund minus $500 per person administrative fee. Written cancellation received by ISDI between November 28, 2019 and January 21, 2020: full refund of any recoverable land costs, less $2,000 per person cancellation charge (includes administrative fee). Written cancellation received by ISDI on or after January 22, 2020: no refund. After the tour has commenced, it is not possible to issue any refunds. No refunds can be issued for occasional missed meals or sightseeing tours, or for any unused portion of the tour. If due to weather, flight schedules, or other uncontrollable factors you are required to spend an additional night, you will be responsible for your own hotel, transfers, and meal costs.

TRAVEL INSURANCE | ISDI and DAA Inc. strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance for coverage of expenses in conjunction

Tour Information

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

Historic Oaxaca Discover the beauty of Oaxaca’s architecture, the richness of its culture, and its soft, temperate climate during a morning walking tour with a local guide through some of the city’s most celebrated sites. Begin at the Santo Domingo Church, founded in 1552 by the Dominican Order and known for the contrasting styles of its severe façade and exuberant baroque interior. Continue to the Oaxacan Cultures Museum, located in the Santo Domingo Ex-Convent, and uncover a vast collection of historical, archaeological, and ethnographic objects including pieces excavated from Tomb Seven at Monte Albán. Next door is the Ex-Convento de San Pablo, a new cultural attraction in Oaxaca funded by philanthropist Alfredo Harp Helú, and today a learning center and textile museum. After visiting the center, break for a gourmet lunch featuring regional specialties. This afternoon, enjoy free time to relax or join a guided walking tour through the festive zócalo, food and craft markets, and a chocolate mill. Tonight, gather for an optional Dutch-treat dinner. Parador de Alcalá, Oaxaca (B, L)

Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Monte Albán & Atzompa This morning is fully dedicated to exploring the breathtaking archaeological site of Monte Albán. The capital city of the Zapotec nation, this ceremonial center was one of the largest Meso-American cities during its peak. Our guide will teach us about this ancient civilization, dating back to 500 BC, and point out the remains of its courts, temples, and tombs. In the nearby village of Atzompa, meet a renowned artist known for ceramic pottery that conveys local legends and customs. Dine in a charming garden setting for lunch before returning to Oaxaca in the mid-afternoon for free time. This evening, visit the Arte de Oaxaca Gallery featuring works by Latin American painters such as Rodolfo Morales, an internationally celebrated artist also known for his philanthropic work in his hometown of Ocotlán. Enjoy the rest of the evening independently. Parador de Alcalá, Oaxaca (B, L)

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Oaxaca & Mitla Set out for the archaeological site of Mitla, an important Mixtec ceremonial center comprising various palaces, central squares,

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The undersigned has read the tour itinerary and recognizes and accepts any risks therein. The undersigned also understands and hereby agrees for and on behalf of his/her dependents, heirs, executors, administrators and assigns to abide by the conditions set forth in the terms and conditions listed in this brochure and to release and hold harmless International Seminar Design, Inc. (ISDI), Duke University, and any of their officers, trustees, agents, licenses, or representatives from any and all liability for delays, injuries, or death or for the loss of and/or damage to his/her property however occurring during any portion of, or in relation to, this tour.EACH PARTICIPANT MUST SIGN Registration invalid without signature

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COMPLETE AND RETURN TO:Duke Alumni TravelsBox 90572

Durham, NC 27708-0572

Secure Fax: (919) 660-0148

FOR MORE INFORMATION: (919) 684-2988 or travel@daa.duke.edu

with cancellation due to illness or accident. Baggage insurance is also recommended. In the event that you must cancel your participation in a travel program, trip cancellation insurance may be the only source of reimbursement. Duke Alumni will send insurance information upon confirmation.

TOUR PRICE INCLUSIONS | Double occupancy accommodations as outlined in the itinerary; breakfast daily, 6 lunches, 4 dinners, 1 recep-tion, mineral water, coffee, and tea are included with each lunch and dinner; services of an ISDI Tour Manager; expert, local English-speaking guides; entrance fees to sites per itinerary; special private visits per itinerary; gratuities for guides and drivers; transportation by private motor coach; group airport transfers from MEX to the hotel on 3/6/20 and from the hotel to OAX on 3/13/20; one economy-class, nonstop ticket from MEX to OAX; porterage of two pieces of luggage per person at hotels; taxes, services, and porterage fees.

TOUR PRICE EXCLUSIONS | Airfare, airline taxes, and fuel surcharges; airport porterage; excursions, activities, or meals during traveler’s free time; personal items not listed as included such as telephone calls, personal services, and travel extensions, room service, and valet service; items such as wines, liquors, mineral water, a la carte orders, and laundry charges; other items not specifically mentioned as included; personal services; travel extensions; personal insurance for health, baggage, and tour cancellation; passport fees; visa fees; gratuities for hotel housekeeping.

A Connoisseur’s Mexico � March 6-13, 2020

© 2019–2020 INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR DESIGN, INC., ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. CST 2072963-40, WST 603578109

and beautiful tombs for royalty and holy leaders, with walls decorated with unique designs and variations of a geometric fretwork. Meander through the neighboring textile market to examine handwoven goods that reflect these ancient designs found at Mitla. Then visit Teotitlán del Valle, a Zapotec village famous for its weaving techniques and colors, the latter of which is created by hand-gathered natural ingredients to make the dyes. We’ll join a family of local weavers, who will host us for a luncheon of homemade goods and then demonstrate the impressive process of carding, spinning, and dyeing the natural wool as they weave on traditional looms. Enjoy a bit of free time upon return on your last afternoon in Oaxaca. Celebrate a memorable week during a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers and bid adiós to this beautiful city. Parador de Alcalá (B, L, D)

Friday, March 13, 2020

Return to the U.S. Following breakfast this morning, transfer to the airport for independent flights back to the United States. (B)

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