Patron Tour to San Miguel de Allende

Overview | Itinerary | Accommodations | Fine Print

The ideal Winter Get-away!

Join Music from Copland House in Mexico (January 28 - February 1, 2016)

4-days/4-nights in San Miguel de Allende, a central Mexican city both quaint and cosmopolitan, with a large, lively American expatriate community. A UNESCO World Heritage of Humanity site, its historic center is filled with vibrant restaurants, galleries, craftspeople, gifted artisans, and 17th-and 18th-century architecture. Boasting a temperate climate generally in the sunny 80s during January, San Miguel is the perfect place to relieve the January winter doldrums! Fly United from Newark, and stay at the 4-star Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada, one of Conde Nast Traveler’s “10 Best Hotels in Mexico.” All-inclusive package includes RT airfare, hotel, airport transfers in Mexico, most meals, escorted excursions, archeological and culinary walking tours, visits to art and design centers ... ... and, of course, tickets to two Music from Copland House concerts that will feature our extraordinary ensemble in music by Copland, Bernstein, Ives, Stravinsky, Debussy, Ravel, Dvorak, and Schumann! $2,525 per person, double occupancy; $725 single supplement. Book Now! Complete our application form by November 24, 2015 to reserve your spot. For more information, contact Ian Murdoch at (914) 788-4659 or office@www.coplandhouse.org

Overview | Itinerary | Accommodations | Fine Print

Itinerary & Details

Day 1: Thursday, January 28, 2016 Morning/Afternoon  - United Airlines: Newark to Queretaro  - Transfer to Hotel Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada by private shuttle. Evening  - Welcome Reception/Aperitif at the hotel  - Group Dinner Day 2: Friday, January 29, 2016 Morning  - Breakfast at the hotel  - Walking Tour of San Miguel, exploring more than 300 years of architectural styles in the historic center city, including an in-depth look at the interior of the majestic Parroquia Cathedral Afternoon  - Group Lunch 5pm  - CONCERT; Music from Copland House, featuring music by Schumann, Bernstein, Ives, and Dvorak (St. Paul's Church) Evening FREE Day 3: Saturday, January 30, 2016 Morning  - Breakfast at the hotel  - A Mexican culinary lesson with one of central Mexico's expert chefs in a special session exploring the bold flavors and rich history of regional cuisine, and the tips and techniques to create an elegant, authentic menu. Afternoon  - Visit Fabrica La Aurora, a unique art and design center in an early 20th-century former textile factory. Explore working artist studios, contemporary art galleries, and furniture, textiles, and home-goods artisans. Evening FREE Day 4: Sunday, January 31, 2016 Morning  - Breakfast at the hotel  - ArcheoTour to Canada de la Virgen. One of Mexico’s best-kept secrets, the Cañada de la Virgen archaeological zone has been open to the public only since 2011 – a true testament to the mathematical, astronomical, and architectural genius acquired over thousands of years by its builders and their ancestors. Three of the main structures – the House of the Thirteen Heavens, the House of the Longest Night, and the House of the Wind – were occupied between 540 and 1050 A.D., and served as ceremonial spaces, elite residences, burial grounds, and time keeping instruments aligned precisely to the movements of the celestial bodies. The site was also a pilgrimage destination for common people who brought tribute to the elite astronomer priests living here. An informative and lively tour of the site by archaeologist Albert Coffee, who worked on excavating it. Afternoon  - Immediately following the ArcheoTour, an all-organic, vegetarian, ranch-style luncheon, prepared by the women of "Las Rancheritas", home of the Rug Hook Project, a craft cooperative where 18 women design, make, and sell hooked rugs. 4pm  - CONCERT; Music from Copland House, featuring music by Copland, Stravinsky, Martinu, Debussy, and Ravel (St. Paul's Church) Evening FREE Day 5: Monday, February 1, 2016 Morning  - Transfer to Queretaro Airport by private shuttle  - United Airlines: Queretaro to Newark

Overview | Itinerary | Accommodations | Fine Print

Accommodations & Rates

Your hotel ... the Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada

Called “one of the Top 10 Hotels in Mexico” by Condé Nast Traveler, the Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada is a charming luxury hotel in the center of historic San Miguel offering an escape to another time. Accommodations are located in a historic main building and a collection of colonial mansions. No room is like another, and each stays true to its authentic roots – complemented by the thoughtful integration of modern touches. The vivid past of this historic property is furnished with innumerable details including original art, antiques, hand-crafted fabrics and, in many rooms, a quarry-stone fireplace. Cool, leafy gardens, stone arches and traditional wooden doors surround pretty courtyards lit by lanterns as night falls. Peaceful though this is — especially when within the tranquil Laja Spa — just step outside and you are surrounded by San Miguel de Allende’s many colors, scents and sounds. In the heart of the Belmond hotel is a hidden oasis: an azure swimming pool surrounded by the beautiful stone arches and arcades of the Casa Palma mansion. This courtyard is dotted with manicured trees and colorful flowers, making it a fantastic setting for a cooling dip.

Rates Per Person

$2,525 per person, double occupancy; $725, single supplement

Inclusions:

• RT coach airfare Newark to Queretaro (QRO), Mexico on specified United Airlines group air itinerary flights
• RT airport-hotel transfers in Mexico, via private shuttle
• Four nights' accommodations, inclusive of all taxes and complimentary WiFi
• Buffet breakfast daily, three lunches, and one dinner with wine, inclusive of taxes and gratuities
• Tickets to two concerts featuring Music from Copland House
• Escorted tours/excursions with English-speaking guide, inclusive of gratuities to local guides and drivers

Exclusions:

• Dinners on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (Jan 29, 30, & 31)
• Excess baggage, trip insurance, and any other items not specifically mentioned as included

  Overview | Itinerary | Accommodations | Fine Print

  The Fine Print

  RESERVATIONS, DEPOSITS & FINAL PAYMENT
  Reservation deadline is November 24, 2015. A deposit of $1,000 per person, payable to Copland House, of which $200 is nonrefundable for administrative fees, is required with the reservation application. Final payment, by check, must be received no later than December 1, 2015.
  
  CHANGES, CANCELLATIONS, AND REFUNDS
  Minimum number of participants: This tour requires a minimum of 10 participants. Should the number of participants fall below this minimum, we will inform you no later than November 29, 2015 and discuss with you the options for continuing the tour, which can include payment of an additional supplement or a full refund upon your withdrawal from the tour.
  
  Cancellation by you: All cancellations must be made in writing to Copland House and are subject to a $200 nonrefundable administrative fee. Cancellations received before November 24, 2015 will be refunded less the nonrefundable administrative fee of $200. No refunds will be given for cancellations received on or after November 24, 2015. No refunds are given for cancellation on or after the day of departure, or for unused portions of the tour, for any reason.
  
  The itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of Copland House and its tour operators. Any deviations from the scheduled itinerary by individual participants are at the expense of the individual.
  
  WHAT TO EXPECT / PHYSICAL HEALTH
  All participants must be in generally good health. Any condition that may require assistance or special medical attention must be reported at the time of your reservation. This program involves extensive walking, often over uneven surfaces and climbing stairs at monuments and other locations not handicapped-accessible, and climbing in and out of various conveyances.
  
  INSURANCE
  We strongly advise all participants to purchase trip cancellation insurance to cover the possibility of your unexpected cancellation.
  
  PASSPORTS
  All passengers traveling internationally are required to have a passport. Most countries require that the passport be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the conclusion of your trip. It is recommended you have a minimum of three blank pages in your passport when traveling, as many countries require blank pages.
  
  RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY
  Copland House acts only as the trip sponsor and is not responsible for the acts or omissions of other parties. The itinerary described in your brochure has been organized by Maryada Strategies, an independent meeting planner, to arrange services or goods from third parties such as airlines, airport transfer companies, hotels, local guides, restaurants and other service providers. Maryada Strategies and Copland House assume no responsibility for any personal injury, property damage or other loss, accident, delay, inconvenience or irregularity that may be occasioned by reason of any act or omission of any of the service providers.
  
  Neither Copland House nor its employees, officers, directors, and/or representatives shall be held liable for any loss, costs, or damage due to delay, cancellation, curtailment, or disruption in any manner beyond their control or in which the principle of force majeure prevails; any emergency evacuation, medical, or repatriation expenses; damage/theft/loss of personal baggage, money, and/or goods; any airline cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a non-refundable airline ticket; or for other expenses incurred by tour participants in connection with this tour.
  
  By making a reservation or accepting transportation on United Airlines, you agree to all the terms and conditions of United’s Contract of Carriage, viewable at www.United.com or upon request from United Airlines personnel.
  
  QUESTIONS
  Please contact Karan Spanard at Maryada Strategies (718-852-1208) or kspanard@maryadastrategies.com (subject: Copland House)
  or contact Ian Murdoch at Copland House (914-788-4659) or office@www.coplandhouse.org.