March 28-April 5, 2008 (Friday-Saturday)

Copper Canyon Adventure

with Collette Vacations

Mexico’s Copper Canyon is a great scenic and cultural journey where the rhythm of lively songs and images of colorful folkloric dance costumes will leave its imprint on you.  Throughout much of this journey, you will feel as if you’ve stepped back in time as you learn about the heritage of the most primitive aboriginal culture left in North America.  This journey, however, includes one of the world’s great engineering feats - the incredibly ingenious train route of the Chihuahua-Pacifico Railroad-which will captivate you with its stunning vistas. 

Day 1: Arrive Tucson, Arizona.  Your Copper Canyon adventure begins with a special welcome dinner - a great opportunity to meet your fellow travelers.  (D) 

Day 2: Tucson - San Carlos, Mexico.  Today, learn about the significance of the majestic Mission of San Xavier del Bac, known as the “white dove of the desert”.  Cross the Mexican border near the popular city of Nogales and continue through the beautiful Sonora Desert to the Sea of Cortez.  Relax and enjoy San Carols, where the desert meets the ocean, from your hotel overlooking the beautiful San Carols Marina.  (B, D) 

Day 3: San Carols.  Enjoy a day at leisure to explore the best of San Carlos.  You may wish to shop for ironwood carvings or take an optional half-day fishing excursion.  Later this afternoon you may partake in an optional siesta cruise on the Sea of Cortez, followed by dinner.  (B)

Day 4: San Carlos - El Fuerte.  *Today visit a working pearl farm and learn the history of pearls from the Sea of Cortez.*  A demonstration of the process of cultured pearl production is infused with information about the effort to replenish the gulf with these once plentiful species.  In the beautiful colonial city of El Fuerte, you will feel as if you have stepped back in time.  This colorful settlement was founded by the Spaniards in 1564, and sits gracefully in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains.  Before dinner, Collette guests will be treated to a memorable folkloric show.  (B, D)

Day 5: El Fuerte - Copper Canyon.  *Today you travel on the Chihuahua-Pacifico Railroad for an awe-inspiring journey that will take you from sea level to almost 8,000 feet via numerous tunnels and over countless bridges in this unspoiled landscape.  Your route takes in the most scenic portions of the 25,000 square miles of canyon as you wind past thrilling gorges and expansive canyonlands.  You will enjoy the stunning views upon arrival at your hotel, which rests on the rim of the canyon.  (B, L, D)

Day 6: Copper Canyon.  Experience the Tarahumara’s fascinating culture when tribal members perform for you.  See their traditional dance, tribal games and a foot race demonstration.  Embark on a tour of the area called Divisadero; visit the small church and the balancing rock precariously positioned at the canyon’s edge.  Take in the spectacular views of the canyon from different locations as you learn more about this amazing area.  Later you will have some leisure time to explore this beautiful region.  (B, L, D)

Day 7: Copper Canyon - Creel - Chihuahua.  A fascinating trip through the canyon brings you to the town of Creel, one of the largest and most populated towns in the Copper Canyon, sitting 7,874 feet above sea level.  Next, you visit the Mennonite settlement of Cuahtemoc where you will enjoy a homemade lunch before continuing on the Chihuahua.  (B, L, D)

Day 8: Chihuahua - El Paso, Texas.  Embark on a tour of Chihuahua, featuring the home of famous Mexican Revolutionary leader Pancho Villa, a tour of the state capitol building, and many other highlights.*  Later, you cross back into the United States, arriving in El Paso, Texas.  Join your fellow travelers this evening for a farewell dinner.  (B, D)

Day 9: El Paso - Departure for home.  Your unforgettable tour experience of the Copper Canyon comes to an end, but the memories stay with you forever.  (B)

Included:

•  Fully escorted by a Collette Vacations Escort

•  Round trip air from BWI

•  First class hotels for eight (8) nights, featuring:

  - 2 nights at Marina Terra Hotel

  - 2 nights at Hotel Posada Mirador 

•  8 breakfasts

•  3 lunches

•  7 dinners

•  Sightseeing by deluxe touring motor coach through out with a professional driver and tour guide

•  Attractions and admissions per itinerary

•  Portage - one (1) suitcase per person

•  Tips and taxes for included meals

•  Hotel Transfers and Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $30.00/PP (subject to increase until paid in full)

* Excludes tip for driver and tour guide on tour

* Excludes transfers to/from BWI Airport

Price:

$1,999.00 Double/PP  $1,969.00 Triple/PP

$2,499.00 Single

Deposit:  $100.00/PP - Due 7 days after booking

Balance Due:  January 21, 2008

Please Note:  This tour is an adventure!  You will view spectacular scenery while experiencing the culture and heritage of the region.  Collette Vacations has selected small, comfortable hotels for their locations and they may be considered rustic!  The Mexican Railroad schedules may be subject to weather conditions or other unexpected delays.  For your enjoyment, this tour should be approached with a sense of adventure and flexibility!

Travelers must be in good health as sightseeing requires walking on uneven terrain; wheelchairs and walkers cannot be accommodated on this tour!

Due to the locations of the hotels in El Fuerte and Copper Canyon, telephone service at the hotels is not available!  In an emergency situation, should someone need to contact you while on this tour, they may contact Collette Vacations headquarters for assistance.

Maximum elevation on this tour is 7,900 feet.

Please Note:  A Passport with a 6 month validity past tour date is required for this tour.  Deposits and cancellation fees, see flyer.

Gunther Tours/Collette Vacations reserves the right to impose or pass through fuel surcharges, security surcharges or similar incidental surcharges.  No right of cancellation exists under either of these circumstances.

Travel Protection Insurance is strongly recommended.  Please contact Access America at (800) 284-8300.