Copper Canyon

March 17-25, 2009
9 days 8 nights

The largest canyon in North America, the Copper Canyon complex provides a destination unlike any other. At an altitude of 8000 feet, this destination is the answer for those who love the unusual and seek adventure. The Copper Canyon is also home to the least accultured Native Americans in North America, the Tarahumara Indians, who are semi-nomadic cliff dwellers.

The "Train Ride in the Sky" provides the only access this wilderness and is one of the most dramatic railway journeys in the Western Hemisphere as it travels through 86 tunnels and over 37 trestles. Our journey south of the border will take you to Alamos where colonial architecture and 18th and 19th Century treasures abound. Hotels are historic buildings, haciendas are pleasing, and inviting gardens are a swirl of color. During our yacht excursion you'll marvel at the wealth of marine life in the Sea of Cortez. Much more than the traditional “Mexican Get-Away," this tour presents classic Mexico as a unique experience appealing to both the sophisticated and culturally oriented traveler, as well as those simply seeking fun, relaxation and adventure

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TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Tour the Cathedral and Government Palace in Hermosillo
Beaches in San Carlos
Sea of Cortes yacht excursion
Visits to the colonial cities of Alamos and El Fuerte
Dinner and Folkloric program in Alamos
Guided walking tour of Alamos, visiting fabled mansions
Spectacular deluxe train journey from El Fuerte to Posada Barrancas on the Chihuahua-Pacifico railroad
Pancho Villa Trail
Paquime archeological site

TRIPS INCLUDES

Round trip commercial airfare from Indianapolis
Airport transfers
Home Pick-up & Return
Transportation by U.S. motor coach
Pre/post hotel accommodations, Phoenix
7 nights best available accommodations in Mexico
Baggage handling ( 1 checked bag per person)
22 meals: 8 breakfasts, 7 lunch, 7 dinners
Attractions highlighted in itinerary
All taxes and gratuities for included meals
Professional Tour Director
Operated by an Interlude Travel Partner
Guaranteed Departure

PRICING DETAILS (Cost per Person)
Double	$2,419
Single	$2,749
Deposit	$450 per person
Balance Due	December 7, 2008
Cancellation Insurance:	$181 (D), $206 (S)

TRAVEL ITINERARY
Day 1: Indianapolis/Phoenix
Arrive Phoenix, transfer included to the Sheraton Hotel. Enjoy free time in Phoenix.

Day 2: San Carlos
Morning departure from Phoenix/Tucson, AZ, crossing the border into Mexico at Nogalas and arriving at Santa Ana for lunch. After lunch we depart for Hermosillo where we visit the Cathedral and the Government Palace to view the famous murals depicting the history of Sonora. We arrive in San Carlos this evening and check into the lovely ocean front hotel, the San Carlos Plaza Resort. (B, L, D)

Day 3: Alamos
Featured today is a Sea of Cortes yacht excursion and ample time for shopping. Lunch will be at the hotel. Early afternoon we will depart for Alamos. During this 3 hour drive you will travel through the agricultural heartland of Sonora and the cities of Obregon and Navojoa arriving to this historic city for dinner and folkloric program. Lodging tonight is at the beautiful Bed and Breakfasts, Casa de Los Tesoros and Casa Encantada. (B, L, D)

Day 4: El Fuerte
After breakfast take a guided walking tour through the cobblestone streets, visiting some fabled mansions that have been restored to their original glory. The city of Alamos has been declared a national historic landmark by the government. Lunch today is at the hotel along with a presentation of Mayo Indian culture. Depart to El Fuerte arriving at Torres del Fuerte by early afternoon. Dinner and entertainment tonight is at the hotel.
(B, L ,D)

Day 5: The Copper Canyons
Early this morning, we transfer to the train station, boarding at 7:30 a.m. for the most spectacular train ride in North America, arriving at Posada Barrancas by mid-afternoon. Our hotel for the next two nights is the Mansion Tarahumara. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Copper Canyons
Today we have time to view and interpret Tarahumara Indian arts and crafts, visit the rim of the canyon and enjoy the surroundings. There is time today for optional activities: hiking, horseback riding, or maybe sightseeing by helicopter. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Casas Grandes
After breakfast we transfer to Creel via Oteros Canyon. After lunch in Guerrero, we descend from the mountains onto the Chihuahuan Desert and the city of Nuevo Casas Grandes. Tonight we have our farewell dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Tucson/Phoenix
Before leaving Nuevo Casas Grandes, we visit Mexico's northern most archeological site at Paquime where the ancient Grand Chichimeca civilization erected their truncated pyramids and adobe multistory apartments. We travel through the plains and cattle country of Chihuahua before reentering the USA at Douglas, AZ. Sheraton, Phoenix (B, L)

Day 9: Phoenix/Indianapolis
Breakfast at your hotel before transfer to Phoenix airport and your flight home. (B)

Note: This tour involves high altitudes. It is advisable to check with your doctor if you are affected by high altitude.

Commercial Air: Book Now to ensure your place on this trip because this trip operates on commercial air. Space is limited and may not be available less than 90 days before departure.

Cancellation policy: if insurance is not purchased, cancellation charges are: 91 days and earlier: full refund; 90-65 days before departure: $450; 64 and less days prior to departure: no refund.
A valid passport is required.

Call Interlude Tours today for reservations!
(317) 913-0387