Some of us keep track of the annual tours that National Geographic Traveler anoints “Tours of a Lifetime,” and this year on that hit parade of exciting and enriching travel opportunities around the world is Tia Stephanie Tours’ Day of the Dead: Michoacan.
According to Tia Stephanie, a.k.a. Stephanie Schneiderman, the Day of the Dead festival and traditions (Nov. 1 and 2) are singular in Michoacan, representing not only one of Mexico’s most revered and unique observances, but observing in its own way ceremonies that mix Christian devotion and pre-Hispanic traditions.
The 7-night Day of the Dead: Michoacan tour highglights include travel to remote villages to witness the decoration of grave sites and observe the vigil of the Day of the Dead; see artisan communities on the shores of Lake Patzcuaro; visit the inland community of Janitzio; learn of ancient Purepecha ruins at Tzintzuntzan; and walk the streets of colonial Morelia. Departure is November and the tour cost is $2,185.
Growing up in Mexico City and with strong academic credentials in Latin American and Caribbean studies, Tia Stephanie offers travelers a full menu of Mexican cultural touring…and beyond to Colombia.
Coming up this summer is Diego and Frida in Mexico City, which introduces fans of the Mexican artists Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo to the famous Mexican artists’ special arts and places. From Aug. 8 to 16, travelers will visit artists’ studios, the Frida Kahlo Museum, the Dolores Olmedo Museum and the Rivera murals. Further, chef Martha Ortiz will prepare a dinner featuring the couple’s favorite foods. The tour cost is $2,685 pp dbl.
Among many other trips the tour company offers is the Textile Traditions in Oaxaca & Chiapas, focusing on ethnic dress and textiles traditions; the Art of the Charro in Jalisco, a tour that’s all about cuisine, tequila, colonial architecture and murals by Orozco (Departs Nov. 7); and the Night of the Radishes, a tour whose centerpiece is the largest (and only) radish-carving festival in the world (Dec. 23), accompanied by pageants and parades.
While Tia Stephanie Tours offers scheduled group departures, all itineraries can be customized for private travel. For more information, call (734) 769-7835 or visit tiastephanietours.com.
