San Miguel de Allende

April 15-20, 2026

San Miguel de Allende, established in the 16th century during the height of the area’s silver-mining, is more reminiscent of Europe than the Americas.  The city’s Spanish architecture, cobblestone streets, ornate churches, and tree-shaded plazas remind most visitors of Spain.  Moreover, San Miguel has become a magnet for artists (Diego Rivera was born nearby), and this creative energy has been synergistic with the development of a foodie movement—which in turn has given rise to a wine industry.  In unison, art, food and wine have created a cosmopolitan flair evocative of Seville or Cordoba.

Voted the “Best City in the World” recently by Travel & Leisure, San Miguel de Allende is used to receiving a plethora international accolades.  Based on the magazines readers’ choices, Conde Nast has awarded this charming colonial city the “Best Small City in the World” five times in less than a decade.   But wait, the enchanting enclave of stunning architecture, bright candy-colored buildings and a global food scene, has also has been bestowed the distinguished United Nations’ World Heritage honor. 

April has been chosen purposely as it’s a perfect month to visit for weather….this month offers little rain and idyllic touring temperatures. 

 

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

  • Accommodations in a luxurious hacienda in the historical center
  • Tour of the city’s top artist & historical sites with an expert private guide
  • Private cooking class with a retired physician who loves the culinary arts
  • Wine tasting at one of the area’s highly rated wineries
  • “Home & Garden Tour” of some of the city’s most beautiful homes
  • Full range of dining experiences (from a traditional Mexican restaurant to the gastronomic jewel of the city with a Wine Spectator Award)
April 15: Welcome to AN ARTIST's mecca

Foodies & wine lovers will also be happy here. 

Morning & Mid-day:  Free for international arrivals (see FAQ #1 for how to get to San Miguel).

Late Afternoon:  The tour begins with an overview of the city’s history, gastronomy & rapidly blooming wine industry.   (Participants may want to consider arriving the day prior to ensure there are no missed plane connections—space at the hacienda is limited so be sure to advise Wine-Knows asap).

Evening:   Tonight we’ll dine as the sun sets at a traditional Mexican restaurant in the hills with a panoramic view of the city.  Several of its dishes are served in a  molcajete (a stone tool for grinding spices and making salsas), a mainstay in every Mexican kitchen.

April 16: The city is a COLONIAL jewel

San Miguel was the epicenter of Mexico’s independence.

Morning:  Following breakfast at the hacienda, we’re off for a walking tour the center of the city with an expert local guide.  Expect to see the city’s top artist sites (think fabulous murals!), heroic locations involved in Mexico’s independence, noteworthy churches, and the palace of one of the city’s prominent founders.

Mid-day:  Free for lunch and to explore, or return to any of the morning’s sites.

Late afternoon:   Next, we’re off for a private tour and tasting at nearby winery that has won a plethora of awards for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec & Chardonnay.

Evening:   After our wine tasting we’ll dine at one of San Miguel’s highest rated restaurants….which just happens to be at the winery we’re visiting.  The chef is well known for his innovative cutting-edge cuisine.

April 17: experience PRIVATE HOMES

Visit villas on a Home & Garden Tour, & a chef’s home.

Morning:  Today we’ll have a unique opportunity to see behind those private exterior gates and high walls to tour both the home and gardens of two of the city’s most elite properties.

Afternoon:  Free for lunch & some “alone” time.

Evening:  The group will be divided into two parts.  One half will attend a cooking class in the home of a retired physician who loves teaching about Mexico’s gastronomy.  First you’ll tour her garden and pick the ingredients for tonight’s dinner.  The other half will have a free night (dinner recommendations will be offered).

April 18: VISIT ARTISAN & FOOD MARKETS

Think gorgeous pottery, art galleries & local designer jewelry. 

Morning:  We’ll head off first to visit the city’s covered food market filled with an array of culinary items:  think chiles in every size and color, gorgeous fruits (a few unknown to Americans), and a plethora of dried herbs such as wild oregano—a perfect gifts for foodie friends.  Next, will be the artisan handicraft market filled with stunning pottery and irresistible objects d’art for your home.  Last will be a visit to a local designer’s shop (striking clothing & splendid costume jewelry).

Afternoon:  Free for lunch & exploring.  Consider visiting Fabrica La Aurora  a former textile factory filled with art galleries, design stores and artist studios.

Evening:  Those who had a free night yesterday will be attending Doctor Isabel’s divine cooking class in her home.  The others will have a free night for dinner.

April 19: exquisite rooftop restaurants

The city’s best vistas are seen from panoramic dining spots. 

Morning:  Our last day in San Miguel will begin with a walk through the spectacular Juarez gardens.  Today is Sunday so many of the city’s families will be enjoying the park.  Also, it’s not unusual for musicians to be playing…anything from a classical violinist to mariachis.   Not far from the park is the original water source for San Miguel, a spring around which the city was formed.   Today, we’ll see the remnants of the community’s earliest outdoor laundry washing area. Finally, a walk down San Miguel’s most famous residential street which is home to bazillion buck homes hidden behind high walls and a sprinkling of interior design shops right out of Architectural Digest.

Afternoon:  Free for lunch, last minute shopping or packing.

Evening:  Our last night will be a very special dining experience at the city’s top-rated restaurant featuring a fusion cuisine of Mexico and Italy.  Featuring a Wine Spectactor Wine List, this special gastronomic spot features a rooftop dining room with 360 degree views of San Miguel and its surroundings.

April 20: Adios to san Miguel

Bid your goodbyes to this city filled with big heart & soul.

Morning:  The trip officially ends after breakfast.   Participants can reserve their departure transfer to one of the two regional airports, or consider continuing on to Mexico City which is only 3 hours away.

FAQS

San Miguel de Allende is located midway between two airports:  Querétaro Airport (QRO) is about 55 miles southeast (or around an 80-minute drive), while Leon/Guanajuato Airport (BJX) can be found approximately 60 miles west (around a 90-minute drive). There are nonstop flights from several major U.S. airports.  Contact Wine-Knows if you need recommendations for shuttles from either airport.

Another option either pre or post tour is Mexico City.  Located 170 miles south of San Miguel, the capitol has modern buses that can get you to and from San Miguel in < 4 hours.

Group airfare has purposefully not been included to allow maximum flexibility in arrival & departure options. You may go early & stay over after the trip concludes.   Wine-Knows Travel Inc. provides land only arrangements and does not provide airfare.

Our groups are composed of people from diverse occupations, singles & couples, men & women, a mix of young & old, well-seasoned international travelers as well as novices.  All have a common interest in food & wine, as well as culture.  The vast majority of participants on our tours are repeat clients or their referrals.  In addition, each tour participant is a non-smoker.

One of the hallmarks of our brand is seeking out those oh-so-special spots to stay.  We look for historic properties that ooze Old World charm, but offer the latest in 21st century creature comforts (upmarket linens, WIFI, air-conditioning, ensuite bathrooms), as well as superb service. 

The property being used for this trip is a luxurious 10,000 square foot hacienda in the center of the historic center.  Dating from 1871, the hacienda was completely renovated in the 1970’s into a stunning private home.  Forty years ago it was turned into an elegant boutique hotel…two of its first guests were Jackie Kennedy Onassis & sister Princess Lee Radziwill.  Today, this lavish old world hacienda is a coveted destination wedding and special event venue.  It has been featured in Conde Nast, Travel & Leisure & The New York Times.

Dining experiences have been mindfully selected and some will be insider opportunities not available to the general public.  Meals planned will range from dining in San Miguel’s top rated gastronomic jewel (with a Wine Spectator TOP 100 WINES Award), to a highly regarded winery restaurant with cutting-edge cuisine.  One dinner will be in a private home, while another will be in a traditional Mexican restaurant in the hills with a panoramic view of the city.  A cooking class by a retired physician will also be featured.    

Participants must in good physical health and be able to keep up with the pace of the group.  The tour often requires climbing two or more flights of stairs in wineries, walking distances of up to 3/4 mile (1200 meters) at a moderate gait, and negotiating cobblestone streets and other irregular surfaces including dirt, gravel and/or

Concerns over any aspect of the tour’s physical requirements should be addressed with Wine Knows before placing the trip deposit.      

The tour will be business casual during the day. It’s highly recommended that men bring a sport coat for the more formal dining experiences & women should plan a similar level of attire (cocktail dress or fancy pantsuit) for these evenings.  Do bring non-skid shoes for visits to wineries as floors may be wet & filled with a variety of equipment which can cause safety hazards. Also, pack a swim suit as the hotel in which we’ll be staying has a swimming pool.

Mid-April has been purposely chosen for its idyllic temperatures.   Expect averages in the mid 70’s during the day.  Evenings are a little cooler once the sun goes down.   Humidity is not an issue at this time of year.

The price is based upon double occupancy.  Should you wish to share a room, every attempt will be made to find you a roommate (most of the time we have been quite successful in doing so), however if we are unable to find you a roommate, you will need to pay the single supplement.

We have provided free time as detailed in the itinerary.  Furthermore, it is not mandatory that you attend all of the planned experiences, although most of our clients do!  This is your trip—if you would rather sleep in, shop, or simply chill out at a sidewalk café, then do it!

Yes.  We accept payment through PayPal (PayPal.com).  Since PayPal charges us a fee, this fee must added to the cost of the trip. 

Registration Form

TOUR PRICES*

*based upon a minimum of 12 participants (maximum of 15)

 

Tour Dates

Book July 1, 2025

Book After July 2025, 1st:

April 15-20st, 2026

$2,991

$3,297

State of California Seller of Travel # 2091232-40