Copper Canyon Adventure
Presented by Iowa Public Television (IPTV)

Day 1: Sunday, November 15, 2009
Arrive Tucson, Arizona
Your Copper Canyon adventure begins with a special welcome dinner - a great opportunity to meet your fellow travelers.
Today Dinner is included.

Day 2: Monday, November 16, 2009
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 Carlos, where the desert meets the ocean, from your hotel overlooking the beautiful San Carlos Marina. LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 3: Tuesday, November 17, 2009
San Carlos
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore the best of San Carlos. You may wish to shop or take an optional half-day nature cruise or a late afternoon siesta cruise on the Sea of Cortez.
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 4: Wednesday, November 18, 2009
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.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 5: Thursday, November 19, 2009
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 canyon lands. You will enjoy the stunning views upon arrival at your hotel, which rests on the rim of the canyon.
Today Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included.

Day 6: Friday, November 20, 2009
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.
Today Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included.

Day 7: Saturday, November 21, 2009
Copper Canyon - Creel – Casas Grandes
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 Museum near Cuahtemoc where you will enjoy a homemade lunch before continuing on to Casas Grandes.
Today Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included.

Day 8: Sunday, November 22, 2009
Casas Grandes – Paquime – El Paso, Texas
This morning, you will visit the archeological site of Paquime, a remnant of the great Chichimeca civilization. Continue across the Chihuahuan Desert back into the United States, arriving in El Paso, Texas. Join your fellow travelers this evening for a farewell dinner.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 9: Monday, November 23, 2009
El Paso - Tour Ends
Your unforgettable tour experience of the Copper Canyon comes to an end, but the memories stay with you forever.
Today Breakfast is included.

Collette Logo
November 15 - November 23, 2009

Highlights...
Tucson • San Carlos • El Fuerte • Chihuahua-Pacifico Railroad • Creel • Casas Grandes • Paquime • El Paso •

9 Days • 18 Meals:
8 Breakfasts • 3 Lunches • 7 Dinners

Per Person Rates*:
Double $2199
Single $2699

*Included in Price: Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $50 (subject to increase until paid in full),Hotel Transfers,Round Trip Air from Des Moines Municipal Airport,
Click Here for Details
 * Not Included in Price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $140 per person,

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
DAY 1
  Hilton East, Tucson, AZ
DAY 2 - 3
  Marina Terra Hotel, San Carlos
DAY 4
  Hotel Posada del Hidalgo, El Fuerte
DAY 5 - 6
  Hotel Posada Mirador, Copper Canyon
DAY 7
  Hotel Hacienda, Chihuahua
DAY 8
  Wyndham El Paso Airport, El Paso, TX

On some dates alternate hotels may be used.
Experience It!
Mexican Folkloric Dancing

Mexican folkloric dancing is a type of traditional communal dancing, passed down from generation to generation in a social or recreational atmosphere. During your visit to El Fuerte, you will see a variety of dance favorites from the local area. These dances are performed using the traditional style of the region through costumes and accessories, and feature many different steps, including walking, hopping, skipping and jumping. The men usually dance with their hands behind their backs and stamp out the rhythms featured in each song. The women perform this intricate dance as their feet gracefully stamp out the rhythms while their skirts wave in a continual motion.

Click here for: Important Reservation Information.

For more information call
Darla Hassebroek
 Iowa Public Television (IPTV)
(515) 242-5406 or Toll Free at 800-728-2828

Please Note:
• Passport is required.
• To complete your vacation, we include roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing Collette airfare with your tour. If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers. Please note that all transfers will leave at pre-scheduled times.
• This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven grounds and cobblestone streets.
• Mexican authorities impose a tourism tax (approximately US$20) for all visitors to Mexico. Visitors arriving by road (car or bus) will be asked to pay this fee at any bank in Mexico (there is a bank representative at every port of entry). The bank will stamp your tourist card.
• IMPORTANT TRAVELERS INFORMATION We want you to enjoy your tour with us; therefore, it is important that you know this tour is an adventure! You will view spectacular scenery while experiencing the culture and heritage of the region. We have 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. Flights must arrive into Tucson, Arizona no later than 4:30 PM on the first day.