Arrive Leon Airport. The trip to San Miguel de Allende lasts about 1 1/2 hours through lovely, rugged countryside that is typical of Mexico's central highlands. At sunset, gather for a cocktail reception then dine together at one of San Miguel's oldest and most famous restaurants. Find your bearings with a walking tour of the city with its exquisite colonial churches 400-year-old homes. Break for churros and chocolate before heading to the local market with stalls piled high with tropical fruits, fresh vegetables, chilies, herbs and flowers. You’ll buy the ingredients before heading back to the house to learn the techniques of making fresh salsas and designing menus around them. Free evening. A fun morning shopping at the ceramic factories of Dolores Hidalgo, before returning to San Miguel for a class on the art of making Chiles Rellenos. The evening is free to sample the many bars and restaurants. Day trip to Pozos with a hike through with deserted ruins of the once famous silver mining town. Picnic lunch among the ruins and a demonstration and tasting at Los Famosos de Pozos restaurant featuring their Huitlacoche crepes. Free evening. Free morning to schedule a massage or explore the town. The afternoon features a class on Moles. We will learn how to make the traditional black mole, as well as green mole, and then incorporate them into a fabulous meal, starting with tortilla soup. Today it’s off to Guanajuato, a jewel of a city one hour from San Miguel. Modeled after its sister city Toledo, Spain, this colonial town features underground streets, colorful shops, and houses climbing up the steep hillsides. We will have lunch at the famous Count of Valenciana Restaurant, situated in an 18th-century hacienda. San Miguel is famous for its artisans specializing in tin ware, paper mache, wrought iron and silver jewellery and this morning there’s a guided shopping trip around the local artisan workshops. It’s then to the kitchen for a last cooking class and lunch featuring a Mexican Fusion menu. Your week ends with a farewell dinner at a great local restaurant. A driver will be at your disposal for the return trip to the Leon airport. Buen Viaje! Other than the prescheduled dates below, the holidays are also available year round on request except from Sept 1 to October 15. Courses run on a Sunday to Sunday basis. 2009 Dates: Jan 17, Feb 21, Mar 21, Jun 20 & Oct 31 (Day of the Dead)