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12 - The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday November 15, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com Visit Mexico for a tan and a taste of culture Continued from page 11 Patzcuaro (which Frommer's guidebook calls "Perhaps the loveliest town in Mexico ­ a town meant to be photographed and painted." You'll want to shop here this is one of Mexico's best shopping towns. I came back loaded with copper, silver jewelry, a Paracho guitar, wonderful shawls and a piece of pottery. The prices were amazing. When you get to San Miguel de Allende, famed as an artists' retreat and expatriots' colony, you'll think about joining other retired Canadians. Want to talk to some of them? You'll find them on an iron bench in El Jardin on their way to and from the Post Office. History buffs will enjoy a visit to Tzin Tzun Tzan, which dates back to the 13th century and is famed for its pyramids. The weather in January will be perfect for sightseeing -- warm, but not hot, in the daytime and cool at night. The seven-day Oaxaca Colonial Jewels and Indigenous Inspiration tour starts and finishes in Huatulco, one of Mexico's fabled Pacific coast resorts. You'll spend time in the City of Oaxaca a quaint colonial place, where tradition and technology go hand in hand. Some 5,000 feet above sea level, in a valley between the mountains of Sierra Madre to the east and the Sierra Oaxaquena in the west, the city enjoys almost a perfect climate. Of course, the shopping is amazing, too. You find the Monte Alban ceremonial centre, which dates back 1,700 years and features tombs and ancient ball courts, a fascinating stop. Other highlights include San Cristobal de las Casas, the cultural centre of the Mayan population, known for its indigenous Indian influence and colourful locallymade handicrafts. It is a colonial town in a stunning valley. When the coach approaches, you'll see history come to life when you pass the Maya working in the fields of corn, or carrying loads of firewood on their backs while wearing their brightly woven clothes. The temperature on this tour will also be perfect for sightseeing. Both these tours will leave you with wonderful memories for years to come. "We're seeing a growing number of Canadians who want more from a holiday than just a tan ­ they want to learn about the culture of the destination they're visiting," says Daryl McWilliams, Sunwing's vice-president of sales and marketing. "These tours represent a wonderful opportunity to go far beyond the beach and into the heart of Mexico's vibrant heritage." Tour participants will not only learn about the history of the many towns and villages they visit, but receive valuable insights into Mexico today: the customs and way of life of a fascinating country. Tours include the services of a bilingual guide, transportation by comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, entrance fees, accommodation and all breakfasts. Departures are from Toronto on board Sunwing Airlines on Mondays Jan. 5, 12 and 19. The Oaxaca itinerary costs $1,685 per person, based on double occupancy, including air (taxes and gratuities not included); the Michoacán tour is priced at $1,785. For more information, see your travel agent. -- Sam Ion can be reached at sion10@cogeco.ca