need info on tequila tours

I am looking to set up a tour to Tequila for about ten of our friends all of whom are relative newcomers and have not yet been to Tequila.

I have researched the Tequila Train but it gets very mixed reviews, alot of them very poor as it seems to be more of a party and not much Tequila experience. Also, it does not leave Guadalajara until 11:00AM plus we would need to get to the train station from Ajijic.

Charter Club Tours in Plaza Montana has a tour that leaves at 8:00AM every Tuesday by bus from Ajijic . It is 850 Pesos per person which includes the bus ride and a bi-lingual guide. This seems a bit pricey !

Does any one have any thoughts on either of these options ? I should mention that driving ourselves is not an option as we want to go together.

Thanks

Take the Charter tour. You couldn't even take a taxi there for $850! It's about a 2 hour drive. The bus is the way to go.

Another option might be to contact Mark Turford. He rents cars and vans with insurance and his is a legal business. I think he has a 10 passenger van and if so you could hire driver and off you go.

Mark Turford
333-398-9045
765-4341
markturford@yahoo.com

Bob let me know if there will be room for Lynne and I, that is something we would be interested in doing also. You are right the price of the bus is a bit pricey for a couple.

You might also want to consider going to Casa Herradura which is before Tequila. This is an incredible place and they give tours every hour from 9-3. Cost ranges from $100-$300 depending on the types of tequila you want to sample. The property used to be an old hacienda and you will also see the old part which is fascinating. I have been to Jose Cuervo in Tequila and in my opinion Casa Herradura is a better option. It is located in the town of Amititan which is before you get to Tequila. Enjoy your tour!

Cofradia is a don't miss too.

Twelveoaks is putting the trip together otro, you might want to PM them.

Since David mentioned Casa Cofradia, here are some photos we took back in January:
https://picasaweb.google.com/118146709599975173363/CASACOFRADIATEQUILAJALMEXICO?authkey=Gv1sRgCIiQ4Ino2O_l8gE#5699504066031919698

There is a Casa Cofradia store just off the main plaza from which one can take a van up and back to/from the distillery for a very nominal charge. Casa Cofradia is located on the edge of Tequila. I am guessing that it would be on the west side of town? If you go on a week day, their porcelain facility should be operating and you can see their unique bottles being manufactured and decorated.

Another option is travel via the relatively new:
http://www.josecuervoexpress.com/

Unlike the more familiar Tequila Express train, the Jose Cuervo Express train actually goes all the way into Tequila.

When we did the Charter Club tour a couple of years ago, they first take you to one of the Jose Cuervo agave fields. This was very interesting and something you don't get to see first hand if you just go to one of the distilleries for their tour. And I'm pretty sure the $850 pesos includes the Jose Cuervo tour ticket.