President Felipe Calderon and Peter Greenberg walking on beach in Cozumel while filming Mexico the Royal Tour, Photo credit: Robert Landau
What I had anticipated since first being teased with a video demonstration back in June 2011, is now coming to life (public television rather). Needless to say, this Mexico-enthusiast is very excited about the news.
Emmy Award-winning travel journalist Peter Greenberg hosts ‘Mexico – The Royal Tour’- a one-hour tour documentary with Mexico’s President Felipe Calderon that showcases the country’s natural beauty and resources through activity and adventure.
The show is set to premiere on Sept. 22 in the U.S. and Sept 23 in Mexico with English narration and Spanish subtitles. (Check your local PBS listings – for Southern Cal here)
In ‘Mexico – The Royal Tour,’ Greenberg takes viewers deep into Mexico by presenting iconic and historic sites and states in Mexico and explores many of Mexico’s unique and lesser-known areas, all of which are accessible to travelers.
According to a press release issued by WNET, Peter Greenberg states, “We’ve been given extraordinary access to both a country and its leader during a pivotal time in Mexico’s history. While we explore many of the little-known gems of this country, President Calderón also takes me inside his state-of-the-art, top-secret security bunker and discusses the drug battle and what it really means to travelers. It’s an eye-opening, once-in-a-lifetime experience I get to share with viewers.”
Presdient Calderon and Peter Greenberg wave goodbye to friends and family before descent while filming Mexico The Royal Tour at Sonata de los Golondrinas prior to descent; Photo credit: Robert Landau
Cultural Sites, States and Places Visited by Host Peter Greenberg and President Felipe Calderón on ‘Mexico: The Royal Tour’
Los Pinos
The official residence and office of the president
Chiapas
Home to Palenque, the most sublime city in the Mayan civilization, where thousands of structures are still yet to be discovered in the jungle. The two travel through a secret stairway to observe ancient Mayan carvings within a hidden chamber.
The village of Metzabok
Home to the Lacandon people, the descendants of the ancient Mayans. The Lacandon have clung to tradition for five centuries, but recently signed an agreement with the government to preserve the rainforest and develop eco-tourism.
Yucatan
The site of the legendary ruins of Chichen Itza, the most important place of the Mayan civilization and the best-preserved Mayan site. The temple of Kukulkan at Chichen Itza is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Together, the president and Peter Greenberg climb the 91 steps to the top of the structure.
Cenotes Dos Ojos
A sinkhole in Yucatan that is the legendary gateway to the underworld and one of many entrances to a 42-mile long underground river system. The president dives into this dark labyrinth where ancient Mayan skeletons have been discovered.
Puerto Vallarta
Port and popular tourist destination, Puerto Vallarta, located in the Mexican state of Jalisco, is home to a variety of beautiful beaches, award-winning restaurants, a thriving cultural scene and filled with natural activities such as turtle release programs, whale watching, zip lining and much more.
Michoacan
The site of the renowned Mariposa Biosphere Reserve where millions of monarch butterflies migrate each year.
Morelia
The President’s hometown. The two meet the President’s mother and siblings in his childhood home, and visit the secondary school the President attended. Established in 1541, Morelia is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Lagoon at Ojo de Liebre in Baja California
Every year thousands of gray whales migrate here to breed. Around 800 baby whales are born in this lagoon each year. The president observes the whales from a distance, until the sound of his children singing brings the giant creatures next to the boat.
Sotano de las Golondrinas or “Cave of the Swallows”
A pit large enough to hold New York’s Chrysler Building. Peter Greenberg, the President, and the President’s son rappel straight down the treacherous pit.
Jalisco
Location of the town of Tequila, where generations of families have produced Mexico’s most famous spirit in the traditional way.
The ancient city of Teotihuacan north of Mexico City:
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ruins include the famous Pyramid of the Sun. It is one of the most visited archaeological sites in Mexico.
Peter Greenberg is America’s most recognized, honored and respected front-line travel news journalist. He is Travel Editor for CBS News and appears on The Early Show and across many CBS broadcast platforms.
Greenberg is the consummate insider when it comes to reporting the travel business as news. An Emmy Award-winning investigative reporter and producer, Peter was named one of the most influential people in the travel by Travel Weekly, along with Al Gore, Bill Marriott and Richard Branson.
Peter is also host of the nationally syndicated Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio show, broadcast each week from a different remote location around the world. He is heard on more than 150 stations, Sirius/XM radio and Armed Forces Radio. For more information on Peter Greenberg, visit http://www.petergreenberg.com.
Additional photos can be found on PBS Thirteen.
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