Tile over tile

I have a house built in 1997 that used the very boring white 6" tile for the kitchen counters.  I would like to replace that with something nicer and in the past (last 2 homes had the same stuff) have used a hammer and chisel to remove the old tile, then a leveling agent and then mastic.  Very dusty and time consuming.

Can I go over the existing tile without removing it in such a way that the new tile will adhere correctly?

Thanks,

Ross

See this story. It explains how to do it.

http://www.familyhandyman.com/DIY-Projects/Tile/Tile-Techniques/tile-installation-how-to-tile-over-existing-tile

One possible solution is to make sure you remove as much of the residue adhesive as possible so that there are no loose or flaking residues. Then apply a coat of self leveling compound over the substrate in accordance with manufacturers instructions. This will provide you with a smooth, flat and ready to tile surface. The leveling compound will remove any slight variations in the surface. Use an adhesive which is compatible, preferably manufactured by yje company which produced the leveling compound.