Tucson & the Sonoran Desert

DAY 1

We drive south from Albuquerque along the Rio Grande, and head west to Tucson. Surrounded by five mountain ranges and located in a fertile valley, Tucson uniquely displays the glories of the Sonoran Desert, with one of the worlds most diverse and abundant supplies of flora and fauna. We lodge four nights at the Loews Resort at Ventana Canyon. Tucson’s spectacular ‘Ventana’ – or ‘Window’ – to the Soul of the Sonoran desert is Loews Ventana Canyon Resort. Situated on 100 acres in the lush Sonoran Desert, indulge in our nature lover’s paradise. Discover a magical perspective nestled into Tucson’s Catalina Mountains, where this stunning natural retreat offers a variety of activities and signature services to relax, energize and inspire guests. Our playground of visitor delights includes: two Tom Fazio designed PGA golf courses, the luxurious Lakeside Spa & Tennis Center, two swimming pools, canyon hiking; an 80-foot natural waterfall, nearby riding & cycling trails, and more. Each guestroom is equipped with a large soaking tub and private balcony, perfect for taking in the view. Flying V Bar & Grill features upscale, regional cuisine and a large outdoor patio overlooking the lake and golf course.

Meals included: (D)

DAY 2

We tour the renowned Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum – everything you could want in a Sonoran Desert adventure! Mostly outdoors and comprised of an AZA-accredited zoo, extensive botanical garden, two art galleries, and a natural history museum, the Desert Museum sits on 98 acres of pristine desert landscape. The Museum showcases the diverse flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert region (with over 55,000 plants!) featuring wildlife such as coyotes, javelinas, mountain lions, and bighorn sheep in naturalistic habitats. Bird lovers delight in visiting the Museum’s two aviaries, one dedicated to hummingbirds! Tour Saguaro National Park. Tucson is home to the nation’s largest cacti. The giant saguaro is the universal symbol of the American west. These majestic plants, found only in a small portion of the United States, are protected by Saguaro National Park, to the east and west of the modern city of Tucson. Visit Mission San Xavier del Bac. Built in the 1700s, this recently restored white adobe church, representing a wonderful example of Spanish colonial architecture, is beautiful inside and out, with colorful frescoes, sculptures and carvings.

Meals included: (B)

Day 3

This morning tour Kartchner Caverns State Park. Boasting the world’s longest stalactite formation, Kartchner Caverns introduces visitors to the mysterious world of caves. Explore the bowels of a living cave and marvel at Arizona’s tallest natural column formation. Located in Southern Arizona, this ADA-accessible park is just a short hop from Tucson in nearby Benson. Discovered in 1974, Kartchner Caverns is a massive limestone cave that’s home to many outstanding features, including remarkable minerals and formations as well as some winged friends. Enjoy at tour and wine tasting at Rune Winery. They are the only solar powered and off-grid tasting room and vineyard in Arizona, and strive to run the business sustainably and with minimal impact. Visit their tasting room to discover award winning wines and a view that can’t be beat! The rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy one of the many activities at the Resort, before meeting up tonight for a group farewell dinner.

Meals included: (B)

Day 4

Tour Biosphere 2. Biosphere 2 is an American Earth system science research facility located in Oracle, Arizona. Its mission is to serve as a center for research, outreach, teaching, and lifelong learning about Earth, its living systems, and its place in the universe. It is a 3.14-acre structure originally built to be an artificial, materially closed ecological system, or vivarium. It remains the largest closed ecological system ever created. Visit DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun.  On the National Register of Historic Places, this legendary landmark of Southwestern art and architecture was designed and built by acclaimed Arizona artist Ted DeGrazia. The 10-acre foothills site includes the adobe gallery with permanent and rotating exhibits, mission with interior murals, gift shop, cactus courtyard, the artist’s home, and his grave.

Meals included: (B, D)

Day 5

Today we’ll make our way back to Albuquerque but enjoy a few stops and a delicious lunch on our way.  We return home with great memories of southeastern Arizona and its amazing history and beautiful scenery.

Itinerary subject to change.