Tucson, AZ & Sonoran Desert
featuring the International Gem and Mineral Show

February 12 - 16, 2009

With over 300 days of sunny weather, Tucson is an ideal haven for sun seekers during the cold winter months.  It is also home to some of the most spectacular high desert scenery in the Southwest.  Tucson is surrounded by four mountain ranges creating a wilderness of rugged, surrealistic beauty.  Southern Arizona is part of the Sonoran Desert, the only place in the world where the Saguaro cactus can be found.   We'll explore nature's beauty in the area as well as spend time at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show.  For two weeks every winter, the world meets in Tucson as it becomes a bustling, international marketplace of buyers and sellers at the Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase.  We will make this a very special part of our Tucson adventure.
(See tentative itinerary below)

We are currently in the process of planning this trip.
Once we have all the activities, hotels and other details confirmed,
and the price finalized, we will remove this information and post
a completed itinerary with the price.

If you are interested in learning more about this trip,
make a pre-reservation.
It is very important to make a no-obligation pre-reservation.
Those who have made a pre-reservation will be notified first
when the full itinerary and pricing is posted.

 Make a Pre-Reservation

A pre-reservation does not require any money.
Once the tour is finalized and a tour price available, those who have pre-reserved
a space will be contacted via email and asked to decide if they
want to make a deposit. If you are not interested, you don't have to do anything.

Tentative Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Tucson

An afternoon city tour will include Barrio Historico, the finest collection of adobe homes in the Southwest,  El Tiradito Shrine, Snob Hollow, El Presidio neighborhood and quaint La Casa Cordova, the oldest adobe home in the city, the University of Arizona campus and the Arizona Historical Society.          

Day 2: Saguaro National Park, Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, Sabino Canyon

Spend the morning becoming more familiar with desert flora and fauna at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, which tells the unique story of the Sonoran Desert region. Over 200 species of animals and 1,000 species of plants, indigenous to the Sonoran Desert are exhibited in naturalistic habitats.  The hummingbird exhibit is one the highlights not to be missed.  Next drive through Saguaro National Park to view the Giant Saguaro, a universal symbol of the American West. And yet these majestic plants are only found in a small portion of the United States.

Enjoy the afternoon with a leisurely tram ride through Sabino Canyon--a world of natural beauty--stunning vistas, the tranquility of running creek water, and the rugged backdrop of Thimble Peak.  We will board a tram and wind along the floor of the canyon, crossing Sabino Creek on nine low-water rock bridges, while drivers tell about the area’s rich history and ecology.

Day 3: A full day at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show

Diamonds, rubies, sapphires and a lot more are on abundant display at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show.  Being in Tucson for the annual gathering of gem, mineral and fossil exhibitors from all around the world is a fantastic experience.  This show has set the standard for gem and mineral shows, and is now the largest gem and mineral show in the United States.  It has some of the best exhibits and a dazzling array of minerals, antique beads, dinosaur fossils, jade sculpture, cut gems, jewelry, jewelry supplies and more.  There's something for everyone - from gold and diamonds to granite bookends and glass beads, and from fine specimens of dinosaur fossils to opals dug from the Australian Outback.   There are displays from renowned museums and private collections along with over 250 mineral, gemstone, jewelry and fossil retail dealers.  This show attracts thousands of treasure hunters from every corner of the globe.

Day 4: San Xavier Mission, Tubac Artist Colony

We will visit San Xavier del Bac Mission, "Sistine Chapel" of the southwest.  Founded by Father Kino in the late 1600's, it is known as "The White Dove of the Desert."  San Xavier Mission is acclaimed by many to be the finest example of mission architecture in the United States.  It is a graceful blend of Moorish, Byzantine and late Mexican Renaissance architecture, yet the blending is so complete it is hard to tell where one type begins and another ends. San Xavier del Bac Mission is a fully functioning parish church within the Diocese of Tucson. 

Tubac was established in 1752 as a Spanish presidio (fort). Working artists' studios now surround the grounds which once served as the home for a Spanish military garrison. Tubac is the perfect shoppers' paradise with over eighty galleries and shops that feature hand-crafted items, sculpture, paintings, clothing and some of southern Arizona's best import shops.     

Day 5: Depart Tucson

All previous information has been superseded.