Booking Deadline - 12 November, 2008
Reserve a Space on this Tour

Space Available

$1062
(non-member: $1137)
Single Room–add $297

Activity Level:
  90% Easy;
  10% Moderate
  

TOUR INCLUDES:

- Airport Transfers provided by the hotel

Lodging:  Best Western Inn and Suites, Tucson

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Air Information
Travelers will make their own air reservations and are requested to arrive and depart as follows:

Airport:
Tucson International Airport (TUS)

Arrive:
Thursday, February 12th. The tour begins at the hotel at 1:00pm

Depart:
Monday, February 16th at your convenience.

Early Arrival:

To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, consider arriving a day early. The room cost in will be:
  $70 dbl / $140 sgl

- There will be walking activities on this tour; some surfaces may be sandy and uneven.

Not Included in the Price of this Tour:

- Air from your home to the tour starting point and return

- Meals and activities not specified in the itinerary

- Any personal expenses, and any guide/driver gratuities

Thursday, February 12: Arrive Tucson; Sabino Canyon

The tour begins at the hotel at 1:00pm. After introduction we're off to enjoy 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 low-water rock bridges, while drivers talk about the area’s rich history and ecology. At the conclusion of the day we'll have dinner together. (D)

Friday, February 13: Saguaro National Park, Arizona Sonora Desert Museum

This morning will be an introduction to the sights and history of Tucson with a driving and walking tour of the city.  We will spend the afternoon becoming 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.  We will drive through Saguaro National Park to view the Giant Saguaros, a universal symbol of the American West and yet these majestic plants are only found in a small portion of the United States.  (B,L)

Saturday, February 14: 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, from fine specimens of dinosaur fossils to opals dug from the Australian Outback.   There are displays from renowned museums and private collections along with mineral, gemstone, jewelry and fossil retail dealers.  This show attracts thousands of treasure hunters from every corner of the globe. (B)

Sunday, February 15: San Xavier Mission, Tubac Artist Colony; Farewell Dinner

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. 

The afternoon finds us in Tubac. 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. After a fun final day in the Tucson area, we will have dinner together to share our favorite moments (and perhaps purchases). (B,D)     

Monday, February 16: Depart Tucson

Depart Tucson at your convenience remembering that checkout is at 11:00am.  (B)

Reserve a Space on this Tour