Arizona Valleys and Canyons

Kick-off your Arizona adventure in Tucson, the first US city to be designated a UNESCO City of Gastronomy for its unique mix of colonial Spanish, Mexican, and Native American culinary influences. Visit the charming El Presidio historic district, browse the shops and galleries downtown, or sample the vibrant culinary scene with a farm-to-table dinner of fresh heirloom ingredients and beef from a local ranch.

Take a guided sunrise hike through the mountains, learning about local flora and fauna and enjoying the spectacular desert scenery, then continue on through Phoenix into Scottsdale. Soak up the sun by the resort pool, then venture into lively Old Town to sample fine aged tequilas and award-winning Southwestern cuisine.

Choose nature or culture (or both!) today as you explore the valley. Enjoy panoramic views of striking rock formations, colorful wildflowers, and the iconic cactus with a hike on one of the many nearby trails such as Camelback Mountain Trail, McDowell Sonoran Preserve, and Pinnacle Peak Park. You may also want to venture out to one of several nearby lakes for some fun on the water. Or for the culture-minded, take a tour of the city’s famous midcentury architecture, including Frank Lloyd Wright’s stunning Taliesin West, browse the extensive collection of Western art at the Museum of the West, or meet local artists at work in their studios at the Cattle Track Arts Compound.

After breakfast, continue to Sedona, perhaps stopping at a winery or two along the way in Verde Valley. Feel your heart leap at the breathtaking scenery of Red Rock Country as you reach Sedona, nestled amongst pine forests and radiant red-rock spires. You may want to take a jeep tour of the canyons, stroll along Main street to browse the many galleries and shops, or seek out a “vortex spot,” ancient areas said to have special spiritual energy. Top off your day with some home-cooked BBQ or fresh local specialties.

Take a scenic drive through Flagstaff and Williams to the Grand Canyon where you’ll spend the day on the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. Prepare to have your breath taken away by this extraordinary natural Wonder of the World: experiencing the sheer scale and beauty of the Grand Canyon is something you’ll never forget. Marvel at the spectacular shifts in light and color as the sun descends, and at dusk, return to Williams to turn in for the night.

Enjoy an Americana-style breakfast in Williams before heading back south to the Valley of the Sun. You may want to stop along the way to visit the folk art museums of Prescott or savor the fresh mountain air in Flagstaff. Upon arrival in Phoenix, explore the art scene or boutiques of downtown Phoenix, take a hike through Camelback Mountain’s red rocks (and be rewarded with a panoramic view of the city at the top), or pamper yourself at one of Phoenix’s many luxurious spas.