Discover the rugged beauty and unique character of the northern countryside of Arizona. Your tour begins in sunny Scottsdale, the city that prides itself as "The West’s Most Western Town." On a city tour, see bustling downtown Phoenix, Camelback Mountain, Paradise Valley, and Old Town Scottsdale. If you're not afraid of a little spice, join your fellow travelers for a "Great Chili Cook-Off" and savor the unique ingredients of the region. On a vintage train ride from Clarkdale to Perkinsville, glide past the towering, crimson cliffs and ancient Indian ruins of the breathtaking Verde Canyon, accessible only by rail. Then, fall under the spell of Sedona with its bold natural beauty, colorful canyons, and spectacular sandstone towers. You'll have plenty of leisure time to explore this unique city on your own. Browse the eclectic shops for traditional jewelry, wander through the many art galleries, and try some of the fantastic local restaurants. Perhaps the only sight that could rival the gorgeous rock formations and fiery sunsets of Sedona is the mighty Grand Canyon, which you'll see on a drive along the South Rim. Cap off your tour of the wild West with an unforgettable evening of traditional cowboy food and entertainment.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Scottsdale, AZ - Tour Begins - Your tour begins in sunny Scottsdale, the city that prides itself as “The West’s Most Western Town”. Upon arrival, you can relax or enjoy a leisurely stroll through the western streets of old town Scottsdale.
Day #2 Scottsdale - Phoenix - Scottsdale - A local guide will introduce you to Scottsdale and Phoenix. Highlights of this tour include downtown Phoenix, Camelback Mountain, Paradise Valley, Old Town Scottsdale and more. Next, you will learn how Native American jewelry and handicrafts are made at a jewelry-making demonstration. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for the "Great Chili Cook-Off" at the Pinnacle Peak Patio. When it first opened in 1957, Pinnacle Peak was a general store for travelers heading to nearby lakes. Later, they opened a restaurant specializing in traditional cookouts and the rest is restaurant history. Upon arrival, you and your fellow travelers will be divided into two groups with plenty of interesting ingredients available to create a great chili. You never know…your team could win the championship title. Following the cook-off, you will enjoy dinner and entertainment.
Day #3 Scottsdale - Jerome - Clarkdale - Sedona - Begin your journey to America's largest ghost town, Jerome. This National Historic District was once a large copper mining town. Today, this picturesque town is an artist colony and retreat. Later, take a roundtrip ride from Clarkdale to Perkinsville on Verde Canyon Railroad - this is certain to be an unforgettable experience. Verde Canyon, accessible only by rail, resides between two national forests and follows the upper Verde River. You will be enthralled as the vintage locomotive rolls past towering, crimson cliffs, near ancient Indian ruins, over old-fashioned trestles, and through a dark 680-foot, man-made tunnel. This evening, fall under Sedona’s spell as you experience the sheer, exuberant beauty of this destination. The area’s canyons, wind-shaped buttes and dramatic sandstone towers embody the rugged character of the West. Tonight is yours to enjoy beautiful Sedona at your leisure.
Day #4 Sedona - This morning will be the highlight of your trip as you enjoy a chat with a local Native American tribe member. Learn about the different tribes of the area, their histories, and modern day life of Native Americans in Arizona. Next, it's "all aboard" for a fascinating trolley tour of Sedona featuring a visit to the famous Chapel of the Holy Cross, Gallery Row, Lower Schnebly Hill Vista and other Sedona sights. You will have time on your own for lunch in Uptown before returning to your hotel this afternoon. The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore the many shops and galleries or perhaps visit the Mexican-style village of Tlaquepaque.
Day #5 Sedona - Grand Canyon - Sedona - This morning you will travel though Oak Creek Canyon, where rock formations seem to change hue with every turn in the road, before arriving in Williams for your Grand Canyon Railway experience. Here you will relive the excitement of the Old West aboard a historic train which travels across miles of beautiful northern Arizona countryside to the Grand Canyon. Strolling musicians and western characters combine to recreate train travel as it was at the turn-of-the-century. Behold amazing views of the Grand Canyon when you arrive at the South Rim. Theodore Roosevelt, upon visiting the canyon, is quoted as saying, “This is one of the great sights which every American, if he can travel at all, must see.” Tonight enjoy a great dinner and entertainment at Black Bart’s where the entire dining room staff is made up of singers from Northern Arizona University. A musical revue, featuring music from your favorite Broadway shows as well as great old standards, is certain to turn your meal into one of the many highlights of your vacation.
Day #6 Sedona - Your day is at leisure to independently explore the southwest flavor of the area and the majestic red rock formations that surround you. From shopping for traditional jewelry, to browsing art galleries, to the great restaurants, the day is yours to experience all Sedona has to offer. Tonight enjoy an evening of traditional cowboy food and entertainment at the Blazin’ M Ranch, nestled along the banks of the Verde River.
Day #7 Sedona - Tour Ends - Your tour ends, leaving you with many wonderful memories of the American Southwest.
