8-Nights Wild West Adventure in Arizona - Tailormade Journeys — CALL

Itinerary Details

1 Arrive Tucson, Arizona

Surrounded by Saguaro National Park and with over 300 days of sunshine a year, it tracks that Tucson’s trump card is its outdoors: there’s hiking and biking, trails and terroir, deserts and dams, canyons, century-old cacti and cuisine cooked up over generations of Native American, Mexican and Spanish families. Once a part of Mexico (now just 70 miles to the south), Tucson’s heritage played a large part in earning it the title of UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

Delve into the Sonoran Desert’s Saguaro National Park, famous for the long-limbed saguaro cacti that can grow up to 65 feet tall and live longer than 200 years. Explore the world's greenest desert among the prickly pear and barrel cacti as you keep watch for Gila[RR6.1] monsters and desert tortoises. Later, ascend to the Mount Lemmon SkyCenter for an astronomy lecture. Peer through powerful telescopes to peel back the curtain on the cosmos as experts guide you through distant galaxies.

Step into local Tucson history with a private guided tour of San Xavier del Bac Mission. Known as the “White Dove of the Desert,” the mission is one of the finest examples of Spanish Colonial architecture in the United States, standing bright and tall against the backdrop of the Sonoran Desert. Afterward, head to the Titan II Missile Museum, descending 35 feet underground to explore the decommissioned missile complex’s launch control center and the Titan II missile itself. Finally, go behind the scenes at Mission Garden, a living agricultural museum highlighting Sonoran Desert-adapted heritage fruit trees, traditional local heirloom crops and edible native plants grown locally by several communities.

There's no resisting the full-throated call of nature in Scottsdale: crimson-tipped mountains and the hot scent of desert dust are inescapable. But Scottsdale has much to entertain visitors before the inevitable escape: the Old Town is a bustling wedge of Wild West kitsch, while luxury boutiques fill the malls of Fashion Square. Basking in the flowery, landscaped grounds of its five-star resorts is all part of Scottsdale's appeal, too, and a round of golf on one of the countless fairways is a must.

As a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Tucson blends Indigenous, Spanish, Mexican, and American traditions into a rich tapestry. Discover the city’s fascinating culinary and cultural heritage on a private walking tour of its downtown El Presidio and Barrio Viejo neighborhoods, accompanied by an expert local guide. Visit a Sonoran Row House and discover how its ingenious design protects inhabitants from the extreme heat of summer and chill of winter. Stop at some of the city’s iconic restaurants, hear stories about the people that have influenced Tucson’s cuisine, and taste the flavors that make its food scene unique.

As dawn breaks, take to the skies and ascend some 5,000 feet in a hot air balloon. Drift over the Sonoran Desert for epic views of the landscape, dip down to see the giant saguaro cacti and keep your eyes peeled for coyotes, jackrabbits and javelinas on your way. Afterward, gain VIP access to the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix as you play some of the 4,000 instruments, listen to the professionals and go backstage.

Take in the rugged beauty and natural wonders of the Sonoran Desert with a stroll through the 140-acre Desert Botanical Garden. With the largest outdoor desert plant collection in the world, it’s also home to a wide variety of animals. Select from several themed trails to encounter beautiful cacti, succulents, and wildflowers. Continue to Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s self-designed winter home and studio. After a guided tour of the property, gain access to private living spaces that are not usually available to the public.

Begin your private tasting tour with a tequila educational experience at a favorite local spot, followed by a leisurely stroll through Scottsdale’s Historic Old Town. Discover the secrets of the city’s most famous margaritas, sampling local variations on this cocktail classic, from the Prickly Pear and Habanero Cucumber to the Cayenne with Cilantro — complemented by paired appetizers. This fun and fascinating tour includes visits to authentic Mexican restaurants including the city’s oldest and most celebrated, Los Olivos.