Highlights

U S Tours Flexible Pricing:

• Customizable Comps
• Commissionable or Net Rates
• Luxury or First Class Hotels & Meals
• Motorcoach Transportation & Professional Tours Managers are available

Whatever you want, U S Tours will be happy to structure tour prices to match your needs.  Just let us know!

Itinerary

Tour should run Sunday to Saturday

Day 1 – Phoenix, AZ – Scottsdale (Sun)
Welcome to Phoenix, AZ!  Upon arrival at the Phoenix Airport, meet your motorcoach and local tour director and transfer to your resort located in beautiful Scottsdale for a six night stay. (Westin Keirland Resort & Spa, Scottsdale, AZ or similar)

After check in and an opportunity to get refreshed, enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the resort.  This evening, enjoy dinner at local Scottsdale restaurant. (D)

Day 2 – Heard Museum – Desert Botanical Garden – Hall of Flame Fire Museum – Old Town Scottsdale  (Mon)
This morning you head to Phoenix, AZ to explore the Desert Botanical Garden, home to thousands of species of cactus, trees and flowers from all around the world spread across 55 acres.

After exploring the beauties of nature, you visit the Hall of Flame Fire Museum. The Hall of Flame Fire Museum and the National Firefighting Hall of Heroes has almost an acre of fire history exhibits, with over 90 fully restored pieces of fire apparatus on display, dating from 1725 to 1969. Most of the exhibits are American, but there are also pieces from England, France, Austria, Germany, and Japan.

The Hall of Flame sponsors the National Firefighting Hall of Heroes, which honors firefighters who have died in the line of duty or who have been decorated for heroism. The Hall also includes a gallery dedicated to the history of wildland firefighting in the United States.

Afterwards you visit the Heard Museum for lunch at the Courtyard Café and the opportunity to explore one of the premiere museums in the Western US.  The mission of the Heard Museum is to be the world’s preeminent museum for the presentation, interpretation and advancement of American Indian art, emphasizing its intersection with broader artistic and cultural themes. Your visit to the Heard Museum includes 12 exhibition galleries, free guided tours, outdoor sculpture gardens, a renowned café, a contemporary art gallery and trading-post style shopping, plus much more.  The evening will be spent exploring Old Town Scottsdale with its many art galleries, restaurants, and other oddities.  There is much to see and enjoy!  (B,L)

Day 3 – Free Day (Tue)
Today will be a free day to explore Scottsdale from your active hotel in the Sonoran Desert.  See world-class shopping at Kierland Commons, conveniently located within walking distance of the hotel. Wander to Scottsdale Quarter and browse the palm-lined storefronts.  From rolling golf courses to relaxing spas, Scottsdale has something for everyone.  Some optional activities in the area include Jeep & Hummer Tours, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking or Cycling, Hot Air Balloon Rides and much more.  The Day is yours to relax and take in all that Scottsdale has to offer. Lunch and Dinner on own.  (B)

Day 4 – Taliesin West, The MIM, Queen Creek Olive Mill (Wed)
After breakfast, visit Taliesin West, the winter home of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Today, it is the main campus of The School of Architecture at Taliesin and houses the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. Visit Wright’s private quarters and living room, the gracious Taliesin West “Garden Room,” the Drafting Studio, the Music Pavilion, the Cabaret, and more.

Heading back to Phoenix this afternoon, enjoy some free time at the Desert Ridge Marketplace where you can explore the many wonderful shops and have lunch on your own.  Next you are in for an amazing experience as you visit the Musical Instrument Museum, also known as the MIM.  It is the largest museum of its type in the world.  The collection of over 15,000 musical instruments and associated objects includes examples from nearly 200 countries and territories, representing every inhabited continent.  It is a unique experience of sight, touch and of course sound.

Your final destination today is the Queen Creek Olive Orchards and Mill for a tour, tasting and dinner.  Your Olive Oil 101 Educational Tour starts in the olive grove as you learn about the different varieties of olive trees and how they are cared for.  Then you will learn how extra virgin olive oil is extracted at Queen Creek Olive Mill, how to use it in the kitchen, and why it’s so darn good for you!  Experts will teach you how to correctly taste olive oil (no bread) and help you shop the gourmet Marketplace following the tour.  The continue your culinary experience as you enjoy a farm-to-table style dinner featuring locally sourced ingredients masterfully paired with olive oil to a savory perfection.  Return to the resort after a wonderful day in Phoenix.  (B,D)

Day 5 – Free Day (Thu)
Today will be another free day to explore Scottsdale or to enjoy amenities at the hotel.  The hotel Spa offers rejuvenating facials, manicures, pedicures, makeup services and scalp treatments. End your day with a personalized in-room massage or simply recharge with a round of golf or a lap in the pool. Lunch and Dinner on own.  (B)

Day 6 – Superstition Mountains, Culinary Experience  (Fri)
Depart Scottsdale this morning and travel east to explore the Superstition Mountains. Visit the Lost Dutchman Museum for a fun look into local history and folklore.  The museum collects, preserves and displays the artifacts, history and folklore of the Superstition Mountains, Apache Junction and the surrounding region.

Next, visit Goldfield Ghost Town to experience the Old West.  Walk down Main Street, explore the many shops and historic buildings. Tour the historic Mammoth Gold Mine and visit the Goldfield Museum. Pan for gold then take a ride on Arizona’s only narrow gauge train. You’ll also get to witness an old west gun fight performed by the famous Goldfield Gunfighters!

From here you will depart for a 1 hour Desert Jeep Tour where you will see abundant Saguaro cacti and wildlife while traversing over rock formations and through washes where the gold rush took place in the 1800’s.  You will have time for lunch on own.

In the afternoon, take a short drive to Canyon Lake and board the Dolly Steamboat for a scenic cruise.  Sit back, relax and take in the gorgeous views of Canyon Lake during a 1.5 hour, six-mile cruise.  You may see desert bighorn sheep, bald eagles and a host of other animals and local wildlife viewed from the decks of the Dolly!  Discover why there’s more to Arizona than just desert on this spectacular Canyon Lake cruise.

This evening, dinner is included at Quiessence at the Farm.  As you walk up to the original farmhouse on the property, you see the lush and vibrant Soil & Seed Garden, where the freshest ingredients for your evening’s dishes have been sourced. The flavors of the Arizona terroir shine through each dish with the unique layering of flavors and exceptional uses of the local ingredients.  With the delicious vegetables, herbs and edible flowers from the on-site garden, over 60 fruit trees, eggs from the chicken coop, fresh breads from the Le Panyol oven, and meats and cheeses from other local farmers and purveyors, guests experience the freshest ingredients possible when dining at Quiessence.  Each dish is crafted to order and the dining experience is meant to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace.  What a wonderful farewell dining experience. (B,D)

Day 7 – Depart for Home  (Sat)
This morning, say farewell to this beautiful area and transfer to the Phoenix Airport for your return flights home. (B)