National Cowboy Museum, Bisbee, Tombstone, Boot Hill, Kartchner Caverns, Dinner @ Copper Queen Hotel,
63rd Annual Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, Sonora Desert Museum, Pima Air & Space Museum,
The Grand Canyon Skywalk, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead Lunch Cruise on the Desert Princess ,
Painted Desert & Petrified Forest Nat'l Park, Big Texan Steak House & Historic Route 66
63rd Annual Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, Sonora Desert Museum, Pima Air & Space Museum,
The Grand Canyon Skywalk, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead Lunch Cruise on the Desert Princess ,
Painted Desert & Petrified Forest Nat'l Park, Big Texan Steak House & Historic Route 66
The real Old West is still alive in Southern Arizona and you’re going to get to experience it up close! The Old West, cowboys, rugged landscapes, deserts, and so much more await us as we embark on a Southwest Winter Escape in February 2017. Settle in for seven nights in Tucson at the Radisson Suites Hotel, offering two-room suites featuring a a living room/kitchenette space, private bedrooms and all its amenities. Throughout the time in Tucson, we’ll include daily scenic tours to places such as; 63rd Annual Gem & Mineral Show, Tombstone, Bisbee and the Sonora Desert Museum just to name a few. There are many wonderful attractions included in this 2017 Winter Escape. So read on to learn more about this 19 day motor coach vacation!
Your 19 Day Motor Coach Southwest Winter Escape Includes the Following:
Round-Trip Motor Coach Transportation- Duluth, Gr Rapids, Iron Range Cities, Sartell, Brainerd, Little Falls & Burnsville
18 Nights of Great Accommodations- Beautiful Properties in great locations - Tucson Radisson Inn & Suites (2 Room Suites)
While in Tucson: Sonora Desert Botanical Garden inside the Saguaro National Park; San Xavier Mission; Old Tucson Studios; Pima Air & Space Museum; 63rd Annual Gem & Mineral Show; PLUS a SIDE TRIP Tombstone & Bisbee to include dinner at the Copper Queen and Kartchner Caverns State Park
While in Santa Fe: Santa Fe Market Place and the Loretto Chapel
While in Kingston, AZ: We have three nights here which allows us time to visit the historic Hoover Dam and Cruise on Lake Mead on the Desert Princess. We've dedicated one day to visiting the West Rim of the Grand Canyon's, Skywalk to include a lunch.
29 Meals: 18 Breakfasts, THREE Lunches and THREE Dinners and SIX Light Hot and Cold Appetizer Receptions (very filling)
All Taxes, Luggage Handling, Most Tips and Fully Escorted with a Happy Trails Tour Host on board
Registration Form
Round-Trip Motor Coach Transportation- Duluth, Gr Rapids, Iron Range Cities, Sartell, Brainerd, Little Falls & Burnsville
18 Nights of Great Accommodations- Beautiful Properties in great locations - Tucson Radisson Inn & Suites (2 Room Suites)
While in Tucson: Sonora Desert Botanical Garden inside the Saguaro National Park; San Xavier Mission; Old Tucson Studios; Pima Air & Space Museum; 63rd Annual Gem & Mineral Show; PLUS a SIDE TRIP Tombstone & Bisbee to include dinner at the Copper Queen and Kartchner Caverns State Park
While in Santa Fe: Santa Fe Market Place and the Loretto Chapel
While in Kingston, AZ: We have three nights here which allows us time to visit the historic Hoover Dam and Cruise on Lake Mead on the Desert Princess. We've dedicated one day to visiting the West Rim of the Grand Canyon's, Skywalk to include a lunch.
29 Meals: 18 Breakfasts, THREE Lunches and THREE Dinners and SIX Light Hot and Cold Appetizer Receptions (very filling)
All Taxes, Luggage Handling, Most Tips and Fully Escorted with a Happy Trails Tour Host on board
Registration Form
A few things to know about the 2017 Southwest Tour:
Reservations: Reservations are taken on a first-come, first-serve basis. We can hold a reservation up to seven days without a deposit if the tour isn’t sold out. We need a minimum of 35 travelers to take this tour. This tour is time sensitive so PLEASE do not wait too long to sign up! We must have a minimum of 30 travelers registered by December 10, 2010. If you are signing up after December 10, 2010, call our office first to make certain it is still a viable tour OR….maybe it’ll be sold out! In that case, you’ll want to make certain there’s still available space.
Financial Info and Deposits Due & Cancellation Penalties:
Deposit of $ 200 per person is due upon registering. This becomes non-refundable with cancellations made after October 1, 2016.
Final Payment is due December 5, 2016.
Types of Payments: We accept personal checks, money orders and cashier’s checks, Visa, MasterCard or Discover.
Cancellations Penalties: This tour becomes non-refundable with cancellations made after December 4, 2016. Always when a cancellation arises, we try to do whatever we can to help recover financial refunds to our customers. Refunds are contingent upon what hotels, charters, restaurants, theaters, tour companies, etc….refund us. No monies are returned after December 5, 2016. Travel Insurance is highly recommended.
Cancellation Insurance: Travel insurance can offer financial security as well as peace of mind. Cancellation insurance is available at an additional charge and is based on the cost of the tour for each person and one’s age. It’s based on a sliding fee scale. It may cover pre-existing conditions if purchased within 12 days of your initial deposit paid to Happy Trails Tours. This can be critical especially if you are doctoring with an illness or have a close family member who is. It may also cover someone who has an elderly parent with health concerns or is in a nursing home. The travel insurance offers coverage if you have to cancel the tour or if it’s interrupted while out. Call our office for further information or if you need a travel insurance brochure.
Final Documents to Arrive: Final documents will arrive in Mid-January. These documents will confirm your boarding location, time of boarding, luggage tags, payment receipts or invoices, medical forms, and updated itineraries with hotel phone numbers & addresses.
Dress Code: It’s very casual and comfortable.
The Schedule: Occasionally changes occur that are beyond our control. If this happens, we’ll replace it with something of equal value or better. Unfortunately, the Skywalk at the West Rim can be affected by weather. We'll do our best to make this up to you but we are not sure what would equal the value of this event.
The Coach: Our motor coach is chartered through Trobec Bus Company. They have the newest fleet around. They are equipped with restrooms, air- conditioning, sound-system, reclining seats, extra leg room, DVD player and televisions and large windows.
The Hotels: The hotels we use are beautiful properties! Our properties always include two beds (occasional one for couples unless otherwise noted), non-smoking, breakfast each morning, and provide luggage handling. Tips for the porters are also included. The Drury Suites and the Staybridge Suites offer cocktails and a light dinner in the early evening upon our arrival. Also, you’ll need to let us know your room preference or if you have any special needs such as a room nearby an elevator, lower floor, allergies or other special concerns.
People with Special Needs: Folks with special needs can easily do this tour as long as they can walk some short distances. If you can climb a few steps into the coach, you’ve got it made! (NOTE: Scooters are welcome on our tour buses and can be stored underneath in the bay compartment of the coach. They must be collapsible). We stop every 2 ½ to 3 hours to stretch, get a cup of coffee and use the restrooms while traveling. Let us also know of any allergies (such as; colognes, perfumes, foods, etc… or if you have any other concerns).
Special Requests: Let us know if you have any special requests such as seating on the bus, location of rooms at the hotel, one bed or two, or special dietary requests. We want this tour to be the BEST ever for you. Let us know if you are bringing a wheel chair, walker or scooter. We want to be as prepared as possible so your tour runs smoothly and your needs are met. Please note: Happy Trails Tours cannot push wheel chairs. You must have a caregiver along who can assist you with that. Thank you.
Seat Rotation on the Coach: We do not rotate seats on the bus. We find folks stay healthier and that our groups prefer keeping one main seat. With tours that are quite full, we'll reserve the seating in advance so that couples and small groups traveling can sit together. Thank you and feel free to call if you have a special request or concern about how Happy Trails Tours handles their bus seating.
Changes: We reserve the right to adjust this schedule for the benefit of all traveling. If a change of hotel, restaurant or an attraction occurs, we’ll replace it with one of equal value or better. As always… we’ll inform you of any changes as we learn of them.
Reservations: Reservations are taken on a first-come, first-serve basis. We can hold a reservation up to seven days without a deposit if the tour isn’t sold out. We need a minimum of 35 travelers to take this tour. This tour is time sensitive so PLEASE do not wait too long to sign up! We must have a minimum of 30 travelers registered by December 10, 2010. If you are signing up after December 10, 2010, call our office first to make certain it is still a viable tour OR….maybe it’ll be sold out! In that case, you’ll want to make certain there’s still available space.
Financial Info and Deposits Due & Cancellation Penalties:
Deposit of $ 200 per person is due upon registering. This becomes non-refundable with cancellations made after October 1, 2016.
Final Payment is due December 5, 2016.
Types of Payments: We accept personal checks, money orders and cashier’s checks, Visa, MasterCard or Discover.
Cancellations Penalties: This tour becomes non-refundable with cancellations made after December 4, 2016. Always when a cancellation arises, we try to do whatever we can to help recover financial refunds to our customers. Refunds are contingent upon what hotels, charters, restaurants, theaters, tour companies, etc….refund us. No monies are returned after December 5, 2016. Travel Insurance is highly recommended.
Cancellation Insurance: Travel insurance can offer financial security as well as peace of mind. Cancellation insurance is available at an additional charge and is based on the cost of the tour for each person and one’s age. It’s based on a sliding fee scale. It may cover pre-existing conditions if purchased within 12 days of your initial deposit paid to Happy Trails Tours. This can be critical especially if you are doctoring with an illness or have a close family member who is. It may also cover someone who has an elderly parent with health concerns or is in a nursing home. The travel insurance offers coverage if you have to cancel the tour or if it’s interrupted while out. Call our office for further information or if you need a travel insurance brochure.
Final Documents to Arrive: Final documents will arrive in Mid-January. These documents will confirm your boarding location, time of boarding, luggage tags, payment receipts or invoices, medical forms, and updated itineraries with hotel phone numbers & addresses.
Dress Code: It’s very casual and comfortable.
The Schedule: Occasionally changes occur that are beyond our control. If this happens, we’ll replace it with something of equal value or better. Unfortunately, the Skywalk at the West Rim can be affected by weather. We'll do our best to make this up to you but we are not sure what would equal the value of this event.
The Coach: Our motor coach is chartered through Trobec Bus Company. They have the newest fleet around. They are equipped with restrooms, air- conditioning, sound-system, reclining seats, extra leg room, DVD player and televisions and large windows.
The Hotels: The hotels we use are beautiful properties! Our properties always include two beds (occasional one for couples unless otherwise noted), non-smoking, breakfast each morning, and provide luggage handling. Tips for the porters are also included. The Drury Suites and the Staybridge Suites offer cocktails and a light dinner in the early evening upon our arrival. Also, you’ll need to let us know your room preference or if you have any special needs such as a room nearby an elevator, lower floor, allergies or other special concerns.
People with Special Needs: Folks with special needs can easily do this tour as long as they can walk some short distances. If you can climb a few steps into the coach, you’ve got it made! (NOTE: Scooters are welcome on our tour buses and can be stored underneath in the bay compartment of the coach. They must be collapsible). We stop every 2 ½ to 3 hours to stretch, get a cup of coffee and use the restrooms while traveling. Let us also know of any allergies (such as; colognes, perfumes, foods, etc… or if you have any other concerns).
Special Requests: Let us know if you have any special requests such as seating on the bus, location of rooms at the hotel, one bed or two, or special dietary requests. We want this tour to be the BEST ever for you. Let us know if you are bringing a wheel chair, walker or scooter. We want to be as prepared as possible so your tour runs smoothly and your needs are met. Please note: Happy Trails Tours cannot push wheel chairs. You must have a caregiver along who can assist you with that. Thank you.
Seat Rotation on the Coach: We do not rotate seats on the bus. We find folks stay healthier and that our groups prefer keeping one main seat. With tours that are quite full, we'll reserve the seating in advance so that couples and small groups traveling can sit together. Thank you and feel free to call if you have a special request or concern about how Happy Trails Tours handles their bus seating.
Changes: We reserve the right to adjust this schedule for the benefit of all traveling. If a change of hotel, restaurant or an attraction occurs, we’ll replace it with one of equal value or better. As always… we’ll inform you of any changes as we learn of them.
Day 1: February 5th – Sun. Travel to Des Moines, Iowa 400 Miles
Exact specifics will be announced about one month prior to departure. Thank you.
This tour includes boarding in various towns throughout the state of Minnesota. We’ll begin with Grand Rapids, Iron Range
Cities (Hibbing, Virginia, Chisholm, Eveleth) Duluth & Cloquet. Then in the central portion of the state; boarding will be in
Brainerd, Little Falls, Rice and St Cloud. We can also pick up in Burnsville area. Once everyone is on board, begin our southwest journey with our first overnight in Des Moines, Iowa. You’ll find the first day to include time to relax and get to know fellow travelers while riding along. Stops will be made every 2 ½ - 3 hours.
5:00 pm- We’ll arrive to the lovely Drury Inn. This property offers hot and cold appetizers, baked potato, salad, type of meat entre (tacos, hotdogs, cocktail meatballs or chicken strips, etc) and more. Cocktails, snacks and soft drinks, alcoholic beverages are also complimentary. Two beds, coffeemakers, hairdryers, irons & ironing boards are provided in each room. They also have a pool. (www.druryinn.com)
Day 2: February 6th- Mon. Travel to Oklahoma City, OK 500 Miles
7:00 am- Set your luggage outside your doors / 8:00 am –the bus departs for OKC.
After hot buffet breakfast , continue south to Oklahoma. Again…our day will go by quickly as we visit and get to know others on board the coach. Comfort stops will be made as the day goes along.
5:00 pm- We'll arrive to OKC. Our lodging tonight is the beautiful Embassy Suites Oklahoma City. This property also offers cocktails in the early evening, and also has a nice restaurant, lounge, swimming pool. All the rooms have all the amenities one would need such as; two beds, coffeemakers, hairdryers, irons & boards. www.oklahomacity.embassysuites.com
Day 3: February 7th - Tue Travel to Amarillo, Texas 270 Miles
7:00 - 9:30 am - Enjoy a wonderful hot buffet breakfast at the hotel. 8:30 am- Set your luggage outside your doors.
9:30 am –The bus departs as we wind our way to National Cowboy Western & Heritage Museum is America’s premier institution of Western history, art and culture. More than 10 million visitors from around the world have explored this unique Western museum. In addition to spectacular galleries and grounds, visitors from around the world have sought out this unique museum to gain better understanding of the West. We couldn't think of a better way to begin our Southwest Winter Escape Tour to the Old West.
1:00 pm- We'll depart OKC and continue our journey southwest. We'll take I-40 WEST to the Texas Panhandle to Amarillo. This is about a four hour ride to include one comfort stop along the way.
5:30 PM- Estimated arrival to the Staybridge Suites in Amarillo, Texas. http://www.ihg.com/staybridge.com
This property offers wonderful suite accommodations, a manager's reception of light snacks and beverages from 5:30-7:30 pm and a full buffet breakfast upon our departure. Also included are irons, ironing boards, coffeemakers, and indoor pool.
Day 4: February 8th - Wed. Travel to Santa Fe, New Mexico 285 Miles
6:30 am- Set your luggage outside your doors / 7:30 am –the bus departs for Santa Fe.
A nice full hot breakfast is served in the hotel restaurant. (We have about 4 1/2 hours of driving time)
From Oklahoma City we’ll head straight west on I-40 until we come to Cline's Corner, NM - then we'll travel North on #285 to Santa Fe, New Mexico. We’ll cross into the Texas Panhandle of the Old West and continue our journey to the “Land of Enchantment” also known as New Mexico. Once we cross the border, we'll gain an hour as we move into Mountain Time. We’ll make one comfort stop en-route to Santa Fe. Set your seats back and relax.
12:30 pm- (Estimated) - We'll arrive to beautiful Santa Fe. We'll enjoy Santa Fe's Historic Plaza, where we'll get a glimpse into the heart of Old Santa Fe. You'll also be able to enjoy shopping in the Spanish Market where the Native American's display their wares. There are many great venues where you can grab a bite to eat, too. Santa Fe is oldest U.S. Capital that was founded in 1610 so this little city is filled with wonderful history and architecture!
5:00 pm- Estimated time we'll check into the Drury Inn. Again refreshments tonight are offered at no charge (from 5:30 - 7 pm).
Just help yourselves. Two beds, coffeemakers, hairdryers, irons & ironing boards are provided in each room. Your evening is open to enjoy as per your own agenda. (www.druryinn.com)
Day 5: February 9th - Thu. Travel to Las Cruces, New Mexico 282 Miles 7:00 am- Set your luggage outside your doors / 8:00 am –the bus departs for Las Cruces, NM.
A nice hot buffet breakfast is offered in the lobby.
This morning's route brings us straight south on Highway #25 on a 4 1/2 hour drive to Las Cruces. We do have one stop we'd
like to do before checking into the hotel. After our lunch, we are going to visit the Lake Valley Historic Townsite. This is a REAL AUTHENTIC SILVER MINE 1878 GHOST TOWN. This booming town boasted a population of 4000 after silver was
discovered. Today, the silver is gone and only the ghost town remains. Later in the afternoon, we'll continue our journey to Las Cruces about 1 1/2 hours away.
5:30 PM- Estimated arrival to the Drury Inn. Again... a wonderful reception is served to include drinks (both non and alcoholic) and a
light buffet dinner & appetizers. I think you know the routine of these fabulous properties by now! (www.druryinn.com)
Day 6: February 10th - Fri. Travel to Tucson, Arizona 288 Miles
7:00 am- Set your luggage outside your doors / 8:00 am –the bus departs for beautiful Tucson, Arizona.
A nice hot buffet breakfast is offered in the lobby.
We'll begin our morning with an early morning departure to include a mid-morning comfort stop. We should arrive to Tucson around the lunch hour. After we get lunch, we'll check into the hotel and get settled in for the next seven nights! Dinner is
included tonight at the hotel. More specifics to be announced later on the menu. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy as
per your own agenda.
3:00 pm- Check into the beautiful Radisson Inn Suites in Tucson.
This is an amazing resort property with restaurants, swimming pool, miniature golf, and more. It’s also within nearby distance
of Restaurant Row, Park Place Mall and other fun places. Each two-room suite offers a living room, separate bedroom and a deluxe bathroom. They also include refrigerator and microwave. Some even have balconies that offer a spectacular view of breathtaking mountains. Breakfast is included each morning, as well as, dinner on your first night. Each day while we are here will include an opportunity to take a side trip to some fun local attractions while in town. The hotel also offers shuttles within a
few mile radius to various restaurants and attractions.
Settle in tonight and enjoy your time here in Tucson! A Margarita & Tortilla Chip Reception awaits our arrival.
Exact specifics will be announced about one month prior to departure. Thank you.
This tour includes boarding in various towns throughout the state of Minnesota. We’ll begin with Grand Rapids, Iron Range
Cities (Hibbing, Virginia, Chisholm, Eveleth) Duluth & Cloquet. Then in the central portion of the state; boarding will be in
Brainerd, Little Falls, Rice and St Cloud. We can also pick up in Burnsville area. Once everyone is on board, begin our southwest journey with our first overnight in Des Moines, Iowa. You’ll find the first day to include time to relax and get to know fellow travelers while riding along. Stops will be made every 2 ½ - 3 hours.
5:00 pm- We’ll arrive to the lovely Drury Inn. This property offers hot and cold appetizers, baked potato, salad, type of meat entre (tacos, hotdogs, cocktail meatballs or chicken strips, etc) and more. Cocktails, snacks and soft drinks, alcoholic beverages are also complimentary. Two beds, coffeemakers, hairdryers, irons & ironing boards are provided in each room. They also have a pool. (www.druryinn.com)
Day 2: February 6th- Mon. Travel to Oklahoma City, OK 500 Miles
7:00 am- Set your luggage outside your doors / 8:00 am –the bus departs for OKC.
After hot buffet breakfast , continue south to Oklahoma. Again…our day will go by quickly as we visit and get to know others on board the coach. Comfort stops will be made as the day goes along.
5:00 pm- We'll arrive to OKC. Our lodging tonight is the beautiful Embassy Suites Oklahoma City. This property also offers cocktails in the early evening, and also has a nice restaurant, lounge, swimming pool. All the rooms have all the amenities one would need such as; two beds, coffeemakers, hairdryers, irons & boards. www.oklahomacity.embassysuites.com
Day 3: February 7th - Tue Travel to Amarillo, Texas 270 Miles
7:00 - 9:30 am - Enjoy a wonderful hot buffet breakfast at the hotel. 8:30 am- Set your luggage outside your doors.
9:30 am –The bus departs as we wind our way to National Cowboy Western & Heritage Museum is America’s premier institution of Western history, art and culture. More than 10 million visitors from around the world have explored this unique Western museum. In addition to spectacular galleries and grounds, visitors from around the world have sought out this unique museum to gain better understanding of the West. We couldn't think of a better way to begin our Southwest Winter Escape Tour to the Old West.
1:00 pm- We'll depart OKC and continue our journey southwest. We'll take I-40 WEST to the Texas Panhandle to Amarillo. This is about a four hour ride to include one comfort stop along the way.
5:30 PM- Estimated arrival to the Staybridge Suites in Amarillo, Texas. http://www.ihg.com/staybridge.com
This property offers wonderful suite accommodations, a manager's reception of light snacks and beverages from 5:30-7:30 pm and a full buffet breakfast upon our departure. Also included are irons, ironing boards, coffeemakers, and indoor pool.
Day 4: February 8th - Wed. Travel to Santa Fe, New Mexico 285 Miles
6:30 am- Set your luggage outside your doors / 7:30 am –the bus departs for Santa Fe.
A nice full hot breakfast is served in the hotel restaurant. (We have about 4 1/2 hours of driving time)
From Oklahoma City we’ll head straight west on I-40 until we come to Cline's Corner, NM - then we'll travel North on #285 to Santa Fe, New Mexico. We’ll cross into the Texas Panhandle of the Old West and continue our journey to the “Land of Enchantment” also known as New Mexico. Once we cross the border, we'll gain an hour as we move into Mountain Time. We’ll make one comfort stop en-route to Santa Fe. Set your seats back and relax.
12:30 pm- (Estimated) - We'll arrive to beautiful Santa Fe. We'll enjoy Santa Fe's Historic Plaza, where we'll get a glimpse into the heart of Old Santa Fe. You'll also be able to enjoy shopping in the Spanish Market where the Native American's display their wares. There are many great venues where you can grab a bite to eat, too. Santa Fe is oldest U.S. Capital that was founded in 1610 so this little city is filled with wonderful history and architecture!
5:00 pm- Estimated time we'll check into the Drury Inn. Again refreshments tonight are offered at no charge (from 5:30 - 7 pm).
Just help yourselves. Two beds, coffeemakers, hairdryers, irons & ironing boards are provided in each room. Your evening is open to enjoy as per your own agenda. (www.druryinn.com)
Day 5: February 9th - Thu. Travel to Las Cruces, New Mexico 282 Miles 7:00 am- Set your luggage outside your doors / 8:00 am –the bus departs for Las Cruces, NM.
A nice hot buffet breakfast is offered in the lobby.
This morning's route brings us straight south on Highway #25 on a 4 1/2 hour drive to Las Cruces. We do have one stop we'd
like to do before checking into the hotel. After our lunch, we are going to visit the Lake Valley Historic Townsite. This is a REAL AUTHENTIC SILVER MINE 1878 GHOST TOWN. This booming town boasted a population of 4000 after silver was
discovered. Today, the silver is gone and only the ghost town remains. Later in the afternoon, we'll continue our journey to Las Cruces about 1 1/2 hours away.
5:30 PM- Estimated arrival to the Drury Inn. Again... a wonderful reception is served to include drinks (both non and alcoholic) and a
light buffet dinner & appetizers. I think you know the routine of these fabulous properties by now! (www.druryinn.com)
Day 6: February 10th - Fri. Travel to Tucson, Arizona 288 Miles
7:00 am- Set your luggage outside your doors / 8:00 am –the bus departs for beautiful Tucson, Arizona.
A nice hot buffet breakfast is offered in the lobby.
We'll begin our morning with an early morning departure to include a mid-morning comfort stop. We should arrive to Tucson around the lunch hour. After we get lunch, we'll check into the hotel and get settled in for the next seven nights! Dinner is
included tonight at the hotel. More specifics to be announced later on the menu. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy as
per your own agenda.
3:00 pm- Check into the beautiful Radisson Inn Suites in Tucson.
This is an amazing resort property with restaurants, swimming pool, miniature golf, and more. It’s also within nearby distance
of Restaurant Row, Park Place Mall and other fun places. Each two-room suite offers a living room, separate bedroom and a deluxe bathroom. They also include refrigerator and microwave. Some even have balconies that offer a spectacular view of breathtaking mountains. Breakfast is included each morning, as well as, dinner on your first night. Each day while we are here will include an opportunity to take a side trip to some fun local attractions while in town. The hotel also offers shuttles within a
few mile radius to various restaurants and attractions.
Settle in tonight and enjoy your time here in Tucson! A Margarita & Tortilla Chip Reception awaits our arrival.
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Day 7- Feb 11th – Sat Discover Tucson ~ Arizona-Sonora Desert Botanical Garden
Enjoy a full breakfast this morning before taking our Tucson Area Sightseeing Tour. ( 9 am - 5 pm estimated )
9:30 - 4:30 pm- Board the coach for a delightful day filled with history, sunshine and more! This tour will include the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (Botanical Gardens), which is surrounded by Saguaro cactus and just inside Saguaro National Park. We’ll also make a stop at San Xavier Mission. The mission is an historic Spanish mission and a National Historic Landmark built in 1783 and a must see. This is a fabulous day filled with lots of history! (Google: Radisson Inn & Suites Tucson Arizona)
Day 8: Feb 12th - Sun Discover Tucson ~ The Gem and Mineral Show
Enjoy a full breakfast this morning at the hotel.
11:00 am - 3:30 pm- The Tucson Gem and Mineral Show ® packs the downtown Tucson Convention Center for the final weekend of this two-week mineral madness, pulling in thousands of treasure hunters from every corner of the globe. The theme this year is "Mineral Treasures of the Midwest" and hosts 140 exhibitors, 125 jewelry exhibits and many venues where you can get a bite to eat. If we find we have some serious rock hounds on board the coach, you may wish to bring yourselves back by cab. The show is open until 5 pm. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy as per your own agenda.
Day 9: Feb 13th – Mon Discover Tucson ~ A Day in the Sun at Your Leisure
Enjoy a full breakfast this morning at the hotel
This is an open day for your to enjoy at your leisure. Keep in mind, the hotel offers a shuttle within several miles radius that
may include shopping centers, museums or other places of interest. This is also the "Driver's Day Off".
Day 10: Feb 14th – Tue Discover Tucson ~ Old Tucson Studios & Dinner
Enjoy a full breakfast this morning at the hotel. The entire morning is wide open to relax and bask in the sun by the pool.
12:30 pm- Board the bus and travel to Old Tucson Studios! We’ve also included a western style buffet dinner tonight.
Take a step back in time over 70 years where Hollywood has come to create movie classics. As one of the most recognizable and visited attractions in Arizona, Old Tucson Studios is going to be a blast! We’ll see gunfights, Wild West Shows, and so much more. Dinner will be included while at Old Tucson Studios. We’ll return to the hotel around 6 pm tonight. (Each person gets a special gift!) 520-721-7100
Day 11: Feb 15th – Wed Discover the Historic Old West~ Bisbee, Tombstone & Kartchner Caverns
Enjoy a full breakfast this morning at the hotel. Today will include a visit to Bisbee, Tombstone, Kartchner Caverns.
8:00 am-Board the bus and begin your unbelievable journey into the Historic Old West! The Old West towns will come to life as we
walk along the dusty trails the cowboys rode and gunslingers fought. Yes…we’ll see history come to life as it was in the 1800’s – especially in Tombstone. Our morning will begin with a visit to Kartchner Caverns State Park, a living cave, and one of the top ten caves in the world. It encompasses most of a down-dropped block of Palaeozoic rocks on the east flanks of the Whetstone Mountains in the Coronado National Forest. It is carved out of limestone and filled with spectacular speleothems which have been growing for 50,000 years and longer. It has limited accessibility for those who use scooters, but both wheelchairs and scooters can move about throughout portions of the cave (depending on the size of the scooter). We have 3 separate tours scheduled for our group since only 20 at a time can enter into a tour. Upon leaving the caverns, we’ll make our Lunch stop, paying on own, in Tombstone (with time to see the sites, too). In addition to Tombstone's history, we'll also witness a "Shoot Out at the OK Corral". Our next stop is the "Boothill Graveyard" before continuing on to Bisbee. Bisbee has lots of quaint little antique shops and boutiques with a little time to stroll before dinner. Our day will conclude with Dinner there at the historic Copper Queen Hotel. This may be a long day, but it's filled with lots of Old West History!
9:00 pm- After dinner, return to Tucson.
Day 12: Feb 16th – Thu Discover Tucson~ Pima Air & Space Museum
Enjoy a full breakfast this morning at the hotel. (9:30 - 4:00 pm)
Today we’ll visit The Pima Air & Space Museum is one of the largest non-government funded aviation and space museums in the world! Featuring over 300 historical aircrafts, from a Wright Flyer to a 787 Dreamliner. Sitting on 80 acres the museum opened its doors to the public in May of 1976. Over the past forty years, the museum has grown immensely and today encompasses five indoor exhibit hangars (two dedicated to WWII). Docent-led walking tours and museum ground Tram Tours are offered daily. The museum is the exclusive offeror of bus tours of the
2,600-acre “Aircraft Boneyard”/U.S. military and government aircraft storage facility. The last time we visited here,
though we stayed several hours, many in the group did not want to leave! So, we'll stay a little longer this time. This is a pretty amazing place to visit but if you choose to stay at the hotel to soak up the sun, that's OK, too. This is our last night in Tucson before making our northbound journey homeward.
Day 13: Feb 17th – Fri Travel to Kingman, Arizona 300 Miles
7:00 am- Set your luggage outside your doors / 8:30 am –the bus departs for Kingman, Arizona
A full hot buffet breakfast is offered in restaurant.
Our journey begins by taking I-10 north to Mesa/Pheonix/ Scottsdale area. From here, we'll take I-60 to I-93 northwest to Kingman. Comfort stops along the way will be made with a late afternoon arrival expected. We'll get checked in to our hotel and take the rest of the evening as per our own agenda.
5:30 PM- Estimated arrival to the Best Western Plus in Kingman, Arizona. (Google: Best Western Kings Inn & Suites Kingman Arizona)
This is a full service property, only a short distance from one of the most magnificent views in the world, Grand Canyon
Skywalk. This property is also located just 300 yards off Historic Route 66 and has an outdoor pool. Rooms also have
hairdryers, coffeemakers, irons & ironing boards.
Day 14: Feb 18th – Sat Visit Hoover Dam and Cruise & Lunch on Lake Mead 100 Miles
Enjoy a full deluxe continental breakfast at the hotel before we embark on a wonderful day of sightseeing! (7:00 am - 4:30 pm)
We'll board the coach and travel two hours to Hoover Dam. Formed by Hoover Dam, Lake Mead is the largest reservoir
in America – but it’s also one of America’s most beautiful man-made lakes! Delight in the enormity of one of the world’s
most amazing engineering feats, the Hoover Dam, as you experience unsurpassed views of this man-made wonder. You can
even walk between Nevada and Arizona to view Hoover Dam from two states! You will have about 1.5 hours to explore and
enjoy a guided tour of Hoover Dams very own visitor’s center and watch an informative movie; visit the generator room on
the Nevada side and so much more. Next, head to the Lake Mead Cruises Landing and board the Desert Princess, a 300-
passenger paddlewheel boat featuring two climate controlled enclosed decks and an open sun deck. We've included a nice
Lunch as you relax on your 90 minute cruise on the peaceful clear blue waters of the spectacular Lake Mead, complete with a
rare lake view of the magnificent Hoover Dam! We'll return back to the hotel in the late afternoon.
Enjoy a full breakfast this morning before taking our Tucson Area Sightseeing Tour. ( 9 am - 5 pm estimated )
9:30 - 4:30 pm- Board the coach for a delightful day filled with history, sunshine and more! This tour will include the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (Botanical Gardens), which is surrounded by Saguaro cactus and just inside Saguaro National Park. We’ll also make a stop at San Xavier Mission. The mission is an historic Spanish mission and a National Historic Landmark built in 1783 and a must see. This is a fabulous day filled with lots of history! (Google: Radisson Inn & Suites Tucson Arizona)
Day 8: Feb 12th - Sun Discover Tucson ~ The Gem and Mineral Show
Enjoy a full breakfast this morning at the hotel.
11:00 am - 3:30 pm- The Tucson Gem and Mineral Show ® packs the downtown Tucson Convention Center for the final weekend of this two-week mineral madness, pulling in thousands of treasure hunters from every corner of the globe. The theme this year is "Mineral Treasures of the Midwest" and hosts 140 exhibitors, 125 jewelry exhibits and many venues where you can get a bite to eat. If we find we have some serious rock hounds on board the coach, you may wish to bring yourselves back by cab. The show is open until 5 pm. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy as per your own agenda.
Day 9: Feb 13th – Mon Discover Tucson ~ A Day in the Sun at Your Leisure
Enjoy a full breakfast this morning at the hotel
This is an open day for your to enjoy at your leisure. Keep in mind, the hotel offers a shuttle within several miles radius that
may include shopping centers, museums or other places of interest. This is also the "Driver's Day Off".
Day 10: Feb 14th – Tue Discover Tucson ~ Old Tucson Studios & Dinner
Enjoy a full breakfast this morning at the hotel. The entire morning is wide open to relax and bask in the sun by the pool.
12:30 pm- Board the bus and travel to Old Tucson Studios! We’ve also included a western style buffet dinner tonight.
Take a step back in time over 70 years where Hollywood has come to create movie classics. As one of the most recognizable and visited attractions in Arizona, Old Tucson Studios is going to be a blast! We’ll see gunfights, Wild West Shows, and so much more. Dinner will be included while at Old Tucson Studios. We’ll return to the hotel around 6 pm tonight. (Each person gets a special gift!) 520-721-7100
Day 11: Feb 15th – Wed Discover the Historic Old West~ Bisbee, Tombstone & Kartchner Caverns
Enjoy a full breakfast this morning at the hotel. Today will include a visit to Bisbee, Tombstone, Kartchner Caverns.
8:00 am-Board the bus and begin your unbelievable journey into the Historic Old West! The Old West towns will come to life as we
walk along the dusty trails the cowboys rode and gunslingers fought. Yes…we’ll see history come to life as it was in the 1800’s – especially in Tombstone. Our morning will begin with a visit to Kartchner Caverns State Park, a living cave, and one of the top ten caves in the world. It encompasses most of a down-dropped block of Palaeozoic rocks on the east flanks of the Whetstone Mountains in the Coronado National Forest. It is carved out of limestone and filled with spectacular speleothems which have been growing for 50,000 years and longer. It has limited accessibility for those who use scooters, but both wheelchairs and scooters can move about throughout portions of the cave (depending on the size of the scooter). We have 3 separate tours scheduled for our group since only 20 at a time can enter into a tour. Upon leaving the caverns, we’ll make our Lunch stop, paying on own, in Tombstone (with time to see the sites, too). In addition to Tombstone's history, we'll also witness a "Shoot Out at the OK Corral". Our next stop is the "Boothill Graveyard" before continuing on to Bisbee. Bisbee has lots of quaint little antique shops and boutiques with a little time to stroll before dinner. Our day will conclude with Dinner there at the historic Copper Queen Hotel. This may be a long day, but it's filled with lots of Old West History!
9:00 pm- After dinner, return to Tucson.
Day 12: Feb 16th – Thu Discover Tucson~ Pima Air & Space Museum
Enjoy a full breakfast this morning at the hotel. (9:30 - 4:00 pm)
Today we’ll visit The Pima Air & Space Museum is one of the largest non-government funded aviation and space museums in the world! Featuring over 300 historical aircrafts, from a Wright Flyer to a 787 Dreamliner. Sitting on 80 acres the museum opened its doors to the public in May of 1976. Over the past forty years, the museum has grown immensely and today encompasses five indoor exhibit hangars (two dedicated to WWII). Docent-led walking tours and museum ground Tram Tours are offered daily. The museum is the exclusive offeror of bus tours of the
2,600-acre “Aircraft Boneyard”/U.S. military and government aircraft storage facility. The last time we visited here,
though we stayed several hours, many in the group did not want to leave! So, we'll stay a little longer this time. This is a pretty amazing place to visit but if you choose to stay at the hotel to soak up the sun, that's OK, too. This is our last night in Tucson before making our northbound journey homeward.
Day 13: Feb 17th – Fri Travel to Kingman, Arizona 300 Miles
7:00 am- Set your luggage outside your doors / 8:30 am –the bus departs for Kingman, Arizona
A full hot buffet breakfast is offered in restaurant.
Our journey begins by taking I-10 north to Mesa/Pheonix/ Scottsdale area. From here, we'll take I-60 to I-93 northwest to Kingman. Comfort stops along the way will be made with a late afternoon arrival expected. We'll get checked in to our hotel and take the rest of the evening as per our own agenda.
5:30 PM- Estimated arrival to the Best Western Plus in Kingman, Arizona. (Google: Best Western Kings Inn & Suites Kingman Arizona)
This is a full service property, only a short distance from one of the most magnificent views in the world, Grand Canyon
Skywalk. This property is also located just 300 yards off Historic Route 66 and has an outdoor pool. Rooms also have
hairdryers, coffeemakers, irons & ironing boards.
Day 14: Feb 18th – Sat Visit Hoover Dam and Cruise & Lunch on Lake Mead 100 Miles
Enjoy a full deluxe continental breakfast at the hotel before we embark on a wonderful day of sightseeing! (7:00 am - 4:30 pm)
We'll board the coach and travel two hours to Hoover Dam. Formed by Hoover Dam, Lake Mead is the largest reservoir
in America – but it’s also one of America’s most beautiful man-made lakes! Delight in the enormity of one of the world’s
most amazing engineering feats, the Hoover Dam, as you experience unsurpassed views of this man-made wonder. You can
even walk between Nevada and Arizona to view Hoover Dam from two states! You will have about 1.5 hours to explore and
enjoy a guided tour of Hoover Dams very own visitor’s center and watch an informative movie; visit the generator room on
the Nevada side and so much more. Next, head to the Lake Mead Cruises Landing and board the Desert Princess, a 300-
passenger paddlewheel boat featuring two climate controlled enclosed decks and an open sun deck. We've included a nice
Lunch as you relax on your 90 minute cruise on the peaceful clear blue waters of the spectacular Lake Mead, complete with a
rare lake view of the magnificent Hoover Dam! We'll return back to the hotel in the late afternoon.
Day 15: Feb 19th – Sun Visit the West Rim of the Grand Canyon- Skywalk 60 + Miles
Enjoy a full deluxe continental breakfast at the hotel. Travel to the West Rim of the Grand Canyon. (8:00 am-5:00 pm)
Board the coach and travel to Hualapai Lodge and begin the Hualapai Legacy experience at the Gr Canyon West.
The Grand Canyon West is privately owned and operated by the Haulapai Tribe, independent from the National Park. We have planned to take you on the Haulapai tour to include a unique cultural experience with tickets to the SKYWALK on the
glass bridge. This day will also include a Lunch voucher and a visit to Eagle Point. At Eagle Point you'll enjoy a walking tour to see authentic Native American dwellings depicting multiple tribes. This tour can be affected by weather. Please note that we have no control should the Haulapai Tribe close this attraction due to inclement weather. Thank you. Travel protection insurance covers the financial loss should weather play a role in our not being able to do this attraction.
Day 16; Feb 20th - Mon. Travel to Albuquerque, New Mexico 486 Miles
6:00 am- Set your luggage outside your doors / 7:00 am –the bus departs for Albuquerque.
A full deluxe continental breakfast is offered in the lobby. Today, we'll travel east along I-40 with comfort stops and points
of interest along the way. I-40 takes us right through Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Forest. If you've seen it, you'll enjoy seeing it again. This the world’s largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood, multi-hued badlands of
the Painted Desert, historic structures, archeological sites, native grasslands, and displays of over 200-million-year-old fossils.
5:30 PM- Estimated arrival to the Drury Inn (www.druryinn.com)
Again... a wonderful reception is served to include drinks (both non and alcoholic) and a light buffet dinner & appetizers.
Day 17: Feb 21st - Tue Travel to Oklahoma City, OK ~ Lunch @ Big Texan Steakhouse 564 Miles
6:00 am- Set your luggage outside your doors / 7:00 am –the bus departs for Albuquerque.
Enjoy another full buffet breakfast before departing for Oklahoma City. Today is a travel day to OKC, to include a Texas
Bucket List stop in Amarillo. Lunch at the Big Texan Steak House is in the works today. From here, we'll continue east along
I-40 right into Oklahoma City. Stops will be made as the day goes along.
6:00 pm- Estimated arrival to Oklahoma City. Embassy Suites.
This property also offers cocktails in the early evening, and also has a nice restaurant, lounge, swimming pool. All the rooms
have all the amenities one would need such as; two beds, coffeemakers, hairdryers, irons & boards. www.oklahomacity.embassysuites.com
Day 18: Feb 22nd - Wed Travel to Des Moines, Iowa 546 Miles
Enjoy a full buffet breakfast before departing the hotel for Des Moines.
7:00 am-Set your luggage outside your doors / 8:00 am- Be on board for our journey to Des Moines…about 10 hour away.
Stops are made as the day goes along~ Relax and enjoy the good company of fellow travelers. (Or a good book!)
6:00 pm Estimated arrival to Des Moines. Drury Inn (Again- they serve up great hot & cold appetizers & drinks!) (www.druryinn.com)
Day 19: Feb 23rd - Thu Travel HOME 400 Miles
6:00 am- A full buffet breakfast begins being served, included is served in the restaurant. Help yourself.
7:00 am- Set your luggage outside your doors / 8:00 am- The coach departs for home at 8 am.
Board the coach early this morning and begin our last day of our wonderful Winter Escape tour for home. We'll make a comfort stop in the mid-morning with a stop in Owatonna at Cabellas where we'll have our lunch and maybe stroll just a bit
through this sporting goods store.
Estimated arrival home will be about 5 pm to Duluth area;
6:30 pm to Eveleth/Virginia area; 7:00 pm to Hibbing/Chisholm and 7:30 pm to Grand Rapids.
Estimated arrival home for our folks from Central Minnesota, arrival hours home will be 3:00 pm to St Cloud area; 3:15 pm to Rice;
4:00 pm to Little Falls and 5:30 pm to Brainerd area.
Enjoy a full deluxe continental breakfast at the hotel. Travel to the West Rim of the Grand Canyon. (8:00 am-5:00 pm)
Board the coach and travel to Hualapai Lodge and begin the Hualapai Legacy experience at the Gr Canyon West.
The Grand Canyon West is privately owned and operated by the Haulapai Tribe, independent from the National Park. We have planned to take you on the Haulapai tour to include a unique cultural experience with tickets to the SKYWALK on the
glass bridge. This day will also include a Lunch voucher and a visit to Eagle Point. At Eagle Point you'll enjoy a walking tour to see authentic Native American dwellings depicting multiple tribes. This tour can be affected by weather. Please note that we have no control should the Haulapai Tribe close this attraction due to inclement weather. Thank you. Travel protection insurance covers the financial loss should weather play a role in our not being able to do this attraction.
Day 16; Feb 20th - Mon. Travel to Albuquerque, New Mexico 486 Miles
6:00 am- Set your luggage outside your doors / 7:00 am –the bus departs for Albuquerque.
A full deluxe continental breakfast is offered in the lobby. Today, we'll travel east along I-40 with comfort stops and points
of interest along the way. I-40 takes us right through Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Forest. If you've seen it, you'll enjoy seeing it again. This the world’s largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood, multi-hued badlands of
the Painted Desert, historic structures, archeological sites, native grasslands, and displays of over 200-million-year-old fossils.
5:30 PM- Estimated arrival to the Drury Inn (www.druryinn.com)
Again... a wonderful reception is served to include drinks (both non and alcoholic) and a light buffet dinner & appetizers.
Day 17: Feb 21st - Tue Travel to Oklahoma City, OK ~ Lunch @ Big Texan Steakhouse 564 Miles
6:00 am- Set your luggage outside your doors / 7:00 am –the bus departs for Albuquerque.
Enjoy another full buffet breakfast before departing for Oklahoma City. Today is a travel day to OKC, to include a Texas
Bucket List stop in Amarillo. Lunch at the Big Texan Steak House is in the works today. From here, we'll continue east along
I-40 right into Oklahoma City. Stops will be made as the day goes along.
6:00 pm- Estimated arrival to Oklahoma City. Embassy Suites.
This property also offers cocktails in the early evening, and also has a nice restaurant, lounge, swimming pool. All the rooms
have all the amenities one would need such as; two beds, coffeemakers, hairdryers, irons & boards. www.oklahomacity.embassysuites.com
Day 18: Feb 22nd - Wed Travel to Des Moines, Iowa 546 Miles
Enjoy a full buffet breakfast before departing the hotel for Des Moines.
7:00 am-Set your luggage outside your doors / 8:00 am- Be on board for our journey to Des Moines…about 10 hour away.
Stops are made as the day goes along~ Relax and enjoy the good company of fellow travelers. (Or a good book!)
6:00 pm Estimated arrival to Des Moines. Drury Inn (Again- they serve up great hot & cold appetizers & drinks!) (www.druryinn.com)
Day 19: Feb 23rd - Thu Travel HOME 400 Miles
6:00 am- A full buffet breakfast begins being served, included is served in the restaurant. Help yourself.
7:00 am- Set your luggage outside your doors / 8:00 am- The coach departs for home at 8 am.
Board the coach early this morning and begin our last day of our wonderful Winter Escape tour for home. We'll make a comfort stop in the mid-morning with a stop in Owatonna at Cabellas where we'll have our lunch and maybe stroll just a bit
through this sporting goods store.
Estimated arrival home will be about 5 pm to Duluth area;
6:30 pm to Eveleth/Virginia area; 7:00 pm to Hibbing/Chisholm and 7:30 pm to Grand Rapids.
Estimated arrival home for our folks from Central Minnesota, arrival hours home will be 3:00 pm to St Cloud area; 3:15 pm to Rice;
4:00 pm to Little Falls and 5:30 pm to Brainerd area.
We hope you’ve left a little extra room in your suitcase for all the great memories
you’ve made on your 2017 Southwest Winter Escape!
you’ve made on your 2017 Southwest Winter Escape!