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Arizona: Sonoran Splendor 2008

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This is the West like you’ve never seen it before! A sweeping plain surrounded by mountain ranges, the Tucson Basin is a wonderful place to cycle, with rolling hills, mountain passes, and big stretches of open space.   Detailed Itinerary

SLOW DOWN and sip a prickly pear margarita offered by our innkeepers during a stay at a small, historic guest ranch ENJOY a wine tasting at Sonoita Vineyards CYCLE through a beautiful park that preserves “forests” of saguaro cacti JOIN a lecture or guided tour at a zoo and botanical garden, and see live animals and desert plants in their natural settings. VISIT the Mission San Xavier del Bac, called the “White dove of the Desert”, and known as the finest example of “mission architecture in the United States” STROLL through the shops in a village on the Santa Cruz River

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Land-Only Tour 6 nights in small, historic inns 13 meals - 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners FREE use of a VBT bicycle and helmet Service of two VBT Trip Leaders FULL VAN SUPPORT Daily route directions and maps Welcome reception with your leaders and fellow travelers Sightseeing and cultural activities 5% Frequent Traveler Credit to use on your next VBT vacation Special Good Buy Discount

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Rating Level: Easy/Moderate This tour offers a combination of easy terrain mixed with moderate hills. Our VBT van support shuttle is always available for those who need assistance with the hills. Ideal for beginning and experienced cyclists. Full Van Support: Enjoy more flexibility and choice with full van support throughout your vacation. Group Size: 14-20 Daily Mileage: 15-40 miles Daily Cycling Times: 3-4 hours Avg. Daily High Temperature: Tuscon: Jan °65, Feb °69, Mar °74, Apr °82, May °90, Sep °95, Oct °86, Nov °74, Dec °66

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Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Spanish Colonial in style, Hacienda del Sol was inspired by the Moorish architecture of the 18th and 19th centuries. Access to the 34 acres is by way of a neighborhood side street. Past the gated mission-style entrance are tranquil gardens and a backdrop of unspoiled desert landscape and a dramatic view of the majestic Santa Catalina Mountains. In 1999 restoration and renovation of the 30 rooms and suites was completed. No two rooms are alike. Each is adorned with eccentric surprises, from hand-forged iron and copper headboards to original artwork and custom designed furniture. The Inn’s courtyard and porches offer a quiet place to relax. With large terraces for alfresco dining, “The Grill” is one of Tucson’s best restaurants. Legendary patrons such as Katharine Hepburn, Spencer Tracy, John Wayne, and Howard Hughes enjoyed the comforts here. The magical setting has been, and remains the very cornerstone of Hacienda del Sol. website: www.haciendadelsol.com Sonoita Inn Located in the renovated La Pradera Center (Spanish for “the meadows”) at the crossroads of scenic routes 82 and 83, the Sonoita Inn is a one-of-a- kind western country lodge that captures local history and flavor. The building, originally designed by Secretariat’s owner Margaret Carmichael, was inspired by the world’s most celebrated thoroughbred racehorse. Housed in a barnlike building, the Sonoita Inn plays up the area’s ranching history. The lobby, with its wooden floors, huge fireplace, and ranch brands for decoration, is cool and dark. Spacious guest rooms are named in honor of working area ranches feature spectacular views of the beautiful mountains and grasslands that surround the Sonoita Inn. website: www.sonitainn.com Tubac Golf Resort & Spa Tubac Golf Resort and Spa dates back to 1789, when it was originally a cattle ranch on the first Spanish land grant in the Southwest. The 500 acre property spans the ages in every way, from its 200-year-old Otero House and ranch buildings which are all integrated into the property’s recent 40 million dollar renovation of Hacendas, a 17th century replica mission style wedding Chapel, restaurants, shops and galleries, an additional new 9 holes of golf added to the existing 18, an extensively appointed golf shop, and the newest addition, a 3,000 square foot Hacienda themed spa. Haciendas are the new generation of guest suites for the resort. Each 650 square-foot suite features a gas fireplace, patio with garden, flat screen television, jet tub and sunken living area. They also are equipped with wireless high-speed Internet access, robes, irons and ironing boards, hairdryers and coffee makers.

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There are no extensions available for this tour

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Group Discount Program: You can earn a FREE VBT tour with our generous group discount program. Click here for details. Refer a Friend and Earn $100 Travel Credit: If you refer a Friend to VBT and they choose to travel with us, you earn $100 travel credit toward your next trip and your friend gets $50 off their first VBT trip. Click here for details. Good Buy Plan: The earlier you pay, the more you save. If you book early and pay in full by check, you can lock in your trip cost plus earn up to a 10% discount. 5% Frequent Traveler Credit: You will automatically receive a 5% travel credit good for your next VBT trip. This credit is good for one full year. Savings for Single Travelers: If you are on a tour where sharing is possible and you would like to share a room, we will do our best to match you with a roommate. We will charge you only 50% of the single supplement; if a match is available, we will refund you the single supplement after you return. If available, the single supplement is $565. Best Value Guaranteed: Click here for details. We reserve the right to correct errors. top