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Arizona: Sonoran Splendor 2009 - Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1 of BIKE TOUR Arrive Sonoita Inn/Warm-up ride/Welcome reception and dinner

Make your own arrangements for travel to the Sonoita Inn. When you arrive, ask at the reception desk for your welcome package, which is full of useful ideas to make the most of your time on your own. You have until mid-afternoon to explore this thriving community, nestled among a half-dozen mountain ranges. At 3:30 p.m., meet your VBT Trip Leaders and group for a safety and bike-fitting session, followed by a short warm-up ride. Please contact the Sonoita Inn to advise of any travel delays or changes; they will pass your message on to your VBT Trip Leaders. At 6:00 p.m., get to know your fellow travelers during a tour orientation and welcome reception before dinner at a popular local restaurant located at the crossroads of Sonoita. The menu changes frequently to take advantage of what's fresh and seasonal, and the chefs are graduates of New England Culinary Institute in Montpelier, Vermont.

Meals: D  Hotel: Sonoita Inn

Day 2 of BIKE TOUR Sonoita Vineyards/Elgin

This morning, cycle the scenic route to Elgin, “Arizona's own little wine country”. We stop at the Sonoita Vineyards for a tasting and tour of the winery. After an included lunch, ride back to your hotel, where you will have time to relax, or arrange for an optional horseback ride at a local ranch before going to a traditional cowboy barbecue at a local restaurant. This is ranch country, and a classic cowboy atmosphere prevails – there's even a mounted buffalo head just inside the front door. The scent of mesquite fire should be all the hints you need about what to order—something delicious from the grill. And don't forget to pull on your boots, grab your cowboy hat and practice the Two Step or Cotton-Eyed Joe before the evening's country-western musical entertainment begins!

Meals: B, L, D  Hotel: Sonoita Inn

Day 3 of BIKE TOUR Patagonia/Sonoita Creek Preserve/Shuttle to Tubac

Today we will ride from Sonoita to Patagonia. There will be time to browse the quaint shops in this small artist community and have lunch at “The Gathering”. After lunch, we will ride to the Sonoita-Patagonia Creek Preserve, which is owned by the Nature Conservancy. Its mission is to protect 2 miles of Sonoita Creek riverside habitat, which is important to migratory birds. During our visit, a guide will lead a one hour walk through the preserve introducing us to the area, describing the plants, wildlife, and the Conservancy's activities. More than 300 species of birds have been spotted at the preserve, which makes it a popular destination with birders from all over the country. On our way to the Nature Conservancy Preserve, we will drop by Paton's Birder's Haven. Numerous hummingbird feeders and a variety of other feeders attract an amazing range of birds to the yard. After a shuttle to the village of Tubac, you'll have time to explore this artist colony with its galleries, working artist studios and espresso cafes. Afterwards, you can choose to cycle or shuttle the Tubac Golf Resort & Spa. After settling into your hacienda, the rest of the evening is on your own.

Meals: B, L  Hotel: Tubac Golf Resort & Spa

Day 4 of BIKE TOUR Tubac and Arivaca

After a leisurely breakfast and a short bike ride, you'll have time to explore the artist colony of Tubac, with its array of talented sculptors, painters, potters, artisans and jewelers. You can also stop at the Tumacacori National Historical Park – a mission dating back to the 17th century. After lunch, you may choose to ride over a beautiful, quiet desert road to the small town of Arivaca, or relax at the resort, play golf or take advantage of the spa. This ride is a favorite among cyclists from the local bike club for the beauty and serenity it offers. We will enjoy a Mexican fiesta this evening at the resort's restaurant.

Meals: B, D  Hotel: Tubac Golf Resort & Spa

Day 5 of BIKE TOUR Shuttle to Tucson/Mission San Xavier del Bac/Sabino Canyon Recreation Area

Today we will bike through the San Xavier Indian Reservation to the Mission, the “White Dove of the Desert”. The finest example of mission architecture in the United States, the church was completed in 1797 after more than 14 years of labor. We will visit Sabino Canyon Recreation Area in the afternoon for a picnic lunch. Located at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains, Sabino Canyon is a desert oasis and with its impressive desert scenery, hiking trails, and stream, is a fabulous place to commune with the desert. A narrated tram shuttles visitors up and down the lower canyon throughout the day. The Bear Canyon tram is used by hikers heading to the picturesque Seven Falls, which are at the end of a 2.5 mile trail, a favorite destination within this recreation area. For those guests who want a memorable challenge, a strenuous uphill ride will be offered after 5 pm, featuring remarkable scenery. Dinner is on your own this evening.

Meals: B, L  Hotel: Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch

Day 6 of BIKE TOUR Saguaro National Park/Arizona- Sonora Desert Museum/Farewell dinner

Today you will be greeted to a spectacular introduction to the Sonoran Desert. The giant saguaro, along with dozens of other cacti, are ever-present along our quiet route through the Park. The ride continues to wind through stunning Gates Pass to the Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum where you will have a chance to walk through the desert, see wild animals and desert plants, attend lectures and visit an art show. This amazing museum houses more than 300 animal species and more than 1200 varieties of plants in a beautiful natural setting. Join a guided tour along the 2 miles of walking trails or explore on your own. You will have a chance to enjoy lunch on your own in either of the museum's two cafes. Tonight, celebrate with the group during a farewell dinner at the Hacienda's renowned restaurant.

Meals: B, D  Hotel: Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch

Day 7 of BIKE TOUR Depart for home

The tour concludes after breakfast at our hotel. Arizona Sunshine Tours (520-803-6713) or Arizona Stagecoach (877-782-4355) offers shuttle service to Tucson airport. Rates to the airport from Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch to Tucson International Airport is approximately $100.00 total for 10 passengers in one van. Cab fare from hotel to airport runs approximately $37.00 per carload. (Rates subject to change based on fuel costs). We suggest a flight no earlier than 2:00 pm. The VBT van is also available to shuttle guests to their cars parked at The Sonoita Inn arriving around 1:30 pm.

Meals: B