Itinerary

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

Make your own arrangements for travel to the first inn. VBT offers a shuttle that departs from Tucson International Airport at 1 p.m. and you are welcome to use it. Please make a reservation by calling 877-782-4355, ext 13, and ask to speak Michelle. Clearly state you are a VBT guest. Once at the airport, please report to the Arizona Stagecoach counter located in the baggage claim area for further instructions. If you are scheduled to arrive at the airport after the shuttle's departure or if you are delayed, you must take at taxi at your own expense. For guests driving to the tour, we recommend that you park your vehicle at the Tucson International Airport and make reservations with Arizona Stagecoach as our tour ends in Tucson. Parking at the airport costs approximately $13 a day in the garage, or $4-6 a day in the economy lot offsite.

At 3 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 first inn to advise if any travel delays or changes; they will pass your message on to your VBT Trip Leaders. At 6:30 p.m., get to know your fellow travelers during a tour orientation and welcome reception before dinner.

Note: Casa de San Pedro does not have a liquor license and welcomes guests to provide their own. Your hosts will be happy to help you purchase something should you not have the opportunity to procure a choice of beverage prior to your arrival.

Day 2 of BIKE TOUR Cycle to Bisbee

This morning we cycle to Bisbee, a historic mining town. Bisbee is nestled among the Mule Mountains and was founded in 1880. It was a thriving community until large-scale mining operations ceased in the 1970s. Today, Bisbee is a thriving artist colony. On your way to Bisbee, pass close to the United States/Mexico border. For a little Mexican adventure, leave your bicycle on the U.S. side of the border and step across. You will need a valid passport for this. After exploring, cross back to the American side and continue to Bisbee for an included lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, explore Bisbee a little more, making sure you stop in to the Bisbee Bicycle Brothel (“the best little wheelhouse in Arizona”). More a museum than a bicycle shop, the Brothel does offer bicycles and other items for sale, both vintage and current. Don't forget the mining history of Bisbee, and take some time to visit the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum.

Once you have explored Bisbee to its fullest, cycle back to the inn for dinner.

Day 3 of BIKE TOUR Shuttle to Sonoita/Cycle to Patagonia

Today, we shuttle from Hereford to Sonoita and then cycle through beautiful open range to a local winery, where we enjoy a picnic lunch and tasting. Dr. Gordon Dutt, retired soil scientist from the University of Arizona, established the first experimental vineyard on the Ignacio de Babocomari Ranch in Southern Arizona in 1973. Dr. Dutt expected the grapes for red wine to bleach in the intense Arizona sun and produce wines with poor color and low acidity. To his delight, the opposite was true, and Sonoita Vineyards opened in 1983.

In the afternoon we cycle into Patagonia, where you can visit eclectic local shops. Be sure to stop for “the best cup of coffee in Arizona” and a tasty treat at Gathering Grounds, a family-owned and operated café. Of course, if something cold is more to your liking, you will find plenty of options. In the late afternoon, board a shuttle to Tubac Golf Resort & Spa from Gathering Grounds. After settling into your private hacienda, the rest of the evening is on your own.

Day 4 of BIKE TOUR Discover Tubac

After a leisurely breakfast, cycle a scenic loop into the town of Tubac. Stop into the Tumacacori National Historical Park, a mission dating back to the 17th century, and enjoy a guided visit by a local historian. You can also visit the family-owned and operated Santa Cruz Chili & Spice Company. Afterwards, you'll have time to explore Tubac, an artist colony with an array of talented sculptors, painters, potters, artisans and jewelers. After lunch, the afternoon is free for you to explore on your own. Relax at the resort, play golf or take advantage of the spa. If it is important for you to have a tee time or spa appointment during your stay, we recommend that you contact the resort prior to traveling. We will enjoy a Mexican dinner this evening at the resort's restaurant.

Day 5 of BIKE TOUR Shuttle to Tucson / Saguaro National Park West / Arizona- Sonora Desert Museum

Today we shuttle from Tubac Golf Resort & Spa to Tucson. Today's ride is to the remarkable Arizona-Sonora 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 unusual museum houses more than 300 animal species and more than 1,200 varieties of plants in a beautiful natural setting. Join a Harris Hawk free flight demonstration and/or take a self-guided tour along the two miles of walking trails. You will have a chance to enjoy lunch on your own in either of the museum's two restaurants. In the afternoon, an optional ride continues on to stunning Gates Pass. Dinner is on your own this evening.

Day 6 of BIKE TOUR Saguaro National Park East / Farewell dinner

Today, we cycle a scenic route into Saguaro National Park and enjoy a picnic lunch while gazing at the universal symbol of the American West, the stunning Saguaro cacti, which are found only in this region. Saguaro National Park protects some of the most impressive forests of these sub-tropical giants, located on the edge of the modern city of Tucson. After lunch, we cycle to Broadway Bicycles for our shuttle back to Hacienda del Sol. Be sure to leave in time to stop and purchase an Arizona cycling jersey.

Tonight, celebrate with the group during a farewell dinner at the Hacienda's renowned restaurant.

Day 7 of BIKE TOUR Depart for home

The tour concludes after breakfast at our hotel. A shuttle to the Tucson airport will be provided to guests at 9:30 a.m. Guests who need to get to the airport earlier or later must make their own arrangements. The VBT van is also available to shuttle guests whose cars are parked at the first inn. It will arrive at the inn around 12noon.

Arizona: Sonoran Splendor 2010

Pre and Post Trip Extensions

There are no extensions available for this tour.

Accommodations

Casa de San Pedro

A Territorial style San Pedro inn built around a courtyard and fountain. This San Pedro River Arizona location is an ideal naturalist hideaway. It is exquisitely decorated and furnished with hand-carved furniture from Mexico. The inn is committed to providing exceptional services while conserving energy & resources. Located on 10 acres adjacent to the San Pedro River and Riparian National Conservation Area, they offer bat houses, a butterfly garden, Xeriscape landscaping, tankless hot water and a seven cycle labyrinth.

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.

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.

Rating Level

Easy/Moderate

This tour offers a combination of easy terrain mixed with moderate hills, ideal for beginning and experienced cyclists. Our VBT van support shuttle is always available for those who need assistance with the hills.