Itinerary

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

Make your own arrangements for travel to our 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 Arizona Stagecoach at 1-877-782-4355, Ext. 13, and ask to speak with Michelle. Clearly state that 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 a 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 if any travel delays or changes occur; they will inform 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 flourishing as an artists' colony. Upon arrival in Bisbee, begin exploring. Make sure you stop in at 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. After exploring, we gather at a local restaurant for an included lunch. Afterward, there'll be more time to explore Bisbee.

At your leisure, cycle back to the inn, where we have 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. Kief-Joshua Vineyards is a small family business in beautiful Elgin, Arizona -- right in the middle of what has become known as "winery row." Their first planting was in 2005, and their first harvest was in the fall of 2008. The winery practices traditional winemaking methods and eliminated the use of herbicides and pesticides in the vineyard in 2006.

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. Of course, if something cold is more to your liking, you will find plenty of options. In the late afternoon, board a shuttle from Gathering Grounds to Tubac Golf Resort & Spa. 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 at Tumacacori National Historical Park, a mission dating 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. Afterward, you'll have time to explore Tubac, an artists' 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.

Enjoy a Mexican dinner this evening in one of the resort's restaurants.

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. Then, take an exhilarating ride through Saguaro National Park, and visit 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, located on the edge of the modern city of Tucson, protects some of the most impressive forests of these sub-tropical giants. After lunch, we cycle to Broadway Bicycles for our shuttle back to Hacienda del Sol. Be sure to leave time so you can stop and purchase an Arizona cycling jersey.

Tonight, celebrate with the group during a farewell dinner at The Grill, Hacienda del Sol'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 9:00 a.m., arriving approximately 40 minutes later. Guests who need to get to the airport earlier or later must make their own arrangements. The VBT shuttle is also available to shuttle guests whose cars are parked at the first inn. It will arrive at the inn around noon.

Arizona: Sonoran Splendor 2012

Pre and Post Trip Extensions

There are no extensions available for this tour.

Accommodations

Casa de San Pedro

An ideal naturalist hideaway on the San Pedro River, the territorial-style San Pedro inn is built around a courtyard and fountain. It is exquisitely decorated and furnished with hand-carved furniture from Mexico. The inn is committed to providing exceptional service while conserving energy and resources. Located on ten acres, and adjacent to the San Pedro River and Riparian National Conservation Area, Casa de San Pedro boasts a beautiful setting for its butterfly garden, landscaping that supports Southwest natives (including bat houses), and tankless hot water. Enjoy wonderful views of the surrounding mountains as you walk peacefully through each cycle of its seven-cycle labyrinth.

Tubac Golf Resort & Spa

Tubac Golf Resort and Spa dates 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. Its 200-year-old Otero House and ranch buildings were updated as part of the property’s recent $40 million renovation of haciendas. And a charming replica of a 17th-century mission-style wedding chapel adorns the property. During free time, you may enjoy the restaurants, shops and galleries. For golfers, nine new holes have been added to the existing 18, all serviced by an extensively appointed golf shop. The newest addition is 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 separate sitting area. Each suite is also equipped with wireless high-speed Internet access, robes, irons and ironing boards, hairdryers, refrigerators 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. Through the gated mission-style entrance, you are greeted by tranquil gardens, a backdrop of unspoiled desert landscape and a dramatic view of the majestic Santa Catalina Mountains. In 1999, restoration and renovation of all 30 rooms and suites was completed. No two rooms are alike, and 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 al fresco dining, its restaurant, “The Grill,” is one of Tucson’s best. 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.