Arizona Adventure

All aboard! We’re headed to Arizona to escape winter and trade it in for warm temperatures, sunny weather, and to discover the many incredible places and wonders of the world! Today is a relaxing travel day, with plenty of time to get acquainted with your tour companions. Noon lunch is included in Sioux City, Iowa. After lunch, we’ll start our trek west across the expansive prairielands of Nebraska before arriving at our hotel in Kearney, NE. Rustad Tours will treat you to a light meal with beverages as we conclude the first day of our tour. (L) (D)

On our first stop of the day, you’ll learn about some fascinating railroad history. You’ll see more trains than you could ever imagine, all in one place at The Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center. The observation deck at the top of the Golden Spike Tower will give us a bird’s eye view of the world’s largest railway yard. North Platte was chosen as a major railroad town due to its ideal location during the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad. The railroad crossed two-thirds of the continent over some of the most rugged terrain on earth. Lunch is included in Ogallala, NE. Tonight we stay at a Drury Inn in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (B) (L)

Our coach travels south through rugged ranching country into New Mexico and over the Raton Pass, following the Old Santa Fe Trail. It was a transportation route opened up by the Spaniards at the end of the 1700s. It was America’s first commercial highway used extensively by traders and settlers connecting Independence, Missouri, with Sante Fe, New Mexico. Raton is the location for our included noon lunch today. The Santa Fe Trail ended at the Plaza in Santa Fe. Everything happened here: picnics, concerts, and even hangings! We have free time to explore the unique shops and restaurants. Next to the Plaza is the Loretto Chapel, which is famous for its “Miraculous Staircase.” Its 360-degree turns have no visible means of support. The story of the staircase is portrayed in the movie simply called “The Staircase.” Tonight’s accommodation is at the Drury Inn in Albuquerque, NM. (B) (L)

Today’s southwesterly drive along Hwy 40 (Historic Route 66) takes us to the spectacularly colored Painted Desert, which is an expanse of badland hills, flat-topped mesas, and buttes within the Petrified Forest National Park. The name “Painted Desert” refers to the rainbow of colorful sedimentary layers exposed in this harsh landscape. The layers have often been referred to as a multicolored layered cake. Research continues to uncover the geological and human stories of this desert, preserving them for present and future generations. Our amazing views today include overlooks, petroglyphs, and an agate bridge. After a day of gorgeous views and interesting sights, our travels take us to our accommodations at the Drury Inn in Flagstaff, Arizona. (B)

Rustad Tours has an extraordinary day in store for you! By mid-morning, we’ll arrive in Sedona, AZ. Scenic Sedona is surrounded by red rock buttes, steep canyon walls, and pine forests. The mild climate contributes to its development as a vibrant arts community. You’ll have free time to explore many boutiques, shops, and galleries. You’ll also get a chance to taste unique cuisine options in the many sidewalk cafes or quaint little restaurants full of ambiance! Our afternoon will take us to a remarkable structure called Montezuma Castle National Monument. Last used by the Sinagua Indians over 600 years ago, the Montezuma Castle has been called one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in North America. This “prehistoric high-rise building,” a 5-story, 20-room cliff dwelling, is nestled into a limestone recess high above Beaver Creek. We check into our hotel with just enough time to catch our breath, relax, and freshen up for a fun evening of entertainment with the Dutton Family Theatre. This is truly a musical family where even the children “strut their stuff!” The Dutton’s play everything from bluegrass to classical music in their shows. They also play a variety of instruments. After a busy day, we’re ready to unpack our bags and settle into the Hampton Inn & Suites in Gilbert for a five-night stay. (B)

This morning, we take you on a short drive to Superstition Mountain, where the history and legends of Arizona lie at its foothills. The Superstition Mountain Museum aims to collect and preserve the pre- and post-Columbian history of these mountains and the culture of those who lived within these boundaries in centuries past. Find out about one of the most famous legends - “The Lost Dutchman” who took the secret of his gold mine to his grave way back in 1891. The “one-horse town” of Tortilla Flats is where we’ll enjoy an included noon lunch. There will be some time to mosey on down the boardwalk to explore the Country Store or Mercantile/Gift Shop for some western treasures. Then, get ready for a relaxing afternoon! Our coach will take us to Canyon Lake Marina for a cruise on the Dolly Steamboat. From the deck of the riverboat, you may see some of the local wildlife that lives in this scenic canyon. This evening is free for you to relax and enjoy! (B) (L)

The beauty of this region is like a portrait capturing the red rocks, blue sky, and golden sunshine! We’ll spend most of our day exploring this region on our Area Tour of Phoenix, Tempe & Scottsdale with a local guide introducing us to the heart and soul of the American Southwest. We return to our hotel after a full day of adventure and fun! For this evening’s attraction, get ready for some great food and entertainment! The Barleen’s Arizona Opry Dinner Show includes a “Down-Home” meal and fast-paced musical and comedy acts with a talented cast of musicians. (B) (D)

Get ready to enjoy another fun-filled day, beginning with a visit to the Queen Creek Olive Mill, Arizona’s family-owned olive farm and mill. A guide tells the story of olives from the growing of the trees, to the pickling of olives (you get to sample some). You will learn how the machinery is used to extract the olive oil from the fruit. There will be time on your own to do some shopping or try some tasty treats and a beverage. Do you like poking around in stuff? The Mesa Marketplace has some neat and unusual items. There are 1,600 booths displaying everything from soup to nuts, demonstrations, artwork, and some wacky fun stuff, which makes it a fun place for walking. When you get tired, take a break to stop at a food stand for lunch on your own and listen to the talented musicians. Later this afternoon, you’ll enjoy great food and spectacular entertainment. Organ Stop Pizza offers the most entertaining and affordable pizza experience in town! This unique restaurant combines a pizza parlor with a pipe organ. Not only is the pizza great, but we also get to enjoy listening to the biggest and best Wurlitzer Organ in the world! (B) (D)

This morning, we’ll arrive at Saguaro National Monument and the Sonoran Desert Museum in Tucson. The Giant Saguaro is the universal symbol of the American Southwest and is found in only a small portion of the U.S. This living museum contains around 300 live species of desert birds and animals, grasses, cactus, and plants native to the area. Get ready to step back in time as we learn about ancient cultures that thrived in this area many years ago! The Casa Grande, which means “big house”, is one of the largest prehistoric structures ever built in North America. A ranger tells us about the culture, irrigation, and farming methods used over 600 years ago, in this walled village. The visitor’s center features a small museum that houses exhibits detailing what their lives would have been like. We return to our hotel to enjoy the evening! (B)

Are you ready for more captivating views? Today, we depart Mesa to start our journey north. We’ll be traveling back to the Sedona area, into the town of Clarksdale, where we’ll board Arizona’s longest-running nature show on the Verde Canyon Railroad. From the moment you step on board this meticulously refurbished train car, you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to a simpler, more leisurely style of life without any distractions or annoyances of our modern world. Breathe in deep and enjoy an included lunch onboard as you relax along a 20-mile journey of 100 years of history, geology, and wildlife highlights. You’ll see towering rock buttes, steep ravines, and wildlife viewing in one of the world’s most scenic canyons! Tonight, we settle in for a two-night stay at the Drury Inn in Flagstaff, AZ. (B) (L)

The Grand Canyon is one of the seven wonders of the world! Grand Canyon National Park showcases the canyon’s natural rock formations, distinguished by layered bands of rock revealing millions of years of geological history in cross-section views. Our included noon lunch will be at the Bright Angel Lodge along the south rim. You’ll have free time to explore the southeast rim of the canyon, where you can capture amazing photos of the spectacular views. After buying some souvenirs, we return to our hotel in Flagstaff. (B) (L)

This morning, we pack up and travel northward toward Nevada, stopping for an included lunch along the way. By early afternoon, we arrive in Las Vegas, the “Entertainment Capital of the World.” You’ll enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of Las Vegas by riding the High Roller Ferris Wheel at the LINQ, completing a 360-degree rotation in a glass-enclosed pod. We’ll hop back on our coach to drive along the famous Las Vegas Strip, where you’ll pass by extravagant hotels and casinos. Our hotel accommodations are at the legendary Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino on Fremont Street in the heart of Las Vegas. After we check into our hotel, there will be plenty of time to check out the nearby casinos and attractions. (B) (L)

In the middle of the desert stands a 60-story structure called the Hoover Dam. Unemployed men built it in the 1930s. It was quite a challenge to tame the wild Colorado River. Put on your comfortable walking shoes and get ready to discover the Hoover Dam with presentations by professional guides. See the exhibits, watch a movie, and marvel at the huge power plants. You’ll get a good picture of the dam from the indoor and outdoor observation decks. This afternoon, you’ll have plenty of time to repack your bags for tomorrow’s departure, so try your luck at the casino or maybe take in a show. (B)

A short drive brings us to the Harry Reid International Airport for your flight back to Minneapolis. A Rustad coach will meet you in Minneapolis and bring you back to your cars stored at the bus garage in Kerkhoven. You do have another option! You may continue your tour and join us on the California Tour. (B)