Tucson, Arizona
Featuring a Dude Ranch Experience
Tucson, Arizona is surrounded by such a diverse landscape that a short drive into the nearby Santa Catalina Mountains can be likened to driving across the country from Mexico to Canada. From soaring mountain peaks covered in pine trees to dramatic canyons and flowering deserts, Tucson is full of variety. Explore the incredible biodiversity of the Sonoran Desert on horseback, watch the sunrise over the Rincon Mountains in the east and the sunset over the Tucson Mountains in the west, sip fine wine in the grassy plains of of southern Arizona, spend your evenings gazing up at the stars and your days relishing in the freedom of the outdoors. Simultaneously rustic and luxurious, this trip is perfect for travelers looking for a chance to reset and refresh.
Interested in this trip? Fill out the form at the bottom of this page.
This Trip at a Glance
Experience the Best of the Southwest in Tucson: Dude Ranch Days, Historic Town of Tombstone, Desert Gardens, Stargazing, & more
Dates: TBD | Price: $3,950
This trip features a varied itinerary with activities ranging from horseback riding and hiking to spa experiences and historical day tours. Activities follow a moderate pace, and participants should be comfortable walking and standing for extended periods of time.
If you wish to take this trip at another date, either solo or with a group of your own, contact us and we’ll work with you to customize this trip for your needs.
The Itinerary — 7 Days, 6 Nights
Day 1
Tanque Verde Guest Ranch. Photo source.
Fly into Tucson Airport where transportation to your accommodations, Tanque Verde Guest Ranch, will be waiting for you. Nestled within the Rincon Mountains near Saguaro National Park and Coronado National Forest, Tanque Verde Ranch is a hidden oasis in the Arizona desert. Just a short drive from Tucson, the ranch offers travelers a tranquil yet luxurious nature retreat.
Upon arriving at the the ranch, check-in to your private room and take your time to get settled and familiar with the property. In the evening, meet with your ATC trip host and the rest of your group for a Welcome Dinner Cookout. Watch the sunset over the Arizona desert and enjoy live music and entertainment as you dine on a freshly-made meal and get acquainted with your fellow travelers.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2
Horseback Riding Tanque Verde Ranch. Photo source.
Begin your day with a gourmet breakfast at the ranch. Afterward, partake in a “Harmony with Horses Clinic” which will serve as your introduction to horseback riding and safety. Through this lesson, you will learn about horse behavior and how to become comfortable and harmonious with them.
After lunch, pay a visit to the on-site Nature Center which provides visitors the opportunity to get up-close and personal with a variety of native Sonoran desert plants and wildlife.
Afterward, enjoy leisure time in the afternoon to relax by the pool, take a nature walk, fish at the lake, take a yoga class, etc. In the evening, embark on a leisurely Sunset Trail Ride. Conclude the night with drinks at the Dog House Saloon and a Southwest-inspired dinner at the ranch.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Tanque Verde Ranch Pool. Photo source.
In the morning, a naturalist guide will lead you on a hike through one of the many diverse landscapes surrounding the ranch. With the option to stroll through the Sonoran Desert, or climb into the mountains of the Rincon and Catalina Mountain Ranges, you are sure to find a hike you’ll love no matter your fitness level. Your expert guide will escort you the entire way, sharing information about the scenery, native plants, and wildlife along the way.
Return to the ranch for lunch and afterward, you’ll have the option to embark on a guided fishing excursion, take a trail ride, or spend the afternoon relaxing at La Sonora Spa (treatment included). Regroup with your fellow travelers for dinner at the ranch restaurant and spend the evening sipping a nightcap under a blanket of stars.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Historic town of Tombstone, Arizona. Photo source.
After breakfast, it’ll be time to bid Tanque Verde Ranch farewell and travel 20 miles west into the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains. It is there you will find the Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort, a stunning ranch-turned-resort and your “home away from home” for the rest of this trip.
Drop off your bags at the resort and meet your private guide who will escort you on a historical tour of the town of Tombstone, Arizona, located about 1.5 hours southeast of Tucson. The town of Tombstone is a legendary frontier outpost which has memorialized the era of the Wild West. Listen to the tales and legends of “The Town Too Tough To Die” as you journey through this historic setting. On your way back to Tucson, visit the San Xavier Mission - a gorgeous Spanish Catholic mission founded in 1692.
Return to the Hacienda Del Sol and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Photo source.
Enjoy breakfast at the resort before departing for The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, a natural history museum, zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden all in one. With over 2 miles of hiking trails spanning 21 acres of desert, over 300 species of animals, and 1,200 kinds of plants, there is plenty to be explored. Spend the afternoon learning about the incredible biodiversity of the Sonoran Desert - one of the most diverse deserts on earth.
Enjoy lunch in a cozy cafe at the museum and return to the resort to spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
In the evening, venture to the top of Kitt Peak to watch the sunset from nearly 7,000 feet above sea level. Afterward, enjoy a night of spectacular stargazing and celestial observation at the Kitt Peak Observatory.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6
Kief Joshua Vineyards with Whetstone Mountains in background. Photo source.
Day 7
Enjoy breakfast at the resort and spend the early morning at leisure before departing on a full-day Wine Tasting Tour of Sonoita, Arizona. Located just a 45-minute drive south of Tucson, Sonoita offers a strikingly different landscape to the deserts of the north. As you approach Sonoita and climb in elevation, watch the desert landscape transform into rolling hills and wide grasslands covered in oak trees and wildflowers. A private guide will escort you to three separate vineyards in the region where you’ll taste a variety of wines and learn about this unique grape growing region. Spend the full day in Sonoita before venturing back to Hacienda del Sol Resort.
Upon returning to the resort, take your time to relax and refresh before regrouping for a Farewell Dinner at the beautiful Terraza Garden Patio and Lounge. Spend the evening recounting tales of your trip and soaking in your final moments of bliss in the beautiful Santa Catalina Mountains of Tucson, Arizona.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Check-out of Hacienda Del Sol Ranch Resort and depart for Tucson Airport for return flight home.
Accommodations: Tanque Verde Ranch Resort
“Tanque Verde Ranch is one of America’s old time cattle and guest ranches. Tanque Verde is Spanish for “green tank” or “green pool” and now designates all the area east of Tucson rising into the Rincon Mountains. Heavily watered and with substantial artesian pressure, this location was an ideal desert watering hole … Guests today can experience its varied history with miles of exciting horse trails, which wind their way through desert and mountain scenery ... and gaze into the spectacular Arizona sunsets just as the earlier cowboys did after a long days ride.”
Watch the featured documentary to gain insight into the history and feel fo Tanque Verde Guest Ranch.
Accommodations: Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch
Hacienda Del Sol was originally opened in 1929 as a ranch school for daughters of some of American society’s most elite families. It wasn’t until the 1940s that the property was converted into a luxurious guest ranch which attracted some of the Silver Screen’s most famous stars like Spencer Tracy & Katharine Hepburn. Renovated and updated throughout the decades, the Hacienda Del Sol has managed to retain its authentic Arizona guest ranch character while integrating the modern creature comforts we love - and then some! Well appointed rooms, a beautiful pool and spa, an award-winning culinary team, warm, welcoming hospitality and stunning scenic views await you at this fabulous resort.
Watch the featured video for more information!
Photo Gallery
Additional Trip Information
Inclusions
Private accommodations for 3 nights at Tanque Verde Guest Ranch
Private accommodations for 3 nights at Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort
5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
Horseback riding intro lesson
Daily horseback rides at Tanque Verde Guest Ranch
Spa treatment at La Sonora Spa
Entrance to all parks, museums, etc.
Historic tour of Tombstone, Arizona
Kitt Peak Observatory Night Experience
Wine tasting tour in Sonoita, Arizona
Airport transfer
Gratuities
An AstridTravel Club Trip Host on-site
Exclusions
Airfare
Meals not specified in itinerary
Miscellaneous personal expenses
Travel Insurance
Payment Schedule
$700 deposit is required upon booking.
$1,800 payment due on or before May 1, 2021.
$1,450 payment due on or before August 1, 2021.
Monthly payment plans available. Contact us for details.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel your trip 90 days or more prior to departure, and you will receive a full refund of any monies paid to the ATC. Cancel your trip between 89 - 60 days prior to departure, and you will receive a 50% refund. Cancel your trip between 59 - 30 days prior to departure and you will receive a 25% refund. Cancel your trip less than 30 days prior to departure, and you will receive no refund.
All cancellations must be sent via email to contact@astridtravel.com and are effective the date we receive this correspondence.
ATC reserves the right to cancel this trip for any reason. Such reasons include, but are not limited to, not achieving a minimum number of participants necessary to make the trip feasible, weather phenomena, and other unforeseen circumstances. In such event, you may choose to either receive a full refund, including the deposit, or apply your payments to another trip if approved by ATC.
Traveler Requirements
Travelers must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months following the return travel date if traveling internationally.
Travelers are responsible for making their own flight arrangements.
Travelers must provide a copy of their desired flight reservation before booking to ensure that all information is correct.
Travel Insurance is Recommended
The ATC does not require travel insurance for domestic trips, however, it is strongly encouraged you purchase travel insurance. In the event that you are unable attend this trip due to an illness, family emergency, missed or canceled flight, act of terrorism, natural disaster, etc., Astrid Solo Travel Advisor, AstridTravel LLC, the AstridTravel Club LLC, nor any affiliated person or party will be held responsible for payment repatriation. Protect yourself against any unforeseen trip disasters and purchase travel insurance. The company we personally use and have an affiliate relationship with is Allianz Travel Insurance. Please contact us with any questions.
Interested in Joining?
If you are interested in this trip to Tucson, fill out the brief, no obligation, interest form below and we will reach out to you via email. Please feel free to include any questions or comments you might have about this trip.