ITINERARY
Day 1   April 26th    TUCSON TO KAYENTA, AZ
After we depart from Tucson, we work our way north to Montezuma Castle National Monument to take a leisurely walk through a 1/3-mile loop trail that takes us through a beautiful sycamore grove, and along spring-fed Beaver Creek, to an incredible five-story cliff dwelling, where we enjoy an al-fresco lunch among cottonwoods.  Our first stop in the Navajo Nation is at the Cameron Trading Post. Overnight in Kayenta, the gateway to the iconic Monument Valley.   Dinner at the hotel.  (Hampton Inn) L, D

Day 2   April 27th    MONUMENT VALLEY, HOVENWEEP, CANYON OF THE ANCIENTS
Our adventuresome day begins with a spectacular drive through the sandstone buttes of Monument Valley, followed by a visit to Hovenweep National Monument, with its striking 700-year-old multi-story stone towers and quiet desert canyons. After an al fresco lunch, we visit the lesser-known site of Lowry Pueblo within Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, home to the highest density of archeological sites in the United States.  Dinner is at a local favorite Mexican Restaurant, Fiesta Americana.  Overnight in Cortez. (Hampton Inn)  B, L, D

Day 3 April 28th     MESA VERDE AND ORCHARDS
Today, we explore Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site detailing Ancestral Puebloan history. We drive the Mesa Top Loop Road, a 6-mile scenic route on Chapin Mesa that offers 700 years of Ancestral Pueblo history, with short trails along the Loop that lead to surface sites such as pit houses and pueblos; overlooks of cliff dwellings tucked into alcoves; and viewpoints where you can enjoy the beauty of the landscape that was home to generations of Ancestral Pueblo people.  Highlights include Square Tower House Overlook, Spruce Tree, and views of Cliff Palace from Sun Point View and Sun Temple.  After we depart the Park, we visit Montezuma Orchard Restoration Project, a 36-acre historic orchard property known as the Orchard Hub whose mission is to restore the once thriving orchard culture and economy in southwestern Colorado. Dinner is at The Farm Bistro.  Overnight in Cortez. (Hampton Inn)  B, L, D

Day 4   April 29th     CANYON OF THE ANCIENTS, DURANGO, AZTEC
Today, we visit Canyon of the Ancients Interpretation and Visitor Center- the premier archaeological museum in Southwest Colorado followed by free time to stroll the charming historic Main Avenue in downtown Durango.  We then make the short drive to Bloomfield to explore Aztec Ruins, an ancestral Puebloan community along the Animas River that dates back to 1000-1200 AD. The site features a rebuilt Great Kiva on the ½-mile loop trail through partially reconstructed ruins.  Catered Dinner at our Hotel.  Overnight in Farmington. (Fairfield by Marriott)  B, D   

Day 5   April 30th    CHACO CANYON
Today, we take a long dirt road to Chaco Canyon, one of the most significant pre-Columbian cultural and historical sites in the United States. We experience a deeper connection with the canyon that was central to thousands of people between 850 and 1250 A.D., spanning more than 400 years, by exploring monumental ceremonial buildings (great houses) that feature distinctive architecture, including an ancient urban ceremonial center unlike anything constructed before or since.  Although each is unique, all great houses share architectural features that make them recognizable as Chacoan.   Highlights include Chetro Ketl, Pueblo Bonito, and Pueblo del Arroyo.  Catered Dinner at our Hotel.  Overnight in Farmington. (Fairfield by Marriott)  B, L, D    

Day 6   May 1st     HUBBELL ART AUCTION, WINSLOW
Today, we travel to Gallup, NM, to spend a few hours at the Hubbell Native American Art Auction.  This biannual event is operated by the Friends of Hubbell to help support native communities through economic assistance to the artists and communities of the Navajo, Hopi, and Puebloan Tribes.  It’s a lively atmosphere with food and Native arts vendors. We arrive in time for the pre-sale and part of the auction before departing for the La Posada Hotel. This world-renowned American treasure stands as the last of the grand trackside hotels built by the Santa Fe Railroad and the Fred Harvey Company and is a wonderland of period furniture, as well as Native American art, and the Mion Art gallery.  Dinner this evening is on your own. Overnight in Winslow. (La Posada) B

Day 7   May 2nd     HOMOLOVI 
Enjoy a leisurely morning before we depart to Homolovi State Park.  The park sits on ancestral Hopi lands and protects more than 300 archaeological sites built by ancestral Hopi people.  The park consists of archaeological sites including four major pueblos, numerous smaller structures, and site features ranging in size from one-room pit houses or simple artifact scatters to a 1200-room pueblo, and petroglyphic panels with depictions of kachina and clan symbols.  In the afternoon we return for free time at La Posada and an optional walking tour of the property with The Harvey Girls. The tours cover the golden age of the Fred Harvey Company, the architecture of Mary Colter’s last grand railroad hotel, and the historic art galleries on property. Farewell Dinner, location to be announced.  Overnight in Winslow (La Posada). B, L, D

Day 8  Monday, May 3rd    WINSLOW TO TUCSON
On our way home to Tucson, we detour through Petrified Forest National Park, make a few stops throughout the park, and have our final picnic lunch in the spectacular Rainbow Forest. Breaks en route to Tucson. 6:00 pm estimated arrival time. B, L

YOUR LEADERS
Jesús García, retired Cultural Conservation Research Associate at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, was born and raised in Magdalena de Kino, Sonora, México. As a young man, he moved to Tucson and earned a bachelor's degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology with a minor in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Arizona. He began his career with ASDM in 1991 and has taught natural history and cultural programs throughout southern Arizona and northern Sonora. His many interests include conservation biology, art, cultural ecology, regional languages, music, and gardening. Jesús is a master storyteller and an expert at identifying plant and animal species, describing their preferred growing or breeding habits, and explaining their environmental connections to one another and us.

Fred Nials was raised on a ranch and farm along the Canadian River in eastern New Mexico. Although a geologist by training, he has conducted geo-archaeological research on over 5,000 archaeological sites, ranging in age from Paleoindian to historic, in western North and South America, as well as in Cyprus. He has also taught at universities in New Mexico, Washington, and Nevada for 28 years. He specializes in the stratigraphy of archaeological sites, prehistoric technology, and prehistoric agriculture, and has done pioneering work on aeolian and alluvial chronologies in the western U.S. and South America. He participated in the earliest and most comprehensive study of prehistoric irrigation in coastal South America, as well as the earliest comprehensive study of the Hohokam canal system in the Phoenix Basin. Additionally, he was part of a team that reconstructed the annual flow of the Salt and Gila Rivers from 577 A.D.

Stephen Bernier, Travel Director, manages logistics and is the owner of South of the Border Tours. Stephen has organized and produced tours throughout the American Southwest and Mexico since 1993 with clients that include: the University of Arizona Elderhostel/Road Scholar Program, Arizona Historical Society, Scottsdale Sister City, Sabino Canyon Volunteer Naturalists, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tohono Chul, Portland Art Museum, Heard Museum Guild, Tucson Museum of Art, Tucson City of Gastronomy, as well as various other museums and universities. Stephen is also a volunteer with Sabino Canyon Volunteer Naturalists.

INCLUDED SERVICES 
Transportation by luxury motor coach, 7 nights’ accommodations, all meals as listed on itinerary, guide fees, and entrance fees, customary (hotel and restaurant) gratuities.  

OPTIONAL GRATUITIES/TIPPING
Tipping for tour staff is always a matter of personal discretion. While on tour, we are often asked by participants about our policy.  Our philosophy is to answer questions about how or how much to tip our guides/staff by considering it an extra act of kindness and appreciation.   Our tours differ from the customary recommendations followed by companies in the group travel industry, which typically charge $5.00 to $10.00 per person per day for each guide/manager (including the driver). Tour staff gratuities are always considered optional, and we understand we aren’t a “typical” group tour company.  However, your generosity is always greatly appreciated.  

MEETING PLACE  
We will meet and leave our cars at the Museum or at the South of the Border Tours parking facility.  The final determination will be shared with the pre-trip information. 

ACTIVITY LEVEL 
Guests must be able to walk unassisted, which may involve walking one-half to one mile over varied terrain on several days throughout the tour.  This tour is suitable for those who enjoy walking and can spend a significant portion of the day exploring. Whether walking around areas of interest and/or through plazas and towns we visit, light hiking to areas we lecture in, your physical ability requires you to do so at a moderate pace with plenty of time out and about. Don't hesitate to get in touch with the South of the Border Tours prior to registering should you have physical limitation concerns.

GROUP SIZE
Tour is limited to 24 guests.

FEES
This special travel opportunity is offered exclusively to Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum members. If you currently are not a member, but would like to join us, you may do so by following this link. The tour price is $3550, and the single supplement is an additional $425.

ROOMING
The listed price is for double occupancy. For those with no travelling companion, we will attempt to make a roommate match. However, if one cannot be found, then a single supplement will need to be paid.

CANCELLATION POLICY
All cancellations must be in writing or by email. Our policy is as follows: Cancellations made 60 days or more prior to departure will result in a refund of payments, less a $200 per person handling fee. Cancellations made 59-31 days prior to departure will result in a 50% forfeiture of payment. Cancellations made 30 days or less prior to departure are non-refundable.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
We highly recommend travel insurance. You are welcome to choose any travel insurance company; however, Allianz Travel Insurance is our preferred company. Please visit their website to review all available policies: www.allianztravelinsurance.com.  Insurance should be purchased within 14 days of paying your tour deposit. By doing so, you will have the best coverage options to choose from. Should you sign up with them, please use our ACCAM number, which is FO29755.

TOUR ITINERARY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
We reserve the right to change components, substitute hotels, or alter the itinerary, and to make any other changes deemed necessary to ensure the quality and safety of the tour in good faith for the participants. In the event of civil unrest, acts of God, or situations known as force majeure, we reserve the right to cancel or postpone a trip.