ITINERARY
Day 1 Monday, April 27th 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 5-story cliff dwelling, where we enjoy a picnic lunch. Overnight in Kayenta, the gateway to the iconic Monument Valley. Dinner at the hotel. (Hampton Inn) L, D
Day 2 Tuesday, April 28th KAYENTA TO CORTEZ, CO
Our adventuresome day begins with a spectacular drive through the sandstone buttes of Monument Valley, followed by visits to Hovenweep National Monument and a stop at the lesser-known site of Lowry Pueblo. After an al fresco lunch, we visit Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, an archeological museum and interpretive center. Overnight in Cortez. (Hampton Inn) B, L, D
Day 3 Wednesday, April 29th VALLEY OF THE ANCIENTS
Today we visit Montezuma Valley Fruits, a private business in collaboration with the Montezuma County Historical Society, which aims to restore the once thriving orchard culture and economy of southwestern Colorado. Afterwards, we visit the Canyon of the Ancients Visitor Center - the premier archaeological museum in Southwest Colorado. After a picnic lunch, we explore Sand Canyon Pueblo - a wonderfully undeveloped site of early Puebloan culture. Return to the hotel before dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Cortez. (Hampton Inn) B, L, D
Day 4 Thursday, April 30th MESA VERDE TO FARMINGTON, NM.
Today, we explore Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers an unparalleled glimpse into Ancestral Puebloan culture. We visit the Mesa Top loop, which features pit houses, the Square Tower House, and a tour of the iconic Cliff Palace. In the afternoon, we descend the Mesa and make the short drive to Bloomfield to walk Aztec Ruins, 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. Dinner at a local favorite. Overnight in Farmington. (Fairfield by Marriott) B, L, D
Day 5 Friday, May 1st 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. Thousands of people occupied this place between 850 and 1250 A.D. We explore monumental 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. Return to the hotel for rest before dinner. Overnight in Farmington. (Fairfield by Marriott) B, L, D
Day 6 Saturday, May 2nd FARMINGTON TO 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 other Puebloan tribes. It is 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. Dinner this evening is on your own. B, L
Day 7 Sunday, May 3rd LA POSADA & HOPI MESA
Enjoy a leisurely morning at this beautiful property designed by Mary Jane Coulter, and the crown jewel of the Harvey House hotel chain. It was bought and restored by Allen Affeldt and is a wonderland of period furniture, as well as Native American art, and the Mion Art gallery, curated by Allen’s wife, Tina Mion. We take a trip to Hopi Second Mesa to meet a few artists and enjoy a Native American lunch. We return to enjoy twilight at the hotel and our farewell dinner at the Turquoise Room. (La Posada Hotel) B, L, D
Day 8 Monday, May 4th 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 $340, and the single supplement is an additional $395.
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.
