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Chiricahua National Monument: A Natural And Cultural History Tour This spectacular land of “standing up rocks” as the Apaches called it offer us some of Arizona’s most beautiful scenery along with some fascinating early pioneer history. The gentle landscape of oak, cypress, and pine forest is backed by some of the most rugged and rocky country anywhere. We’ll take some short nature walks and visit an old ranch homestead. This area was home to the Chiricahua Apaches and later to pioneer ranching families. Dinner stop (not included).
TOUR DATE: Nov 10, 2010 and Mar 17, 2011 | ||||
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ALPACAS, SONOITA VINYARDS and EMPIRE RANCH Learn about early Arizona ranch history at the Empire Ranch. Taste the finest wines produced in the rolling hills of Sonoita. Enjoy a fun visit to the alpacas at Square Top Ranch. TOUR DATE: Nov 17, 2010 and Jan 25, 2011 BOYCE THOMPSON ARBORETUM and BESH-BA-GOWAH Visit the world class collection of desert plants at the classical arboretum established in 1923 near Superior. Learn about prehistoric Salado culture at the colorful Besh-ba-Gowah Archaeological Ruins in the historic mining town of Globe,AZ. TOUR DATE: Nov 23, 2010 TALIESIN WEST, the CULINARY INSTITUTE, and BASHA'S GALLERY Enjoy the famous Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, delight in an unforgettable gourmet lunch at the ACI Culinary Intsitute where the best chefs in Arizona are trained, and view the renowned western art collection of Zelma Basha Salmeri. TOUR DATE: Dec 1, 2010 BASHAS GALLERY, FLORENCE, and CASA GRANDE RUINS view the famous western art collection of Zelma Basha Salmeri – kachinas, pottery, baskets, paintings and bronzes. Visit the historical town of Florence and enjoy a sumptious lunch, and tour the fascinating site of the prehistoric Hohokam culture at Casa Grande, one of the most interesting and important sites inArizona. TOUR DATE: Jan 18, 2011 TALIESIN WEST, the CULINARY INSTITUTE and the COSANTI BELLS Enjoy the famous Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, delight in an unforgettable gourmet lunch at the ACI Culinary Intstitute where the best chefs in Arizona are trained. Visit the Cosanti Foundation and learn how the world famous bells of architect Paolo Soleri are cast in bronze. TOUR DATE: Feb 2, 2011 AMERIND MUSEUM, COCHISE STRONGHOLD, TOMBSTONE, and the SINGING WIND BOOK STORE -The Amerind houses one of the finest private collections of Native American art and artifacts in the country, located in spectacular Texas Canyon in the Little Dragoon Mountains. Picnic Lunch at Cochise Stronghold. Enjoy a short visit to mainstreet Tombstone – the famous old west town. Stop at the delightful Singing Winds Bookstore hidden in the hills behind Benson on the way home. TOUR DATE: Feb 8, 2011 TONTO NATIONAL MONUMENT and BESH-BA-GOWAH Compare the Tonto cliff dwellings (above Roosevelt Lake) with the pueblo style architecture of Besh-Ba-Gowah in Globe – both of the Salado Culture of 12 -14 centuries. See examples of ancient pottery in the visitor's centers, and learn how these ancient people survived the extremes of the southwest desert. Savor a delectable lunch in Globe. TOUR DATE: Feb 15, 2011 BOYCE THOMPSON ARBORETUM and PHOENIX BOTANICAL GARDEN a day for botany and gardening! Visit the incredible world class collection of desert plants at the classical arboretum established in 1923 near Superior. Also visit the Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix to appreciate and learn to grow desert plants. Enjoy a delightful lunch in the gardens. TOUR DATE: Feb 22 | ||||
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RUBY AND ARIVACA Take the scenic route to the old ghost town of Ruby with former resident Tallia Cahoon. Hear her personal stories and visit local and long forgotten historic sites. TOUR DATES: Nov 5, Dec 3, 2010 and Feb 18, Mar 25, 2011 BISBEE Tallia is planning a unique and different tour to the historical mining town of Bisbee, Arizona. Let us know if you are interested in joining her! KARTCHNER CAVERNS BIG ROOM Learn about this world- renowned underground complex and the unique environment of migrating bats and incredible geological structures. Visit the historic Singing Winds Bookshop at Benson on return trip. TOUR DATES: Big Room Nov 11, 2010, and Jan 20, 2011 KARTCHNER CAVERNS ROTUNDA THRONE ROOM This is the main room of the cavern complex with a 58 foot high mineral column and a 21 foot soda straw stalactite. Visit the historic Singing Winds Bookshop at Benson on return trip. TOUR DATES: Dec 7, 2010 and Mar. 22, 2011 | ||||