Tucson and Tanque Verde Ranch

Days 1 - 3

Tucson

Discover the Spirit of the Southwest and begin your Southwestern adventure in Tucson, a desert city alive with colour, character, and creativity. Spend your days exploring the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, where the landscape itself becomes an open-air gallery of cactus blooms and desert wildlife. Wander through Historic Fourth Avenue, browsing its unique shops and cafés, or step back in time at Mission San Xavier del Bac, the brilliant white landmark that rises from the desert floor. As evening falls, the scent of mesquite fills the air and the city glows in sunset hues – an ideal setting for dining on regional cuisine and sipping a margarita under the stars.

Overnight: Loews Ventana Canyon Resort or similar

Days 3 - 8

Tanque Verde Ranch

After a few days immersed in Tucson’s cultural charm, travel east to Tanque Verde Ranch, where the city gives way to open skies and rolling desert hills. Nestled at the base of the Rincon Mountains, this historic guest ranch captures the essence of the Old West. Days here unfold at a gentler pace: horseback rides along cactus-lined trails, leisurely swims beneath the Arizona sun, and quiet moments watching the light change across the desert. You might join a guided ride through Saguaro National Park, try your hand at archery or fishing, or simply unwind with a soothing spa treatment.

Evenings at Tanque Verde bring their own kind of magic. As twilight deepens, guests gather for gourmet ranch dinners and campfire sing-alongs, followed by stargazing beneath a vast, crystalline sky. It’s a fitting finale to a journey that balances Tucson’s lively culture with the serene beauty of the open desert.

Overnight: Tanque Verde Ranch, Bed and Breakfast