Discover Sedona
featuring Scottsdale
Presented By: Quinsigamond College Community Education

Day 1: Friday, April 30, 2010 Scottsdale, AZ - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in sunny Scottsdale, the city that prides itself as “The West’s Most Western Town”. Upon arrival, you can relax or enjoy a leisurely stroll through the western streets of old town Scottsdale. (D)

Day 2: Saturday, May 01, 2010 Scottsdale - Phoenix - Scottsdale
A local guide will introduce you to Scottsdale and Phoenix. Highlights of this tour include downtown Phoenix, Camelback Mountain, Paradise Valley, Old Town Scottsdale and more. Next, you will learn how Native American jewelry and handicrafts are made at a jewelry-making demonstration. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for the "Great Chili Cook-Off" at the Pinnacle Peak Patio. When it first opened in 1957, Pinnacle Peak was a general store for travelers heading to nearby lakes. Later, they opened a restaurant specializing in traditional cookouts and the rest is restaurant history. Upon arrival, you and your fellow travelers will be divided into two groups with plenty of interesting ingredients available to create a great chili. You never know…your team could win the championship title. Following the cook-off, you will enjoy dinner and entertainment. (B, D)

Day 3: Sunday, May 02, 2010 Scottsdale - Jerome - Clarkdale - Sedona
Begin your journey to America's largest ghost town, Jerome. This National Historic District was once a large copper mining town. Today, this picturesque town is an artist colony and retreat. Later, take a roundtrip ride from Clarkdale to Perkinsville on Verde Canyon Railroad - this is certain to be an unforgettable experience. Verde Canyon, accessible only by rail, resides between two national forests and follows the upper Verde River. You will be enthralled as the vintage locomotive rolls past towering, crimson cliffs, near ancient Indian ruins, over old-fashioned trestles, and through a dark 680-foot, man-made tunnel. This evening, fall under Sedona’s spell as you experience the sheer, exuberant beauty of this destination. The area’s canyons, wind-shaped buttes and dramatic sandstone towers embody the rugged character of the West. Tonight is yours to enjoy beautiful Sedona at your leisure. (B)

Day 4: Monday, May 03, 2010 Sedona
This morning will be the highlight of your trip as you enjoy a chat with a local Native American tribe member. Learn about the different tribes of the area, their histories, and modern day life of Native Americans in Arizona. Next, it's "all aboard" for a fascinating trolley tour of Sedona featuring a visit to the famous Chapel of the Holy Cross, Gallery Row, Lower Schnebly Hill Vista and other Sedona sights. You will have time on your own for lunch in Uptown before returning to your hotel this afternoon. The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore the many shops and galleries or perhaps visit the Mexican-style village of Tlaquepaque. (B)

Day 5: Tuesday, May 04, 2010 Sedona - Grand Canyon - Sedona
This morning you will travel though Oak Creek Canyon, where rock formations seem to change hue with every turn in the road, before arriving in Williams for your Grand Canyon Railway experience. Here you will relive the excitement of the Old West aboard a historic train which travels across miles of beautiful northern Arizona countryside to the Grand Canyon. Strolling musicians and western characters combine to recreate train travel as it was at the turn-of-the-century. Behold amazing views of the Grand Canyon when you arrive at the South Rim. Theodore Roosevelt, upon visiting the canyon, is quoted as saying, “This is one of the great sights which every American, if he can travel at all, must see.” Tonight enjoy a great dinner and entertainment at Black Bart’s where the entire dining room staff is made up of singers from Northern Arizona University. A musical revue, featuring music from your favorite Broadway shows as well as great old standards, is certain to turn your meal into one of the many highlights of your vacation. (B, D)

Day 6: Wednesday, May 05, 2010 Sedona
Your day is at leisure to independently explore the southwest flavor of the area and the majestic red rock formations that surround you. From shopping for traditional jewelry, to browsing art galleries, to the great restaurants, the day is yours to experience all Sedona has to offer. Tonight enjoy an evening of traditional cowboy food and entertainment at the Blazin’ M Ranch, nestled along the banks of the Verde River. (B, D)

Day 7: Thursday, May 06, 2010 Sedona - Tour Ends
Your tour ends, leaving you with many wonderful memories of the American Southwest.




April 30 - May 6, 2010
7 Days • 9 Meals
5 Breakfasts • 4 Dinners
Highlights: Scottsdale, Phoenix, Pinnacle Peak Patio, Jerome, Verde Canyon Railroad, Sedona Trolley Tour, Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon Railway, Black Bart's Saloon, Blazin’ M Ranch
"Leisure Stays" are tours in which the itineraries are designed to allow for multiple-night stays in two or more cities. This allows you a more leisurely pace and more time to explore the destinations on your own.
Rates Per Person
Double: $1999, Single: $2599,
Triple: $1969
*Included in Price: Round Trip Air from Logan Intl Airport, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $50 (subject to increase until paid in full), Hotel Transfers.
*Not Included in Price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $140 per person.
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1 - 2 Courtyard by Marriott Scottsdale Old Town, Scottsdale, Arizona
Day 3 - 6 Radisson Poco Diablo Resort, Sedona
On some dates alternate hotels may be used.
Essential Experiences
  • Enjoy the beautiful northern Arizona countryside while on the historic Grand Canyon Railway.
  • A roundtrip ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad, through a fantastic canyon accessible only by rail, is certain to be an extraordinary experience.
  • Enjoy a chat with a local Native American tribe member.
For more information call
 Cherie Comeau
Quinsigamond College Community Education
(508) 751-7921
Included Meals Key
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

AVAILABLE OPTIONS:
Sedona, AZ
Evening Sky Tour • $60.00
Enjoy an incredible evening of stargazing and astronomy under the canopy of Sedona's brilliant night sky. Sedona is one of the best locations in the U.S. to observe the night sky with many clear, dark nights. Tonight, join your professional astronomer as they guide you through the heavens to see such sights as Saturn, Mars, Jupiter, and Venus as well as spiral galaxies, red giants, double stars, and comets. You will get to see this all through custom built state-of-the-art telescopes, high powered binoculars and laser pointers. This option is just a short walk from the lobby of your hotel.
Sedona Photo Jeep Tour • $55.00
This scenic adventure explores the route taken to Flagstaff by the town’s first settlers. Your jeep ride will take you along a dirt road up to approximately 1500 ft above Sedona. Throughout this journey you will have spectacular picture opportunities of the gorgeous red rock canyons dotted with cactus, cypress and sycamores. Learn about the history of the rocks and hear stories of the various movies that were filmed in the area from your expert guide as you soak in the incredible views. This is a photographer’s dream trip!
CANCELLATION WAIVER:

Worry-Free Cancelation
Our industry-leading cancellation waiver offers travelers a full cash refund for the price of the tour, right up to the day prior to departure, minus the small cost of the waiver. Travel worry-free knowing if anything changes, you're protected.

Plus, you're covered on tour.
Our cancellation waiver and insurance plan covers you on tour. If you have to stop your trip or return home early, need medical assistance or evacuation, suffer a baggage loss or delay; or are delayed on tour for 12 hours or more, you're covered.

Cancellation Waiver and Insurance is just $140 per person.

Click here for complete details.

TRAVEL TIPS:
Discover Sedona
Listed below is important information to assist you in preparing for your upcoming trip. This information provided will help you have a more enjoyable experience while you are on your tour.
Accommodations
On some programs, there are a limited number of single and triple rooms. Double rooms usually consist of 2 beds. Triple rooms are normally a standard double room with 2 beds. A cot or rollaway bed may be added to the double room at some hotels, based on room size and fire codes. When triples are not available, appropriate charges for single and twin accommodations will be assessed. We make every effort to accommodate your specific requests and forward them to the hotels. These requests cannot be guaranteed as hotels may not always be able to honor them. Check-in times are set by individual hotel properties and vary by hotel. Depending on your arrival time, there may be a delay in gaining access to your room as most hotels offer afternoon check-in. We ask guests to observe check-out times at all properties as designated by the hotel. Some hotels require a credit card imprint or your passport information upon check-in in order to activate telephones in the rooms and for potential incidental charges. Most hotels charge an access fee for using phones in hotel rooms. Please check with the front desk personnel at each hotel for specific policies. Hotel membership programs are not applicable.
Clothing & Packing Tips
Dress throughout the area is casual and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Since it can get extremely hot in the summer, light summer clothing, hat and sunscreen are suggested. During the Spring and Fall, the weather tends to get cooler and it is generally a good idea to pack layers of clothing that may be added or removed as the temperature changes. As the national parks tend to be rustic in some areas, you will need to plan accordingly.
Currency
Your personal bank card may work at local ATM machines in the destination you are traveling to. Please contact your bank to determine if this option is available, that your PIN number will be accepted and to inform them that you are traveling. We recommend carrying only a few major credit cards. Credit card purchases often provide an extra guarantee on your purchase (check with your specific credit card company for details and fees). It is advisable to contact any credit card company you intend utilizing while on tour before you depart to notify them where you will be traveling, to avoid any rejection of services. If optional tours are made available to purchase, please note that credit cards must have an expiration date of greater than 30 days from the start of the tour.
Electricity
Voltage for US, Canada and Mexico is 110. An adaptor (which changes the physical plug) and/or converter (which changes the electric current) are necessary if you plan to use an appliance with voltage different from the standard within the country you are visiting. Please note, if your appliance has dual voltage you may still need an adaptor for the plug.
Elevation
Highest elevation included on tour 7000 feet, Grand Canyon South Rim.
Helpful Hints
Bring a camera, memory cards, film, and batteries and be sure to bring enough photography supplies for your entire trip. If you have a video camera, bring an extra battery, plus proper recharging equipment. Due to security screening, we recommend storing your equipment in your carry-on luggage. Bring a travel alarm clock, travel sewing kit and an alcohol based gel hand sanitizer when soap and water is not accessible. Pack items that may leak in plastic bags. Do not pack any articles of value in your checked luggage. As a precaution, we suggest that you divide the contents of your suitcase with your traveling companion. Avoid over packing and leave room for souvenirs that you plan to take back home.
Contact your travel clinic or personal physician for specific details and inoculations that may be required or recommended to participate on this tour. Fly in comfortable clothing and shoes. Since temperatures can vary when flying, it is advisable to bring a sweater on flights. Drink plenty of water and juice on the long-haul segments of your trip. You may want to avoid alcoholic beverages during the flight, as they are dehydrating. Exercise on board the aircraft. Bring books, magazines and snacks for your flight(s). Bring a copy of your passport/identification and pack it separately from the original. Leave a copy of your tour itinerary at home with your emergency contact as well as a copy of your passport.
Reading List
Interested in reading about your destination before you depart? Collette has pre-selected travel guides, novels and books on history, nature and art to help enhance your total vacation experience. You can access the complete list by typing the following into your web browser. Select the region of the world to find your tour: http://www.collettevacations.com/travel-books.cfm
Time Zone
Arizona is 2 hours behind Eastern Standard Time. ( 3 Hours during Daylight Savings Time ).