Phoenix City Tour (#1, #4)

This excursion is the perfect way to see a large part of Phoenix and its surrounding cities with its rich heritage and diverse cultural backgrounds. It is much more than just a tour of the city. It is an entertaining but educational experience that everyone will enjoy.

An experienced guide offers a broad background on the history and development of one of the Southwest’s greatest cities. Observe the copper-domed State Capital building, seat of Arizona’s government; the elegant Symphony Hall, home of the Phoenix Symphony; the homes of the rich and famous such as Senator Barry Goldwater or the Wrigley Mansion overlooking the grounds of the renowned Arizona Biltmore Hotel. If there are any architectural enthusiasts in the group they will be fascinated with Grady Gammage Auditorium, Frank Lloyd Wright’s last architectural accomplishment, located on the campus of Arizona State University.

Ascend picturesque Camelback Mountain, where the entire Valley stretches out in all directions below, and see some of the Valley’s largest homes. The cultural and architectural landmarks that give Phoenix its distinctive Southwestern atmosphere are the highlights of the tour.

Desert Botanical Garden (#2, #6)

Discover the incredible display of a remarkable collection of desert plants. This outdoor living museum is both a scientific and educational garden. It currently has more than 20,000 individual plants that represent more than 4,000 plant species. These plants are illustrated examples of the Saguaro forest, a mesquite thicket, a desert stream environment, and an upland chaparral habitat. The garden is internationally known for its cactus collection of more than 10,000 specimens, which is one of the most extensive and well-documented cactus collections in the world. Beautiful at every season of the year, the garden is sure to delight and entertain while lending itself to an educational southwestern experience.

The Desert Botanical Garden is the only botanical garden of our U.S. National Museums. Birdwatchers will also have a unique treat for there are dozens of species of native and migratory birds, from darting, jewel-like hummingbirds to the majestic desert hawks that circle gracefully overhead.

The Heard Museum Tour (#3, #10)

Built in the early 1900s, the internationally acclaimed Heard Museum is one of the best places to discover the rich Native heritage of the Southwest. Wander through 10 exciting exhibit galleries featuring traditional and contemporary Native art. You will come face to face with authentic pottery, baskets, hundreds of hand carved katsina dolls, and more. The Spanish Colonial architecture of the Heard Museum and its graceful arched walkways, spacious galleries, outdoor courtyards, sculpture gardens, fountains, and lush desert plant life add to the fascinating Southwestern experience that awaits you.

With more than 75,000 artifacts and an outstanding contemporary collection of paintings, graphics, and sculptures, the Heard provides a very special look at the lifestyles of the many Indian tribes who inhabited this land in prehistoric and historic times. It is the finest museum in Arizona and probably the world’s greatest monument to Native Americans.

Taliesin West Tour (#5, #8)

Your personalized tour of Taliesin West takes you along the courtyards, terraces, garden paths, and reflecting pool areas, past a bearing citrus, grove and beside the working drafting studio of the Taliesin Architectural Group. This national landmark occupies more than 600 acres of Sonoran Desert in the foothills of the spectacular McDowell Mountains. The landscape is filled with cactus, ironwood, and mesquite. Purple lantana, bougainvillea, and cassia surround the terraces of Taliesin, which complement the natural Sonoran vegetation.

Designed by architectural genius Frank Lloyd Wright, Taliesin West was designed to be a bold new architectural experiment where he tested design innovations, structural ideas, and building materials. The designs reflect Wright’s basic ideas and his philosophy that integrated buildings with their surroundings, drawing inspiration from the nature of their settings, while providing an ideal environment for working and living. With its mission to advance the principles of organic architecture as described by Frank Lloyd Wright, Taliesin West, originally a desert winter camp for Wright and his followers, reflects the unique design and character of its surroundings. Following the Insights Tour of the grounds and living room, sit in Wright’s designed furniture and experience firsthand the drama of being a guest in Wright’s famous living room.

Horseback Riding (#7)

An alternative to vehicle sightseeing is the old fashioned wild west horseback ride. Trail horses and experienced wranglers will take you on trails of breathtaking scenery. As you gallop off into the desert foothills, you will see the rugged mountains, hear the sounds of doves, coyotes, and quail, and feel the call of the wild west. Breathe the fresh air and imagine the days when the ancient Hohokam Indians gathered their food from the desert plants and left their history in petrogylphs. Our guide will point out the unique and abundant flora and fauna, and tell stories of old as you get a closer look at Arizona’s most famous desert.

In addition to the horseback riding experience, PGI includes round trip transportation from your hotel to the riding stables. Along the way, our guide points out fascinating features of the Sonoran Desert foothills and other points of interest that have made Scottsdale and Phoenix such fascinating destinations.

4-Wheel’in Desert Safari (#9)

A 4-Wheel’in Desert Safari is a relaxing way to get away from civilization and to see how the real West looks, sounds, and smells. Experience the splendor of the untamed Sonoran Desert and the majesty of the giant saguaro. Your tour includes several hours of off-road driving in an open-air vehicle up semi-rugged trails leading to thrilling, panoramic views and unique desert rock formations. Our experienced driver leads you on a nature walk, highlighting the various species of cacti and wildlife. Our guides are experts in the world’s greenest desert. They will bring to life the delicate balances of the desert ecosystem, highlight Arizona’s colorful history, and regale you with tales of the Wild West. It is by far one of the best ways to experience the Sonoran Desert.

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