Departing December 21, 2009

Day 1

• Tour to Yuma
• Holiday Inn-Express
• Dinner

We will leave Southern California this morning as we head east to Arizona.  We will briefly tour Yuma, including the old Territorial Prison, upon arrival before we head to our hotel.

Day 2

• Continental Breakfast, Dinner
• Tour to Tucson
• Tour Saguaro National Monumnet
• Visit San Xavier Mission
• Radisson Suites

This morning, it's off to Tucson.  Our first stop will be at the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun where we will view Ted DeGrazia's paintings, bronzes and ceramics as well as the frescoes in his chapel.  We will also visit the Saguaro National Monument, where you will see the mightiest cactus of all!  The Saguaro can live for 200 years and attain heights of 30 to 40 feet.  Bring your camera!!!

Later, we will visit San Xavier Mission, considered to be one of the most exquisite examples of Spanish Mission architecture.

Day 3

• Breakfast, Dinner
• Tour to Las Cruces, New Mexico
• Visit Tombstone
• Drury Inn

We will briefly tour Tucson this morning before we head east to Tombstone, "the town too tough to die" where we will step back in history to the gunfight at the OK Corral.  You will imagine that the Earps and the Clantons are shooting at each other once more.

Day 4

• Breakfast, Christmas Eve Dinner
• Tour to Albuquerque
• Sandia Courtyard Hotel
• Luminarias Tour

We will head north to Albuquerque this morning.  Upon arrival, we will tour this interesting city.  Highlights will include the University of New Mexico's pueblo-style campus and the historic landmarks throughout the city.  Albuquerque's tri-culture of Indian, Spanish, and "Angelo" heritage is evident in everything from its unique architecture to its yrical street names.  Old town first began in 1706!  You will love its cute shops, galleries, and restaurants.

After our special Christmas Eve Dinner, we will tour the famous Albuquerque Luminarias.  We will drive past the homes, churches and shrines with the small bonfires and candle-lit paper bags, or "Luminarias,"  meant to light the Christmas path for all.  This Southwestern Spanish Tradition is a most special visual treat.

Day 5

• Continental Breakfast, Dinner
• Tour to Santa Fe

We will take a short drive to Santa Fe today (weather permitting,) where we will tour this quaint city, the second oldest city in the United States.  Highlights of the tour will be the San Migual Mission, the oldest church in the United States, Canyon Road, and artist haven with colorful abdobe dwelling and unique are galleries, the Palace of the Governors, the Plaza area and much more.