Day 1 - With a morning departure from Phoenix, we climb to the wide open lands of southeast Arizona. Our introduction to the Apache culture begins at the Amerind Society Museum. Seemingly in the middle of nowhere, this archaeological society studies Native American cultures from the ancients of 400A.D. to the modern tribes. From the classroom to the battle field, we will venture into Cochise's Stronghold. In the 1870's, the use of Apache scouts by American generals forced the renegade Apaches ever farther into the most remote and rugged parts of the Arizona wilderness. As one of he greatest Apache Chiefs, Cochise chose this land as his haven and you will learn why when you travel in his realm. Along our route, we will visit Kartchner Caverns State Park, considered one of he 10 best cave systems in the world. You will be amazed with the cavern's rock formations, amphitheaters and mazes of tunnels. (Note: The caverns were never used by the Apaches, they are just too good to pass by.) Overnight in the town of Cochise, Arizona.

Day 2 -  Apache Pass was originally occupied because of it's abundant water supply in a vast, dry landscape. Fort Bowie was later built here and was the site of many crucial events in the struggle between the Mexicans, Americans and Apaches. As part of Geronimo's homeland, the nearby Chiricahua Mountains form a sky island and a rugged, picturesque wilderness with a 9700 foot summit. The Chiricahua National Monument, with the famous 'Heart of Rocks' viewpoint, will mesmerize with it's countless volcanic rock hoodoos. Your DETOURS adventure van will take you on an unforgettable and seldom traveled dirt road to the summit of the Chiricahuas, into the town of Portal. Nestled at the base of he Chiricahua range, Portal is a charming window to the past and a bird watcher's paradise. Portal lodge awaits for our overnight stay.

Day 3 -  In 1886, Geronimo and his small band of warriors were hunted by 7500 Mexican and American soldiers, to no avail. Finally, and only with the help of the previously mentioned Apache scouts, Geronimo was captured and forced to surrender. Today, you will stand on the actual site of the historic event that marked the end of a way of life for an entire culture. This location, on private land in Skeleton Canyon, is our 'little secret' and a truly authentic experience. The Mexican border town of Douglas, Arizona is our next stop. The Gadsden Hotel, with it's sprawling stained glass wall, is a treat from Arizona's boomtown past. The town of Bisbee got it's start as a mining town that gave rise to many fortunes and left those same people high and dry when the price of copper bottomed out in the early 1900's. Today, Bisbee is an artist colony that has not forgotten it's roots. The Copper Queen Mine tour takes you to the underground heart of yesterday's mining empire. A special artist's tour focuses on the transformation from old to new in Bisbee. Overnight stay is in the Copper Queen Hotel.

Day 4  -In 1541, a band of Spanish Conquistadors led by Coronado explored southeastern Arizona in search of the 7 lost cities of gold. The Coronado National Memorial offers a panoramic view of seemingly endless plains and 7 towering mountain ranges. Fort Huachuca's Buffalo Soldiers are memorialized at our next Cochise County stop on our way to Arizona's unexpected gem, the wine country of Sonoita and Patagonia. Many Arizona towns got their start as military outposts as early as the 1850's. The Presidio walls of Tubac can still be seen amidst the artist's shops in this engaging and eclectic colony.
Father Kino left us the 'Pearl of the Desert', the Mission at San Xavier Del Bac. Located just outside of Tucson, the towering white facade and intricate sculptures remind us of the Spanish missionaries and how their presence has colored the personality of our state. We have an early evening Phoenix return.

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