Sedona, Arizona, for those of you who have never heard of it, has been the inspiration for a multitude of artists and photographers with its spectacular Red Rock formations. In fact, the film industry discovered the area over 70 years ago. If you like old westerns, you've seen Sedona many times.
Once an isolated stage stop, Sedona, which was named after a woman as beautiful as the city itself, is now 2nd only to the Grand Canyon in Arizona's visitation spots. While in the area, we'll weave our way through towering red limestone formations with names like Court House, Cathedral, Bell, and "Snoopy." There will be ample photo stops along the way, include the amazing Chapel of The Holy Cross, which looks as though it has grown from the rocks themselves and is always a favorite stop for pictures.

Of course, the Sedona tour is a lot more than just a ride to Sedona. On the way, we will stop at Montezuma's Castle, a pre-Columbian ruin of the Sinagua tribe. A classic example of a cliff dwelling, this five-story building made of rocks, sticks, mud and a natural limestone cave is well worth the stop. No one knows exactly why the tribe left about 500 years ago (most of us don't remember back that far).

After a lunch stop in Old Town Sedona, you will have time for shopping, or we can take a side trip and see more of the country.

The next stop is a breathtaking and mind-boggling trip back in time to the start of the Arizona mining industry. Clinging to the side of Mingus Mountain, the small and antiquated haven known as Jerome takes us back to the days of the boom towns. Founded on copper, (two billion dollars worth), the population went from 15,000 to a measly 50 in only 30 years! Arizona's largest ghost town now boasts about 500 souls, (if you count a few dogs and cats). Despite the progression of time and the changes it brings, standing in the quiet, narrow and richly historical streets, it is not difficult imagine what it w as like here a hundred years ago: miners filling the streets, saloons, and brothels, ore wagons constantly bumping along the bustling, winding roads, and the steady pounding of the ominous and omnipotent mills pervading all areas of life. The sights and sounds of money being made have long faded, but most of the buildings still stand. Today, Jerome is fast becoming an artist community and the view from town has to be a real source of inspiration. The historically rich town offers something for everyone. Unique shops, fascinating and heartbreaking mining history, as well as beautifully restored homes make this jaunt a favorite weekend day-trip for many of us living in Arizona. You will definitely see plenty of colorful characters in this truly unique town.

$99 per person. Children 12 and under 1/2 price. The Sedona Tour returns to your hotel between 5:30 and 6:30.
* Sales Tax Included