Tucson, AZ & Saguaro National Park
with Dark Sky Stargazing
Join us for a journey to Arizona, where the Southwest's rich history and vibrant culture come alive. We'll explore the remarkable desert landscape of Saguaro National Park, home to the towering cacti that have become synonymous with this iconic region. Our visit to the historic Mission San Xavier del Bac offers a glimpse into Spanish colonial heritage, with stunning architecture that has stood since the 1700s. We'll also visit Biosphere 2, the remarkable research facility just north of Tucson. Gaze at the night sky and be captivated by its beauty. Hungry? Discover authentic Southwest flavors during a curated food tour through Tucson, America's first UNESCO City of Gastronomy. You'll love Tucson!
Tucson, AZ & Saguaro National Park
October 28 - November 2, 2026Highlights
- See the largest cactus species on earth, the Saguaro
- Explore Southwest Cuisine on a Walking Tour
- Go Underground at the Titan Missile Museum
- Step Back in Time to the Old West in Tombstone
- Tour a Copper Mine
- Time to Explore Personal Interests
- Suggestions for things to see and do
- And More... See itinerary for details
Activity
Read more about WTT Activity Levels
- 50% Easy
- 45% Moderate (extensive walking and some hiking)
- 5% Strenuous (possible heat)
As a solo traveler you are responsible for yourself, your possessions, your physical fitness, and all other aspects related to participation in the WTT tour you have chosen. Be sure to read the itinerary closely to better understand the physical requirements necessary for the tour.
WTT tours are not suitable for anyone whose mobility is challenged or compromised. If you struggle with walking, standing or negotiating stairs or if you are in doubt as to your ability to meet the physical activity requirements, you should not sign up for this trip.
Itinerary
Wednesday, 28 October 2026: Arrive Tucson; Welcome Dinner (D)
Schedule your arrival into Tucson no later than 4:00pm and take local transportation to the hotel. The tour begins at 6:00pm in the lobby of our hotel. We will make introductions and then enjoy dinner together to get better acquainted. Overnight Tucson - 5 nights
Thursday, 29 October 2026: Mission San Xavier del Bac; Titan Missile Museum; Food Tour (B,O)
We begin our day with a visit to Mission San Xavier del Bac, a National Historic Site and the oldest intact European structure in Arizona. Many consider this to be the finest architectural building of the Spanish Colonial era in the US. We then fast-forward to another era as we visit the very fascinating Titan Missile Museum to learn more about the 54 missile sites that were on alert throughout the US during the Cold War (1963-1987). The Titan Missile Museum is the last preserved site in the US and provides a rare look at what was once one of America's most top secret places. To gain access to the underground silo, you will need to go up and down 55 stair steps. We then return to Tucson to taste our way through the city on a walking food tour. Tucson was the first city in the United States to be recognized as a UNESCO World City of Gastronomy and on this tour we'll learn why. After our walking tour, should you still have spring in your step, there will be time to explore on your own. Consider visiting historic 4th Avenue in town or the El Presidio District.
Friday, 30 October 2026: Saguaro National Park; Biosphere 2; Star Gazing (B,L)
Today's adventure begins at Saguaro National Park, home to the nation's largest cactus, the majestic Saguaro. After orienting ourselves at the Red Hill Visitor Center, we'll drive through the park with several short stops where you can explore on your own, followed by lunch together outside the park. This afternoon, we'll explore Biosphere 2, the world's largest closed ecological system, where diverse ecosystems from tropical rainforest to desert thrive under glass domes at this groundbreaking research facility. Tonight, we'll enjoy stargazing under Tucson's brilliant desert sky (weather permitting).
Saturday, 31 October 2026: Copper Queen Mine; Tombstone, AZ; (B)
This morning we'll meet in the lobby early as we hit the road for Bisbee, Arizona, a once-thriving mining town that has retained its historic charm. We will visit the Copper Queen Mine to ride the train 1,500 feet into the mine. Bring a sweater or jacket as the average temperature underground is 47 degrees. Then we are in for a real Old West treat as we head to Tombstone, known as the "town too tough to die" and the home of the infamous gunfight at the OK Corral. There will be time to explore the town freely for a bit before we return to Tucson late this afternoon.
Sunday, 01 November 2026: Sabino Canyon; Free Time; Farewell Dinner (B,D)
Today we explore Sabino Canyon. Located in the Catalina Mountains and part of the Coronado National Forest, this amazing canyon is one of the city's most popular hiking destinations. Learn how the canyon was formed, what plant and wildlife live here, and what seasonal changes occur in the canyon as we take an hour-long narrated ride on the Sabino Canyon Crawler. There will also be opportunities to hike through the canyon, which is really lovely. Afterward, we return to Tucson where you'll have a few hours free to further explore your personal interests, even if it's simply to relax by the pool. We will regroup tonight for our Farewell Dinner to reminisce about our time together in Tuscon.
Monday, 02 November 2026: Return Home (B)
Sadly, our time together has come to an end. Schedule your departure at your convenience. Your Tour Leader can assist with organizing travelers into small groups so you can ride-share to the airport if you wish.
Tucson, AZ & Saguaro National Park
October 28 - November 2, 2026Pricing
Room Share
$2,487.00Single Room
$3,252.00Non-Members
ADD $50.00Status of this Tour
Trip Full and Closed
Tour Pricing Includes
- All meals and activities expressly listed in the itinerary, PLUS...
- All tipping of local guides
- WTT Tour Leader to enhance the individual & group experience
- Arranged room sharing with another solo traveler
- Travel Dollar credits (a benefit of WTT membership) toward future travel with WTT
Not Included In The Price
- Airfare or other transportation to and from the tour
- Airport Transfers
- Meals and activities not specified in the itinerary
- Beverages other than coffee, tea & still water unless otherwise noted
- Any personal expenses or expenditures
- Any pre- or post- tour arrangements
- Any gratuities for the WTT Tour Leader
- Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption Insurance
Payment Dates -and- Cancellation Terms for This Tour
You have 3 days to cancel and receive a refund. Thereafter, the amount required at time of reservation is non-refundable and the following cancellation penalties will be enforced.
Friday, 1 May 2026: Last day $250 deposit can be converted to a credit for use on a new reservation; thereafter the deposit is forfeited.
Thursday, 30 Jul 2026: Balance Due. Cancellation after this date but before Sunday, 13 Sep 2026 results in a cancellation penalty of 50% of your Total Tour Cost.
Sunday, 13 Sep 2026: Cancellation on or after this date results in a cancellation penalty of 100% of your Total Tour Cost.
Using Parked Credits: If traveler cancels during the 3-day cancel without penalty period, used credits will be re-parked with the original expiration date(s). Thereafter, cancellation will result in forfeiture of the total amount of parked credits used. If applicable, additional cancellation penalties will be assessed based on date of cancellation.
To Cancel: Should you need to cancel after
your space on this tour is confirmed, you must use the Cancellation Form. Cancellation penalties are based on the date we receive your
cancellation form. No other method of communicating a cancellation will be accepted.
Insurance Reminder
Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption Insurance is not included in the cost of the tour. It is your responsibility to determine the amount and type of coverage you require to recoup some or all of your travel investment, whether you cancel, are unable to complete the tour, or the tour cannot operate. Section 4.0 of WTT Terms & Conditions explains what will happen to your payments in the unlikely event that your tour cannot operate.
WTT is not licensed to sell travel insurance. You can purchase travel insurance from any provider you choose. To get an idea of rates, please go to NTA Travel Protection Plan (Enter 206063 for the "Tour Operator Location #") or TravelGuard.
Tucson, AZ & Saguaro National Park
October 28 - November 2, 2026Flights, Transfers & Lodging
Arrival & Departure Information
Travelers will make their own air arrangements as follows:
Arrival Airport: TUS - Tucson, AZ (Tucson Int'l Airport)
Arrival Date: Wednesday, October 28. Arrive no later than 4:00pm.
Arrival Transfer: Use local taxi or shuttle. Details provided in Final Travel Instructions.
Departure Airport: TUS - Tucson, AZ (Tucson Int'l Airport)
Departure Date: Monday, November 2nd. At convenience
Departure Transfer: Use local shuttle or taxi service. WTT Tour Leader will assist in coordinating ride sharing.
When to Book Your Air
Once you have booked your flights (or other transportation arrangements), use the Travel Arrangements Form to send WTT your flight details. Use the same form to update your information should it change.
Airport Transfer Information
When arrival transfers are not included: WTT will provide suggestions to get to the hotel in your Final Travel Instructions about 2-3 weeks before the start of the tour. You'll also be able to see who else is arriving at the same time if you want to coordinate ride-sharing to the hotel.
Don't Worry. We're Expecting You: One of the reasons we ask for your travel arrangements is so we know when you're arriving and can approximate when you should be at the hotel. Your Final Travel Instructions will have instructions on what to do and who to contact if your flight is delayed.
Lodging / Hotels
Tucson: Home2 Suites Downtown
Whenever possible, we choose hotels that are near the city center and/or where there are things to do and places to eat within walking distance of the hotel. When the chosen hotel is not within walking distance of much, transportation options, at the traveler's expense, are typically available.
In the unlikely event WTT is unable to provide the hotel accommodation(s) listed, for whatever reason, WTT will substitute similar quality accommodation(s) at no additional cost to the traveler.
Want to Arrive a Day Early?
Worried about possible flight delays? Consider arriving one day before the official tour start date. Many of our travelers choose this optional service. Your pre-tour package includes:
- The room (standard check-in times apply)
- Breakfast the following morning
- Optional activity suggestions prior to tour
$128.00 Roomshare pp $255.00 Single Occupancy
Early Arrival Hotel: This tour uses the same hotel used on the first night of the tour.
Additional Reminders About This Tour
Tucson, AZ & Saguaro National Park
October 28 - November 2, 2026Destination Information
What do others say about this tour and traveling with WTT?
How Does Room Sharing Work?
On the Reservation Form there are 3 choices regarding room-sharing.
Note: Certain room-types may be unavailable at the time you make your reservation. If a room-type is unavailable the choice will be greyed out.
- Select "Yes, I want to share a room" and WTT will assign you a roommate when Final Travel Instructions are sent.
- You can specify a roommate by entering her name where indicated. If your named roommate is not on the tour, for any reason, WTT will assign you a roommate unless you pay to have your own room, if available.
- Select "No, I do not wish to share a room" if you want to have your own room. Additional costs apply.
- All shared rooms have 2 beds
- All shared rooms are non-smoking
- No special requests about your roommate can be accommodated
- See "Frequently Asked Questions" TAB for more details
How Active is this Tour?
- 50% Easy
- 45% Moderate (extensive walking and some hiking)
- 5% Strenuous (possible heat)
As a solo traveler you are responsible for yourself, your possessions, your physical fitness, and all other aspects related to participation in the WTT tour you have chosen. Be sure to read the itinerary closely to better understand the physical requirements necessary for the tour.
WTT tours are not suitable for anyone whose mobility is challenged or compromised. If you struggle with walking, standing or negotiating stairs or if you are in doubt as to your ability to meet the physical activity requirements, you should not sign up for this trip.
What is the Group Size?
You will be introduced to the WTT Tour Leader when you receive your Final Travel Instructions, about 2-3 weeks before the tour begins.
Learn about your fellow travelers after final payment by visiting MyWTT. Room sharing assignments will be listed in the Final Travel Instructions.
What meals are included and how are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Each day of the itinerary lists the included meals for that day (B,L,D,O). When a meal is not included, the WTT Tour Leader will have suggestions for where to eat.
You do not have to dine alone unless it is your personal choice. You'll most likely be dining with new acquaintances you've made, or you can join the Tour Leader.
Dietary Restrictions: Vegetarian and gluten-free dietary restrictions can be accommodated on this tour with limited selections.
What clothing and items should I pack for this trip?
In late October you can expect pleasant temperatures in Tucson, with daytime highs in the upper 70s to mid-80s. At night temperatures may drop into the 50s. We suggest you monitor weather apps leading up to the time you depart for the most current information.
For This Trip You May Want—
- Sturdy walking and/ or trail shoes with good tread for light hiking and lots of city walking
- Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Refillable water bottle
- Smart-casual wear if you'd like to dress up a bit for dinners
- Jacket/sweater for the cool mornings and evenings and the underground mine
- Inexpensive rain poncho, just in case
-
Collapsible walking stick/trekking pole—helps on rocky, dusty and/or steep trails
Good Packing Habits—
- Bring what you need to get a good night's sleep, such as ear plugs, white noise generator, sleeping aids, etc. Unfamiliar noises of all types can disrupt your rest.
- Pack a limited amount of comfortable, casual clothing that layer and coordinate. Your fellow travelers will not mind or even notice – seeing you in the same clothing.
- Bring only two pairs of everyday shoes: one pair of well-broken-in walking shoes, and a second pair that could do double-duty as a walking shoe or a slightly dressy shoe.
- Pare down your beauty regimen to the bare minimum and always pack travel-sized toiletries.
- Pack medication in your carry-on and pack only as much as needed for the duration of your tour plus a few extra days as a precaution.
What are the luggage restrictions for this tour?
- It is best to travel as lightly as possible. Most travelers regret when they have packed too much.
- We strongly recommend you bring only one suitcase plus small shoulder bag/day pack/purse.
- You are responsible for managing your own belongings.
How much money should I bring on this tour?
What are the tipping guidelines for this tour?
All tips to local guides during your tour will be paid on your behalf.
- You are responsible for tipping waitstaff, porters, or other individuals who provide a service to you at the hotel, or other public locations.
- You may want to tip your WTT Tour Leader for an outstanding job. The amount is entirely a personal preference. If you'd like a guideline, consider $8-$10 per day.
What other Additional Information do I need to know?
Can I transfer my deposit to another tour?
To get off this tour and register for another tour, you must follow these steps - in the order shown:
2) WAIT before submitting your new reservation! You must receive the Cancellation Confirmation email before submitting your new reservation. This can take up to 2 business days. The Cancellation Confirmation email will list the amount of parked credits from this tour that are now available to use on a new reservation.
3) COMPLETE the new Reservation Form and USE the parked credits towards your deposit on the new tour.
Note: If you used Parked Credits to pay the deposit on this tour, these credits cannot be used a second time and are not eligible to be transferred.
What happens if I need to cancel this tour?
Our Promise to You
It doesn’t matter which tour you choose.
You’ll find your people and make memories that last a lifetime.