Biosphere & Beyond: Arizona's Secrets Uncovered
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Uncover Arizona’s hidden wonders as adventures and natural beauty unfold across this brand new five-day journey.
Book NowArizona: Legends, Lakes, & Living Desert Dreams
Step into a world where Arizona’s past and present shimmer beneath desert skies and ancient canyons echo with stories of the Old West.
Cruise the tranquil waters of Canyon Lake aboard the Dolly Steamboat, gliding between golden cliffs and cactus-studded hills as bighorn sheep and bald eagles grace the shoreline. Wander the dusty streets of Goldfield Ghost Town, where the clang of the blacksmith’s hammer and the whistle of the narrow-gauge train evoke the wild spirit of the frontier.
In Tempe, savor an evening at the legendary Rustler’s Rooste with steakhouse feasts and sweeping views. Then journey south to one of Arizona’s most fascinating landmarks: Biosphere 2. Previously sealed away from the outside world, this massive glass-enclosed ecosystem now invites you to explore its living laboratories firsthand. Walk beneath the towering rainforest canopy, step into the Saharan desert biome, and witness groundbreaking research unfolding in real time as scientists study the delicate balance of our planet’s life systems. What was once off limits is now open for discovery in an awe-inspiring fusion of nature and innovation.
Unwind amid the rustic elegance of Windmill Winery, where vineyards meet wide-open skies. Give back with heart at Feed My Starving Children, a joyful, hands-on experience that turns teamwork into hope for communities around the world. Then, enjoy the whimsical wonder of Organ Stop Pizza, where music rises from the mighty Wurlitzer. Continue your exploration of sound at the renowned Musical Instrument Museum, a global journey through cultures, creativity, and rhythm, featuring over 15,000 instruments from 200 territories and countries.
Finally, step back in time at the Yuma Territorial Prison, where the stories of outlaws and lawmen still echo through sun-warmed stone, and raise a final toast at Prison Hill Brewing Company, celebrating friendship, flavor, and the joy of shared adventure.
From ghost towns to gleaming instruments, quiet lakes to roaring laughter, this is Arizona at its most vivid: landscapes and legends that live on long after the desert sun sets.
Tour Fare:
$1895 per person double occupancy
$2195per person single occupancy
Early Booking Savings:
Book now and save $100 per person off the above fare!
Cancellation Protection Plan (CPP)- Makes your investment fully refundable at any time for any reason:
$145 per person, double or triple occupancy
$165 per person, single occupancy
Deposit and Final Payment:
A deposit of $150 per person due at time of booking
Final balance due February 19, 2026
Take a Fascinating Tour Inside the Biosphere 2
Old Church at Goldfield Ghost Town
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Goldfield Ghost Town
Phoenix, AZ
Dolly Steamboat Cruise on Canyon Lake
Canyon Lake
Bighorn Sheep at Canyon Lake
Musical Instrument Museum
Mighty Wurlitzer Performance at Organ Pizza Stop
Tropical Biome Inside Biosphere 2
An hour of purposeful work as peopl prepare meals bound for children around the world
Unpack just once at the Drury Plaza Hotel in Tempe, AZ
Biosphere 2
Explore the Yuma Territorial Prison
5-Day Vacation
All times and routing are subject to change without notice.
Day 1
Your adventure begins as we leave Southern California behind and settle into the relaxed rhythm of the open road. Late morning brings us to Palm Desert, where we pause for an included lunch at Applebee's Neighborhood Grill, giving everyone a chance to stretch, refresh, and enjoy a casual meal together. From there, the scenery shifts steadily toward the desert's warm tones as we continue into Arizona. By late afternoon, the Phoenix skyline comes into view, guiding us toward Tempe. Upon arrival, you'll settle into the Drury Inn, your home for the next four nights. The evening offers a complimentary happy hour along with the hotel's welcoming Kickback reception, a simple, informal dinner that lets you unwind and ease into the spirit of the trip.
L, DDay 2
The day begins with an included breakfast at the hotel before we set out toward the Superstition Mountains. Soon, the rugged cliffs of Canyon Lake come into view. Here, board the Dolly Steamboat for a serene cruise along emerald waters framed by towering canyon walls. As the boat drifts between golden rock formations, keep an eye out for bighorn sheep, bald eagles, and other wildlife that thrive in this peaceful refuge. After returning to shore, continue to Goldfield Ghost Town, where the spirit of the Old West comes alive as you explore at your leisure. Wander the dusty boardwalks, step inside the unique shops, tour the historic gold mine, or take a ride on the narrow-gauge train for a sweeping view of this once-booming frontier settlement. Lunch is on your own here, with the town's rustic saloon offering classic Western fare. By afternoon, we return to the hotel for some well-earned downtime. Take a dip the pool, socialize with other travelers, or simply relax before the evening's highlight: dinner at the legendary Rustler's Rooste. Perched high on a butte with sweeping views of the valley, this classic steakhouse offers hearty favorites in a lively, welcoming setting, an Arizona tradition since 1971. After a memorable meal overlooking the city lights, we head back to the hotel for a restful night.
B, DDay 3
After an included breakfast at the hotel, we set out toward one of Arizona's most fascinating landmarks: Biosphere 2. Go behind the scenes of this extraordinary glass-enclosed world during a docent-led tour revealing its groundbreaking history and ongoing scientific discoveries. As you explore the rainforest canopy, desert biome, Technosphere, and the iconic "Lung," you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the research taking place inside this self-contained ecosystem. Pathways do include some stairs and uneven terrain, while every turn offers something remarkable to see. Following the tour, savor a catered lunch onsite, giving you time to reflect on the experience before we continue north into the quiet countryside. Afternoon brings us to the welcoming charm of Windmill Winery, a desert oasis surrounded by vineyards and wide-open skies. Here, you'll enjoy a wine tasting, a leisurely tractor tour of the property, and live entertainment amidst scenery that feels both rustic and refined. As the sun begins its descent, a catered dinner awaits, offering a peaceful and memorable end to this relaxing stop.
B, L, DDay 4
Following breakfast at the hotel, we begin the morning with a meaningful experience at Feed My Starving Children. Here, you'll take part in a hands-on volunteer project that turns simple ingredients into lifesaving meals for children around the world. The room fills with shared purpose as everyone works together to create meal packets. It is an uplifting hour that leaves you energized and inspired, knowing your efforts have made a real impact. From there, we head to Organ Stop Pizza, a favorite landmark where lunch comes with a unique soundtrack. As you savor a pizza feast, the mighty Wurlitzer theatre organ fills the room with rich melodies. Once used to accompany silent films in the 1920s, this remarkable instrument has been lovingly restored and continues to delight audiences with its powerful sound. In the afternoon, the journey continues at the Musical Instrument Museum, where cultures from around the world come to life through music. A guided introduction orients you among the museum's vast global collection, followed by time to explore at your own pace with an audio tour. Whether you enjoy seeing rare instruments, listening to performances, or learning how music connects communities, this visit offers something for everyone. We end the day back at the hotel, where the evening's Kickback Reception provides a relaxed dinner, hosted cocktail hour, and time to unwind after a full day.
B, L, DDay 5
After breakfast at the hotel, we check out with included baggage handling and head west toward the quiet desert town of Yuma. The day's first experience is the Yuma Territorial Prison, a historic site offering a vivid look into Arizona's past. As you walk through original cells and explore the exhibits, you can almost feel the presence of the outlaws and lawmen who once occupied the space. Views of the Colorado River add a dramatic backdrop to this fascinating window into Old West history. Just down the road, gather for a farewell lunch at Prison Hill Brewing Company. This inviting downtown eatery serves up hearty local favorites and handcrafted brews, making it the perfect place to celebrate the journey we've shared. It's an easygoing, friendly setting for conversation and a final toast before making our way home. After lunch, we continue toward San Diego, where drop-offs will begin in the early evening. With the desert fading behind you and the coast ahead, the memories of Arizona's landscapes, stories, and warm hospitality travel home with you, marking the end of a rich and rewarding adventure.
B, LB=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
Tour Manager:* Christina Koohmarey
Activity Level: Moderate
While much of this tour involves comfortable travel by motor coach, it includes frequent boarding and disembarking and a mix of walking and standing at multiple attractions:
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Easy Activities:
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Dolly Steamboat cruise – seated, gentle, but stairs are required to reach the top level
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Rustler’s Rooste dinner, Organ Stop Pizza, Windmill Winery, Prison Hill Brewing Company – light walking
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Moderate Activities:
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Goldfield Ghost Town – uneven surfaces, optional mine tour, some inclines
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Biosphere 2 – considerable distance on guided walking tour includes stairs, ramps, and some steep sections
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Yuma Territorial Prison – walking and light inclined paths outdoors
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Feed My Starving Children – one hour of light standing and movement during the volunteer project
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Guests should be comfortable walking moderate distances and navigating a few stairs or uneven surfaces. Those with mobility challenges will find rest opportunities available at most sites.
The highest elevation on this tour is 3,820 feet during the 3-hour visit to Biosphere 2.
What's Included in the Tour Fare
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Round-trip luxury motor coach transportation departing from various pickup locations throughout San Diego County
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Professional Tour Manager throughout the trip
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Complimentary bottled water and snacks on the coach
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Scenic Canyon Lake cruise aboard the Dolly Steamboat
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Visit to Goldfield Ghost Town — shops, museum, mine tour, and train ride
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Dinner at Rustler’s Rooste, Arizona’s legendary mountaintop steakhouse
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Guided walking tour inside Biosphere 2, exploring its rainforest, desert, and living research ecosystems
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Wine tasting and tractor tour at the Windmill Winery with live entertainment and dinner
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Volunteer service project at Feed My Starving Children in Tempe
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Lunch and organ concert at Organ Stop Pizza, featuring the historic 1927 Wurlitzer
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Guided and self-guided tours at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix
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Guided visit to Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park
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12 meals: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners
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Gratuities for meals and activities that are included on the itinerary
What's Not Included in the Tour Fare
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Meals not listed in the itinerary
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Travel insurance
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Cancellation Protection
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Hotel incidentals
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Alcoholic beverages not listed on the itinerary
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Gratuities for the Tour Manager & Driver
How to Book Your Reservation
Making your reservation is easy. Simply click the Book Now button above to select your date and confirm your space online, 24/7. You can also call the DayTripper Tours reservations department at (619) 334-3394 during business hours M-F, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Deposit and Final Payment
A deposit of $150 per person is required to secure your booking, with the final balance due 45 days prior to departure (February 19, 2026).
Smartphones
Although not necessary to fully enjoy your trip, a personal smartphone and personal headset can greatly enhance your tour experience. Take high-quality photos, share your experience on social media in real time, search for nearby restaurants and topics of interest, set reminders, and more.
45-Day Cancellation Deadline
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If you purchased the optional Cancellation Protection Plan (CPP) before the cancellation deadline, your tour is fully refundable at any time (see below). If you did not purchase the CPP you may cancel your booking forty-five (45) or more days prior to the tour’s departure date to receive a refund less a $100 per person cancellation fee. Alternatively, when you cancel your booking forty-five (45) or more days prior to the departure date, we can waive the cancellation fee and transfer the full amount to another tour or a non-refundable voucher, which can be applied to any future excursion booked within one year of the original tour date. Cancellations within 45 days of departure are nonrefundable and nontransferable for any reason if you did not purchase the optional CPP.
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Passenger name changes, deviations, or other changes made by the passenger after the final payment deadline has passed will be assessed a $50 per person change fee plus any fees incurred by the service providers. No refunds, transfers or credits can be issued for any reason on bookings canceled after the cancellation deadline. Travel insurance is available through Travelex during the booking process.
Optional Cancellation Protection Plan (CPP) - Cancel for any reason and receive a full refund
DayTripper Tours offers an optional Cancellation Protection Plan (CPP) for this tour. The CPP allows you to cancel your reservation for any reason at least two or more hours prior to your scheduled departure time for a full refund (less the cost of the CPP). The CPP may be purchased prior to the tour’s stated cancellation deadline. To cancel your reservation please call (619) 334-3394 during business hours to notify a reservations agent, or leave a time-stamped voice message after hours at least two hours prior to your scheduled departure time, and your refund will be processed. The CPP cost for multi-day motor coach tours is $145 per person for double occupancy and $165 for single. CPP does not cover the single supplement of the remaining traveler when a traveling companion cancels from a double occupancy reservation. The CPP is not insurance, but rather an agreed-upon cancellation fee paid in advance for the right to cancel a reservation according to the terms stated in this clause. Protect yourself even further with Travel Insurance (see below). CPP is not offered on tours that include air, rail, or cruise line transportation.
Protect Your Investment with Travel Insurance
At DayTripper Tours, we recommend you purchase insurance to help protect against unforeseen events such as flight delays, baggage loss, or even sudden sickness or injury, all of which could impact your excursion. In today’s ever-changing travel environment, you can relax and enjoy your trip with the security of knowing those unexpected circumstances are covered by a travel protection plan. You can purchase travel insurance from any company you choose; however, for your convenience we offer travel protection through Travelex Insurance Services (CA Agency License #0D10209). For more information and to receive a quote, click here. Please note: Your policy must be purchased on or before the date you submit your final payment for the tour in order to be eligible for the pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver.
*Tour Manager is subject to change without notice.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address | Times |
|---|---|---|
| Escondido | Escondido Transit Center 700 W. Valley Parkway 92025. Wait near Dock #4 | View |
| La Mesa | Park & Ride #22 lot - 8703 Murray Dr, 91942 Narrow Park & Ride Across from Wells Fargo Bank | View |
| Mission Valley | 2005 Camino Del Este San Diego, CA 92108; Street parking only | View |
| University City | 6245 Kantor Street, San Diego, CA 92122 Street parking only. Do not enter parking lot. | View |
| From Price | Book Now | Call Back | Telephone | Favorites |
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