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Arizona

Signature City Phoenix-Scottsdale

Program No. 21299RJ

Get an insider’s view on Arizona’s Valley of the Sun as you join experts to explore world-renowned cultural institutions, unique desert landscapes and historic Old Town Scottsdale.

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6 days

5 nights

12 meals

5B 3L 4D

Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner

Scottsdale Old Town

Desert Botanical Garden, Arizona Biltmore

Scottsdale Old Town

Wright's Taliesin West, Musical Instrument Museum

Scottsdale Old Town

Phoenix, Phoenix Art Museum, Heard Museum

Scottsdale Old Town

Western Spirit Museum, Western Cookout

Scottsdale Old Town

Program Concludes

Scottsdale Old Town

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At a Glance

Explore Arizona’s Valley of the Sun on daily adventures spotlighting the history and culture of the Southwest’s most dynamic city and its environs — from iconic Camelback Mountain to the copper-domed State Capitol. Discover the region’s prehistoric and modern Native American cultures with a visit to the famed Heard Museum. View the city’s mix of architectural styles including Frank Lloyd Wright and Paolo Soleri. Experience the music of the city and the world at Phoenix’ newest sensation — the Musical Instrument Museum. Stay in Old Town Scottsdale where its true western roots are juxtaposed against its modern and upscale new Southwest style.

Activity Level

On Your Feet

Walking up to a one-half mile and standing in museums for up to two hours.

Best of all, you’ll…

Visit the Phoenix Art Museum, Musical Instrument Museum and Wright’s Taliesin West.
Explore the Desert Botanical Garden and sit under the stars around a campfire following dinner on a ranch.
Enjoy world-class galleries and a Western-themed ambiance while strolling Old Town Scottsdale.

General Notes

Transportation on this program is by full size motorcoach, which seats about 40 participants.

Featured Expert

All trip experts

Bob Doehnert

Bob Doehnert grew up in Basking Ridge, N.J. and earned a B.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of Kentucky. He attained an International M.B.A. from the Thunderbird School of Global Management in Glendale, AZ. In his ‘retirement’ Bob continues to pursue lifelong learning, especially with his passions for skiing, hiking and competitive bridge. He has participated as a group leader for Road Scholar in the greater Phoenix area and enjoys sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm for Arizona and the greater Valley of the Sun.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Bob Doehnert View biography

Suggested Reading List (7 books)

Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop

You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.

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Signature City Phoenix-Scottsdale

Program Number: 21299

A Natural History of the Sonoran Desert

by Patricia Wentworth Comus (Editor)

"Once in a generation, a guide to understanding a major North American landscape comes along. This book is such a touchstone, sure to become a classic. The emphasis here is on biodiversity, mutualism, co-evolution, and, especially, ethno-relationships—the long history of connection between desert peoples and their homeland, on both sides of the border.

The Southwest

by Lavender, David

A historical and cultural overview, including discussions of present-day racial, conservation, and economic problems. Easy reading, fascinating history. 364pp

Phoenix Then and Now

by Scharbach, Paul and John H. Akers

From the moment it became Arizona's capital in 1912, Phoenix has enjoyed steady population growth and commercial expansion. Today, Phoenix continues to expand, due to mass migration, and has the distinction of being one of the fastest-growing areas in the country. Phoenix Then and Now looks at the development of the city, with historical photographs placed side-by-side with contemporary views of the same locations revealing a vibrant city, benefiting from wave upon wave of Easterners seeking sunshine in a culturally rich, urban setting. Amazing pictorial history of Phoenix, and the surrounding areas, filled with archival photographs of key locations paired with specially commissioned photographs of the same scenes as they are today. See the Heard Building, used for the opening shot of Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho. One of Phoenix' first sky scrapers, the building is now used for stores and offices.

Arizona: A Panoramic History of a Frontier State

by Trimble, Marshall

Written by Arizona's state historian, this book looks at the Indian tribes, the Spanish, and the Anglos who have played major roles in the history of Arizona and surveys the state's startling physical contrasts, unusual wildlife, industrial development, and politics. 404pp

PHX: Phoenix 21st century city

by Booth-Clibborn, Edward

After Berlin, Brooklyn, and Moscow, Phoenix is the ideal fourth city to be explored in Booth-Clibborn Editionss fascinating series about cities that are emerging creatively. Thanks to its majestic desert setting, appealing climate, and abundant economic opportunity, the Phoenix metropolitan area is the fastest growing in the U.S. Along with its population growth, the city has seen a flourishing of expressive arts of all kinds. Phoenix 21: Desert Metropolis captures the historic movement and youthful energy of the region as it evolves into a vibrant world-class metropolis with a unique character. 240pp

Explorer's Guide Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sedona & Central Arizona: A Great Destination

by Christine Bailey

Imagine all the adventures you’ll have in Arizona— touring the mountains and red deserts, seeing one spectacular natural wonder after another: the Grand Canyon, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument...Discover the art galleries, museums, resorts, and cuisine that help make Phoenix and Scottsdale such hot destinations. Full-color photographs throughout.

Unquenchable: America's Water Crisis

by Glennon, Robert

In the middle of the Mojave Desert, Las Vegas casinos use billions of gallons of water for fountains, pirate lagoons, wave machines, and indoor canals. Meanwhile, the town of Orme, Tennessee, must truck in water from Alabama because it has literally run out. Robert Glennon captures the irony—and tragedy—of America’s water crisis in a book that is both frightening and wickedly comical. Unquenchable reveals the heady extravagances and everyday inefficiencies that are sucking the nation dry.

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Signature City Phoenix-Scottsdale

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At a Glance

Best of all, you’ll…

General Notes

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