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.
Enroll with Confidence
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more
Protecting the Environment
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Nov 3 - Nov 8, 2024
Starting at
2,929Not seeing the date you're looking for?
To be notified if dates of this program become available, click the button below.
6 days
5 nights
12 meals
5B 3L 4D
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Scottsdale Old Town
2
Desert Botanical Garden, Arizona Biltmore
Scottsdale Old Town
3
Wright's Taliesin West, Musical Instrument Museum
Scottsdale Old Town
4
Phoenix, Phoenix Art Museum, Heard Museum
Scottsdale Old Town
5
Western Spirit Museum, Western Cookout
Scottsdale Old Town
6
Program Concludes
Scottsdale Old Town
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.
What You'll Learn
- 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.
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
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.
Blessing McAnlis-Vasquez
View biography
Blessing McAnlis-Vasquez serves as the public information officer for the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC). As a member of the Community’s executive administration team, Ms. Blessing shares the story of the SRPMIC, facilitates enterprise collaboration, and prioritizes relationship development. Prior to this role, Ms. Blessing served as the tourism manager for the Salt River Community, promoting Salt River as both a tourism destination and a developer's dream location. Blessing has a bachelor’s degree in communication and a master’s in business leadership.
Marissa Sotomayor
View biography
Marissa Sotomayor, a native Coloradan, earned her B.A. and M.A. from Arizona State University. She was then hired at SRP to work for the Research Archives and Heritage team. As a historical analyst, Marissa was responsible for managing and accessioning the organization’s two-dimensional collections; she is now the team's supervisor. Outside of work, she is the president of the S’edav Va’aki Museum Foundation board of directors and the director of the ALA Colorado Girls State Program, which focuses on civic education and youth leadership.
Don Fernwalt
View biography
Don Fernwalt has been a horseman from the age of seven, and continues to train horses. He has entertained audiences from campfires to convents, backyards, and amphitheaters. He is known for his selection of humorous and thought-provoking material that calls back to the time when the cowboy was king.
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.
Signature City Phoenix-Scottsdale
Program Number: 21299
PHX: Phoenix 21st century city
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
The Southwest
A historical and cultural overview, including discussions of present-day racial, conservation, and economic problems. Easy reading, fascinating history. 364pp
A Natural History of the Sonoran Desert
"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.
Unquenchable: America's Water Crisis
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.
Phoenix Then and Now
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
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
Explorer's Guide Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sedona & Central Arizona: A Great Destination
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.