Take an exciting journey through one of Mexico's most remarkable natural landmarks, Copper Canyon. Enjoy glorious views during two scenic rail journeys through magnificent canyon landscapes.

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• 2 nights on the rim of Mexico's spectacular Copper Canyon
• A scenic rail excursion through the Copper Canyon, one of the top scenic rail journeys in the world
• 2 nights in the quaint town of San Carlos, located on the Sea of Cortez and known for its fabulous beaches
• 2 nights in the Spanish Colonial town of El Fuerte, considered the Gateway to the Copper Canyon
• 2 nights in Tucson, Arizona
• 1 night in Obregon
• Sightseeing including visits to San Xavier del Bac Mission in Tucson, touring in El Fuerte including its 17th-century cathedral, Mayo Indian Museum, and charming central plaza
• Performance by members of the Mexican Ballet Folklorico (when available)
• 22 meals
• Services of a professional tour director
• Deluxe motorcoach transportation
• Roundtrip airport transfers

Day 1 - Arrive in Arizona
Welcome to Tucson, the starting point for your Copper Canyon adventure. Upon arrival, transfer on your own to your hotel and meet your Tour Manager and fellow travelers at 6:00 pm for a welcome briefing and dinner suggestions. Overnight Holiday Inn.

Day 2 - Tucson to San Carlos
Begin your day by crossing the border into Mexico. Your first visit takes you to the beautiful San Xavier del Bac Mission, the White Dove of the Desert. Built by the Franciscan's in the late 18th-century, San Xavier is the only Spanish Baroque church of its kind in the nation. Continue through the Sonora Desert, home to the massive saguaro cactus, to the border town of Nogales. Visit Hermosillo, the capital of the Sonora state, where you will see the capital building and Main Plaza. Later, arrive in San Carlos, located on the Sea of Cortez, where you will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight Hotel Marina Terra. (B, L, D)

Day 3 - Sea of Cortez
Today is at your leisure to enjoy the quaint town of San Carlos, known for its pretty arena and fabulous beaches. You may elect to join an optional tour to the Mabe Pearl Farm and learn how pearls are grown and harvested. This excursion will also include a stop at the Saguaro and Pipe Organ Cactus Desert Forest for an up-close look at these incredible plants. This evening, members of the Mexican Ballet Folklorico (when available) will introduce the group to the traditional regional dances of Mexico. Overnight Hotel Marina Terra. (B, D)

Day 4 - San Carlos to El Fuerte
Today will find you traveling through some of the richest agricultural land in Mexico headed toward the colonial town of El Fuerte. Founded in 1563 by Spanish Conquistadors, it is considered the gateway to the Copper Canyon. Tonight enjoy a leisurely after-dinner stroll through the town's cobblestone streets, where you will see its charming plaza. Overnight Hotel La Choza. (B, L, D)

Day 5 - Rail Excursion through the Copper Canyon
This morning board the train for a thrilling rail adventure through the stunning Copper Canyon. Beginning at sea level, the train climbs to 8,000 feet while passing through 86 tunnels and crossing 38 bridges in the more than 25,000 square miles of canyon along the famous Chihuahua-al Pacifico route through the Sierra Madre Mountains, considered one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world. A stop in Temoris allows you to see the three ascending levels of the railroad. Later today, you'll arrive at your hotel in Divisadero, which features terraces overlooking the Copper Canyon. Overnight Hotel Mirador or Hotel Divisadero. (B, L, D)

Day 6 - Mexico's Copper Canyon
The five major canyons in the area are collectively known as the Copper Canyon and are four times the size of the Grand Canyon. See the caves occupied by the Tarahumara Indians and take in spectacular views of the canyon. Later today you may wish to take an optional excursion to explore more of the canyon. Overnight Hotel Mirador or Hotel Divisadero.

Day 7 - Rail through the Copper Canyon to El Fuerte
Board the train today for your return journey through the Copper Canyon to El Fuerte. The descent into the canyon from the top of the Sierra Madre Mountains offers a view of cascading waterfalls and sheer canyon walls, which give way to rolling hills and tropical farmlands. Palm, banana, papaya, and mango trees dot the countryside. Traveling west allows you to witness the beautiful sunset over the Copper Canyon before arriving in El Fuerte. Overnight Hotel La Choza. (B, L, D)

Day 8 - El Fuerte and Obregon
This morning's walking tour showcases many of El Fuerte's popular sights including its 17th-century cathedral, City Hall, and its local fruit and vegetable market. Visit the Mayo Indian Museum before coming to Obregon, recognized for the Yaqui Indian tribe's traditions, art, and famous deer dance. Overnight Fiesta Inn. (B, D)

Day 9 - Travel to Tucson
Travel through the vast Sonoran Desert with its unique variety of plants and animals. The imposing Sierra Madre Mountains will come into view before arriving in Tucson. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner hosted by your Tour Manager. Overnight Holiday Inn. (B, D)

Day 10 - Tucson
Your tour ends after breakfast. Bid farewell to the colorful southwest as your transfer from your hotel to the Tucson airport for your flight home. (B)

   

   

   

 Departure Date:

• October 14, 2011

 Per Person Rates:

• $1,799 per person (double occupancy)