KathyM

We will be attending a wedding in Phoenix (actually Scottsdale) on the weekend of October 2. We plan to make a vacation of it - spend a week to 10 days. One thing we really want to do is get up to the Grand Canyon, but would like to do some things on the way. Also, would it make sense to fly into Tuscon? I understand it's a great place to visit.
Does anyone have suggestions for an itinerary? Our tentative plan is to stay about a week after the wedding, but we could also come in a couple of days earlier if there are suggestions for the Tuscon area. All suggestions are greatly appreciated!

DebitNM

You can easily drive from Phoenix to Tucson, perhaps fly into PHX and save Tucson for the end of trip so you can drive down and fly out of there. I think there are fewer flights out of Tucson, and the price could be more, so that might not work. If you live near an airport that Southwest serves, it could be your best bet for price.

ksucat

Totally agree with Deb..fly into PHX and drive down to Tucson.
Make sure you have a stop in Sedona from Scottsdale..its about 2 hours and its specatuclar!
Where are you staying?
We got a killer rate of $99 at the 5* Montelucia resort that is new and from all the reviews is stunning..its where Obama stays when he's in PHX..
Thanks so much Deb on that rate from Perfect Escape..free breakfast and upgrade to a suite with early and late check in..woooo hoooo!

sf7307

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Heh heh - I just got an $89.00 offer from them (but only June, July and August)

KathyM

We are staying at the Wedding Site which is a Hilton - not too bad, I think $129 at the "wedding rate", but remember, we want to go up to the Grand Canyon. Maybe it makes sense to fly into Tuscon, drive up to Phoenix and then on to the Grand Canyon. And then fly out of where? Yes, we are in a Southwest City...

DebitNM

ksucat -you are welcome, MomDD and I are headed to Royal Palms in 4 weeks!

sf - $89 is great, does that include breakfast?

Kathy - sorry for the digression. After Grand Canyon you would have to go back to PHX to fly out on Southwest.

sf7307

DebitNM, I don't think it includes breakfast. If you send me your email address (send it to [email protected], that's my "public" address), I can forward the offer to you.

ksucat

Hi girlies!
$89 a night sf..that is an awesome deal!
But I have breakfast for two, which is probably worth $25 at least for two at a 5* resort.
Upgraded to a better room too..did you get that sf?
I didn't think so..hee hee
Did you use the spa at all?
How was the food at the resort?

Deb and Mom at Royal Palms..Oh my!
Both of you are going to have a blast!
Please report in while your there.

Thanks again to Deb, sf and to MomDD!
You girls rock!

ksucat

I think you get better rates out of PHX.
It's the car rental your going to have to watch..expensive lately.
Hotwire.com is usually a good deal.
Hilton at $129 is a great rate!

sf7307

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Ha, but you know for me, that's only worth $5.99 for two at the local "funky dive breakfast place"

No, we didn't eat at the hotel (other than my morning latte) nor did we use the spa -- just lounged at the pool for hours on end.

Shanti

Where are you flying from? There are many, many more flights to Phoenix than to Tucson and you often have to change planes in Phoenix to get to Tucson. Tucson is a wonderful place to visit. That being said, during early October, the temperature in Tucson typically gets up into the 90s (and it's about another 5-10 degrees warmer in Phoenix). So if you go to Tucson then, be prepared for pretty warm weather.

a couple nice things in and around Tucson: Sabino Canyon, Mount Lemmon, and Kutchner caverns. I really like the Chiricahua Mountains but they're probably too far out of the way for your trip.

ksucat

You crack me up sf..that funky dive place is gonna haunt me forever!

KathyM

OK, guys! It seems like there are some other discussions going on here! Which is OK- but I am looking for suggestions for an Arizona trip - beginning in either Tucson or Phoenix and then progressing up to the Grand Canyon.

ksucat

Sorry but we all have tons of experience in AZ.
You want to fly into Tucson which is a mistake imo, and others have stated.
PHX is the way to go on a myriad of different price points.
You need to go to Sedona and GC.
You need to give us more info so we can help you.
I like Sedona Rouge resort and spa or Enchantment resort.
El Tovar for the Grand Canyon.
Tucson, we stay at Canyon Ranch or El Conquistor.
Bisbee is a nice side trip from Tucson.
We like to eat at the Tack room in Tucson and in PHX, we like T. Cooks at the lovely Royal Palms.

panecott

Plan to spend a few days in Sedona on your way to the Grand Canyon. Take a Pink Jeep Tour, and if you enjoy hiking, there are numerous hiking trails. Even if you don't hike, it's a very scenic and beautiful area.
If you have time, Page is a lovely little town about 3 hours north of the GC. Attractions include Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon, and very enjoyable smoothwater rafting on the Colorado River.

KathyM

Checking my SW Rapid Rewards we could get a free flight into Tucson; none available going into Phoenix. So, if we landed in Tucson, what to do there for a day or two before driving up to Phoenix?

DebitNM

look at shanti's reply above, plus the sonoran desert museum, but go first thing in morning and be there the minute it opens. The animal take siestas as soon as it gets hot.