From Phoenix: Full-Day Sedona Small-Group Tour

Explore Sedona’s Stunning Red Rocks and Native American Ruins in One Day

The From Phoenix: Full-Day Sedona Small-Group Tour offers a comprehensive taste of Arizona’s most captivating sights, all in an 11-hour journey. Priced at $179 per person, this tour provides an intimate experience with a small group of 9 to 13 participants, ensuring personalized attention from knowledgeable guides. With a rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 62 reviews, it’s clear that many find this tour both informative and enjoyable.

This tour is perfect for those short on time but eager to see Sedona’s most famous scenery, explore ancient Native American sites, and learn about the spiritual significance of the area’s vortex locations. While it includes key highlights like Native American ruins and iconic vistas, it also offers flexible options such as gallery visits, psychic readings, or short hikes.

A notable strength is the focus on history, culture, and natural beauty combined with a personalized experience in a small group setting. However, travelers should be aware that the tour involves some walking and that hotel pick-up is optional and not guaranteed. This makes it ideal for independent travelers seeking an efficient, guided day trip from Phoenix.

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Key Points

• Small-group tour with only 9 to 13 guests for a more personal experience
• 11-hour journey covering Sedona’s top sights and Native American ruins
• Includes entry fees to Tuzigoot or Montezuma Castle ruins, plus bottled water throughout
• Visit iconic spots such as the Chapel of the Holy Cross, Bell Rock Vortex, Oak Creek Canyon, and Airport Mesa
• Flexible exploration options like galleries, shops, psychic readings, or walking around for 2-3 hours

Transportation and Group Size Make for a Relaxed Day

Traveling in a 9 or 13-seat vehicle, the tour offers a comfortable and intimate setting. This small-group format helps ensure that guests receive tailored attention and can enjoy a more relaxed pace compared to larger bus tours. The group size allows for easier access to scenic points and a chance to ask questions directly to the guide.

The tour starts early in the morning, with pick-up options available from select hotels in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe. It’s important to note that the pick-up is not guaranteed from private residences and that the local operator will send details the day before. The pick-up times range from 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM depending on your location.

Visiting Native American Ruins: Tuzigoot or Montezuma Castle

One of the tour’s highlights is a visit to one of two Sinagua Indian ruins along an ancient trade route. Guests have the choice between Tuzigoot National Monument or Montezuma Castle National Monument—both sites offer a glimpse into Native American history that dates back over 1,000 years.

Entry fees into these ruins are included, which simplifies planning. The ruins are accessible and provide a fascinating look at the area’s cultural past. The tour allows about 2-3 hours for exploration, giving ample time to walk around, take photos, and absorb the history without feeling rushed.

Scenic Stops at Sedona’s Iconic Vistas and Vortex Sites

The tour guides you through several must-see Sedona landmarks. Expect to visit The Chapel of the Holy Cross, an architectural marvel perched among the Red Rocks, offering spectacular photo opportunities.

Bell Rock Vortex is another popular stop, where the energetic vortexes are believed to hold spiritual power. Visitors can explore the area on foot and enjoy sweeping views of Oak Creek Canyon—a deep and colorful gorge that showcases Arizona’s natural beauty.

Airport Mesa is included as well, providing panoramic views perfect for pictures. The guides are skilled at helping guests choose the best spots for photography and scenic viewing based on current conditions, ensuring you get the most out of each location.

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Flexibility to Explore Sedona on Foot or by Other Means

Guests are given approximately 2-3 hours to explore Sedona on their own. This free time can be used for visiting local galleries and shops, trying a psychic reading, or simply wandering the red rock landscapes.

For those wanting more activity, options like hiking or jeep tours are available, although these are not included in the standard tour package. This flexibility allows travelers to tailor their experience based on personal interests and energy levels.

The Cost Includes Key Access and Refreshments

The $179 price covers entry fees into the Native American ruins and bottled water available throughout the day, keeping hydration up during the warm Arizona weather. This straightforward pricing ensures no surprise costs for entrance fees, and the bottled water helps stay refreshed during the often sunny outdoor stops.

Meals are not included, so travelers should plan to bring snacks or eat during free time in Sedona. The tour’s focus is on sightseeing and culture rather than dining.

Guides and Overall Experience

Many reviews praise the guides’ knowledge and friendliness. Guides like Dan, Mark, Jeff, Nate, and Bruce are noted for their ability to share engaging stories and facts about Arizona’s history, Native American culture, and the area’s natural beauty.

The small-group format and attentive guides contribute to a personalized and relaxed experience, allowing everyone to comfortably ask questions and enjoy the scenery. Some reviewers mention that the stops can be quick, so it’s best to plan ahead if you want more time at specific sites.

Accessibility and Practical Tips

The tour can accommodate folding wheelchairs or walkers, but guests need to be able to walk up three large van steps unassisted. Children under 3 are not permitted on the tour, making it suitable for families with older children and adults alike.

While hotel pick-up is optional, it’s not guaranteed from private residences, so travelers staying outside designated hotels should plan accordingly. The tour requires a minimum number of participants to operate, and the operator will notify booked guests if the tour is canceled or rescheduled.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This full-day Sedona excursion suits travelers who want a rundown of Sedona’s most famous sights with a small-group atmosphere. It’s ideal for those interested in Native American history, spectacular scenery, and spiritual vortex sites.

The tour caters well to those who prefer guided explanations and want to avoid the hassle of planning multiple stops on their own. It’s especially good for visitors from Phoenix or nearby who are short on time but eager to see the best of Sedona.

Final Thoughts on the Sedona Small-Group Tour

This tour offers a balanced mix of cultural history, breathtaking scenery, and flexible exploration, all within an 11-hour window. The small-group setting ensures a more personalized, relaxed experience, which many reviewers appreciate.

While some stops may be brief or visits quick, the guides’ expertise and iconic locations make it a worthwhile option for those wanting an efficient yet meaningful day in Sedona. The inclusive pricing and bottled water add convenience, making it a strong choice for those seeking a guided overview of Sedona’s highlights from Phoenix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pick-up available for this tour?
Yes, pick-up is possible from select hotels in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe, but it’s not guaranteed from private residences. Details are emailed the afternoon before the tour.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 11 hours, providing ample time for multiple scenic stops and exploration.

What is included in the price?
Entry fees into Native American ruins and bottled water are included. Meals are not covered.

Can children participate in this tour?
Children under 3 years old are not permitted on the tour. The tour involves walking and some stairs, so older children should be able to handle those.

What are the main stops during the trip?
Guests visit Sedona’s Red Rocks, The Chapel of the Holy Cross, Bell Rock Vortex, Oak Creek Canyon, Airport Mesa, and Native American ruins at Tuzigoot or Montezuma Castle.

Are hiking or jeep tours included?
No, but these optional activities are available separately. Guests have time to explore on foot and choose their preferred scenic spots.

How personalized is the experience?
With a small group and guides who share detailed stories and insights, the experience feels intimate and tailored to participants’ interests.

Is the tour accessible for those with mobility issues?
The tour can accommodate folding wheelchairs or walkers, provided guests can walk up three large van steps unassisted.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, and possibly snacks for the free time in Sedona, as meals are not included.

Do I need to confirm my reservation?
Yes, you should call at least 72 hours prior to the tour to confirm your booking, and watch for email updates from the local operator.

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