Sustainability Business – Public Sector 2023 Excellence Trip
Excursion Options
Below is a list of excursions we have arranged for Tucson. Please reference these when completing your registration. You and your guest are allowed to choose two excursions each for the trip.
ALL DEPARTURE AND RETURN TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE!
Jeep Tour
Desert Ecology Tour – Wild and Wonderous
Escape to the scenic trails of the Sonoran Desert in an open-air Jeep! This is a jeep adventure through the Sonoran Desert. The guides are experts in local history and the flora & fauna of the desert, so whether you are a first-time visitor or lifelong resident, you will be both educated and entertained. You can bet the sightseeing will be absolutely breathtaking and will include giant saguaro, cholla and prickly pear cacti, mountain backdrops and in season spectacular desert wildflowers.
You will get in and out of your Jeep for talks and demonstrations and will also experience up close and first-hand some amazing desert critters (for those who aren’t faint of heart!). So, bring along your camera and capture the beauty of the landscape on this fun and educational Jeep tour!
Dress in layers, use sunscreen, wear hats and close-toed shoes
Depart Loews Ventana at 9 AM, return at 1 PM
Mountain Bike Excursion
Tucson Mountain Park: one of Tucson’s most scenic rides just outside the city, the Sweetwater Preserve trail system in Tucson Mountain Park provides smooth, single track through saguaro cacti forests and classic desert flora and fauna. Mostly rolling terrain with opportunities for moderately technical climbing and flowy descents. A great introduction to riding in the desert and suitable for both beginner and intermediate mountain bike riders.
Dress in comfortable clothes, wear quality sneakers/running/walking shoes, and use sunscreen. Bring your water bottle (additional water will be provided) to stay hydrated.
Helmets and gloves will be provided. Bikes will be provided and fitted to each rider.
Depart the Loews Ventana at 9 AM, return by 1 PM
Horseback Riding
Located on Tucson's northeast side and nestled next to the Rincon mountains, this ride has access to miles upon miles of trails in the Tanque Verde wash and Saguaro National Park. Each ride brings a new experience and often we come across desert life on the trail. Join the fun and experience an authentic horseback adventure in the Sonoran Desert.
We recommend wearing a hat, long pants, closed- toe shoes, sunscreen, and bringing a drink container. Water will be provided on the transportation to the ranch.
Saddle pouches for phones, keys, cameras, etc. are provided to each rider. Avoid bringing backpacks/purses as we don’t want to distract the horses on the ride.
Due to the size of the horses, there is a 250lbs weight limit for riders. We will need the height and estimated weight of each rider.
Depart Loews Ventana at 9 AM, return by 1 PM
Canyoneering Adventure
For those individuals who love to be adventurous, this is right up your alley (or canyon)! 😊
On this excursion, you will immerse yourself in the mesmerizing world of canyons as you traverse desert slot canyons, rappel down cascading waterfalls, and navigate through breathtaking landscapes. Guides will lead you through canyoneering routes, ensuring an exhilarating and unforgettable experience.
Grab a hat, camera, hiking shoes (sneakers work just fine), sunscreen, and comfortable clothing and join us for an amazing day! This half-day canyon trip is suitable for all ability levels and if you are able to hike and climb on some challenging trails!
Depart Loews Ventana at 10 AM, return by 4 PM
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Hot Air Balloon Experience
This balloon experience​ follows a unique balloon flight path over the Sonoran Desert, Tucson Mountains, Saguaro National Park West, and the agricultural expanse of Avra Valley and is unmatched in its scenic beauty and outstanding hot air balloon flight conditions.
The 'Sonoran Sunrise' flight is followed by a delicious continental champagne brunch. These hot air balloon flights are over an hour long, sometimes much longer, depending on a combination of factors including wind conditions and landing areas. We will travel 10 to 15 miles at altitudes typically between 500 ft and 4000 ft above the Tucson area.
Maximum of 8 people for this excursion
Dress for cool/cold temperatures due to altitude. Dressing in layers is best.
Depart Loews Ventana at 4:30 AM, return by 9 AM
Glass Blowing Experience
You Are in the Artist's Seat
You’ve probably seen a glass-blowing demonstration before, but now you can experience the thrill of doing it yourself! In the studio, you will help design, color, and create your piece alongside an experienced instructor. And, after your creation has spent a few days cooling in the kiln, your masterpiece will be shipped to your home as a keepsake of your trip to Tucson!
Due to the closeness of the space and your one-on-one time with instructors, masks are required for the duration of your time in the studio.
Please wear closed-toed shoes. Safety glasses are required for some classes (provided). Wear comfortable, cotton clothes that you do not mind getting dirty. Participants should also tie back long hair and avoid wearing dangling jewelry.
Depart Loews Ventana at 1 PM – 4 PM
Brewery Tour
Get behind-the-scenes tours and tastings at some of Tucson’s finest craft breweries. While riding in the comfort of an Executive limo-style bus, you will see some of the sights of Tucson and have access to local artisans known for their accredited creations in brewing. The tour will include 5 different breweries with tastings at each.
Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes
Depart Loews Ventana at 11 AM, return at 4 PM
A Taste of Tucson
This tour of Tucson will include sample tastings of some of Tucson’s most popular food items, some of which have been featured on popular TV shows. It will also include a “taste” of Tucson’s multi-cultural heritage with a visit to the Southern Arizona Heritage and Visitor’s Center.
Don’t worry about lunch! This tour will surely satisfy your hunger for both food and knowledge!
Depart Loews Ventana at 11 AM, return at 4 PM
Golf
Located just steps from the front lobby and in conjunction with the Ventana Golf & Racquet Club, we offer two Tom Fazio-designed championship 18-hole golf courses. Both courses are designed to blend into the Santa Catalina Mountains’ natural features. Weaving through desert cacti and scenic canyons, the courses embody the character of the Sonoran Desert landscape, as well as a unique variety of desert fauna. The Canyon Course winds through the inspiring beauty of the Esperero Canyon and incorporates the massive rock formation known as Whaleback Rock.
Morning or Evening Options
Spa Services
50-minute massages (Swedish, Therapeutic, Sports, or Reflexology)
Swedish - A light to moderate pressure, full body massage, designed to relieve tension and improve circulation.
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Therapeutic - A restorative massage using moderate to deep pressure to aid in the release of chronic muscle tension and pain.
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Sports - An athlete focused treatment using techniques that target the deeper layers of your muscles and connective tissues.
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Reflexology - This ancient treatment promotes healing by applying pressure on specific points in the feet to affect corresponding areas throughout the body.
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Couples Massage available upon request
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Spa Service – Facial
Using superior organic products made by Eminence, a customized treatment for all skin types are chosen to cleanse, exfoliate and restore pH balance. Includes steam, extractions, hand and foot massage and mask.
Dive Bar Crawl
(This option does NOT count as one of your excursions. Just let us know if you’re interested in joining us! Minimum 12 ppl is required)
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Leave the driving to someone else and enjoy a wild and wacky Friday night out on the town! This Dive Bar Crawl will include 4 or 5 “authentic Tucson” bars and will even include a karaoke bar! Our guide will introduce you to some Tucson bars that are favored by locals and show you how they party in Tucson! This is a “transportation only” option, so the drinks are on you! Seating is limited, but we will have a waitlist.
Depart Loews Ventana at 7 PM, return by 12 AM