Tours - 2026 JASNA AGM: Jane Austen's Bath Novels: Northanger Abbey and Persuasion

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Tucson's historic, cultural, and natural sites have won the area a spot at the top of many must-visit lists, and you will want to experience some of these wonders for yourself. Our list of tours has something for everyone: regardless of your activity level, interests, or budget, you'll find something special to do!

Please read the descriptions, notes, and accessibility statements carefully. Some tours include meals, and others provide opportunities to dine on your own. Some tours are strenuous, require walking long distances, or involve travel to higher elevations.

This schedule is for planning purposes and is subject to change. All charter buses, tours, and workshops must meet minimum headcounts to go forward.

More spaces were added to the Kitt Peak National Observatory tour to accommodate waitlisted people, and several places remain available on the Thursday night tour.
The October 30 Tohono Chul tour is cancelled, due to a change in the venue's event plans.
The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures tour that was going to share a bus with the Friday Tohono Chul tour is also cancelled.
The Sunday, November 1 Tohono Chul tour will run and now has a larger vehicle. Tohono Chul has changed their event calendar and will host "Sundays in the Garden" featuring a musical performance from 1:30-3:00pm, a cash bar, and an art exhibit. If you are waitlisted for this event, watch your email for an opportunity to add it to your agenda. You must accept the "invitation" to add it.
The Saturday Companion Tour to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is cancelled due to low enrollment. However, Companions (and attendees' nonregistered guests) may register for any of the other Desert Museum trips.
Regarding the Evening Van Tour with Guide on Wednesday and Thursday, please be aware that this is vehicle-based sightseeing; there is no admission to any site and limited opportunities to get out of the van. If you would like a more active tour with the opportunity to enter certain sites, the San Xavier self-guided tour and the Barrio Viejo and Downtown Highlights Walking Tours on Wednesday and Thursday. All currently have availability.
The Native American History and Saguaro National Park tours cannot be expanded. If you are waitlisted, consider the San Xavier Mission tour on Thursday instead: Native American history is evident in the mission site, which was constructed with Native labor and is located on Tribal land. Shops on-site offer Native American-made jewelry and other artwork, and fry bread. While this is a self-guided tour, a JASNA volunteer will help you get oriented.
The deadline for removing a tour from your registration and receiving a refund is September 30.

Learn about the life of Native Americans in the Sonoran Desert in prehistory, the colonial period, and today. Michael Foltz will be your guide for a tour focusing on the Native American experience, beginning with a two-hour visit to the beautiful and historic Spanish colonial mission of San Xavier del Bac, which was built by indigenous laborers in the late 18th century and is now an active parish on the Tohono O’odham Nation reservation. Then, following a lunch stop at a casual restaurant, you will travel into Saguaro National Park to view the largest area of petroglyphs – rock art created by Native Americans approximately 1,000 years ago – in the Tucson region. The return trip through the park will give plentiful views of saguaro cacti and cross over scenic Gates Pass.

Included: Transportation, guide, admission, water.

Important Notes: Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes and sun protection. Lunch is at your own expense.

Accessibility: Viewing the petroglyphs involves walking on a 0.4-mile rocky trail that ascends a hill. Accessibility at the San Xavier del Bac Mission is generally good, despite the historic nature of the 18th-century structure. The complex features wide, flat pathways leading from the car park to the main entrances. The church and museum offer step-free access, allowing wheelchair users to navigate the ground-level spaces easily. However, the original stone and tile floors inside the church can be somewhat uneven. Some shops are across a large parking lot.

Travel to two key sites and discover what was happening in Southern Arizona while Jane Austen was growing up half a world away. At Tumacacori National Historic Park, Alex La Pierre (a former ranger at the site) will guide you through the natural and cultural aspects of this important site, which encompasses the 1757 church, mission grounds, a modern reconstruction of a traditional O'odham dwelling, and other aspects of the historic community, the site of both conflict and coexistence. A short bus ride away is your second stop, Tubac, the site of the first European settlement in Arizona and now a vibrant arts destination, with numerous workshops and galleries selling jewelry, pottery, painting, and other arts and crafts. At Tubac, you can join Alex for a brief history tour and enjoy time on your own in the town’s shops and restaurants. Take a sneak peek at Tumacacori in this short video.

Included: Transportation, guide, and admission to the National Historic Park. Lunch is at your own expense.

Accessibility: Touring the historic sites involves walking on sidewalks and flat unpaved areas. The historic area and shops in Tubac cover a few blocks. If you want to shorten walking time, you may choose to relax in a restaurant or coffee shop.

Take advantage of Arizona’s dark skies with a visit to Kitt Peak National Observatory, home to the largest, most diverse collection of astronomical instruments in the Northern Hemisphere. On the way, you’ll stop for a quick meal at a locally owned steakhouse and enjoy stunning views of saguaro cacti and rolling hills. Upon arrival, the tour starts with watching the sun set over the distant mountains and seeing the stars and planets appear as the sky darkens. Participants will explore the night skies with specially designed astronomy binoculars, then head into one of the domes to view through a telescope and observe the night skies in all its grandeur. Time at Kitt Peak is 4.5 hours.

Included: Transportation, guide, admission, steakhouse meal (vegetarian alternative available), sandwich snack, water.

Important Notes: Prepare to be outdoors in the cold, on a mountaintop at 7,000 feet. Hats, gloves, warm layers, and an insulating jacket, even a blanket, are strongly recommended. Non-U.S. visitors must bring a passport. In case of inclement weather, Kitt Peak will present an alternate astronomy program. Kitt Peak does not allow participants under 8 years of age.

Accessibility: Tours include walking, standing, and climbing stairs. Please carefully consider any personal health issues that may be an issue at high elevation. Tour vehicle cannot accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, or luggage.

Want the fun of touring without all the walking and standing? This tour is for you! Michael Foltz will take you on an evening visit onto the Tohono O’odham reservation to view the San Xavier mission (exterior only), followed by a scenic drive through downtown Tucson, where you will see Barrio Viejo with its historic adobe homes, Snob Hollow, murals, Hotel Congress, and more. There will be photo stops, snacks on the bus, and unique insights from one of Tucson’s most knowledgeable and in-demand tour guides.

Included: Guide, transportation, snacks, water.

Accessibility: Van-based tour; you may get out at some photo stops if desired, but guide narration will be delivered inside the vehicle.

Enjoy an elevated wine-tasting and dining experience at Los Milics Vineyard, which was voted the #2 wine tasting room in the U.S. by readers of USA Today. A small group will travel to Elgin, Arizona in a Mercedes Sprinter tour van, then savor a curated flight of five estate-grown wines, followed by a seasonal, chef-crafted, three-course dinner. Executive Chef Trevor Routman, who previously worked with several James Beard award-winning chefs and restaurants, was recently lauded as one of six Arizona chefs redefining the state’s culinary scene. Designed as "a sculpture that happens to be a tasting room," the 20-foot-tall monoliths of Los Milics are a dramatic setting for a special dinner.

Included: Transport, guide, wine-tasting, chef-crafted dinner, gratuities, water and snacks en route.

Important Notes: Diners will chose from a menu, and meals can be tailored to suit most dietary restrictions.

Accessibility: The tasting room is a modern, architect-designed construction and is fully ADA compliant. Minimal walking is involved. The vehicle and the vineyard can accommodate rollator walkers.

In 1974, two young cavers were exploring limestone hills at the base of the Whetstone Mountains when they discovered a pristine cavern, full of breathtaking mineral formations that have been growing for tens of thousands of years. A tour of spectacular Kartchner Caverns is combined with a visit to nearby Tombstone, “the town too tough to die.” Guide Michael Foltz goes beyond the standard tourist tales to give a tour like no other. Lunch at Big Nose Kate’s Saloon is included. Actual time at the two destinations is between six and seven hours.

Included: Transportation, guide, lunch, admissions to Kartchner Caverns, Bird Cage Theatre, and Rose Tree Museum.

Accessibility: Information and an excellent video on Kartchner accessibility is on this page. Paths are paved, but grade (slope) changes occur frequently, and there are several areas in the cave where the trail grade exceeds 12%. In Tombstone, sidewalks are boardwalk style. The tour includes walking around the town and entry to several buildings. There are ADA-compliant restrooms. If you plan to bring your own wheelchair, please advise the accessibility coordinator so that we can ensure space on the vehicle for it.

At Tumacacori National Historic Park, Alex La Pierre (a former ranger at the site) will guide you through the natural and cultural aspects of this important site, which encompasses the 1757 church, mission grounds, a modern construction of a traditional O'odham dwelling, and other aspects of the historic community, the site of both conflict and coexistence. After exploring the historic structures, take a guided hike on the Anza Trail, along the scenic cottonwood-lined Santa Cruz River, gaining a deeper appreciation for the rich culture and biodiversity of the Santa Cruz Valley. A shorter stop at Tubac, the site of the oldest European settlement in Arizona, provides an opportunity to have lunch or browse some of the village’s many art galleries and shops.

Included: Transportation, guide services, and admission to the National Historic Park.

Accessibility: Touring the historic sites involves walking on sidewalks and flat unpaved areas. The trail walk is approximately 2 miles on a wide packed-dirt path with some tree cover. The shops in Tubac cover a few blocks.

Relax with a visit to the Sonoita-Elgin wine country, traveling an hour south of Tucson to the high desert grasslands, where the climate yields well-regarded, expressive wines. You'll travel in a Mercedes Sprinter tour van with snacks and water for the journey. Sample varied wine flights at four tasting rooms. Lunch at Los Milics Vineyard is included, along with small bites accompanying tastings at other locations. Sweeping views of mountains, vines, and atmospheric tasting rooms complement the experience as you learn about the wine innovators in the valley.

Included: Transportation, guide, admission, wine-tasting, lunch and small bites, gratuities, water, and snacks en route.

Important Notes: Diners will choose from the Los Milics lunch menu; meals can be tailored to suit most dietary needs.

Accessibility: Rollator walkers can be accommodated in vehicle and wineries. Elevation above sea level is in the low to moderate range (below 5,000 feet), which does not cause concern for most people with proper hydration.

Tucson's historic downtown is best appreciated on foot, with a local guide sharing a deep understanding of the multicultural roots of the city and the region. Whether you join historian and Borderlandia founder Alex La Pierre or seventh-generation Tucsonian and Presidio Trust board member Mauro Trejo, you will gain an appreciation of the area's heritage, physical beauty, and community.

Walking tours are also an ideal way to get your bearings before exploring on your own, and there are many wonderful museums, shops, and restaurants concentrated in the downtown core. If you wish to stay downtown after your tour, you can catch an Uber or Lyft back to the hotel (9-10 minute ride); just let your guide or tour chaperone know.

The New York Times praised Borderlandia’s Tucson Origins tour, and AAA selected it as one of the eight best walking tours in the Western U.S. This tour is an opportunity to discover what makes Tucson such a unique and special place that forms part of the tapestry that is America. Visiting downtown Tucson’s El Presidio and Barrio Viejo districts, we will explore the history and architecture of the community through the themes of the Native American, Spanish colonial, Mexican, and American Territorial eras, and also learn about Tucson’s UNESCO designation as City of Gastronomy. Guide Alex La Pierre brings his experience as a National Park Service ranger and shares his deep knowledge of the cultural heritage of the American Southwest and Mexico. The tour itself is two hours; some trips include some extra time for you to shop, dine, or see sights on your own after the tour.

Included: Guide services, transportation to and from downtown at stated times.

Accessibility: Tours include walking and standing in an urban environment.

A Tucsonian with family roots going back to the Spanish Presidio of 1780, Mauro Trejo grew up hearing stories from his grandfather about Tucson's people and places. For over 20 years, he has shared that legacy through his tours and through service in several civic organizations. Mauro's walking tour highlights the city’s unvarnished history and its diverse culture. The tour begins in Barrio Viejo, Tucson’s oldest neighborhood, and ends at the site of the original Spanish presidio (fort), built in 1775. Along the way you’ll see buildings in a variety of architectural styles and view a small local shrine, the beautiful historic courthouse, sculptures and other public art, and more. The tour itself is two hours; some trips include some extra time for you to shop, dine, or see sights on your own after the tour.

Included: Guide services, transportation to and from downtown at stated times.

Accessibility: Tours include walking and standing in an urban environment.

Comprising a zoo, botanical garden, natural history museum, aquarium, art gallery, and more, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum was named by TripAdvisor as one of the top ten museums in the U.S. Representing the incredibly diverse Sonoran Desert region, the 98-acre site features two aviaries (one devoted to hummingbirds), a variety of animal habitats, a world-class regional mineral collection, two miles of walking trails that showcase over 230 animal species in a natural setting, and thousands of native desert plants. You can also enjoy special daily animal programs, two gift shops, and three dining outlets (offering everything from casual regional cuisine and prickly pear margaritas to ice cream and beer).

Included: Transportation, admission.

Important Notes: The Desert Museum is primarily an outdoor experience. Be prepared with sun protection and bring water or buy drinks on-site.

Accessibility: If you wish to request hearing or visual tour accommodations, please contact the Museum's Guest Services Manager at 520-883-1380 extension 7100 or by email to info@desertmuseum.org, three weeks prior to the tour. All buildings, most restrooms, and 96% of exhibits are wheelchair accessible, with ramps located wherever there are stairs. Some sections of pathways are moderately hilly. Entrance to the Earth Science Center/Mineral Gallery is through an artificial cave with very low light levels and noticeable changes in the level of the floor and ceiling heights. Aviaries can be somewhat difficult to navigate in wheelchairs due to double entrance doors that are required to keep birds from flying out of the exhibit. Please be especially careful in these exhibit areas. The Museum has some manual wheelchairs, child strollers, and electric convenience vehicles, which are available for rent at our front ticket window on a first-come, first serve basis. If you plan to bring your own wheelchair, please advise the accessibility coordinator so that we can ensure space on the vehicle for it.

Whether your interests are historical, artistic, spiritual, or all of the above, a visit to San Xavier del Bac promises to be one you'll long remember. Called locally "the white dove of the desert," the Spanish Catholic mission building, built between 1873 and 1797, is the oldest intact European structure in Arizona. The Baroque architecture of the exterior leads into vibrant original frescoes, ornate retablos, and intricate statuary. A fusion of Spanish, Mexican, and Native American artistic influences are evident; in a brief visit, you can see wonderful art and experience the cultural cross-currents that make this region so special. The mission is an active parish serving the Tohono O'odham nation, and Tribal members sell jewelry, baskets, and other crafts in small shops on site. Community-led docent tours may be available during our visit; updates will be provided when the Mission releases its tour schedule. This is a self-guided tour, but a JASNA volunteer will be on hand to assist as necessary.

Tohono Chul is a 49-acre oasis that offers a sophisticated blend of nature, art (including the horse sculpture above), food, and regional culture. Visitors can stroll along paved pathways winding through themed botanical gardens that showcase a variety of native cacti, desert wildflowers, and a hummingbird garden. The indoor art galleries host rotating exhibitions featuring contemporary Southwestern art and traditional crafts. The bistro is a favorite with locals and visitors alike. Over the AGM dates, there will be special events at Tohono Chul, providing a festive atmosphere and extra attractions to enjoy (watch for details).

WEDNESDAY, October 28
12:30pm - 4:45pm

THURSDAY, October 29
8:00am-12:45pm or 11:00am - 3:30pm

Purchase a ticket as part of AGM registration for a specific bus dropoff and pickup time. Exploration is own your own.

Looking to visit a museum or do a little shopping downtown? The JASNA bus is the solution. The downtown stop is convenient for the Museum of Art, Pima County Historic Courthouse, Alfie Norville Gem and Mineral Museum, Presidio San Agustin, and the Old Town Artisans shops, as well as several restaurants. If you prefer a general overview, self-guided tour brochures for the historic downtown "Turquoise Trail" will be available. Further exploration can be accomplished by catching the free SunLink streetcar. For guided downtown tours, see the listings under Walking Tours, above.

Those not attending AGM sessions have an opportunity for a day of aviation and military history. The Pima Air and Space Museum encompasses many outdoor exhibits and six hangars, including three devoted to World War II. Visitors who finish the aviation exhibits early may walk to the adjacent Military Vehicle Museum (separate admission). Then, the bus will take you to the Titan Missile Museum, the only remaining Titan II missile site open to the public, showcasing Cold War history and the technology of intercontinental ballistic missiles. The tour includes above-ground exhibits and a guided visit underground to see the launch control center. This is a self-guided tour that includes transportation and admissions to Pima Air and Space and the Titan Missile Museum. Lunch may be purchased individually at the Flight Grill at Pima Air and Space.

Accessibility: The descent to Titan launch control is by 55 stairs; no elevator is available. Both sites are otherwise ADA accessible, but touring the exhibits involves walking over an extensive area.

It's not the Grand Canyon, but Tucson's own Sabino Canyon offers views of rock walls, dramatic slopes and desert flora, which you can view from the comfort of an open-sided, emission-free electric shuttle. On a one-hour round trip, the shuttle climbs 3.7 miles into the canyon, crossing the creek that carved out the canyon over millennia. An optional guide narration delivered through headphones enhances understanding of the canyon and its history, or you can simply enjoy the grandeur of nature in peace. Walkers have the option of forgoing the shuttle and taking a short hike (unguided) from the visitor's center. Box lunches, to be enjoyed at the visitor's center picnic area, will be available (watch for details).

Accessibility: Rollator walkers and wheelchairs can be accommodated with advance notice.

Group dining events offer opportunities to experience downtown restaurants in the City of Gastronomy.

Jeep and Horseback Tours: Early communications about the AGM mentioned the possibility of jeep tours and horseback riding. Currently, however, the pricing for these activities is such that they are not likely to meet the required minimum headcount as group tours. If you would like to book a trail ride or desert jeep tour, we would be happy to provide information and recommended companies for individual bookings. Please send your request to jasna2026agm@gmail.com.

If you are coming to Arizona early or staying late, check out the pre- and post-AGM tour and lodging opportunities. Information on visiting the Grand Canyon and Sedona is available.

Informal explorations and other activities at or adjacent to the AGM hotel property are another option. The hotel offers a free, daily guided trail walk, golf clinic, and driving range as part of its resort fee amenities; see the Hotel page for details. Information on other informal activities led by JASNA members, such as a bird walk, will be provided after AGM registration opens.

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