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Join a tour

Learn more about Phoenix and the surrounding areas through specially curated tours offered exclusively by Women of the ELCA. Five pre-gathering tours are offered on Thursday, September 21. Three post-gathering tours will be offered following closing worship on Sunday, September 24. For those with extra time and an adventurous spirit, consider the final offering: a five-day post-gathering tour that gets participants out and about the Grand Canyon State. All tours include a step-on guide who will make the trip special, offering insider tips and fascinating facts along the way.

Day Tours

Tour the Apache Trail

Explore the beauty of the Sonoran Desert by touring Arizona’s first “historic highway” and scenic byway, Apache Trail. You’ll experience Superstition Mountain Wilderness, Tortilla Flat, and Goldfield Ghost Town. The tour includes a narrated nature cruise on Canyon Lake, on the famous Dolly Steamboat. Lunch is included.

Inclusions:
Guided Services, motor coach transportation, lunch, Dolly Steamboat admission, taxes, bottled water, pick up and drop off at Phoenix Convention Center.

Please note: This tour is not recommended for anyone with mobility issues.

Thursday, September 21
8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

$159

Earth Science and Oil

Visit Biosphere 2, a science research facility based in Oracle, AZ, and dedicated to research, outreach, teaching and life-long learning about the Earth and its place in the universe. Experience the Rainforest, an Ocean overlook, and a Coastal Fog Desert. Grab lunch before heading to Queen Creek Olive Mill, Arizona’s only working olive farm and mill. Tour the mill and shop the marketplace that features oils and delicacies.

Be sure to wear your walking shoes and bring your water bottles!

Inclusions:
Guided Services, motor coach transportation, tour at Biosphere 2, tour at Queen Creek Olive Mill, taxes, pick up and drop off at Phoenix Convention Center.

Thursday, September 21
8 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

$169

City Tour: Phoenix and Scottsdale

You’ll be treated to architecture, modern art, desert views and more in Phoenix, the Valley of the Sun. Spot the Arizona State Capitol building and the Arizona Biltmore (featuring design elements by Frank Lloyd Wright) as you make your way to Old Town Scottsdale. In Old Town Scottsdale explore fashion shops and art galleries and enjoy some Southwest cuisine. Lunch is on your own.

Inclusions:
Guided Services, motor coach transportation, bottled water, taxes, pick up and drop off at Phoenix Convention Center.

Thursday, September 21
9 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.


Sunday, September 24
12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

$119

Heard of the Heard?

Visit the Heard Museum, created in 1929 and dedicated to the advancement of American Indian Art. Featuring both traditional and contemporary art, the Heard houses about 44,000 objects and displays many of them in its 12 exhibit galleries. Lunch can be purchased at the Heard’s Courtyard Café. You’ll also be introduced to Phoenix houses of worship on the way to and from the Heard.

Inclusions:
Guided Services, motor coach transportation, taxes, pick up and drop off at Phoenix Convention Center.

Thursday, September 21

Tour one departs at 10:30 a.m. and returns around 2:30 p.m.

Tour two departs at 11:30 a.m. and returns around 3:30 p.m.

Sunday, September 24

12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

$89

Sedona Sites

Travel north of Phoenix to Sedona, a geographical wonderland. This beautiful city is nestled among red rock buttes, green pine forests and steep canyon walls. Enjoy exploring Sedona on your own for two hours, then board a trolley for a guided ride to Chapel of the Holy Cross. Then it’s on to Tlaqapaque Arts Village for lunch (on your own) and some shopping.

Be sure to bring sunscreen and your water bottle.

Inclusions:
Guided Services, motor coach transportation, group Trolley in Sedona, taxes, pick up and drop off at Phoenix Convention Center.

Thursday, September 21

8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

$169

Queen Creek Olive Mill Tasting & Tour

Spend the final afternoon of the Gathering touring Arizona’s only working olive farm and mill. Learn how extra virgin olive oil is made, how to use it in the kitchen, and why it’s so good for you. Experts will teach you how to correctly taste olive oil. After touring the mill, shop the marketplace that features oils and delicacies. It’s a perfect place to pick up gifts before returning home.

Lunch is on your own. You can choose from a delicious selection of food and beverage items in their store. Don’t forget to sample their ice cream for dessert!

Inclusions:
Guided Services, motor coach transportation, tour at Queen Creek Olive Mill, taxes, pick up and drop off at Phoenix Convention Center.

Sunday, September 24

12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

$109

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8765 W. Higgins Rd.

Chicago IL 60631

800-638-3522

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