Total Sedona Tour

If you’re thinking about exploring Sedona beyond its famous red rock vistas, the Total Sedona Tour offers a comprehensive, engaging experience that balances natural beauty, cultural insights, and a touch of spirituality.

While we haven’t personally taken this specific tour, the detailed itinerary, attentive guides, and well-rounded stops suggest it’s a strong choice for curious travelers eager to see Sedona through a knowledgeable lens.

What we find particularly appealing is how the tour combines iconic sights like Chapel of the Holy Cross and Airport Mesa with cultural sites such as the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village and Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park.

The emphasis on geology, Native American history, and early settlers offers a richer, more meaningful experience than just snapping photos of red rocks. However, the tour is quite packed into just over five hours, so travelers should be prepared for a brisk pace.

This experience works best for those who appreciate storytelling, authentic sites, and scenic viewpoints without the hassle of arranging multiple visits independently. Perfect for first-timers, small groups, or anyone wanting a structured overview of Sedona’s most notable features, the tour’s relatively modest price point makes it a solid overall value.

Key Points

• Expert-guided experience with highly trained guides who share detailed insights about Sedona’s geology, Native American history, and early settlers.
• Iconic sights like Chapel of the Holy Cross and Airport Mesa, offering perfect photo opportunities and stunning vistas.
• Cultural stops such as Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village and Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park, enriching your understanding of local traditions and spirituality.
• Convenient logistics, including parking fees covered and a flexible 5.5-hour schedule, making it easy to plan.
• Small group size (max 14 travelers), which fosters a more personalized and engaging experience.
• Value for money — at $119 per person, with included admission tickets and parking, it offers a rundown at a reasonable price.

Analyzing the Experience: What You Can Expect

Meeting and Introduction

The tour kicks off promptly at 9:00 am from 450 Jordan Rd, a friendly starting point in Sedona. Expect a small group — no more than 14 travelers — which means you’ll likely get some personal attention from your guides, who are described as very knowledgeable. They’re well-versed not only in Sedona’s sights but also in Native American traditions, early settler histories, and the area’s geology, making this more than just a sightseeing run.

First Stop: Chapel of the Holy Cross

The tour begins with a visit to the Chapel of the Holy Cross, one of Sedona’s most iconic landmarks. Admission is included, so you won’t need to worry about extra costs. This striking modern church is built into the red rocks, with stunning views all around. Visitors often comment on how “fantastic” the photo opportunities are, capturing not just the chapel but the sweeping landscape. Your guide will share the history behind the chapel’s construction and its spiritual symbolism, adding depth to the visual feast.

Second Stop: Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village

Next, you’ll explore the charming Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village. Built around mature trees, this unique shopping enclave features over 200 shops, art galleries, and a church hidden within the maze of courtyards. It’s a great place to stretch your legs, browse local crafts, and soak in the artsy atmosphere. The guide’s commentary will illuminate the village’s history and its significance as a hub for local artisans.

Third Stop: Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park

Continuing with a spiritual theme, the tour includes a visit to Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park, the only stupa in Arizona. Spread over 14 acres, the park offers tranquil spots, prayer wheels, a medicine wheel, and photo-worthy scenery. Visitors often comment on how peaceful the park feels, making it a nice contrast to the busy city life. Learning about the stupa’s significance and the park’s purpose enriches the experience for those interested in spirituality or cultural diversity.

Scenic Drives and Landmarks

The tour then takes you past some of Sedona’s most famous geological formations: Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and Courthouse Butte. While you’ll only be passing by, your guide will explain the fascinating stories of how these formations came to be and their importance to Native Americans. This pass-by segment offers a quick but informative overview of Sedona’s geology, adding context to the breathtaking scenery.

Airport Mesa

One of the tour highlights is the stop at Airport Mesa, where panoramic views of Sedona’s red rocks unfold in front of you. It’s a favorite for photographers and nature lovers alike. Expect about 20 minutes here to take pictures and learn about the area’s geological history, early settlers, Native American influences, and even the filming of movies in the region. Travelers consistently praise this stop for its “breathtaking” vistas.

Lunch Break: Uptown Mall Plaza

After a busy morning, you’ll enjoy a one-hour break for lunch in Sedona’s Uptown area. There’s no included meal, but you’ll find plenty of options ranging from casual cafes to more upscale eateries. This break allows for some personal exploration and a chance to relax before the afternoon segment.

Scenic Drive: One of America’s Top Ten

The tour concludes with a cruise along a scenic drive recognized among America’s top ten. Your guide will point out notable stops along the way, enhancing your appreciation of Sedona’s natural beauty and the stories behind its most famous spots. This part of the tour allows travelers to see the landscape from a different perspective while learning about its significance.

Why This Tour Offers Good Value

For $119, the tour includes parking fees, admission tickets to key sites, and the guidance of knowledgeable guides. Given the included stops and the small group size, you’re getting a well-organized, insightful overview of Sedona that would be challenging to replicate on your own without planning multiple visits and transportation.

The guided aspect ensures you won’t miss any of the stories or geological explanations, which can often be the missing pieces when exploring on your own. On top of that, the tour’s timing allows you to see a broad swath of Sedona’s highlights without feeling rushed or overwhelmed, making it suitable for first-timers or those short on time.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who value expert insights, scenic vistas, and cultural depth. It’s particularly suitable if you prefer guided tours that provide context rather than just ticking off sights. Those interested in Native American history, geology, or spiritual sites will find this tour especially meaningful.

However, if you’re hoping for a leisurely, unstructured day or want to focus solely on photography, you might find the schedule a bit tight. Also, since lunch isn’t included, those who prefer all-inclusive packages might want to plan ahead.

Final Thoughts

The Total Sedona Tour offers a balanced mix of stunning scenery, cultural stories, and meaningful sites, all guided by experts passionate about Sedona’s landscape and history. It’s a solid choice for travelers seeking a structured, engaging way to understand what makes Sedona special beyond just its famous red rocks.

The small group size and knowledgeable guides enhance the experience, making it feel personal and informative. While it’s a bit of a whirlwind tour, it covers all the highlights and provides enough context to make your visit more memorable and enriching.

If you’re eager to see Sedona’s most iconic sights with insightful commentary and a spiritual touch, this tour delivers a good mix of scenery, history, and culture — all without breaking the bank.

FAQ

How long is the Total Sedona Tour?
It lasts approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, starting at 9:00 am and wrapping up back at the meeting point.

Where does the tour start and end?
The meeting point is at 450 Jordan Rd, Sedona. The tour begins there and concludes back at the same location.

What is included in the price?
The $119 fee includes parking fees, admission tickets to sites like the Chapel of the Holy Cross, Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, Amitabha Stupa, and Airport Mesa, as well as guided commentary.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included. You’ll have about one hour to choose from many local options in Uptown Sedona.

How many people are in the group?
The maximum group size is 14 travelers, ensuring a more intimate and engaging experience.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted on this tour.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s best suited for those comfortable with walking and standing for periods, as well as a busy schedule.

Are the stops flexible?
The itinerary is fixed, but guides aim to provide a meaningful and enjoyable experience at each stop.

Can I cancel for a refund?
Yes, cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour begins. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

Is this tour good for photography?
Absolutely. Stops like Airport Mesa offer panoramic views perfect for capturing Sedona’s beauty.