Phoenix is the capital and largest city in the state of Arizona in the Southwest of the United States.  Located in the Salt River or “Valley of the Sun” in Central Arizona, it lies 1,117 feet in the heart of the Sonoran Desert.  With over 300 days of sunshine a year, the Sonoran Desert, sometimes called the Gila Desert after the Gila River, is a North American desert which straddles part of the US/Mexico border and covers large parts of the states of Arizona and California and the Mexican state of Sonora.

Phoenix's downtown area is called Copper Square, although most locals still call it Downtown; Copper Square is the name for the one square mile area surrounding Central Avenue and Jefferson.  A slowly growing hotspot for activities and action, downtown attractions include the Arizona Science Centre, Phoenix Museum of History, the Phoenix Art Museum and the Burton Barr Central Library.  Downtown Phoenix currently features about twenty-five mid-rise and high-rise buildings ranging up to 39 stories tall.

For those shoppaholics visit Paradise Valley Mall shopping center located on the corner of Tatum Boulevard and Cactus Road in downtown Phoenix.  Paradise Valley Mall has more than 150 specialty stores and restaurants.  Enjoy shopping at your favorite stores including GAP, Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft, American Eagle Outfitters, Origins, Aveda, Tilly’s, Limited Too!, and Old Navy. 

Ballooning is an exhilarating experience for everyone from the young to the more mature. "A magic carpet ride" and "riding on a cloud" are two phrases that have been used to describe the beauty, exhilaration and gentleness of ballooning.  Even though you travel at speeds of five to six miles per hour, there is virtually no sensation of motion because you are flying with the wind.  You can experience the true beauty of the desert landscape and the rugged peaks of the Arizona mountains as well as intimate views of wildlife in the desert below.  Every season in Arizona holds a special charm for a balloon ride.

Scottsdale named by the New York Times as “The Beverley Hills of the Desert” has become internationally known as a premiere and upscale tourist destination.  Downtown Scottsdale has many streets, stores and western art galleries, along with many restaurants, bars and nightclubs with people filling the streets with walking traffic after 10pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Howdy partner… If you like Rodeo, the West's Most Western Town prides itself on its rich Western cowboy history.  The renowned Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show has been a Scottsdale tradition since 1955 attracting thousands of visitors and tourists, hoping to catch a glimpse of nearly 2000 purebred Arabian and Half-Arabian horses giving exhibitions, demonstrations and shows.

 “FOUR!”… The combined quality and quantity of the city's daily fee golf clubs and courses have labeled Scottsdale a "must-visit" destination for the avid golfer.  With more than 330 days of sunshine, Scottsdale is best known as a premiere destination in both the United States and the world for golfing.  Recently named "America's Best Place to Live for Golf", by the Robb Report, Scottsdale is home to more than 200 area courses offering layouts that range from the rolling green fairways of traditional courses to the cactus-studded excitement of desert golf designs.  Scottsdale is home to the Phoenix Open Golf Tournament held at the Tournament Players Club, and later in March, hosts the Ping LPGA Tournament.

Shop till you drop… Scottsdale is one of the premiere shopping destinations of the southwest, home to many upscale and high-end boutiques and shops, with many stores such as Tiffany's reporting their Scottsdale location as one of the highest sales per square foot in the nation. There are more than 15 shopping centre's, including the more upscale Kierland Commons, Scottsdale Fashion Square, and Biltmore Fashion Park. Scottsdale is home to many designers, such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Stuart Weitzman, Juicy Couture, Dana Buchman and Escada.

Dance, dance, dance… Scottsdale is also home to a wide variety of nightclubs and bars. Along with nearby Phoenix and Tempe, the Phoenix Metro Area is one of the most “happenin” places in the entire southwest.  The clubs in Scottsdale cater to a wide variety of patrons, some catering to the younger college crowd from nearby Scottsdale Community College and Arizona State University, while more upscale establishments are geared towards the 30 to 40+ crowds.  While many patrons dress stylishly, there is no formal dress code, due to the hot climate.

Ride through the panoramic vistas of Arizona's Sonoran Desert and experience Arizona first hand.  Take a 2 hour, half day or full day trails and enjoy the views the way the cowboys have for over 100 years.  Many expeditions include riding helmets and lunch for all day rides and provide refreshments on the day.  You can also chose to take a Desert Botanical Tour with miles and miles of great action and incredible mountain views or for the more experienced rider chose a trek that takes you through numerous water crossings, steep inclines and narrow canyons to create a memorable mountain journey.

Anyone can take a snapshot - but exciting photographs are perceived in ones eye, even before the camera is on the tripod.  Why not go off-road with a professional photographer and experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert in Arizona.  Photographic opportunities are plentiful in this beautiful area of Arizona.

How to get there

British Airways, Delta airlines, United Airlines and American Airlines all fly into Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX).  British Airways will fly you direct from Heathrow and Delta, American and United will have stopovers.  Please check with your operator for full details.

Delta Airlines
From ABZ – via CDG and ATL into PHX
From EDI – via ATL into PHX
From LCY – via CDG and ATL into PHX
From LGW – via ATL into PHX
From MAN – via ATL into PHX
From NCL – via CDG and ATL into PHX

American Airlines
From ABZ – via LGW and DFW or ORD into PHX
From EDI – via LHR and DFW or ORD into PHX
From LGW – via DFW into PHX
From LHR – via ORD – into PHX
From MAN – via ORD into PHX
From NCL – via LGW and DFW or ORD into PHX

United Airlines
From ABZ – via LHR and ORD into PHX
From LHR – via IAD into PHX
From MAN – via ORD and DEN into PHX

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Phoenix: www.visitphoenix.com