Private Guided tour of Tombstone and San Xavier del Bac

Experience the Untamed Southwest with a Private Tour of Tombstone and San Xavier del Bac

When you think of Arizona, images of rugged deserts, historic towns, and iconic missions probably come to mind. This private guided tour packs those elements into a 12-hour adventure that takes you through Tombstone, the legendary Wild West town, and the stunning San Xavier del Bac Mission just outside Tucson. For $1,200 per group (up to five people), you get a personalized experience, complete with a knowledgeable guide, comfortable transportation, and some of the most famous landmarks in Southern Arizona.

What we love about this tour is how it balances history, scenery, and authentic local flavor. You’ll get the chance to walk where legendary gunfights happened at the OK Corral, sit at a cowboy-style bar at Big Nose Kate’s Saloon, and pay respects in the historic Boothill Cemetery. Plus, the visit to San Xavier del Bac allows you to step inside one of the best-preserved missions in the Southwest, with its original statuary and murals still intact.

A potential consideration is the length of the day—12 hours can be a long stretch if you’re not a dedicated history buff or if you prefer more leisurely-paced sightseeing. Still, for those eager to see as much as possible in one day, this tour offers excellent value, especially given the personalized attention and comfort of traveling in a luxury SUV.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy history, authentic local culture, and scenic drives. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a more tailored approach rather than large group tours, and for anyone wanting to combine a legendary Wild West town with a beautiful religious site in a single day.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Private group means more flexibility and direct interaction with your guide.
• Historical Highlights: Visit Tombstone’s OK Corral, Boothill Cemetery, and Big Nose Kate’s Saloon for some genuine Old West atmosphere.
• Cultural Sites: See the San Xavier del Bac Mission, a beautifully preserved piece of 18th-century architecture.
• Scenic Drive: Experience the unique Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts as you travel through Southern Arizona’s varied landscapes.
• All-Inclusive Value: Entrance fees to the Tombstone Courthouse and bottled water are included, making it straightforward.
• Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering peace of mind and flexibility.

You can check availability for your dates here:

In-Depth Review of the Private Tombstone and San Xavier del Bac Tour

The Itinerary and What Makes It Special

This tour is designed to give you a comprehensive snapshot of Arizona’s Wild West past and its stunning desert scenery. Starting early, the guide will pick you up from most hotels or residences in Phoenix, Scottsdale, or Tempe, in a comfortable SUV that makes the long day enjoyable rather than exhausting.

Your first stop is Tombstone, a town famous for the 1881 gunfight at the OK Corral. We loved the way this tour brings history alive, walking you through the same streets where legends like Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday once roamed. The guide will take you to the O.K. Corral, where you can imagine the tension of that legendary shootout, and then to the Boothill Cemetery, known as the final resting place for many early town residents—some of whom met violent ends. The cemetery is a quiet, sobering contrast to the lively streets of Tombstone.

A highlight for many is a visit to Big Nose Kate’s Saloon, where you can belly up to the bar, soak in the Old West atmosphere, and enjoy some local flavor. The guide often shares stories about the saloon’s history, making it more than just a place to grab a drink.

After exploring Tombstone, the tour takes you through the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts, with the guide pointing out unique desert flora and explaining how these ecosystems support diverse wildlife. The drive itself becomes a lesson in geography and ecology, adding depth to your understanding of this rugged landscape.

Next, you’ll visit San Xavier del Bac—a stunning mission of Spanish-Baroque architecture. It’s one of the Southwest’s best-preserved missions, with its intricate statuary and murals still in place. The interior is particularly striking, and the guide often shares stories about its construction and role in local history. We loved the way the mission’s original splendor is preserved and accessible for visitors.

Authentic Experiences and Personal Attention

Reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable guides—regarded as friendly, well-informed, and enthusiastic. One reviewer from Austria called the guide a “very hard-working and competent driver,” which highlights the personal touch and professionalism that makes this tour stand out.

The private group format means your experience is tailored, with plenty of time for questions or spontaneous stops. The inclusion of entrance fees and bottled water adds to the value, making it an easy, hassle-free day.

What to Expect in Terms of Logistics

This is a full 12-hour day, so be prepared for a long but rewarding experience. The luxury SUV offers a comfortable ride, even on the longer stretches of desert highway. The timing typically starts in the morning, with a flexible schedule based on your starting point, and ends in the late afternoon or evening back in Phoenix.

Since the tour is private, it’s possible to customize minor details or stop for quick photos along the way. However, the core itinerary—Tombstone, the desert, and San Xavier del Bac—remains a classic snapshot of Arizona’s highlights.

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Pricing and Value

At $1,200 for up to five people, this tour offers good value for the personalized service and the depth of experience. Entrance fees and bottled water are included, reducing additional costs. Compared to larger group tours, the private format means you get more direct attention, making the experience richer and more flexible.

Authenticity and Visitor Feedback

Reviewers have expressed high satisfaction, describing the experience as “unique, interesting, and worth the day out.” They appreciated the expert guidance and the balance of history, scenery, and cultural sites. The emphasis on local stories and original sites ensures you walk away with a genuine appreciation for Arizona’s frontier past.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour best suits travelers who:

• Appreciate history, storytelling, and cultural heritage.
• Want a personalized experience rather than a crowded group.
• Are comfortable with a long day of sightseeing.
• Enjoy scenic desert drives combined with historic landmarks.
• Are visiting Phoenix, Scottsdale, or Tempe and want a full-day escape into Arizona’s legendary past.

It’s particularly ideal for those who value expert guides and a well-rounded experience that covers both Wild West legends and sacred sites like San Xavier del Bac.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of the tour?
The price covers entrance fees to the Tombstone Courthouse and bottled water. It does not include lunch, breakfast, dinner, or gratuities.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 12 hours, giving enough time to explore each site thoroughly without feeling rushed.

Is this tour private?
Yes, it is designed for private groups of up to five people. This allows for a more tailored and flexible experience.

Where does the tour pick up from?
Pickup is available from most hotels and private residences in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe. Confirm your location when booking.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering peace of mind.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sun protection, and camera. The desert sun can be intense, so dress appropriately.

Is there an option to include lunch or other meals?
The tour does not include meals, so you might want to plan for lunch on your own—your guide can suggest good local spots.

Final Thoughts

For those eager to connect with Arizona’s legendary history and stunning landscapes in a personalized, comfortable setting, this private Tombstone and San Xavier del Bac tour hits the mark. The combination of legendary Wild West sites and beautifully preserved missions offers a well-rounded day that’s both educational and enjoyable.

Travelers who value expert guidance, flexibility, and authenticity will find this tour particularly rewarding. It’s an excellent choice for small groups or families wanting to maximize their time and experience in Southern Arizona. While long, the day’s experiences make it worth the investment—especially if you’re passionate about history, architecture, and the desert landscapes that define this part of the country.

In short, if you’re looking for a personalized, immersive glimpse into Arizona’s frontier past and cultural treasures, this tour provides a memorable, well-organized journey—one that will leave you with stories to tell long after you’ve returned home.

You can check availability for your dates here: