April itinerary advice

Question

We are4 mid 60’s women coming to Sedona in April next year. Would love some feedback on our initial itinerary.

April 23 Wednesday Element Sedona

TPA to Phoenix 6:40- 8:10

Lunch. 12:00 Colt Grill or Butterfly Burger

Private Sedona Tour 2:00-6:00

Dinner Cucina Rustica 7:00

April 24 Thursday

Hot Air Balloon 6:30-10:30

Uptown Explorer Food Tour 1:30-4:30

Sunset at Airport Mesa

The Hudson for appetizers

April 25 Friday

PJ Ancient Ruins 9:00-1:00

Lunch 1:30 Cowboy Club

PJ Broken Arrow Twilight 6-7:30

Dinner 89agave 8:00

April 26 Saturday -Hampton Inn Airport

To Phoenix via Cottonwood /jerome

April 27 Sunday fly home 8:50-3:45

Answer

Your April itinerary in Sedona looks well-paced and enjoyable, balancing sightseeing, activities, and meals at popular local spots. Here’s a detailed assessment and some tips to enhance your trip:

April 23, Wednesday:

Arriving in Phoenix and heading straight to Sedona, your schedule allows for a relaxed lunch before your private Sedona tour. This is a good way to orient yourselves and see major sites with a guide.

Colt Grill or Butterfly Burger are both solid lunch options—Colt Grill is more classic American with local touches, while Butterfly Burger is casual and fun.
Your private tour from 2:00–6:00 pm is ideal for covering scenic viewpoints, perhaps including Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, or Chapel of the Holy Cross. Private tours give flexibility for photos and shorter walking if desired.
Dinner at Cucina Rustica is a great choice for Italian cuisine with a cozy ambiance—good timing after a tour.

April 24, Thursday:

The hot air balloon in the early morning is perfect—April weather is usually calm and suitable for flying. Make sure to dress in layers since mornings can be chilly.

The Uptown Explorer Food Tour in the afternoon is a great way to explore local flavors without worrying about driving.
Sunset at Airport Mesa is iconic; consider arriving a bit early to enjoy the golden hour light for photos.
The Hudson is a good casual spot for appetizers, but you might want to reserve ahead since it can be busy in April.

April 25, Friday:

PJ Ancient Ruins in the morning gives cultural and historical context, and the timing works well for a guided tour.

Lunch at Cowboy Club provides a true Southwestern dining experience with a unique menu.
PJ Broken Arrow Twilight Jeep tour is a fantastic way to see off-road trails and sunset views; make sure to bring a jacket as it can be cooler in the evening.
Dinner at 89agave is a good end-of-day choice with hearty, Southwestern-inspired dishes.

April 26, Saturday:

Driving back to Phoenix via Cottonwood and Jerome is a scenic route and allows you to explore charming small towns. Early departure is recommended to have time for stops along the way.

April 27, Sunday:

Flying out from Phoenix, your plan allows for a stress-free departure.

Additional tips:

Consider starting your days early to maximize daylight for outdoor activities and photography.
Make dining reservations in advance, especially for popular spots like Cucina Rustica and Cowboy Club.
Bring comfortable walking shoes and layers; April can have varying temperatures.
For scenic stops, a quick visit to Chapel of the Holy Cross and Bell Rock are highly recommended if not included in your private tour.
If you have extra time, consider a short hike on the West Fork Trail—it’s accessible and beautiful in April.

Overall, the itinerary is well-balanced, with iconic Sedona activities, scenic drives, local cuisine, and enough downtime to enjoy the beauty of the area without feeling rushed.

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