Arizona 6 Day Romantic Itinerary Guide

Day 1: Phoenix

Fly straight into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, which is just 5 miles from downtown, and check into your hotel so you can freshen up and get ready to explore your surroundings.

Where to stay: Book a Phoenix city center hotel with our Arizona package deals. You can admire twinkling city lights from the Hyatt Regency Phoenix or enjoy the rooftop pool at the Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix Cityscape.

Once you’re ready to get out and about, here are our suggestions for your first day in Phoenix:

• Stroll hand in hand through the Japanese Friendship Garden, where you’ll find a maze of footbridges to explore the beautiful surroundings, traditional lanterns, koi ponds and even a tea house
• Soak up the culture of Roosevelt Row where there are art galleries, boutique shops and colorful street art
• Watch a show at the Arizona Opera and find a romantic restaurant along Central Avenue

Transportation: It’s easy to get around central Phoenix on foot, by bike or on the Valley Metro Rail. However, we do recommend renting a car for the rest of your trip so you can see some of the beautiful natural surroundings. It’s easy to rent a car at the airport when you get in.

Days 2-3: Sedona

In the morning, jump into your rental car and escape into nature. It’s a scenic drive of about 2 hours to Sedona’s famous red rock landscapes, and there are plenty of activities close by.

• Hike in the Red Rock State Park and along the iconic West Fork Trail
• Visit Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village for unique bronze sculptures, jewelry and paintings
• Savor the sights, smells and flavors of Sedona over a long lunch at Cress on Oak Creek. Located on the banks of a waterway, this fine dining restaurant offers gorgeous views and a set menu featuring locally sourced ingredients

Where to stay: Opt for a cozy couple’s retreat in the heart of nature, which also gives you a perfect base for leisurely sightseeing. Options include L’auberge de Sedona, where you can indulge in decadent spa treatments and be just steps from the on-site restaurant Cress on Oak Creek, mentioned above. Or, book a stay at Amara Resort and Spa, which offers spectacular mountain views from your bedroom. To minimize travel time, we recommend that you be based here while in Sedona, as well as for your trips to nearby sights over the next 2 days.

Transportation: For an Arizona itinerary with plenty of flexibility, you should drive your rental car to seek out adventures over the next few days. Alternatively, shuttles and buses connect Phoenix, Sedona and the Grand Canyon.

Day 4: Daytrip across the Verde Valley Loop

From your Sedona hotel, head south toward the Village of Oak Creek. Allow a full day to explore every corner with visits to Montezuma Castle National Monument, the ancient ruins at Montezuma Well and Jerome, a former ghost town that’s now an arts and crafts community.

Put your palette to the test on the Verde Valley Wine Trail, which weaves around Cottonwood, Jerome, Clarkdale and Cornville. Five wineries and six tasting rooms ensure you experience a great range of Arizona wines within the diverse landscapes of red rock country. We recommend arranging transport to and from Verde Valley if you think you’ll both want to take part in the wine tour!