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Willa Cather's Walking Tour in Santa Fe

12 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 12 reviews collected by Key West Private Charters and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Santa Fe, USA
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 27 (0) days in advance.

2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

On this 2.5-hour walking tour, we’ll explore how author Willa Cather was inspired to write her "best book" (her words), "Death Comes for the Archbishop" by retracing her steps through Santa Fe in 1925 and 1926.

Our walking route covers about 1.5 miles, mostly on sidewalks, but also climbs a hill to the Cross of the Martyrs with its outstanding view of the city below. During our time together, we'll explore aspects of the novel, such as Kit Carson, Padre Antonio José Martínez, and of course Archbishop Jean-Baptiste Lamy, New Mexico's first Catholic archbishop and the real-life inspiration for the fictional Bishop Latour in Cather's book. We will learn about Sister Blandina Segale who helped set up a hospital in Lamy's house, and visit the last remnant of Lamy's six-acre garden behind the St. Francis Cathedral in the peaceful Stations of the Cross Prayer Garden.

What's Included

  • Charming guide

    Meeting Location

    Meeting point

    99 Old Santa Fe Trail
    Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA

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    Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

    End point

    131 Cathedral Place
    Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA

    We conclude the tour by the Lamy statue in front of the St. Francis Cathedral.

    What To Expect

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    Santa Fe Plaza

    We'll gather at the Plaza opposite La Fonda, the hotel where Cather and her partner Edith Lewis stayed during their visits. Cather has become an LGBTQ+ icon since the publication of her letters in 2013, and during this experience we will read from her letters, interviews, and articles, in addition to seeing historic footage of Santa Fe.
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    45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Cross of the Martyrs

    We explore Cather's inspiration to write "Death Comes for the Archbishop" through several readings from her articles, interviews, and letters.
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    30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi

    We conclude our tour at Lamy statue in front of the St. Francis Cathedral, which Cather wrote helped inspire her to write the novel.
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    30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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    Additional Info

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

    Frequently Asked Questions (8)

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Willa Cather’s Walking Tour in Santa Fe?

    A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (MST).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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    Activity code: C-422163P1

    Traveler Photos

    Reviews

    5.00
    12 reviews

    Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 12 traveler reviews collected by Key West Private Charters and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

    5 stars
    12
    4 stars
    0
    3 stars
    0
    2 stars
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    1 star
    0
    Don't miss out!
    On average, this is booked 27 (0) days in advance.

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    What's Included

    Activity name

    • Charming guide

    Additional Info

    Activity name

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

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    Activity name