Colorful Trails of the Southwest
Journey past the Grand Canyon, ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings and natural arches near Moab, exploring the Old West as the sun sets against a sandstone backdrop.
9 nights from £2195pp
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Colorful Trails of the Southwest Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Phoenix – Scottsdale
Sun-kissed Phoenix kickstarts your journey through America's stunning Southwest. You'll have the day on your own to recover from your travels, then meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception later this evening. Meals: Welcome Reception Locations: Scottsdale, Phoenix (AZ)
Day 2 Scottsdale – Sedona – Grand Canyon National Park
Your first stop today is in the artists' enclave of Sedona - surrounded by red-rock buttes, steep canyon walls and pine forests. You'll travel through Oak Creek Canyon next, with its rocky red cliffs, then venture to the UNESCO-listed Grand Canyon National Park, where a Local Specialist will share the canyon's many geological marvels. Tonight, you'll have an opportunity to overnight at one of the lodges inside the park. Meals: Breakfast Locations: Grand Canyon
Day 3 Grand Canyon National Park – Monument Valley Tribal Park – Bluff
Rise early for an optional flightseeing over the Grand Canyon and then trace the scenic South Rim of the Grand Canyon along Desert View Drive. Stop at Cameron Trading Post to browse through handicrafts and perhaps sample traditional fry bread. Continue to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park where you'll board 4X4 vehicles to navigate the iconic red valley landscape guided by a member of the Navajo Nation and Local Specialist. Savour the flavours of the Southwest this evening as you dinner at your leisure at the resort's fine dining restaurant, Duke's. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Locations: Bluff (UT)
Day 4 Bluff – Canyonlands National Park – Moab (2 Nights)
Sit back and watch the scenery unfold as you drive along Utah's Scenic Byway 191 between Bluff and Moab. Arriving at Canyonlands National Park, we ascend the Island in the Sky mesa and admire the spectacular scenery below. This evening, we 'Connect With Locals' over an exclusive 'Be My Guest' dinner with wine at a local grill in Moab. Meals: Breakfast, Be My Guest Locations: Moab
Day 5 Arches National Park Excursion and Moab
This morning, discover how the forces of wind and rain have shaped the enchanting landscape of Arches National Park. Later, enjoy a free afternoon or consider a deeper exploration of the area with an optional guided hike to Delicate Arch if you're feeling adventurous. Meals: Breakfast Locations: Arches National Park
Day 6 Moab – Mesa Verde National Park – Durango (2 Nights)
We arrive in the UNESCO-listed Mesa Verde National Park to delve into the history and culture of the Ancestral Puebloan people. Explore their beautifully preserved sandstone dwellings and admire the massive Cliff Palace. This evening, in Durango, your 'Stay with Story' is historic Strater Hotel. You'll have a choice of different restaurants for dinner, served with wine. Meals: Dinner, Your Choice Dining Locations: Durango
Day 7 Durango Free Time
Enjoy free time in Durango today. Perhaps, enjoy a truly unforgettable step back in time, on an optional ride aboard the coal-fired, steam-powered narrow-gauge train to the historic mining town of Silverton. The train chugs along rails that were originally laid at the end of the 19th century, winding through a spectacular wilderness which would be inaccessible by car. If you're feeling more adventurous, opt for a white water rafting trip on the Animas River. Meals: Breakfast Locations: Silverton
Day 8 Durango – Taos – Santa Fe (2 Nights)
This morning's drive takes you through the towns of Vallecito, Pagosa Springs and Chama before arriving in Taos, where there will be time at Taos Plaza, a Historical Landmark. Then, meet a Navajo who lives in the pueblo, to explore the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. The journey continues along the High Road, the Taos - Santa Fe Scenic Byway, rich in history, art and culture. Arrive at the hotel, ideally located two short blocks from Santa Fe's Historic Plaza. Meals: Breakfast Locations: Santa Fe
Day 9 Santa Fe Sightseeing and Free Time
Join your Local Specialist this morning on a guided tour of Santa Fe. Experience this city where Spanish, Native American and Old West influences all combine to form a city with its own exclusive culture and character. See many of the city's major sights before you have the rest of the day to pursue your own interests. Perhaps venture down the artistic hub of Canyon Road lined with galleries, visit some of the city's top museums, or shop for Native American art and handicraft. This evening enjoy a Farewell Dinner with wine at one of Santa Fe's many restaurants. Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner Locations:
Day 10 Depart Santa Fe or Albuquerque
Our journey through desert landscapes at its end, take a transfer to Santa Fe Airport. A group transfer to Albuquerque is also available. Meals: Breakfast Locations: Albuquerque
Tour Highlights
Sightseeing Highlights
- VISIT Scottsdale, Grand Canyon National Park, Monument Valley, Mesa Verde, Arches National Park, Moab, Durango, Taos and Santa Fe
- SCENIC DRIVE through Sedona's Red Rock Country, Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive, Grand Canyon National Park's Desert View Scenic Drive, Painted Desert Scenic Drive, Monument Valley Tribal Park's renowned scenic drives, Trail of the Ancients National Scenic Byway and the High Road Scenic Skyway from Taos to Santa Fe
Price Includes
Dining Highlights
- 9 breakfasts
- 5 dinners (including Be My Guest)
First class travel Highlights
- Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Cherry-picked hotels all tried and trusted
- Handcrafted Highlights
- Optional Experiences and free time
- All porterage and local charges included
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Airport transfers on the first and last day of your guided holiday
- VIP entry to many sights
