Colourful Trails of the Southwest
Trip 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.
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.
Day 3
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK - MONUMENT VALLEY TRIBAL PARK- PAGE
Don’t miss an unforgettable experience: Rise early for an optional flightseeing tour over the Grand Canyon and then trace the scenic South Rim of the Grand Canyon along Desert View Drive. Later, we’ll stop at Cameron Trading Post. Finally, we'll take a walk to the rim of Glen Canyon to Horseshoe Bend. Finish the day connecting to the soul of the land over a Be My Guest experience on the Navajo Nation, hosted by Dine tribe local Baya, her husband Paul and storyteller Eli Secody.
Day 4
PAGE - CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK - MOAB
Depart Page for a Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Afterwards, settle into the surrounds of buttes and mesas for a outdoor lunch prepared by Diné (Navajo) tribe members who share stories about their people and their connection to Monument Valley. Then, continue to Moab on a scenic drive where you can sit back and enjoy views of the desert southwest. The evening is yours to explore Moab's Main Street.
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 in the stunning formations that they are, with countless perfect photo opportunities. Later, journey to Canyonlands National Park to connect with nature even more. We visit the Island in the Sky - a mesa resting 1,000 feet (305 meters) above the surrounding countryside, offering spectacular views over the dramatic sandstone formations.
Day 6
MOAB - MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK - DURANGO
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.
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.
Day 8
DURANGO - TAOS - SANTA FE
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.
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.
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.
Prices, Dates, Hotels & Conditions
CHANGE CURRENCY
€
£
$
A$
¥
C$
The final price you will pay for this tour is that displayed in USD. Prices converted in other
currencies are for guidance purposes only and are approximate.
| DEPARTURES 2025 | PRICE FROM |
|---|---|
| MAY 18 | 3795 |
| SEP 7 | 3975 |
| OCT 5 | 3475 |
YOUR ESCORTED MOTORCOACH TOUR INCLUDES
- Services of a professional Tour Manager throughout
- Deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach with onboard restroom facilities
- Hotel accommodations as specified or similar
- Sightseeing as specified
- Hotel taxes; service charges; and baggage (one suitcase per person)
SIGHTSEEING HIGHLIGHTS
- Scenic drives 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
- Visit Scottsdale, Grand Canyon National Park, Monument Valley, Mesa Verde, Arches National Park, Moab, Durango, Taos and Santa Fe
DINING HIGHLIGHTS
- 9 breakfasts
- 5 dinners (including Be My Guest)
TRAVEL HIGHLIGHTS
- Stay with Stories: Stay at The Strater Hotel, Durango's Historic Landmark Hotel, showcasing stories of the old west and mining
times. (Day 6)
- Connect with Locals: At a local grill in Moab where you'll enjoy an exclusive Be My Guest dinner. (Day 4)
- Local Specialists: For included sightseeing at the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Santa Fe. (Days 2, 3, 9)
| NIGHT | CITY | HOTEL ACCOMMODATION |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scottsdale | Sonesta Suites Scottsdale Gainey Ranch |
| 2 | Grand Canyon | National Park Lodges |
| 3 | Page | Courtyard by Marriott Page at Lake Powell |
| 4-5 | Moab | Hyatt Place Moab |
| 6-7 | Durango | The Strater Hotel |
| 8-9 | Santa Fe | Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza |
PRE & POST HOTELS
PRE: Scottsdale, Sonesta Suites Scottsdale Gainey Ranch
POST: Santa Fe, Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
We offer a range of optional experiences and entertainment options to complement our trips. These are purchased when you are on your trip.
