Journey past the Grand Canyon, ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings and natural arches near Moab. Explore the Old West as the sun sets against a sandstone backdrop.
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Travel Style - Discoveries
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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.
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.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - National Park Lodges
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Easy On The Asphalt
A “Sedona snapshot” with great photo opportunities! Join us on this informative and relaxing, yet breathtaking, tour of some of Sedona’s most magnificent overlooks including Cathedral Rock, one of the most photographed sites in all of Arizona. On-road tour. Approx. duration: 1 hour
Adult Price: $53.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Old Bear Wallow
Climb this early stagecoach route along Schnebly Hill Road through Bear Wallow Canyon just below the Mogollon Rim to enjoy STUNNING VIEWS of Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon 2000 Feet below. Step onto Munds Wagon or Huckaby Trail and hear stories of Sedona’s early pioneer days. Approx. duration 1 hour.
Adult Price: $53.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
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 with an included dinner.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Desert Rose Resort
*North Canyon Tour Helicopter Flight, Bell Aircraft (April 1 - October 31)
Your tour takes you over the Kaibab National Forest and into the deepest portion of the Grand Canyon, through the Dragon Corridor, and continues to the North Rim, where you view the incredible geological differences between the North and South Rims. During your return to the South Rim, enjoy breathtaking views of temples, shrines and rock formations sculpted by time while flying above the widest portion of the mighty Colorado River. Subject to weather conditions. Flight duration: 25-30 min
Adult Price: $219.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
*Grand Discovery South Rim Airplane Tour
The original air tour of the Grand Canyon and the best value! Board an ultra-quiet small aircraft for a 40-45 minute Grand Discovery flight over the Grand Canyon. The Vistaliner airplanes feature oversize windows that make every seat the best seat and allows for post card quality pictures! This tour covers the most famous and beautiful parts of the Grand Canyon including the Eastern Zuni Corridor, the Confluence and the North Rim and returns through the Western Dragon Corridor. Subject to weather conditions. Flight duration: 40-50 minutes.
Adult Price: $159.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
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.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
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.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
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.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - The Strater Hotel
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Your Choice Dining
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.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Durango And Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway
This historic train constructed in 1882 has been in continuous operation for 135 years. The Durango train winds through spectacular & breathtaking canyons in the remote wilderness of the two-million acre San Juan National Forest for an unforgettable adventure. Experience the adventure of traveling by a coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive on the same tracks miners, cowboys and settlers of the Old West took over a century ago. Relive history with the sights and sounds of yesteryear for a truly spectacular journey Approx. duration: 3.5 hours.
Adult Price: $101.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Mountain Waters Rafting
Take a 2-hour raft trip through Durango on the Animas River. Approx. duration 2hrs.
Adult Price: $41.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
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.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Inn and Spa at Loretto
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
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.
Our journey through desert landscapes at its end, you will bid farewell and transfer to Santa Fe Airport or Albuquerque Sunport International Airport at leisure.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 2
Easy On The Asphalt
A “Sedona snapshot” with great photo opportunities! Join us on this informative and relaxing, yet breathtaking, tour of some of Sedona’s most magnificent overlooks including Cathedral Rock, one of the most photographed sites in all of Arizona. On-road tour. Approx. duration: 1 hour
Adult Price: $53.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 2
Old Bear Wallow
Climb this early stagecoach route along Schnebly Hill Road through Bear Wallow Canyon just below the Mogollon Rim to enjoy STUNNING VIEWS of Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon 2000 Feet below. Step onto Munds Wagon or Huckaby Trail and hear stories of Sedona’s early pioneer days. Approx. duration 1 hour.
Adult Price: $53.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 3
*North Canyon Tour Helicopter Flight, Bell Aircraft (April 1 - October 31)
Your tour takes you over the Kaibab National Forest and into the deepest portion of the Grand Canyon, through the Dragon Corridor, and continues to the North Rim, where you view the incredible geological differences between the North and South Rims. During your return to the South Rim, enjoy breathtaking views of temples, shrines and rock formations sculpted by time while flying above the widest portion of the mighty Colorado River. Subject to weather conditions. Flight duration: 25-30 min
Adult Price: $219.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 3
*Grand Discovery South Rim Airplane Tour
The original air tour of the Grand Canyon and the best value! Board an ultra-quiet small aircraft for a 40-45 minute Grand Discovery flight over the Grand Canyon. The Vistaliner airplanes feature oversize windows that make every seat the best seat and allows for post card quality pictures! This tour covers the most famous and beautiful parts of the Grand Canyon including the Eastern Zuni Corridor, the Confluence and the North Rim and returns through the Western Dragon Corridor. Subject to weather conditions. Flight duration: 40-50 minutes.
Adult Price: $159.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 7
Durango And Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway
This historic train constructed in 1882 has been in continuous operation for 135 years. The Durango train winds through spectacular & breathtaking canyons in the remote wilderness of the two-million acre San Juan National Forest for an unforgettable adventure. Experience the adventure of traveling by a coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive on the same tracks miners, cowboys and settlers of the Old West took over a century ago. Relive history with the sights and sounds of yesteryear for a truly spectacular journey Approx. duration: 3.5 hours.
Adult Price: $101.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 7
Mountain Waters Rafting
Take a 2-hour raft trip through Durango on the Animas River. Approx. duration 2hrs.
Adult Price: $41.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
At a local grill in Moab where you'll enjoy an exclusive Be My Guest dinner. (Day 4)
LOCAL SPECIALIST
For included sightseeing at the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Santa Fe. (Days 2, 3, 9)
STAYS WITH STORIES
Stay at The Strater Hotel, Durango's Historic Landmark Hotel, showcasing stories of the old west and mining times. (Day 6)
Sightseeing highlights
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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, the High Road Scenic Skyway from Taos to Santa Fe
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VISIT Scottsdale, Grand Canyon National Park, Monument Valley, Mesa Verde, Arches National Park, Moab, Durango, Taos, Santa Fe
Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Cherry-picked hotels all tried and trusted
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Handcrafted Highlights
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Optional Experiences and free time
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All porterage and local charges included
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Airport transfers on the first and last day of your guided holiday
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VIP entry to many sights
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LIVE, UNEDITED & INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS REVIEWS
Colourful Trails of the Southwest Trip Reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
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Trip Rating
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4
Overall ,enjoyed trip. However ,disappointed in few aspects. Having been to Grand Canyon previously, felt very rushed .first day of arrival,there ,had basically no time to enjoy the view and since lodge was not near rim had no time to explore remainder of evening. Also no time next am as we had to leave early to pick up travelers that opted for helicopter rides. Also a let down that we did not tour the Mesa verde ruins especially as we were leaving we saw group of people doing just that. In actuality,most places felt rushed having to eat and see sights. Tour needs to be longer due to miles needed to be traveled, which I understand is going to happen but that is too late for us. Loved almost all hotels except the Strater .felt cramped and breakfast was underrated.
There is a lot of travel time on the road. The time on the bus lets you rest up for the next excursion. There are plenty of restrooms along the way. The tour director talked, entertained, and played movies to keep everyone involved. Even gave us nap times. Lol
Yes, I would highly recommend Trafalgar! From the scheduling of the sights to the time allotted at each, it was always organized. The tour director had the personality that worked for everyone. The bus driver was very professional (perfect at those tight spots and the windy roads)! Everywhere you looked was gorgeous. The hotels that Trafalgar had booked for us were great. Everything was top notch.
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Trip Notes
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Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
Your selected dates have an enhanced itinerary.
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You’ll be travelling in Autumn, Winter or Spring, and this itinerary has been enhanced for you to enjoy the unique experiences these seasons offer.
