USA and Canada 2012: Colorful Trails of The Southwest 2012
Tour Type: Western USA
Brochure Type: USA and Canada 2012
Step right into the heart of America's iconic Southwest. See shimmering waters, pine-forested bluffs and red sandstone formations at Oak Creek Canyon. Enjoy the convenience of open-air vehicles as you explore the awe-inspiring Monument Valley. Be immersed in the Native American culture at the adobe settlement in Taos, all while experiencing the sights and sounds of some of America's oldest cities.
Sightseeing Highlights
Brochure Type: USA and Canada 2012
Step right into the heart of America's iconic Southwest. See shimmering waters, pine-forested bluffs and red sandstone formations at Oak Creek Canyon. Enjoy the convenience of open-air vehicles as you explore the awe-inspiring Monument Valley. Be immersed in the Native American culture at the adobe settlement in Taos, all while experiencing the sights and sounds of some of America's oldest cities.
Sightseeing Highlights
- Scottsdale Stay the night in the heart of this sophisticated resort town.
- Sedona Take a fun journey by jeep into Red Rock Country.
- Oak Creek Canyon See shimmering waters, pine-forested bluffs and red sandstone formations.
- Monument Valley Tour with a local guide in open-air vehicles and enjoy a Navajo cookout on the valley floor.
- Mesa Verde National Park Discover outstanding cliff dwellings.
- Arches National Park View amazing natural rock formations.
- Moab Spend some time at leisure in America's outdoor recreation capital.
- Silverton Stroll the streets of this historic town.
- Durango Stay overnight in this classic Western town.
- Taos Immerse yourself in Native American culture in this adobe settlement.
- Santa Fe Soak up the Southwest culture in America's oldest capital city.
- Welcome Reception with your Tour Director in Scottsdale.
- 8 full breakfasts.
- 1 three-course dinner.
- Navajo Cookout Highlight Dinner with wine in Monument Valley.
- Cowboy Barbecue Highlight Dinner with wine in Moab.
- Farewell Dinner with wine in Santa Fe.
- Includes all First Class features.
- Airport transfers are provided on Day 1 and Day 9.
- Capture treasured memories of your trip with a complimentary group photo taken at a landmark location.
Details
- Tour Operator
- Trafalgar Tours
- Offer
- Offer valid through 3/31/2012
- Duration
- 9 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Phoenix | ARRIVE PHOENIX - SCOTTSDALE: Welcome to the Valley of the Sun! A complimentary transfer is provided to the tour hotel in the beautiful resort town of Scottsdale where your Tour Director will be on hand to greet you this afternoon. At 6 p.m., gather at the hotel with your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception. Scottsdale Marriott Suites Old Town (F) |
| Day 2 | Flagstaff | SCOTTSDALE - SEDONA - FLAGSTAFF: Leaving behind the Saguaro cactus of the Sonoran desert, ascend into the stunning red rock formations announcing your entrance to the artists' enclave of Sedona. Trade your motorcoach for a rough-and-ready jeep on an adventure into Red Rock Country. Get a taste of the old cowboy days in Dry Creek Basin where you'll see some stunning landscapes and make a stop at the old Van Deren cabin, a pioneer homestead constructed out of Arizona cypress. Travel onward and be sure to have your camera ready as you near Oak Creek Canyon with its towering red cliffs and crystal pools. This afternoon, arrive in the mountain town of Flagstaff. Tonight, perhaps take an optional excursion to Lowell Observatory for some high-altitude stargazing. (Full Breakfast / Dinner) Radisson Woodlands Hotel Flagstaff (F) |
| Day 3 | Monument Valley | FLAGSTAFF - MONUMENT VALLEY: Depart Flagstaff and wind your way through the ancestral home of the Navajo people, stopping at Cameron Trading Post to browse through Native American handicrafts and maybe enjoy some tasty fry bread. You might experience a feeling of deja vu when you enter the wide-open expanse of Monument Valley - this scenic location has been preserved forever in classic films such as Stagecoach and The Searchers. Get up close and personal with the magnificent landscape of towering sandstone buttes and lovely desert vistas in special open-air vehicles accompanied by an expert guide. This evening, enjoy a unique Navajo cookout Highlight Dinner on the floor of Monument Valley; dine on tasty traditional cuisine as the stars begin to twinkle in the great skies above you. (Full Breakfast / Highlight Dinner) Goulding's Lodge (NP) |
| Day 4 | Moab | MONUMENT VALLEY - MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK - MOAB (2 NIGHTS): Travel east this morning through a mesmerizing desert landscape before arriving at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mesa Verde National Park at the edge of the San Juan National Forest. Between AD 600 and 1300, the Ancestral Puebloan people carved houses and entire cities out of the sandstone of the canyon walls. Tour some of the cliff-top buildings and look down at the massive Cliff House, the largest cliff dwelling in the world; then spend some time in the museum learning about the culture and traditions of this once-great civilisation. End your day's journey in the outdoor mecca of Moab and dig in to a succulent Cowboy Barbecue Highlight Dinner with your travelling companions. (Full Breakfast / Highlight Dinner) Red Cliffs Lodge (F) |
| Day 5 | Moab | MOAB - ARCHES NATIONAL PARK - FREE TIME: In magnificent Arches National Park, the wind and rain have eroded the sandstone into more than 2,000 natural arches; wander through a kaleidoscope of geologic time as you watch the morning light play upon the ancient, multi stone. Explore the shops and outfitters in Moab before returning to your lodge overlooking the river. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure - lounge by the river, play some horseshoes, take a hike, go horse-back riding - and relax as the sun sets, lighting up the red cliffs outside your window. (Full Breakfast) |
| Day 6 | Durango | MOAB - OURAY - SILVERTON - DURANGO: Depart America's outdoor recreation capital for the 'Switzerland of America;' friendly Ouray boasts classic Victorian architecture, awe-inspiring views and a homey, small-town vibe. Then it's time to take to the highway - the Million-Dollar Highway, that is - with its priceless views of snowcapped peaks and shimmering alpine lakes. Stake your claim in Silverton, a former silver mining camp that now occupies a spot on the National Registry of Historic Landmark Districts. Stroll the pleasant streets, seeing well-preserved Victorian homes, the pretty city hall and the Grand Imperial Hotel. If you like, take an optional ride from Silverton to Durango on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which operates coal-fired steam engines through the San Juan National Forest. (Full Breakfast) Strater Hotel (F) |
| Day 7 | Santa Fe | DURANGO - TAOS - SANTA FE (2 NIGHTS): Head south to the Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been inhabited continuously for more than 1,000 years. Learn about the traditional lifestyle and beliefs of the Pueblo Indians and visit the striking adobe chapel of San Geronimo. Continue traveling along the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the foothills of the Rockies, to the colourful artists' mecca of Santa Fe. Your evening is at leisure to visit some of the many galleries, sample its renowned Southwest cuisine and just watch the world go by on the vibrant plaza. (Full Breakfast) Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza (F) |
| Day 8 | Santa Fe | SANTA FE SIGHTSEEING - FREE TIME: Embark on a private trolley tour to see the sights of Santa Fe and soak up the atmosphere of one of the West's most interesting towns - unparalleled in richness of history, heritage, arts and culture. Then, visit a local artist's studio and learn how he captures the Southwest's magical light in his landscapes. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore old downtown, including the Eldorado Hotel, Loretto Chapel and St. Francis Cathedral. Perhaps do some shopping at a local gallery, follow in the footsteps of Kit Carson on a walking tour or pamper yourself in one of Santa Fe's elegant spas. This evening, gather with your Tour Director and travelling companions for a festive Farewell Dinner. (Full Breakfast / Farewell Dinner) |
| Day 9 | DEPART ALBUQUERQUE | SANTA FE - DEPART ALBUQUERQUE: After breakfast this morning, bid farewell to your travelling companions. A complimentary transfer is provided to Albuquerque Airport. (Full Breakfast) |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- All prices are per person, twin share.
- These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
- All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
- For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page.
- Hotel Class Key: D: Deluxe SF: Superior First Class F: First Class
