Pioneer Adventures of the Old West

Day 1

ARRIVE PHOENIX - SCOTTSDALE
Howdy partners! After landing at Phoenix International Airport, you’ll
hitch a ride to your hotel in Scottsdale where you’ll meet your Tour
Director this afternoon. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the hotel’s pool before
gussying up for the 6 p.m. Kick-off Party where you’ll spend some time
jawin’ with your travelling buddies.
Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Scottsdale Old Town (MF)

Day 2

SCOTTSDALE - SEDONA - WILLIAMS
A drive through the Sonoran Desert brings you to Montezuma Castle
National Monument, one of the best preserved cliff dwellings in North
America. Take a minute to ponder the Sinagua Indians’ life here in the
desert before heading to Sedona in spectacular Red Rock Country.
Climb into a jeep for a rip-roarin’ ride into spectacular Dry Creek Basin.
At the old Van Deren Cabin, learn what it was really like to be a cowboy
in the Old West. After a stunning drive through Oak Creek Canyon and
ponderosa pine forests, arrive in the historic railroad town of Williams
– right on old Route 66 and gateway to the Grand Canyon. (FB D)
Hotel: Grand Canyon Railway Hotel (F)

Day 3

WILLIAMS - GRAND CANYON RAILWAY - GRAND CANYON
Guard your wallets and purses this morning! The infamous Cataract
Creek Gang, as lowly a group of varmints that ever rode the range, has
come to town to rob unsuspecting vacationers! Then, climb aboard the
historic Grand Canyon Railway, you’ll pass through majestic Ponderosa
Pines, the high desert and the Kaibab National Forest while hearing
tall tales and folklore about the area. Keep your eye out for wildlife
– it’s not uncommon to spot elk, mule deer and pronghorn antelope
sauntering through this wild and woolly region. Nothing on earth can
prepare you for the Grand Canyon, one of the natural wonders of the
world, more than 1.7 billion years in the making! With a local specialist,
you’ll learn how the Grand Canyon was formed and become a rock
expert yourself as you examine samples from the colourful sedimentary
layers formed as the sea washed in again and again. As the sun sets,
join your Tour Director for an unforgettable walk along the rim. (FB)
Hotel: National Park Lodges (NP)

Day 4

GRAND CANYON - MONUMENT VALLEY - LAKE POWELL (2 nights)
Fred Grofe was so stunned by the spectacular beauty of the sunrise
over the Grand Canyon, he composed his Grand Canyon Suite in 1931.
But all you have to do is watch – and maybe whistle – in amazement as
the skies glow and brighten with the coming day. Drive along Desert
View Drive, featuring jaw-dropping views of the Grand Canyon, before
entering Navajo Country. Here you can poke around the Historic
Cameron Trading Post and hunt for a great piece of Southwest Native
American art. Next stop: the Code Talkers Exhibit in Kayenta. Learn
how the Navajos were one of America’s greatest secret weapons in
World War II and why GIs were ordered to protect the Wind Talkers
with their lives. You’ll also see why Monument Valley is a favourite
location for movie directors. As you’re bouncing along the valley floor
in an open-air vehicle, you can just imagine John Wayne leading the
U.S. Cavalry on a ride along the magnificent mesas. Wrap up your
exciting day at a lakeside resort tucked into the red rock at amazing
Lake Powell. Kick off your boots and have some fun at a Poolside
Pizza Party Highlight Dinner! After, enjoy a super cool slide show
presentation all about the striking geology and survival strategies of
the desert wildlife of the Canyonlands by an expert naturalist. (FB HD)
Hotel: Lake Powell Resort (F)

Day 5

LAKE POWELL AT LEISURE
Enjoy a free day to roam the range. Optional activities include a fun float down one of the most beautiful stretches of the Colorado River, a cruise on spectacular Lake Powell to Antelope Canyon with views of Glen Canyon Dam or to Rainbow Bridge, one of the most photographed geological wonders in the American West. Or maybe you’ll dive into some of the many aquatic activities at Lake Powell Marina – the choice is yours! (FB)

Day 6

LAKE POWELL - ZION & BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARKS (2 nights)
You’ll be awestruck by the towering cliffs and massive canyon walls of Zion Canyon. Riding the park’s shuttle, marvel at how the Virgin River cut through the sandstone to create one of Mother Nature’s most stupendous wonders. Enjoy hiking? There’s an easy trek to the Emerald Pools, where splendid views and beautiful waterfalls will make the family happier than a crowd of cowpokes at chow time. There’s also a more strenuous hike to Angel’s Landing, which will prove rewarding when you gaze at amazing views of the canyon. Leaving Zion, drive along the Mount
Carmel Highway for spectacular views of Zion Canyon, the Great Arch of Zion and the distinctive Checkerboard Mesa. Soon you’ll arrive at historic Ruby’s Inn at Bryce Canyon for the last two nights of your Wild West adventure. (FB)
Hotel: Ruby’s Inn

Day 7

BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK SIGHTSEEING & AT LEISURE
Exploring Bryce Canyon is like entering a weird and eerie world, with sandstone spires called hoodoos creating a landscape that is a playground for the imagination. Explore the rim of a great amphitheatre stopping at various look-outs to snap pictures of fairytale castles, wondrous cathedrals, meandering trails and secret hideaways, all carved out of stone by Mother Nature. This afternoon you’re free to blaze your own trail. Later, put on your cowboy boots and Stetsons for a Cowboy Farewell Dinner filled with good food and good fun. Afterwards, mosey on over to
the Bryce Canyon Country Rodeo to watch bronco busters and cowboys test their skills in the wildest competition to ever hit the West (Memorial Day to Labor Day).
It’s an evening you won’t soon forget! (FB,FD)

Day 8

BRYCE - DEPART LAS VEGAS
Travelling down through the scenic Virgin River Gorge, make your way into southern Nevada and to fabulous Las Vegas, where your adventures in the great west come to an end. A complimentary transfer takes you to Las Vegas International Airport, or if you’re extending your stay, to the tour hotel in Las Vegas. (FB)

Day 9

ARRIVE BACK IN IRELAND
*Please do not schedule any flights before 4 p.m.*

What's Included

• Return transatlantic flights

Sightseeing Highlights

• Montezuma Castle Visit the site of an ancient Sinagua Indian cliff-dwelling.
• Sedona Explore Dry Creek Basin on an exciting jeep adventure.
• Flagstaff Visit the Lowell Observatory for an evening of stargazing.
• Grand Canyon Railway Travel to the Grand Canyon on the historic Grand Canyon Railway.
• Grand Canyon National Park Stay inside the park, marvel at the sights from the South Rim and learn about the formation of the canyon with a local specialist.
• Historic Cameron Trading Post Browse for Native American arts and crafts.
• Kayenta Learn about the Navajo Code Talkers and their role during WWII.
• Monument Valley Join a local guide for an informative excursion by open-air vehicles through this spectacular region.
• Lake Powell Enjoy views of the lake and the impressive rock formations and learn about the geology and desert wildlife during a fascinating lecture and slide show.
• Zion National Park Explore the towering canyon walls and massive rock formations aboard the park shuttle.
• Bryce Canyon National Park Discover this whimsical landscape; enjoy a Wild West evening, complete with a cowboy dinner and rodeo entertainment.
• Hidden Treasure: Trafalgar’s expert Tour Directors will be sure to surprise you during your tour by revealing a wonderful Hidden Treasure unique to your destination.

Dining Highlights

• Kick-off Gathering with your Tour Director in Scottsdale.
• 7 full breakfasts.
• 1 three-course dinner
• Poolside Pizza Party Highlight Dinner at Lake Powell.
• Farewell Dinner with drinks and rodeo entertainment in Bryce.

First Class Travel Highlights

• First Class hotel accommodation includes two-bedded rooms with private facilities, all hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes.
• Touring by luxury air-conditioned motorcoach with reclining seats and a restroom onboard.
• The services of one of Trafalgar’s top professional Tour Directors.
• Train journey aboard the historic Grand Canyon Railway from Williams to Grand Canyon National Park.
• A stylish wallet, travel documents and Welcome on Tour book with map.
• Just for Kids Surprise Pack.
• Complimentary airport transfers are provided on Day 1 and Day 8.