The Magnificent Southwest

Day 1

Arrive in Phoenix, overnight in Scottsdale

Fly into Phoenix, Arizona to your hotel in Scottsdale where you will meet your Tour Director later in the evening at the Welcome Reception.

Overnight: The Saguaro or similar

Day 2

Grand Canyon National Park

Set off from Scottsdale to visit the Sedona, a beautiful desert town with steep canyon walls, red-rock buttes and pine forests. You’ll travel through Oak Creek Canyon with its rocky red cliffs and then proceed to the UNESCO-listed Grand Canyon National park, where a Local Expert will share insights of the iconic canyon with you.

Overnight: National Park Lodges or similar

Day 3

Bluff

Rise with the sun for an optional chance to fly over the Grand Canyon and then discover the scenic South Rim of the Grand Canyon along Desert View Drive. Venture on to Monument Valley where you can catch a 4x4 vehicle and be awed as you drive through the iconic red valley scenery guided by a Local Expert and member of the Navajo Nation.

Overnight: Desert Rose Resort or similar

Day 4 and 5

Moab

Take it easy as you drive along Utah’s Scenic Byway 191 between Bluff and Moab and watch the scenery unfold before your eyes. Arriving at Canyonlands National Park, we ascend the Island in the Sky mesa and marvel at the extraordinary views below. This evening, we “Connect With Locals” over an inclusive “Be My Guest” dinner with wine at a local grill in Moab.

Next day, uncover how the forces of wind and rain have shaped the fascinating landscape of Arches National Park. Later enjoy at leisure a free afternoon or perhaps explore the area further with an optional guided hike to Delicate Arch.

Overnight: Homewood Suites or similar

Day 6 and 7

Durango

Dive into the history and culture of the Ancestral Puebloan people as we arrive in the UNESCO-listed Mesa Verde National Park. Admire Cliff Palace as the largest cliff dwelling in North America with its beautifully preserved sandstone structures. Enjoy Durango at leisure today and perhaps step on board an optional ride steam-powered narrow-gauge train to the historic mining town of Silverton. A 19th century railway meanders through spectacular sceneries below which would be inaccessible by car. This is a great opportunity for an optional white-water rafting trip along the Animas River for those who are feeling adventurous.

Overnight: The Strater Hotel or similar

Day 8 and 9

Santa Fe

Drive through the Vallecito, Pagosa Springs and Chama before arriving in Taos, where you will be guided by your Local Expert of Taos Plaza, a Historical Landmark and Native American communities. Journey on along the High Road, the Taos - Santa Fe Scenic Byway and arriving in Santa Fe. The next morning embark on a guided tour of Santa Fe with your Local Expert and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza or similar

Day 10

Las Cruces

Depart from Santa Fe on a scenic drive towards White Sands National Monument and be amazed by its stunning backdrop of rolling rivers, ranchlands, orchards and snow-white peaks. Stop at White Sands National Monument to experience the world's largest gypsum dune field barefoot! Next is Las Cruces which offers incredible monuments, unique festivals, authentic flavours and unforgettable landscapes. 'Dive into Culture' as you learn about the production of New Mexico's famous spicy chilli and large-scale pecan production.

Overnight: Encanto de la Cruces or similar

Day 11 and 12

Tucson

The next day you’ll set out to Tombstone, a time warp of the Old Wild West. Discover the town with your private tour and hear stories of the infamous shootout and its legendary frontier mining camp. Arrive at the AAA Four Diamond, 500 acres resort with impressive desert and mountain views in the Southwest. Start the next morning by visiting Saguaro National Park and take in the 1.6 million cactuses surrounding you. Drive to Cactus Forest Loop before heading to Downtown Tucson where you will sample from a variety of restaurants on your “Tucson Foodie Tour”. After dinner, enjoying some dazzling stargazing as Tucson is recognized as Dark Sky City.

Overnight: El Conquistador Tucson A Hilton Resort or similar

Day 13

Depart for Phoenix or Tucson airport

Your magnificent Southwest journey has come to an end as you transfer to either Phoenix or Tucson International Airport where you will arrive around 10:30am.