Itinerary Details
Lost Canyons Of The Southwest
Day 1 ARRIVE IN PHOENIX, ARIZONAWelcome to Phoenix! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
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Day 2 PHOENIX. EXCURSION TO SCOTTSDALEDesert Dreams Spend the cooler hours of the morning at the [LF] Desert Botanical Garden. On to Scottsdale to experience the unique and vibrant culture of the American Southwest and enjoy lunch at a locally-owned Mexican restaurant. Enjoy free time in Old Town Scottsdale to explore before returning to Phoenix for a sightseeing tour and free evening. (B,L)
LOCAL FAVORITE
DESERT BEAUTIES Take in the beauty of Arizona with a visit to the Desert Botanical Garden. Explore this tranquil garden with over 50,000 desert plants nestled amid the red rocks in 5 thematic gardens trails through towering cacti, alluring succulents, brilliant flowers, and more.
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Day 3 PHOENIX–MONTEZUMA CASTLE NATIONAL MONUMENT–SEDONACliff Dwellings & Desert Canyons Travel north to visit the Montezuma Castle National Monument. See the 20-room high-rise pre-Columbian dwelling, nestled into a towering limestone cliff of Camp Verde, Arizona. Explore the visitor center and museum artifacts to learn about the survival and prosperity in the historic Native American dwelling in an unforgiving desert landscape. Then get an up-close adventure in the desert on a guided 4-wheel-drive Jeep tour of Sedona’s red rock canyons. Tonight is free. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Be surrounded by the stunning views of Sedona’s iconic red rock formations on an adventure through spectacular scenery and unsurpassed panoramic views of the desert canyon landscapes. Join your knowledgeable local guide for a 4-wheel adventure in the American Southwest.
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Day 4 SEDONA. EXCURSION TO JEROMEHistoric Rides Visit Jerome, a former copper mining camp and historic ghost-town-turned-artist-community. After a bit of free time, travel on the scenic [LF] Verde Canyon Railroad onboard renovated vintage train cars traveling on a 20-mile journey through 110 years of history. Return to Sedona for a free evening. (B)
LOCAL FAVORITE
EPIC RIDE The Verde Canyon Railroad’s historic roundtrip route from Clarkdale to Perkinsville – into Arizona’s other “Grand Canyon” – is an unforgettable adventure. Captivating panoramic views are revealed in every direction, exclusively from the relaxed atmosphere of the train. This historic ribbon of rail runs through a protected corridor at the river’s edge, lined with towering red rock pinnacles, near ancient Indian ruins, over fortified bridges and through an invigorating 734-foot manmade tunnel carved through solid rock over a century ago. As far as the eye can see, high-desert foliage and rugged terrain are visible on this year-round adventure into a lush riparian habitat.
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Day 5 SEDONA–WINSLOW–CANYON DE CHELLY NATIONAL MONUMENT Where Heaven Meets Earth Travel through the Coconino National Forest and visit Meteor Crater Natural Landmark, the world’s best-preserved meteorite impact site. Then on to Route 66 and Winslow, to explore La Posada Gardens, Gallery, and Museum with lunch in the famed Turquoise Room at this historic hotel. The hotel was originally a “Harvey” Hotel, designed to host visitors arriving by train and popular during the 1930s with celebrities and politicians. La Posada has been restored and is on the National Register of Historic Places, and the train depot still serves as the Winslow stop. Continue to secluded Canyon de Chelly National Monument for an overnight at the historic Thunderbird Lodge. Although rustic, the lodge offers a key location as the only hotel located inside the National Monument. (B,L,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT When you arrive at the historic Thunderbird Lodge, you’re likely to be greeted with the Navajo word for welcome - “Yá’át’ééh.” This rustic yet comfortable lodge situated in the stunning landscape of Canyon de Chelly National Monument is operated by the Navajo Nation and is the only lodge inside the park. Settle in and enjoy the otherworldly beauty of this natural wonder just outside your door. “Yá’át’ééh and welcome to a place like no other!
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Day 6 CANYON DE CHELLY NATIONAL MONUMENT–PETRIFIED FOREST NATIONAL PARK–WILLIAMS Ancient Mystery This morning, take a 4-wheel-drive tour with a Local Navajo Guide. Explore the canyon floor to visit sacred archaeological sites not open to the general public. Then visit Petrified Forest National Park to see giant ancient trees turned rock. Continue to Williams, the gateway to the Grand Canyon, for a stay at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and experience the luxury of a bygone era! (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION For nearly 5,000 years, people have lived in these canyons – longer than anyone has lived uninterrupted anywhere on the Colorado Plateau. Remains of their homes and images on the canyon walls tell us their stories. Today, the Navajo people (Diné) make their homes, raise crops, and farm the lands in the canyon. Canyon de Chelly National Monument was established in 1931 to preserve the natural, archaeological, and cultural resources. The park is unique among National Park Service units, as it is comprised entirely of Navajo Tribal Trust Land and embraces nearly 84,000 acres. The National Park Service continues to work in partnership with the Navajo Nation to manage park resources and sustain this living Navajo community.
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Day 7 WILLIAMS. EXCURSION TO GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARKViews and Hues Travel into Grand Canyon National Park. During free time, you may want to join the popular helicopter flightseeing tour, visit the museum and visitor centers, walk on the paved Trail of Time along the South Rim, or grab a snack and take in the view. Return to Williams for a free evening. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
EPIC HUES While visiting Grand Canyon National Park, set your sights on the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows of the canyon walls that seem to be set ablaze by the sun. While admiring the beauty of the Grand Canyon, you may be lucky enough to spot grazing elk or bighorn sheep. The majesty of the Grand Canyon is truly captivating.
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Day 8 WILLIAMS–BOULDER CITY, NEVADA–LAS VEGASAmazing Feats Continue across the Mohave Desert to visit the [LF] Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum. Continue to Las Vegas for a farewell dinner hosted by your Tour Director. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVORITE
HISTORIC SITE Visit the Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum and hear heroic stories of the men and women who braved the desolation of the Southern Nevada desert to build the monumental Hoover Dam and settled Boulder City. A true feat of extraordinary commitment and engineering completed with dedication and courage.
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Day 9 LAS VEGASSafe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. You may also choose to extend your time in Las Vegas and explore more on your own. Extra nights are available for purchase. (B)
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