Colourful Trails of the Southwest
Experience Overview
On this tour, each day is a cultural and natural adventure. You’ll stay inside Grand Canyon National Park, explore ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park and natural arches near Moab, and ride a 4x4 through Monument Valley’s landscapes with a member of the Navajo Nation.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 9 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Be My Guest
- Grand Canyon National Park: Enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience at Shash Dine Eco Retreat on the Navajo Nation. Meet your hosts Baya and Paul for an under-the-stars, traditional meal of mutton stew, frybread, vegetables, melon, coffee and Navajo tea. Your local dining experience is enhanced by Navajo storytelling by storyteller and award-winning Diné recording artist Eli Secody, whose fun and fascinating stories are steeped in his Dine’ roots. Cap off the evening walking up to a remarkable vista on the very land where Baya can trace her lineage back over 20 generations.
Dive into Culture
- Grand Canyon National Park: The great outdoors is your classroom today when you meet geologist Canyon Tim for an enlightening talk about the Grand Canyon at the South Rim . Having over 30 years of geological experience, Tim’s fascinating talk reveals how this natural marvel was formed millions of years ago and how the different layers that make up the Colorado Plateau are still visible today.
Iconic Experience
- Grand Canyon National Park: One of the seven natural wonders of the world and the second most visited national park in the United States. Explore the Visitor Center and get familiar with the history of the Grand Canyon, grab a coffee at a local cafe and take a walk along the Rim Trail. Keep your camera on-hand as you explore some of the 278 miles of the Colorado River and adjacent canyonlands at one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world with unmatched vistas along its rim.
- Oak Creek Canyon: Drive through Coconino National Forest on one of the most scenic drives in the U.S., offering a picture perfect view of the surrounding red-rock and Ponderosa Pine forest between Sedona and Flagstaff, Arizona.
- Glen Canyon Dam: Enjoy a walk to the rim of Glen Canyon where you will get the chance to visit Horseshoe Bend.
- Monument Valley: Board a 4x4 vehicle and navigate the iconic red valley landscape guided by a member of the Navajo Nation and Local Specialist.
- Arches National Park: Nature's creations spring to life at Arches National Park, home to the greatest concentration of natural arches in the world. Some 2,000 natural sandstone arches can be found within the boundaries of the national park. On your visit, unlock all the science and history of how these 6,000 natural sandstone arches were formed by rain and wind. Take in the sights of Delicate Arch and Balanced Rock while admiring the ever-changing landscapes as you traverse the park.
- Canyonlands National Park: There’s no better spot to witness the power of the Colorado River carving through rocky red landscapes than at Canyonlands National Park. Take in the views from the Green River Overlook, and be inspired by the vast expanse of high desert canyons at Grand Viewpoint.
- Mesa Verde National Park: There’s no better place to learn about the ancient cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloan people than at Mesa Verde National Park. View the carvings in the sandstone of the canyon walls at the several hundred of these dwellings – astounded by the history presented before you. This UNESCO-listed park also features thousands of well-known preserved archaeological sites. Take in the sites of this protected area as you ride along the Mesa Top Loop and Cliff Palace Loop, where you can see the magnificent Cliff Palace.
- Taos: Visit Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World's Heritage Center as well as a National Historic Landmark and one the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the country. Best known for is iconic, multi-storied adobe buildings, built roughly 1,000 years ago. About 150 Puebloans live within the pueblo full time. The Taos Tribal Council, which owns the pueblo, does not allow any modern convenience inside the pueblo, such as running water or electricity.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
- Monument Valley: Travel to Monument Valley for a cookout lunch with members of the Navajo Nation. Take off-road vehicles to the cookout site where you’ll enjoy a delicious steak and chicken dinner with a chance to try traditional Diné (Navajo) tacos and fry-bread. This experience advances UN Global Goal 10: Reduce Inequalities.
- Monument Valley: Immerse yourself in the landscape of the Navajo people journeying through the desert to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Get a feel for the land and its people climbing aboard an open-air, all-terrain vehicle to explore the valley with your Navajo guide as you pass its towering sandstone buttes and mesas, many of which have been featured in prominent Western films including John Wayne’s ‘Stagecoach’. Your exclusive Navajo Tribal Park tour with a Navajo guide helps preserve the integrity of the land and culture. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reducing Inequalities.
- Taos: Explore Taos Pueblo with Local Specialists who call Taos Pueblo home. Gain insight into the history of the pueblo and what it is like to live there today. Your visit supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 10 & 11: Reduced Inequalities & Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Must-see Highlights
- Explore the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, and Taos Pueblo
- Visit Scottsdale, Cameron Trading Post, Horseshoe Bend Lookout, Moab, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Durango, Santa Fe
- Scenic Drive through Sedona's Red Rock Country, Oak Creek Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park's Desert View Drive, Trail of the Ancients National Scenic Byway, the High Road Scenic Byway from Taos to Santa Fe
- View Cliff Palace dwelling at Mesa Verde National Park, Desert Viewpoint
Trafalgar Difference
- Durango: Stay at The Strater Hotel, adorned with beautiful handcrafted woodwork, housing the largest collection of American Victorian walnut antiques. It's Durango's Historic Landmark Hotel, showcasing stories of the old west and mining times.
Trip Details
Product Code: 30801
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+
Tour Operator:
Trafalgar (CA)
Supplier Code: 767.1114B
Starts: Phoenix (AZ), United States Of America
Finishes: Albuquerque, United States Of America
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Whats Included
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- All transport and transfers shown
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Optional Experiences and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $5,420 ($542 /day)
Itinerary
Arrive in sun-kissed Phoenix and transfer to Scottsdale at your leisure. This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a dinner.
Accommodation: Sonesta Suites Scottsdale Gainey Ranch
Meals: Dinner
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.
Accommodation: National Park Lodges Grand Canyon
Meals: Breakfast
Rise early for an optional flightseeing tour over the Grand Canyon and then trace the scenic South Rim of the Grand Canyon along Desert View Drive. Take in sweeping views of the Grand Canyon's eastern edge from Desert Viewpoint. Finally, admire one of Arizona's most iconic natural wonders, Horseshoe Bend. Take a walk to the canyon's rim for unforgettable views as the Colorado River winds its way through the dramatic cliffs below. Finish the day connecting to the soul of the land over a Be My Guest experience on the Navajo Nation.
Accommodation: Courtyard by Marriott Page at Lake Powell
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Depart Page for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience tour in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, then savor an outdoor MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience set among the iconic buttes and mesas, prepared by Diné (Navajo) tribe members who share stories of their people and their deep connection to the land. Then, continue to Moab on a scenic drive where you can sit back and enjoy desert views of the Southwest. The evening is yours to explore Moab's Main Street.
Accommodation: Hyatt Place Moab
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, discover how the forces of wind and rain have shaped the enchanting landscape of Arches National Park in the stunning formations that they are, with countless perfect photo opportunities. Later, journey to Canyonlands National Park to connect with nature even more. We visit the Island in the Sky - a mesa resting 1,000 feet (305 meters) above the surrounding countryside, offering spectacular views over the dramatic sandstone formations.
Accommodation: Hyatt Place Moab
Meals: Breakfast
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. This evening, in Durango, your Stay with Stories is historic Strater Hotel. You’ll have the evening at leisure to explore the historic town of Durango.
Accommodation: Strater
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy free time in Durango today, or you may take a scenic drive along the Million Dollar Highway from Ouray and Silverton. If you’re lucky, enjoy a truly unforgettable step back in time, on a ride aboard the coal-fired, steam-powered narrow-gauge train (booked independently). 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.
Accommodation: Strater
Meals: Breakfast
The journey continues along the High Road – Santa Fe Scenic Byway, a picturesque route in Northern New Mexico that stretches approximately 56 miles from Santa Fe to Taos. Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit one of the greatest Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites in the Southwest. Be immersed in the fascinating adobe dwellings and take a walk through Taos Pueblo, a Native American community that has been continuously inhabited for the last 1,000 years. Meet your Taos tribal resident guide and explore the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. Later, arrive at the hotel, ideally located two short blocks from Santa Fe’s Historic Plaza.
Accommodation: Piñon Court By La Fonda
Meals: Breakfast
Today, you'll have a full free day to explore Santa Fe at your leisure. Perhaps visit the iconic Georgia O'Keeffe Museum on your terms or explore one of the many chocolate shops and art galleries just steps away from your hotel. This evening, savor dinner back at your hotel.
Accommodation: Piñon Court By La Fonda
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Your journey through desert landscapes comes to an end. Bid adios to your newfound friends.
Meals: Breakfast
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Tour Operator
Trafalgar (CA)
Family owned and run since 1920, The Travel Corporation (TTC) is the world leader in immersive travel experiences across an extensive range of travel categories. Each year TTC's 40 award winning hospitality and travel brands connect over 1 million happy travellers to the world. We give you access to the 12 DMC’s behind these brands, so you can build your business by capitalizing on the extensive experience, local expertise, and financial assurance of TTC. LOCAL EXPERTISE The world leaders in travel for over 100 years, we offer unparalleled local expertise with a global footprint. Our 12 DMCs, led by experienced in-destination teams, deliver experience rich travel solutions in more than 80 countries. Additionally, our market based teams are on hand to support across our 40 offices worldwide
In Business Since 1931
Reviews
Peter & Linda - Traveled, February 2019
Our 7th Trafalgar Tour! Great accommodation, time efficient planning and an all round enjoyable experience makes this another memorable Trafalgar experience. Amazing scenery and great experiences like visiting Grand Canyon.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/17/2019
Lee Emerson - Traveled, February 2019
Colorful Trails of the South West was truly enjoyable. Our tour director, Stephen, was very well informed, communicated very effectively and was good at problem solving the unexpected things that came up to ensure we all had a an excellent travel experience. He helped set the tone of interactions - always polite and good humoured. The coach was beautifully maintained and our driver Henry was great. Most of the accommodation was very good - a couple of places were superb - the hotel staff were very welcoming and helpful. The itinerary had some excellent highlights especially the Grand Canyon, Arches National Park and Santa Fe. There is a lot of ground to cover so there were some long stretches of driving time. The finish in Albuquerque was a little flat and finishing in Santa Fe should be an option or made clearer that it can be done. some of the accommodation, Red Cliffs Lodge Colorado and the Loretto Inn and Spa Santa Fe, were truly outstanding. The Strata Durango was also a treat.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/16/2019
Lorene Lindsay - Traveled, February 2019
Friendly and knowlegable! We saw some very interesting sites and the whole exigence was good!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/10/2019
Charles Lober - Traveled, February 2019
Tour guide was excellent, as were all the accomodations. Bus driver kept us safe. Lots of interesting sights. Had time to visit two museums I wanted to see.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/25/2029
Trusted Customer - Traveled, January 2019
Excellent and well worth the cost! Everything about the trip was professional and top notch. Our tour director, Stephen *Personal information removed by Feefo*, was great -- informative, helpful, considerate, and mindful of people's need to just sit and watch the scenery without a running monologue. I have been on tours where the guide just talks and talks and talks. Stephen knew exactly when to say something about our destination or surroundings and when to be quiet. The only negative was the accommodations at the Grand Canyon. Trafalgar should seek a hotel that is not part of the park system. The lodge we stayed at felt unclean.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/17/2019
Trusted Customer - Traveled, December 2018
The best Travel Director and coach driver we could’ve wished for! Met all our expectations (and more)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/21/2019
Trusted Customer - Traveled, November 2018
I enjoyed the NPS site selections. The hotel selections were good and our guide was very knowledgeable. Good site selections and hotels
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/14/2018
Trusted Customer - Traveled, October 2018
Amazing! Great trip for me and traveling companion. Highly recommended. No complaints. Everything planned and taken care of Excellent tour guide and bus driver.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/09/2018
Trusted Customer - Traveled, September 2018
Fabulous tour! The tour was excellent., I think there could have been more bathroom breaks since several people needed to use the coach bathroom. Lynne was very knowledgeable. Expensive but so worth it!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/22/2018
- Traveled, September 2018
Excellent tour guide who provided great educational info as well as current. Would definitely buy again. Great value and experience. Breadth of terrain covered
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/07/2018
Trusted Customer - Traveled, August 2018
The trip was very enjoyable. My only concern was not being aware of how much time would be spent on the bus going from site to site. Otherwise, the trip director and bus driver were excellent and everyone seem to really enjoy the group and trip. The sites were absolutely beautiful and just took your breathe away...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/09/2018
Trusted Customer - Traveled, July 2018
Well Organized.! Excellent travel guide. I was also pleased with the itinerary.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/22/2018
Trusted Customer - Traveled, July 2018
Enjoyed the trip. The optional jeep ride in Sedona, AZ, and the train ride in Silverton, CO were disappointing to say the least. They were a waste of time and of money. Would have given a five star except for this. As expressed already. Jeep and train excursions a waste of money and time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/12/2018
Trusted Customer - Traveled, June 2018
It was an amazing & informative experience with a very knowledgeable travel! Yes!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/16/2018
Trusted Customer - Traveled, May 2018
Yes!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/01/2018
Trusted Customer - Traveled, March 2018
See above! Tour was great. Excursions were excellent. Service was outstanding by our tour guide, *********, and our driver, Avery. We got our money's worth.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/15/2018
Trusted Customer - Traveled, June 2018
Randy was friendly, informative, helpful, and kept the bus rides fun and entertaining. The hotels were mostly exceptional, and the Navajo regional meal and the Colorado River bank dinner were both unusual and enjoyable. The train ride from Silverton to Durango was beautiful but too long. In hindsight, I would have rather spent the time in Durango. Wonderful trip. We saw a lot, although the pace sometimes felt hectic. We could have used a day or two more.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/09/2018
Trusted Customer - Traveled, July 2018
Exceeded expectations! The itinerary was well paced. Everything that was promised was delivered. The hotels and meals were good and the travel director was totally professional and in control at all times. You cover a lot of territory in 8 days but there was always something interesting to hear about, a song to sing along to or a dvd to watch on the motor coach. We were thrilled to see 4 national parks in 4 days. We loved that this tour spent so little time in cities. We were out amongst gorgeous landscapes and iconic scenery every day.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/17/2018
Trusted Customer - Traveled, May 2018
Eye popping scenery! Our travel director helped a couple leave early for a family emergency , not an easy task considering where we were. He deserves special credit for his efforts on their behalves. The trip was a little hectic perhaps it should have been 10 days instead of 9 to slow the pace a little. All in all a great trip that I would definitely recommend and a very good travel director.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/21/2018
Trusted Customer - Traveled, May 2018
Concern for passengers by the tour guide. Nice accommodations for overnights Excellent coach driver. Although we moved around a lot, we experienced a taste of many different locations.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/22/2018
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