Colourful Trails of the Southwest
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Experience Overview
Journey past the Grand Canyon, ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings and natural arches near Moab. Explore the Old West as the sun sets against a sandstone backdrop and attend the largest hot air balloon festival in the U.S.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 10 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
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
How You'll Travel
- Deluxe coach travel
- Selected hotel dinners plus a locally hosted meal
- Standard regional accommodation
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.
- 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.
- 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: Reduced 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 Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Be My Guest
- Moab: Join Jared Richards at Moab’s only winery for a Be My Guest experience full of warm hospitality and set against the region’s dramatic red rock landscape. Taste estate-grown wines cultivated, fermented and bottled on-site paired with small bites, before a relaxed 3-course dinner showcasing local flavors as Jared shares the story of Moab’s desert terroir.
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: 34365
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Adventure, Budget
Tour Operator:
Trafalgar (CA)
Supplier Code: 767.1737A
Starts: Phoenix (AZ), United States Of America
Finishes: Albuquerque, United States Of America
Duration: 11 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 $5997 ($545 /day)
Itinerary
Arrive in sun-kissed Phoenix and transfer to Scottsdale at your leisure. This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for 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. In the evening, join an optional MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Red Heritage, a Navajo owned and operated Native American Performing Arts Theater, for a show of powwow dancing, flute playing and live drum music while enjoying a tasty dinner.
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. End the day at Spanish Valley Vineyard & Winery, Moab’s only winery, where Jared Richards hosts your Be My Guest experience. Taste estate-grown wines, hear how the mineral-rich desert soil shapes each bottle and share a relaxed dinner surrounded by red rock scenery.
Accommodation: Springhill Suites by Marriott 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: Springhill Suites by Marriott 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: Historic 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.
Accommodation: Historic 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. This evening, savor dinner in town.
Accommodation: Piñon Court By La Fonda
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
You're in for a wonderful time at Albuquerque's Balloon Fiesta. It is one of the largest and most renowned hot air balloon festivals in the world featuring mass ascensions, special shape balloons, balloon competitions and entertainment. You'll have access to the Chaser's Club, a private outdoor patio to witness the spectacular display of color and creativity in the sky.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Gaze upwards as hundreds of colorful balloons take to the sky. Then, transfer to Albuquerque International airport or consider extending your stay at the Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown. Airport arrival will be at 11:00, please be aware when booking your flights.
Meals: Breakfast
Similar Tours
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
Tommy Brumfield - Traveled, May 2023
Great Trip with New Friends! We have traveled with Trafalgar in the past and have always had a great time. This trip was no different. We had ad great tour director and driver.. We also enjoy getting to meet and get to know new people on the trip. We had a great group. Great Itinerary. Got to see may great places.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/16/2023
Sally Brumfield - Traveled, May 2023
Traveling with ease, and seeing sights that amaze you: This was our fourth big trip with Trafalgar, 3 abroad & now the Southwest Trip! Trafalgar does exactly as it says. They have Absolutely well trained Travel Directors and very skilled & careful drivers. Their trips allow you to relax & watch the scenery roll by, then they have time at each spot where you can enjoy the venue. A lot is packed into each trip, and we’ve enjoyed every minute of our travels with Trafalgar! Trafalgar’s Colorful Trails of the Southwest gives you some time in the listed parks to absorb each one’s differences & beauty. Each day is scheduled so that you have time to cover the sites for the day.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/05/2023
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2023
Great director, very knowledgeable, and courteous. The trip kept our interest. Great hotels and experiences. Our bus driver and your director were the best. Knowledgeable and concerned about their customers. Love that you just relax and things are planned for you. No driving and waiting in lines to get in places. You will see things and have access to things that the everyday traveler won’t get to see or experience. The outdoor Bar B Que with the Navajo was an example.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/25/2023
Leslie Sheaffer - Traveled, March 2023
Sanitize for yourself! Wear a mask!! Avoid COVID! Long long bus rides. But great views.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/18/2023
Linda Prill - Traveled, October 2023
Trip of a lifetime! Both driver & tour guide did a great job. A lot was packed into this trip of a life time! Hotels were great except for Grand Canyon lodge. Our room was a bit dirty & could not get hot water in the sink. Wish this trip contains two more days to explore & interact with locals. Advice, if you go in Oct. take a warm coat or jacket. Need about two more days. Felt rushed.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/09/2023
Jacqueline Bearden - Traveled, August 2023
Assigned to the back of the bus! I do not know if you have a standard company policy on the following issue, but I believe it should be discussed. After leaving our day angry and frustrated over the inconsideration of a fellow traveler who we were in front of for two days and behind the third, I imagined having my trip tainted by the actions of this person, I asked for help from the travel director, Joseph. His solution was to hold our seat for the rest of the trip at the very back of the bus. We agreed to this solution, but after the fact thought we could have started rotation but separated from this person. Otherwise we loved the trip, the hotel choices, our bus driver, Ronald was amazing. We saw places and sites that I did not have knowledge of before hand, the Trafalgar surprises were a pleasure, even the comfort stops were unusual. I loved the views we saw outside the windows of the bus and the fact that we did not drive on boring expressways.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/09/2023
Trusted Customer - Traveled, August 2023
Joseph, the Tour Guide, the Wellness Director, and our driver made the trip enjoyable. They actually made a huge difference from other tours we have taken. There is always room for improvement, that's why only four stars. The first hotel was not that great.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/11/2023
Mauricio Leiseca - Traveled, June 2023
GREAT TOUR! This was a wonderful tour from start to finish! Everything was excellent!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/15/2023
Trusted Customer - Traveled, June 2023
Terrific Southwest! It was a fabulous itinerary. The destinations were great and the tour itself was very well planned. Great hotels and many were very different. Only criticism I have is that some of the hotels were not close enough to food options for dinner other than the hotel. It would have been nice to be able to walk around after dinner in the nearby town. (Most were good... only 2 were an issue)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/23/2032
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2023
Very professional . Informative. Great accommodations. Very well planned and comfortable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/19/2023
Linda Wodogaza - Traveled, April 2023
Well organized. Joseph insured everything was on time and we had the needed information. Comfortable coach. Nice hotel rooms. Great scenery. Loved it all. Good value. Single supplement could be less.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/25/2023
Paul Leclair - Traveled, December 2022
Trafalgar's Southwest Trip of 2022! I thought the Tour was very good in regards to the places we visited and the support we received. I thought the Tour was very good in regards to the places we visited and the support we received but I thought there could be some better planning done beforehand. I think you should have all optional events planned before the trip starts and that way there would be no limitations on how many can attend an event or that all of us would be together (i.e, the train). Also, calling Trafalgar before the trip started was so bad that we stated we would never go on another Trafalgar trip based on how bad and unresponsive your customer service people were. We also had challenges applying a previous credit we had on account until we contacted the person that gave us the credit two years before. You had only one number for all calls and you made us wait up to an hour upon every phone call which is completely unacceptable these days. Finally, the two shows we attended were good but both were too long. I thought each act would have been better if they all lasted about half as long as they did. In addition, the amount of food served at these two events was not sufficient - you needed to make bigger portions available. Thanks.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/14/2023
Trusted Customer - Traveled, November 2022
The Tour Director and Coach Driver were very professional and accommodating. Bothe the Tour Director and Ease of travel, selection of destinations and provision of interesting information.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/08/2022
Trusted Customer - Traveled, October 2022
The tour was exciting. Accommodations were very nice, although most breakfast meals were cold. Our tour director, Todd was great. He was very knowledgeable about the areas we visited and shared many historical facts. Our coach driver Adrian was very personable, and pointed out highlights along the way. Chris our Wellness Coordinator provided very little value. He missed many opportunities for providing wellness information during the tour. Action packed vacation. We visited some beautiful locations and the accommodations were high quality.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/05/2022
Trusted Customer - Traveled, September 2022
Very organized trip with amazing places to visit. Very organized trip. Will continue to travel with Trafalgar, and recommend to friends. All National Parks we visited were amazing! Needed more time at the Grand Canyon.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/23/2022
Derek Boid - Traveled, September 2022
Tour director and driver were excellent always there to go the extra mile local specialists were very good the hotels were excellent all in all a great trip the itinerary was well thought out just enough travel time on the bus coach was spotless and the hotels were above expectation.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/08/2022
Trusted Customer - Traveled, September 2022
Superb service! Everything was handled for us so all we had to do was relax and enjoy. We were given the opportunity to see and experience many sights and cultures. My only complaint is that we had very little time at the grand canyon, and that is one of the highlights. For those that had never seen the grand canyon before, they were short changed.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/07/2022
Trusted Customer - Traveled, July 2022
Easy from start to end! Trafalgar took care of every aspect of our trip from beginning to end. Questions were answered in a satisfactory and timely manner. Beautiful scenery and great information.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/23/2022
Mohan Ventrapragada - Traveled, July 2022
Liked the choice of hotels/motels, Bus was excellent. Driver was excellent and was safe driver.Guide was outstanding, kept us engaged with relevant videos, games.He was friendly and knowledgeable. Fellow travelers were friendly and pleasant.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/12/2022
Gerald Knapp - Traveled, August 2022
Everything was great, our travel director was fantastic! I would definitely use Trafalgar again. Everything was great, had a good time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/24/2022
