Colourful Trails of the Southwest
-
Exclusive DiscountsGet the best rates plus exclusive discounts and promotions
-
Best Tour SelectionWe've got multiple top rated tour suppliers to choose from
-
Best AdviceOur local travel consultants can help you select the best tour for needs.
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
- 4-star stays
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: 34366
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Adventure, Budget
Tour Operator:
Trafalgar (CA)
Supplier Code: 767.1737B
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 $6877 ($625 /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. If you're feeling more adventurous, opt for a white-water rafting trip on the Animas River.
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
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2024
A MUST Bucket List Trip! There were no issues at all with the lodging or meals; in fact, they were very nice. Our driver was spectacular. We saw many places/things in a short time and loved every minute of it. Our tour director, *Personal information removed by Feefo*, was stellar. He made sure we saw everything possible; he is very knowledgeable with the areas we visited; he's an avid reader and kept this trip more interesting with his knowledge and stories. When planning our next trip, we will definitely use Trafalgar and hopefully *Personal information removed by Feefo* will be our tour director once again. Our tour director, *Personal information removed by Feefo*, was stellar. He made sure we saw everything possible; he is very knowledgeable with the areas we visited; he's an avid reader and kept this trip more interesting with his knowledge and stories. When planning our next trip, we will definitely use Trafalgar and hopefully *Personal information removed by Feefo* will be our tour director once again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/19/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, August 2024
Great trip! Our travel director and bus driver were top notch and made the trip well beyond expectations. The intinerary was great, but it was late in the game when the amount of time we’d get to spend in each place became known. I would definitely have not done at least 2 of the optional excursions.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/19/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, August 2024
Excellent itinerary with an absolute excellent and professional tour director. Would definitely go with Trafalger again!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/11/2024
Gloria Doty - Traveled, August 2024
The trip was amazing. We had an excellent driver and guide. The scenery was so wonderful. You will not be disappointed if you take this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, August 2024
Trails of SW! Everything was quick and seamless in regard to getting set up and going at the starting hotel. Our Travel Director was very knowledgeable and experienced and assisted quickly whenever we had questions. All locations visited were enjoyable. We learned a lot about each location from our Travel Director. There was much variety among the locations.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/14/2024
Joseph Valentic - Traveled, August 2024
Great Trip! It was great best trip I have been on. Sarah and Dennis were great they kept us informed and made the trip fun.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/17/2024
Laura Rice - Traveled, September 2024
Interesting and fun. Our tour guide was wonderful. She filled our time on the bus with interesting information and facts about the area. Lots of historical information. She was also personable and caring, with a great sense of humor. Also, our bus driver was phenomenal. Professional yet friendly. We always felt safe and taken care of, no matter the terrain. It was an ambitious itinerary. Up and out early every day. Lots to see and do.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/28/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, August 2024
Colorful Trails of the Southwest. The service was excellent from start to finish. Trafalgar handled everything from airline tickets to transportation to and from the airports and all the other parts of the trip. The tour director was knowledgeable, personable, and friendly. The motor coach driver was very skilled. The trip was fantastic and more than surpassed my expectations. I thoroughly enjoyed all the sights on the trip. The scenery we passed through while driving from sight to sight was breathtaking. The hotels we stayed in were first class. The tour director and motor coach driver were fantastic.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/22/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, August 2024
We covered a lot of territory, which was great! The tour director was very knowledgeable, organized and communicative throughout the entire trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/19/2024
Betty Sammartino - Traveled, April 2024
Great trip! Whenever our posted itinerary was disrupted, our tour director replaced or rescheduled before telling us. Job well done, Amazing scenery! Excellent tour director, Dave and coach driver, Mike.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/06/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2024
Ten Great Days in the Southwest. Every detail is taken care of. The only addition could be airport transfers. Excellent trip! Would eliminate Nambe pueblo and include a better tour of Santa Fe. The inclusion of Georgia O'Keef museum was wonderful. Also the added stop at 4 corners landmark was special. Tour guide and driver were great!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/07/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2024
I tried multiple times to get information before the trip and somehow I wasn't able to get the information I wanted. I was not disappointed by the trip and attempts were made, but I think the information I wanted wasn't readily accessed. The trip included a very well paced itinerary of multiple national parks and iconic locations. I truly loved that the planning was done for me.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/21/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2025
Beautiful Southwest Trails. Seriously professional; warmly high touch. You get to see a lot of sights and have access to some really nice optional excursions. At the same time, there are also opportunities to have some time on your own to explore at your own pace when you are in the towns for stays.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/06/2024
Marie Busiello - Traveled, April 2024
Colorful trails, Colorful experience. Everything was taken care of for us. Tips are included for bags at each hotel and for meals. I didn't have to worry about my safety, where to stop for a break, where to stay, what restaurant is good, how to drive. I traveled solo and made 30 new friends. Even solo and older, I wasn't alone or concerned about anything. It's perfect for someone like me. I could never have traveled the 1700 miles and seen all I did and learned all I did by myself. It was a high quality trip. The southwest was spectacular. It had to be experienced to be truly understood how huge, beautiful and majestic this landscape is. We saw Grsnd Canyon, Sedona, Monument Valley, Monument Park, Arches, Canyonlands, Mesa Verde, Santa Fe plus there were side trips if you were so inclined. The new Alan Houser sculpture garden was a delight. The history we learned along the way and the science of these natural formations were really interesting. The hotels were excellent including Yarvei Lodge at grand canyon. Durango Colorado was a fun town. I skipped some side trips as I enjoyed the days in towns like Moab Utah. Got to meet really lovely people and had wonderful conversations. Our driver kept us safe, tour guide informed.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/08/2024
John Reichart - Traveled, March 2024
Everything was done perfect but we really missed the transfers to and from airports. Loved the detail and organization and friendliness of our tour guide Ken Viste.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/25/2024
Margaret Filand - Traveled, March 2024
My travel partner had an accident, she slipped on gravel and landed on her knee. She had to be transported to a hospital in Montrose, CO. Ken went above & beyond in assisting us. He kept in continues contact with me and was able to get us information on transporting us back to the tour (2.5 hours away). Even with this snag in our trip, we both had a great time. We are looking into another trip in 2024 with Trafalger. Yes, it was everything and more than we expected. My friend & I are 79 & 80; it was not too strenuous for us.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/18/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, March 2024
Our Travel Director served as a great facilitator to help us get the most of what we wanted from our trip. All the hotels on this tour were clean, well appointed, centrally located , and had friendly staff members. The itinerary was well thought out. We visited many beautiful places within the right time frame.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/07/2024
Richard Luca - Traveled, May 2023
Excellent! Went where we needed to go.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/20/2023
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2023
TRAFALGAR TRIP! Trip was very good! Great tour directior and grrat bus driver. There was not much to see in Durango and didn't need an entire day of shopping,. Same with Santa Fe, too much down time n didn't see very much. I would like to see more interesting things n less shopping n down time. Also, when staying at a hotel pls ensure there are places to get to easily, within walking distance. Sarah n Harold were great!! Hope to travel with them again. More sites to see n less shopping, less downtime
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/21/2023
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
