Explore the Grand Canyon and Much More on a 1-Week Guided Tour in the U.S.
Be surrounded by natural beauty on this one-week guided tour that includes the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park. Journey to Sedona to marvel at the towering red rocks and explore the funky shops. Then travel to Grand Canyon National Park, where you can board a helicopter or a fixed wing aircraft to fly above the canyon’s floor. Later meet a Local Expert, who will share the history of the natural wonder. Make Travel Matter and hop on an 4×4 vehicle in the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park with a Navajo and learn about their tribal heritage. See the cliff-and-canyon landscape of Zion National Park in comfort.
Itinerary
Welcome to Arizona, famous for its scenic road trips, towering Monument Valley, and of course the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon. Your airport transfer will whisk you to your hotel in Scottsdale where you can enjoy the facilities and grounds of this striking desert oasis. Why not head out and explore Old Scottsdale, a vibrant and unique urban downtown area that introduces you the best of the state? Here, you’ll be surrounded by retro wooden buildings, rodeo inspired artwork and a selection of local stores, all radiating a classic Southwestern flair. At 18:00, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner at Zuzu, where you will have the opportunity to mingle and get to know one another.
Travel through world-renowned Red Country along the Red Rock Scenic Byway, one of only 20 designated All-American Roads nationwide. Explore bohemian Sedona with its shops and galleries, or simply take in the exceptional beauty of Red Rock Country before you make your way to the Grand Canyon. Follow Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Byway through Coconino National Forest, a breathtaking stretch of road recognized by Rand McNally as one of the Top Five Most Scenic Drives in America.
On arrival, you can take an optional flightseeing tour over the Grand Canyon. Whether you prefer a helicopter or a fixed-wing plane, you'll enjoy magnificent scenery with aerial views from above. Meet your Local Expert Canyon Tim at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to discover its wonders. You'll discover the origins of the five-million-year-old canyon, its rock formations and the human impact on this natural masterpiece. He'll also talk to you about the bountiful flora and fauna, and where you might be able to spot them.
Early risers will take advantage of the lodge location to witness one of Mother Nature's grandest shows on earth: a sunrise over the Grand Canyon. Travel along the South Rim Desert View Drive, skirting the southern rim of the canyon. Make Travel Matter by supporting the Grand Canyon Conservancy and making a donation to support the development of the Desert View Inter-tribal Heritage Center. Head to the Cameron Trading Post, one of the oldest and most historic general stores in Arizona. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Monument Valley Tribal Park, where Navajo Local Experts guide you through the history, culture and heritage of the tribes. This carefully prepared tour keenly exemplifies the relationship of respect with the land in the valley and the importance placed on preserving the natural treasures found here. Enjoy a Navajo cookout amid the giant buttes and mesas of this unique landscape. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at your lakefront resort.
Today is entirely yours to do as you please. Partake in one of our popular optional experiences, explore on your own, or simply relax by the resort swimming pool with views of Lake Powell. As an optional activity this morning, let yourself be tempted by a gentle float trip down the Colorado River. Calmly float down the Colorado, past some of the most awe-inspiring sites, like the iconic Horseshoe Bend and Petroglyph Beach. In the evening, enjoy dinner with wine at the Red Heritage. Make Travel Matter, as you get the opportunity to watch local dancers talented in colorful powwow dancing, flute playing, and live drum music and enjoy a traditional dinner at this Navajo owned Native American Performing Arts Theater.
Journey across a wide-open landscape punctuated by colorful sandstone cliffs, sagebrush-covered flats, and high ridges dotted with piñon pine and juniper. Travel through Bryce Canyon Country on a portion of the Scenic Highway 89, recognized by National Geographic as the No. 1 Driver's Drive in the world. You will be struck by the beauty of Bryce Canyon National Park, an otherworldly landscape of red rock pillars known as hoodoos, pink cliffs, and endless vistas. Follow the Rim Trail from Surprise Point to Bryce Point. Stops will be made at the major viewpoints and there will be time for a leisurely walk along Sunset Point or a more physical hike down the canyon. Either way, you will be spellbound by the beauty and majesty of this dramatic natural landscape.
Enjoy a Relaxed Start this morning, as you have a full day to explore the park. After a leisurely breakfast, you will tour the canyon aboard a privately chartered open-air vehicle, with live commentary from a Local Expert to show you the many scenic highlights of the canyon. Explore Zion National Park with Insight Choice. Choose to join your Travel Director for a guided hike to the Emerald Pools. Alternatively, visit the Zion Nature Center at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. Wrap up your Enchanting Canyonlands adventure at a Celebration Dinner hosted at the lodge, and a last chance to share travel memories with your new friends.
This morning you’ll bid farewell to the beautiful national parks and your fellow travellers. You will be taken to Salt Lake City International Airport, where you will arrive at approximately 15:00. Please be aware when arranging your flights. Alternatively, a transfer to the Hilton Salt Lake City Center hotel is also provided should you wish to extend your stay.
Inclusions
Hotel Accommodation, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Wine
