Canyons & Navajo Lands

Welcome to the neon city in the Nevada desert, Las Vegas. This brash, iconic destination offers you the chance to explore over-the-top casinos, see a show, shop or simply watch the world pass. The welcome briefing will usually be held in the morning of Day 2, so today is free for you to explore the city and see the neon lights in all their glory. Stay: Alexis Park Resort (or similar).

After leaving Las Vegas, we drive through desert landscapes before arriving in the state of Utah and our destination for today, Zion National Park. Zion Canyon was named by the early Mormon settlers of Utah who thought of it as their ‘promised land'.

On arrival, we head to the Zion Human History Museum, which focuses on the rich human history of the area now known as Zion National Park. Several exhibits explain the geology, plant life and human survival in Zion Canyon throughout history. Stay: La Quinta Inn & Suites (or similar).

Today is all about exploring Zion National Park and its vast network of trails. Some of the best hiking in the desert terrain of Southwest USA is here, in and around the fertile Virgin River Gorge, and today we follow the Watchman Trail. It is a steady uphill climb until you reach the viewpoint, which has stunning views of Watchman Peak.

In the afternoon, we recommend a walk beside the Virgin River or (if weather conditions permit) you may choose to hike deep into the Narrows, a water channel where you'll witness outstanding scenery. Staying dry is not an option as you wade through the Virgin River between towering walls. The cool waters and the shadow of the canyon can provide a much-needed respite from the scorching sun. Another hike option is Angels Landing, which requires a permit that individual customers need to secure. We have included more details on how to go about this in the Is This Trip for You? section. Stay: La Quinta Inn & Suites (or similar) (B).

Leaving Zion, we climb in elevation to almost 8,296ft (2,528m) and traverse a high plateau to Bryce Canyon National Park. ‘Mysterious', ‘breath-taking' and ‘out of this world' are just a few of the descriptions offered by past visitors to describe this fascinating natural amphitheatre of pink, orange and white sandstone spires, known locally as hoodoos.

There are a variety of scenic overlooks and trails that range from easy to moderate in difficulty. The Navajo or Peek-a-Boo Loop trails will enable you to hike right among these unique rock formations. Wherever you walk, you'll encounter a mesmerising kaleidoscope of colours and a fantasy land of rock spires. Photographers may prefer to remain on the rim and capture the ever-changing shadows and colours as the sun travels across the open sky. Optional activities: Western horse riding: US$65-US$90 Stay: Best Western Plus Ruby's Inn (or similar) (B).

Today we travel southeast along the Utah-Arizona border and stop at the immense Glen Canyon Dam en route to Monument Valley in the heart of the Navajo Nation. This is sacred land to those who call it home and the red sandstone monoliths and spectacular sunsets and sunrises have been the backdrop to countless Westerns. Explore the incredible array of rock formations on a guided backroads tour, led by a local Navajo guide, to learn the magic and myth of this Native American culture, then indulge in an included traditional Navajo dinner. Stay: Kayenta Monument Valley Inn (or similar) (D).

Head west through the Navajo Reservation to the Navajo National Monument, high up on the Shonto plateau. Here, we discover cliff dwellings dating back to around 1250, which were inhabited by Ancestral Puebloans (descendants of Native American hunter-gatherers). Our Navajo journey continues at the Explore Navajo Museum, where we can see a traditional Navajo hogan (traditional dwelling) and learn about the Navajo stories of creation, before a stop at the Cameron Trading Post to shop for local jewellery, crafts and cultural souvenirs.

In the late afternoon, we approach the eastern entrance of the mighty Grand Canyon, where we catch our first glimpse of it at Desert View. This incredible spectacle is difficult to comprehend, even as you stand at the rim or hike into the canyon. Carved over several millennia, this natural wonder is 277mi (445km) long, up to 18mi (29km) wide and more than 1mi (1. 6km) deep. Snaking through the canyon floor is the mighty Colorado River, which runs 1,450mi (2,330km) through seven US states and two Mexican states. Stay: Red Feather Lodge (or similar).

There is a whole host of rim trail walks that you can enjoy using the park transport, as well as the park ranger's guided nature walk, or you may just wish to sit in quiet contemplation on the edge of this natural wonder. However, we highly recommend lacing up your hiking boots and walking the South Kaibab Trail to Ooh-Ahh Point for spectacular views across the canyon. For more of a challenge, you may choose to continue the hike as far as Cedar Ridge. In your free time, we highly recommend a scenic helicopter flight over the canyon, offering perspectives you simply can't see on foot.

Alternatively, stroll the easy meandering South Rim Trail, hike your way down the more challenging trail to Plateau Point, or simply relax at the canyon edge and enjoy a spectacular sunset over one of the most fantastic natural wonders in the world. Optional activities: Grand Canyon Helicopter flight: US$349 (starting rate, price varies according to demand) Please note: Grand Canyon National Park regulations limit group size and do not allow guided hikes. Your tour leader will provide briefings, directions and maps, but is not permitted by the National Park Service to walk with you on the trails. Stay: Red Feather Lodge (or similar).

From the epic Grand Canyon, we travel onto Seligman, where we stop for an optional lunch at the Snow Cap Diner along a section of Route 66. Prepare to be dazzled all over again by the bright lights of Las Vegas, a memorable end to a fantastic eight days. This tour ends in Las Vegas at approximately 5pm. If you would like to extend your stay to experience the bright lights of Las Vegas, please speak to your sales representative.