Welcome to the Neon City in the Nevada desert, a place everyone should experience at least once in their life. The opportunities here are endless and you have a full day to explore, so why not try your luck on the tables, see one of the many world-class shows or sample an all-American buffet? Join us at 6pm for a welcome meeting with your group and tour leader. After, you're free to take in the city at night or wander along The Strip. Stay: OYO Las Vegas Hotel & Casino or 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'. Some of the best hiking in the desert terrain of Southwest USA is here, in and around the fertile Virgin River Gorge. With a two-night stay, we have plenty of time to discover Zion.
Upon arrival, your leader will take you on a walk to Emerald Pools as an introduction to the park. Stay: La Quinta Inn & Suites (or similar).
Today is all about exploring Zion National Park and its vast network of trails. There are many great ones to explore but a really good starter is 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 horseback 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 an included guided backroads tour to learn the magic and myth of the Native American culture. Stay: Kayenta Monument Valley Inn (or similar).
Continue south through the Navajo Reservation to the Cameron Trading Post to shop for local jewellery, crafts and cultural souvenirs. Traverse 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.
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$289 (starting rate, price varies according to demand) Stay: Yavapai 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 finishes at our gateway hotel around 5pm. We recommend booking post-tour accommodation if time allows. If you are planning to fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 9pm.
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.
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