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Colourful Trails of the Southwest

10 Days Phoenix to Santa Fe
Colourful Trails of the Southwest
Colourful Trails of the Southwest
Colourful Trails of the Southwest

Overview

Trafalgar
Trip Operated By:
 (1,022) Reviews
Total No. of Tours & Cruises 283
On this tour, each day is a cultural and natural adventure. You’ll stay inside Grand Canyon National Park, view ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park and natural arches near Moab, and ride a 4x4 through Monument Valley’s landscapes with a member of the Navajo Nation.
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Our Price From
A$4,955 per person
Price shown based on twin share
Save up to $991 per person
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Trip Length
10 Days
Trip Starts
Phoenix
Trip Ends
Santa Fe
Trip Style
Tour
Accommodation
4 Star
Budget
Premium
Age Range
5-99 Years
Max. Group Size
48
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
DCTS
Countries Visited:
USA

Itinerary

Arrive in sun-kissed Phoenix and transfer to Scottsdale at your leisure.

This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for dinner.

Accommodation: Sonesta Suites Scottsdale Gainey Ranch
Included 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
Included 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. Finish the day connecting to the soul of the land over a Be My Guest experience on the Navajo Nation.

Accommodation: Courtyard by Marriott Page at Lake Powell
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Depart Page for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience tour in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, then savour 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. The evening is yours to explore Moab's Main Street.

Accommodation: Springhill Suites by Marriott Moab
Included 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
Included 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
Included 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
Included 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
Included 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
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Your journey through desert landscapes comes to an end with an included drop off at Santa Fe Municipal Airport, or continue to Albuquerque.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Trip Inclusions

  • 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

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.

Be My Guest

  • Grand Canyon National Park: Enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience at Shash Dine Eco Retreat on the Navajo Nation. Meet your hosts Baya and Paul for an under-the-stars, traditional meal of mutton stew, frybread, vegetables, melon, coffee and Navajo tea. Your local dining experience is enhanced by Navajo storytelling by storyteller and award-winning Diné recording artist Eli Secody, whose fun and fascinating stories are steeped in his Dine' roots. Cap off the evening walking up to a remarkable vista on the very land where Baya can trace her lineage back over 20 generations.

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.

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.

  • 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 (Additional Cost) and free time
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised

  • 3 Dinners (D)
  • 9 Breakfasts (B)
  • 1 Lunch (L)

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Must-sees to Local Secrets
Must-sees to Local Secrets

You’ll enjoy the icons and hidden gems with a Local Specialist by your side. Read more

Connect with Locals
Connect with Locals

With one on every itinerary, Be My Guest ensures your journey is truly one-of-a-kind, wherever it takes you. Read more

Stay With Stories
Stay With Stories

Find yourself overnighting in accommodations with stories as rich as the destinations you’re exploring. Read more

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Trafalgar The Americas (2027-28) Brochure

Trafalgar The Americas (2027-28)

From iconic cities and sweeping national parks to rich local traditions, Trafalgar’s 2027 and 2028 Americas collection brings North, Central and South America vividly to life. Enjoy seamless touring, expert storytelling and meaningful encounters with local hosts who share their homes, heritage and hospitality.

Dates & Pricing

Sunday 18 Apr 2027 18 Apr 27 Phoenix
Tuesday 27 Apr 2027 27 Apr 27 Santa Fe
Details
Available Departure
Early Booking Offer
Bonus $200 Saving
Exclusive Savings
Was: $5,882
A$4,955
Save $927
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 02 May 2027 02 May 27 Phoenix
Tuesday 11 May 2027 11 May 27 Santa Fe
Details
Available Departure
Bonus $200 Saving
Exclusive Savings
Was: $6,002
A$5,631
Save $371
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 16 May 2027 16 May 27 Phoenix
Tuesday 25 May 2027 25 May 27 Santa Fe
Details
Definite Departure
Early Booking Offer
Bonus $200 Saving
Exclusive Savings
Was: $6,032
A$5,086
Save $946
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 30 May 2027 30 May 27 Phoenix
Tuesday 08 Jun 2027 08 Jun 27 Santa Fe
Details
Available Departure
Bonus $200 Saving
Exclusive Savings
Was: $6,102
A$5,728
Save $374
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 05 Sep 2027 05 Sep 27 Phoenix
Tuesday 14 Sep 2027 14 Sep 27 Santa Fe
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Early Booking Offer
Bonus $200 Saving
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Was: $6,382
A$5,391
Save $991
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 19 Sep 2027 19 Sep 27 Phoenix
Tuesday 28 Sep 2027 28 Sep 27 Santa Fe
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Bonus $200 Saving
Exclusive Savings
Was: $6,402
A$6,019
Save $383
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 03 Oct 2027 03 Oct 27 Phoenix
Tuesday 12 Oct 2027 12 Oct 27 Santa Fe
Details
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Bonus $200 Saving
Exclusive Savings
Was: $6,357
A$5,369
Save $988
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Trafalgar. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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