You are viewing the consumer version of the trip page.Please click here to return to search results where you can access the agent version of these trip pages.
This complete immersion in Native American heritage will delight anyone who is interested in this rare opportunity to delve deeper into the captivating culture, traditions and history of the Ancestral Puebloans who once thrived in America's Southwest landscapes.
Travelstyle Re Icon
Travel Style - Regional Explorer
Gain the insights into the diversity of two or more countries.
Start your cultural encounter with New Mexico in its warm heart - Albuquerque. Spend your day recovering from your journey before joining your Travel Director and fellow travellers this evening for a Welcome Reception.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Hotel Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown
Trace centuries-old stories etched in stone by Ancestral Pueblo peoples and early Spanish settlers when you visit the Petroglyph National Monument this morning. Continuing your journey to Acoma Sky City Cultural Center & Haak'u Museum for a guided insight into one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States and the 28th Historic Site designated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Head back to your hotel in Albuquerque where the rest of the evening is yours.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 3
Albuquerque – Chaco Canyon National Historical Park – Gallup
One of the highlights of your Southwest journey will be the visit to Chaco Canyon inside Chaco Culture National Historical Park. Chaco Canyon is one of America's most significant and fascinating cultural and historic centers of ancestral Puebloan culture. It was the central hub for ceremony, trade and administration for the entire Southwest area. See Pueblo Bonito, one of the most important “ Great Houses” representing the apex of Anasazi, renamed Ancestral Puebloan, in modern day culture. With its 5 stories high and almost 700 rooms it stood as the largest structure in North America until the 18th century. Dinner this evening will be served at your hotel's restaurant. (Should weather conditions render the dirt road to Chaco Canyon unsafe, your Travel Director will arrange visits to other safely accessible destinations of historical and cultural significance.) Tonight, your 'Stay with Story' is historic El Rancho Hotel, home to many movie stars filming Westerns in the area throughout the 1930s and 1940s.
Gallup – Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site – Canyon de Chelly National Monument
This morning, stop at Window Rock, the capital of the Navajo Nation, where you'll see the Window Rock geologic formation and the World War II Navajo Code Talkers' Memorial and learn how Navajos helped the United States win WWII. Take a step back in time and visit the Hubbell Trading Post National Historical Site,and learn how the Navajo and settlers once traded. Delve into the story of Lorenzo Hubbell, who had a major influence on Navajo rug weaving and silversmithing. After a visit to the Canyon de Chelly Visitor Centre, meet your certified Navajo Local Specialist and board your 6X6 vehicle to marvel at the stunning scenery with sandstone cliffs, canyons, and beautiful artwork in the forms of pictographs, petroglyphs and ruins.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Holiday Inn Chinle
Canyon de Chelly National Monument – Monument Valley Tribal Park – Bluff
See an ancient community built into a sandstone cliff as you peer over the edge of the White House Overlook to see the mastery of Ancient Puebloan construction. Watch nature defy gravity when you encounter Spider Rock and hear the legend of the mythical Spider Woman who is said to live in this towering stone spire. Enter Monument Valley National Tribal Park where your Local Navajo Specialists will accompany you on a 4X4 adventure. Enjoy and authentic Navajo lunch prepared alfresco. You'll also have the opportunity to visit an authentic Navajo hogan.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Desert Rose Resort
Hovenweep National Monument – Canyons of the Ancients National Monument – Mesa Verde National Park
Head for Hovenweep National Monument, one of the most intriguing pre-historic settlements in the Southwest, known for its six major villages and more than 300 additional sites within the National Monument. Travel across Canyons of the Ancients National Monument and wind along the Trail of the Ancients National Scenic Byway. Visit the Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum (formerly known as The Anasazi Center), known as Southwest Colorado's leading archaeological museum, displaying exhibits on archaeology, local history and Native American cultures. Continue onto Mesa Verde National Park.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Far View Lodge
This morning see some of the best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites as you explore the park. Visit the Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum, where you will see the park's third largest cliff dwelling, Spruce Tree House. This evening, your 'Stay with Story' is the historic Strater Hotel and dinner is your choice dining in Durango.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - The Strater Hotel
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Your Choice Dining
Day 8
Durango Free Time
A full day at leisure in Durango to pursue your own interests. Perhaps take a trip aboard historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway. Return by coach via the spectacular San Juan Skyway Scenic and Historic Byway. Other options include mild to wild white water rafting along the Animas River or a visit to the outstanding Southern Ute Museum.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Mountain Waters Rafting
Take a 2-hour raft trip through Durango on the Animas River. Approx. duration 2hrs.
Adult Price: $41.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 9
Durango – Taos – Santa Fe (2 Nights)
Drive on to Taos Plaza, a Historical Landmark, where you'll enjoy some free time before we visit the Taos Pueblo, the only living Native American community designated both as a World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark. Meet your native Taos Local Specialist who will share insights about the Pueblo. Stop at San Francisco de Asís Mission Church, a historic and architecturally significant church and one of the finest examples of a Spanish Colonial New Mexico mission church. Continue to the colourful artists' retreat of Santa Fe.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 10
Santa Fe Sightseeing
A Local Specialist reveals the secrets of Santa Fe, starting at the historic Santa Fe Plaza. A special treat awaits at Del Charro where you'll 'Dive into Culture' and enjoy the rich flavours of a local favorite-Natillas. The afternoon is free. This evening, the dining capital of the Southwest puts its best foot forward with an unforgettable Farewell Dinner at one of Santa Fe's most iconic settings.
Taste the rich flavours of Natillas, a local speciality of Santa Fe. (Day 10)
STAYS WITH STORIES
Lodge at the El Rancho Hotel like Western movie stars and stay at The Strater Hotel, Durango's Historic Landmark Hotel, showcasing stories of the old west and mining times. (Days 3, 7)
LOCAL SPECIALISTS
in Chaco Canyon Culture National Historic Park, Code Talker Veterans Memorial, Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Monument Valley Tribal Park, Taos Pueblo, Santa Fe (Day 3, 4, 5, 9, 10)
Sightseeing highlights
Experience Ti Filled Icon
VISIT Albuquerque, Petyroglyph National Monument, Acoma Pueblo, Chaco Canyon National Historical Park, Gallup, Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site, Hovenweep National Monument, Canyon of the Ancients National Monument Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Monument Valley Tribal Park, Bluff, Mesa Verde National Park, Durango, Taos, Santa Fe
Experience Ti Filled Icon
VIEW Square Tower Unit at Hovenweep, Chaco Canyon's White House, Mesa Verde's Cliff Palace
Experience Ti Filled Icon
SCENIC DRIVE along Colorado's Trail of the Ancients National Scenic Byway
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA). Does not apply to trips operated by Inspiring Journeys & our Mini-stays.
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
Navigation Close Icon
Your selected departure date will feature some seasonal itinerary changes to what is displayed. Click 'VIEW ITINERARY' below to see full details.
