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The Magnificent Southwest End Tucson
13 Day US National Parks Tour from Phoenix to Tucson
The highlights and secrets of the canyons, deserts, cities and valleys of Arizona, Colorado, Utah and New Mexico are revealed on this in-depth Southwest tour. From Sedona’s red-rock buttes and the dunes of White Sands National Monument to insights from a member of the Navajo Nation, it’s all magnificent.
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Trip code
DCTAT
The Magnificent Southwest End Tucson
13 Day US National Parks Tour from Phoenix to Tucson
The highlights and secrets of the canyons, deserts, cities and valleys of Arizona, Colorado, Utah and New Mexico are revealed on this in-depth Southwest tour. From Sedona’s red-rock buttes and the dunes of White Sands National Monument to insights from a member of the Navajo Nation, it’s all magnificent.
Sun-kissed Phoenix kickstarts your journey through America’s stunning Southwest. You’ll have the day on your own to recover from your travels, then meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception later this evening.
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.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - National Park Lodges
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 3
Explore The Remarkable Grand Canyon
Rise early for an optional flightseeing over the Grand Canyon. Later, begin today’s sightseeing following the scenic South Rim of the Grand Canyon along Desert View Drive. See the historic Watchtower built by Mary Colter in the Puebloan style and trace the Colorado River and Painted Desert extending towards Navajo and Hopi Indian lands. Stop at Cameron Trading Post—founded in 1911 for Navajo and Hopi trading—to browse native handicrafts and perhaps sample traditional fry bread. This afternoon’s walk takes you to the rim of Glen Canyon to Horseshoe Bend Lookout point where the Colorado River has carved a horseshoe on the sandstone canyon walls. This evening, those seeking a view from atop one of the desert Southwest’s most fascinating features can opt for a helicopter ride to the top of Tower Butte. You’ll head eastward with views of Lake Powell, Glen Canyon Dam, and incredible Horseshoe Bend before ascending Tower Butte. At 5,000 feet above sea level, this panoramic views of Glen Canyon, Lake Powell, Padre Bay, the Grand Staircase Escalante, and the LeChee Rock is a can’t miss!
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Courtyard by Marriott Page at Lake Powell
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 4
Take A Scenic Drive In The Monument Valley Tribal Park
This morning, you’ll Connect with Locals and enjoy an in-depth look adventure to Navajo Tribal Lands in Monument Valley’s Navajo Tribal Park. With over 17 million acres of land between Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico, it’s the largest reservation in the United States and a site you may recognize as the backdrop of many old western movies. Explore the spectacular scenery from a different angle, climbing aboard a 4x4 vehicle and navigating the iconic red valley landscape guided by a member of the Navajo nation and Local Specialist as they share their history, language, and culture. Today’s lunch and Dive Into Culture experience combines history and food: a special outdoor barbeque and traditional skillet fry bread cookout prepared by a Navajo member in their sacred land. Take the scenic route to Moab soaking in views of the San Juan River, Mexican Hat, Bluff, and the Abajo "Blue Mountain" and La Sal Mountains. The gateway city to Arches National Park, Canyonlands National park, and the Colorado River, Moab extends a warm welcome with a Be My Guest Dinner at Canyon Steak and Waffle where you’ll Connect With Locals and enjoy local diner fare hosted by Moab resident and restaurateur Shawn Welsh.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Springhill Suites by Marriott Moab
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Be My Guest
Day 5
Venture Into Arches National Park
This morning, discover how the forces of wind and rain have shaped the enchanting landscape of Arches National Park. Later, enjoy visiting Canyonlands National Park in the afternoon.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 6
Dive Into Historic Mesa Verde National Park
We 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 and admire the massive Cliff Dwellings. This evening, in Durango, your Stays With Stories is the historic Strater Hotel.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - The Strater
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 7
Discover Durango
Enjoy free time in Durango today. Perhaps, enjoy a truly unforgettable step back in time, on an optional ride aboard the coal-fired, steam-powered narrow-gauge train. 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.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 8
Take The High Road To Santa Fe
This morning’s drive takes you through the towns of Pagosa Springs and Chama before arriving in Taos, where there will be time at Taos Plaza, a Historical Landmark. Meet your local Taos Pueblo member resident guide and explore the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. The journey continues along the High Road, the Taos – Santa Fe Scenic Byway, rich in history, art and culture. Arrive at the hotel, ideally located two short blocks from Santa Fe’s Historic Plaza.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Inn and Spa at Loretto
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 9
Encounter The Distinct Culture Of Santa Fe
Join your Local Specialist this morning on a guided tour of Santa Fe. Experience this city where Spanish, Native American and Old West influences all combine to form a city with its own exclusive culture and character. See many of the city’s major sights before the rest of the day is yours to pursue your own interests. Perhaps venture down the artistic hub of Canyon Road lined with galleries, visit some of the city’s top museums, or shop for Native American art and handicraft. This evening Connect With Locals and enjoy music, dancing and great food during your Be My Guest Dinner with Stephanie Ramirez at the El Flamenco Cabaret. Next visit your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, Stephanie runs a Non-profit organization Entre Flamencos that teaches the art of Flamenco to disadvantaged children in her community.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
Day 10
Sink Your Toes Into White Sands National Park
Leave Santa Fe bound for White Sands National Park, driving along with scenic drives that capture the spirit of this Land of Enchantment. This is Billy the Kid country, where legends play against a spectacular backdrop of snowy peaks, rolling rivers, orchards, and ranchlands. Stop at White Sands National Park Monument - like no other place on earth, the great wave-like dunes of gypsum sand form the world’s largest gypsum dune field. Walk these dreamy parabolic dunes barefoot, which unlike conventional sand stays cool to the touch. Next is Las Cruces on the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert. Dive Into Culture as you learn about the production of New Mexico’s renowned spicy chili. Dinner is at a local restaurant in town this evening.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Encanto de la Cruces
Blazing a trail across the Southwest, continue to Tombstone, a trip back in time to the days of the old Wild West and experience a private tour of the town. Here in “The Town Too Tough To Die,” hear the tales from this legendary frontier mining camp, make a stop by the OK Corral and hear about the infamous shootout, which some have called the world’s most famous 30-second gunfight. See the place and hear the stories of Wyatt Ear's gunfight with friend Doc Holiday. Arrive at the resort with amazing desert and mountain views in the Southwest.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 12
Indulge In The Flavours Of Tucson
Start the morning with a visit to Saguaro National Park East, home to 1.6 million of the nation's largest cacti - the giant saguaro. As you enter the park you’ll see large stands of gigantic saguaro cacti creating a breathtaking saguaro forest in the middle of a desert environment. Drive along the Cactus Forest Loop before heading to Downtown Tucson to Dive Into Culture and become a Tucson Foodie. Sample dishes from various restaurants and you’ll understand why Tucson was named the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the USA. Tonight enjoy a Farewell Dinner with new friends at the Hacienda Del Sol Grill. After dinner, go on a date with the stars. Tucson is recognized as Dark Sky City by the International Dark Sky Association and Local Specialist Ben Loker and his team of astronomers will reveal the secrets of the universe with their customized, transportable computerized telescopes.
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About this trip
About this trip
What's included
Trip Summary Accomodation Icon
12 nights
Accommodation
Trip Summary Meals Icon
19 Meals
1 Farewell Dinner, 1 Regional Dinner, 1 Welcome Reception, 12 Breakfasts, 2 Be My Guests, 2 Lunches
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On-trip Transport
All transport shown
The Trafalgar difference
Connect With Locals
Enjoy Spanish culinary and a passionate performance of music and dance celebrating the Spanish heritage of Santa Fe.
Dive Into Culture
In Las Cruces, learn about the production of New Mexico's renowned spicy chili.
Dive Into Culture
Join a foodie tour and taste your way through Tucson.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
Stephanie runs a Non-profit organization Entre Flamencos that teaches the art of Flamenco to disadvantaged children in her community.
Stays With Stories
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.
Sightseeing highlights
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Explore the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Taos Pueblo, Santa Fe, Tombstone, Las Cruces and Tucson with a Local Specalist
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Scenic Drive through Sedona's Red Rock Country, Oak Creek Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park's Desert View, Painted Desert, Monument Valley Tribal Park, Trail of the Ancients National Scenic Byway, the High Road Scenic Skyway from Taos to Santa Fe, Cactus Forest Loop at Saguaro National Park, High Road Scenic Byway
Experience Ti Filled Icon
Visit Scottsdale, Sedona, Grand Canyon National Park, Monument Valley Tribal Park, Canyonlands National Park, Arches National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Moab, Durango, Taos Pueblo, Santa Fe, White Sands National park, Las Cruces, Tombstone, Tucson, Saguaro National Park
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Optional Experiences and free time
Live, unedited & independent traveller reviews
The Magnificent Southwest End Tucson trip reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
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If you are looking even further ahead, this trip is available to book in 2023. Visit our website for dates and today’s best prices.
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.
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Your selected departure date will feature some seasonal itinerary changes to what is displayed. Click 'VIEW ITINERARY' below to see full details.
Active Trip Details
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What is an Active Trip? This is an "Active" lifestyle itinerary, with walks and hikes most days. Hikes will range from easy/moderate to strenuous. No technical climbing skills are required but a reasonable level of fitness is required to make the trip more enjoyable. Understanding that not all people want to hike at the same pace or even on the same trail we will, where possible, host map orientation and then let everyone disperse to enjoy the trails best suited to them.
What to Pack Guests should bring lightweight hiking shoes or boots, broad brimmed sun hats, sunglasses, layered clothing, reusable water bottle(s), a hiking day pack and hiking poles (optional)
Weather & Altitude While the itinerary is laid out below, we are at the mercy of the weather and so reserve the right to adjust the program as necessary. Please keep in mind that the higher elevations and possible variations in weather and temperature can increase the perceived level of difficulty of our activities. Elevation ranges up to 9,000 feet for Utah’s Mighty Five and up to 11,000 feet for California High Country Adventure.
Everyone reacts differently to altitude and so if you do have any health issues you should check with your doctor that this trip is suitable for you.