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Journey past the Grand Canyon, ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings and natural arches near Moab. Explore the Old West as the sun sets against a sandstone backdrop.
Journey past the Grand Canyon, ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings and natural arches near Moab. Explore the Old West as the sun sets against a sandstone backdrop.
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 travellers 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
Optional Experience
Easy on the Asphalt (60 minutes)
A “Sedona snapshot” with great photo opportunities! Join us on this informative and relaxing, yet breathtaking, tour of some of Sedona’s most magnificent overlooks, featuring many of the most photographed sites in all of Arizona. This is an on-road tour. The Chapel may be substituted during the busy season due to traffic. Approx. duration: 1 hours
Adult Price: $49.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Old Bear Wallow
An exclusive experience as our jeep tour operator is the only company permitted by the U.S. Forest Service to take you on this historic trail - climb this early stagecoach route along Schnebly Hill Road through Bear Wallow Canyon, just below the Mogollon Rim to enjoy stunning views of Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon 2000ft below. Step onto Munds Wagon or Huckaby Trail and hear stories of Sedona's early pioneer days. Approx. duration: 1 hour
Adult Price: $49.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 3
Grand Canyon National Park – Monument Valley Tribal Park – Bluff
Rise early for an optional flightseeing over the Grand Canyon and then trace the scenic South Rim of the Grand Canyon along Desert View Drive. Stop at Cameron Trading Post to browse through handicrafts and perhaps sample traditional fry bread. Continue to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park where you'll board 4X4 vehicles to navigate the iconic red valley landscape guided by a member of the Navajo Nation and Local Specialist. Savour the flavours of the Southwest this evening with an included dinner.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Desert Rose Resort
*North Canyon Tour Helicopter Flight, Bell Aircraft (April 1 - October 31)
Your tour takes you over the Kaibab National Forest and into the deepest portion of the Grand Canyon, through the Dragon Corridor, and continues to the North Rim, where you view the incredible geological differences between the North and South Rims. During your return to the South Rim, enjoy breathtaking views of temples, shrines and rock formations sculpted by time while flying above the widest portion of the mighty Colorado River. Subject to weather conditions. Flight duration: 25-30 min
Adult Price: $219.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
*Grand Discovery South Rim Airplane Tour
The original air tour of the Grand Canyon and the best value! Board an ultra-quiet small aircraft for a 40-45 minute Grand Discovery flight over the Grand Canyon. The Vistaliner airplanes feature oversize windows that make every seat the best seat and allows for post card quality pictures! This tour covers the most famous and beautiful parts of the Grand Canyon including the Eastern Zuni Corridor, the Confluence and the North Rim and returns through the Western Dragon Corridor. Subject to weather conditions. Flight duration: 40-50 minutes.
Adult Price: $159.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 4
Bluff – Canyonlands National Park – Moab (2 Nights)
Sit back and watch the scenery unfold as you drive along Utah's Scenic Byway 191 between Bluff and Moab. Arriving at Canyonlands National Park, we ascend the Island in the Sky mesa and admire the spectacular scenery below.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
Day 5
Arches National Park Excursion and Moab
This morning, discover how the forces of wind and rain have shaped the enchanting landscape of Arches National Park. Later, enjoy a free afternoon or consider a deeper exploration of the area with an optional guided hike to Delicate Arch if you're feeling adventurous.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 6
Moab – Mesa Verde National Park – Durango (2 Nights)
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 Palace. This evening, in Durango, your 'Stay with Story' is historic Strater Hotel. You'll have a choice of different restaurants for dinner, served with wine.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - The Strater Hotel
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Your Choice Dining
Day 7
Durango Free Time
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 to the historic mining town of Silverton. 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
Optional Experience
Durango And Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway
This historic train constructed in 1882 has been in continuous operation for 135 years. The Durango train winds through spectacular & breathtaking canyons in the remote wilderness of the two-million acre San Juan National Forest for an unforgettable adventure. Experience the adventure of traveling by a coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive on the same tracks miners, cowboys and settlers of the Old West took over a century ago. Relive history with the sights and sounds of yesteryear for a truly spectacular journey. Approx. duration: 3.5 hours
Adult Price: $103.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Mountain Waters Rafting
Take a 2-hour raft trip through Durango on the Animas River. Approx. duration 2hrs.
Adult Price: $48.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 8
Durango – Taos – Santa Fe (2 Nights)
This morning's drive takes you through the towns of Vallecito, Pagosa Springs and Chama before arriving in Taos, where there will be time at Taos Plaza, a Historical Landmark. Then, meet a Navajo who lives in the pueblo, to 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
Santa Fe Sightseeing and Free Time
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 you have the rest of the day 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 enjoy a Farewell Dinner with wine at one of Santa Fe's many restaurants.
Our journey through desert landscapes at its end, you will bid farewell and transfer to Santa Fe Airport or Albuquerque Sunport International Airport at leisure.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 2
Easy on the Asphalt (60 minutes)
A “Sedona snapshot” with great photo opportunities! Join us on this informative and relaxing, yet breathtaking, tour of some of Sedona’s most magnificent overlooks, featuring many of the most photographed sites in all of Arizona. This is an on-road tour. The Chapel may be substituted during the busy season due to traffic. Approx. duration: 1 hours
Adult Price: $49.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 2
Old Bear Wallow
An exclusive experience as our jeep tour operator is the only company permitted by the U.S. Forest Service to take you on this historic trail - climb this early stagecoach route along Schnebly Hill Road through Bear Wallow Canyon, just below the Mogollon Rim to enjoy stunning views of Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon 2000ft below. Step onto Munds Wagon or Huckaby Trail and hear stories of Sedona's early pioneer days. Approx. duration: 1 hour
Adult Price: $49.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 3
*North Canyon Tour Helicopter Flight, Bell Aircraft (April 1 - October 31)
Your tour takes you over the Kaibab National Forest and into the deepest portion of the Grand Canyon, through the Dragon Corridor, and continues to the North Rim, where you view the incredible geological differences between the North and South Rims. During your return to the South Rim, enjoy breathtaking views of temples, shrines and rock formations sculpted by time while flying above the widest portion of the mighty Colorado River. Subject to weather conditions. Flight duration: 25-30 min
Adult Price: $219.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 3
*Grand Discovery South Rim Airplane Tour
The original air tour of the Grand Canyon and the best value! Board an ultra-quiet small aircraft for a 40-45 minute Grand Discovery flight over the Grand Canyon. The Vistaliner airplanes feature oversize windows that make every seat the best seat and allows for post card quality pictures! This tour covers the most famous and beautiful parts of the Grand Canyon including the Eastern Zuni Corridor, the Confluence and the North Rim and returns through the Western Dragon Corridor. Subject to weather conditions. Flight duration: 40-50 minutes.
Adult Price: $159.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 7
Durango And Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway
This historic train constructed in 1882 has been in continuous operation for 135 years. The Durango train winds through spectacular & breathtaking canyons in the remote wilderness of the two-million acre San Juan National Forest for an unforgettable adventure. Experience the adventure of traveling by a coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive on the same tracks miners, cowboys and settlers of the Old West took over a century ago. Relive history with the sights and sounds of yesteryear for a truly spectacular journey. Approx. duration: 3.5 hours
Adult Price: $103.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 7
Mountain Waters Rafting
Take a 2-hour raft trip through Durango on the Animas River. Approx. duration 2hrs.
Adult Price: $48.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Notepad Icon You must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to travel
Trip details
Trip details
What's included
Trip Summary Accomodation Icon
9 nights
Accommodation
Trip Summary Meals Icon
14 Meals
9 breakfasts, 5 dinners
Trip Summary Transport Icon
On-trip Transport
All transport shown
The Trafalgar difference
CONNECT WITH LOCALS
At a local grill in Moab where you'll enjoy an exclusive Be My Guest dinner. (Day 4)
LOCAL SPECIALIST
For included sightseeing at the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Santa Fe. (Days 2, 3, 9)
STAYS WITH STORIES
Stay at The Strater Hotel, Durango's Historic Landmark Hotel, showcasing stories of the old west and mining times. (Day 6)
Sightseeing highlights
Experience Ti Filled Icon
SCENIC DRIVE through Sedona's Red Rock Country, Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive, Grand Canyon National Park's Desert View Scenic Drive, Painted Desert Scenic Drive, Monument Valley Tribal Park's renowned scenic drives, Trail of the Ancients National Scenic Byway, the High Road Scenic Skyway from Taos to Santa Fe
Experience Ti Filled Icon
VISIT Scottsdale, Grand Canyon National Park, Monument Valley, Mesa Verde, Arches National Park, Moab, Durango, Taos, Santa Fe
Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Cherry-picked hotels all tried and trusted
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Handcrafted Highlights
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Optional Experiences and free time
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All porterage and local charges included
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Airport transfers on the first and last day of your guided holiday
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VIP entry to many sights
Live, unedited & independent traveler reviews
Colourful Trails of the Southwest 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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4.7
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Based on 155 independent reviews
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Trip rating is the overall quality of the itinerary and trip
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The Tour Director and Coach Driver were very professional and accomodating.
Trip Rating
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4
Ease of travel, selection of destinations and provision of interesting information.
The tour was exciting. Accommodations were very nice, although most breakfast meals were cold. Our tour director, Todd was great. He was very knowledgeable about the areas we visited and shared many historical facts. Our coach driver Adrian was very personable, and pointed out highlights along the way. Chris our Wellness Coordinator provided very little value. He missed many opportunities for providing wellness information during the tour.
tour director and driver were excellent always there to go the extra mile local specialists were very good the hotels were excellent all in all a great trip
We were given the opportunity to see and experience many sights and cultures. My only complaint is that we had very little time at the grand canyon, and that is one of the highlights. For those that had never seen the grand canyon before, they were short changed.
Crossovers: All 2021 departure dates will operate as per the 2020 brochure. Itineraries, durations, hotels and inclusions may vary. Please inquire at the time of booking.
#TTColorfulTrails
"Native American meets European in the artists' retreat of Santa Fe in New Mexico. This extraordinary city reveals the stories of centuries of continuous Anglo and Spanish influences while at the same time yielding over a millenia of Native American culture."Joseph Breithart, Travel Director
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 traveling as part of a family group.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange your flights to arrive on or before day 1.
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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.
