Recently updated on January 22nd, 2020 at 08:16 pm
With new travel opportunities through the United States and Mexico, those wondering where to travel in 2017 will be spoilt for choice. Join us on these exciting new trips as we trail-blaze through the breathtaking scenery of California’s national parks, experience cowboy culture in Texas, and explore the isolated towns of the Copper Canyon in Mexico.
California’s Great National Parks
In a State that’s known for its dramatic landscape and extraordinarily diverse scenery, what better way to explore it than by venturing into its most spectacular national parks? Following a breathtaking trail from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, this journey leads each guest to the staggering scenery of Sequoia National Park, the mountains, valleys and waterfalls of Yosemite National Park, the 3,371-metre Mammoth Mountain, and the dramatic Death Valley.
Within these incredible settings, let a local expert guide you through the constellations of the star-filled sky, see history re-enacted as stories of early life in the mountains unfold, and follow the footsteps of a park ranger to uncover the secrets of a national park with one of the people who surely knows it best. Round off each day by staying at the heart of these areas of natural beauty in some of the most atmospheric park lodges around.
Be a part of the breathtaking California’s Great National Parks journey in 2017.
Adventures of the Lone Star State
With its vibrant cities, cowboy culture, and distinctive music and cuisine, Texas is unlike any other American State, making it a great place to travel in 2017. Following a circular route, this trail begins in Fort Worth, giving guests an immersion into cowboy culture, before continuing on to the commercial Texan hub, Dallas. Here, a local specialist leads the way in exploring the city’s historical downtown district, with a trip to the ranch made famous by hit TV series Dallas.
After passing through Waco, home to the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame, Austin is the next stop. Dubbed the ‘Live Music Capital of the World’, it’s the jazz, blues and country offering here that makes the greatest impression on many travellers. In contrast to the big city, it’s the ‘Cowboy Capital of the World’, Bandera, that’s next on the agenda, followed by historically-rich San Antonio and the city of Houston, where a visit to Houston Space Center gives guests an insight into America’s manned space programme. With authentic Texan fare – Louie Mueller Barbecue in particular (link to BBQ article) – and line dancing lessons thrown in along the way, each guest truly experiences Texas at its best.
Discover Texas with Trafalgar on the Adventures of the Lone Star State trip in 2017.
Mexico’s Copper Canyon and Colonial Cities
Within Northern Mexico’s Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains, Copper Canyon is in fact a series of canyons, which with their distinct copper-green walls make a dramatic backdrop for one of the highlights of this journey, the Train in the Sky scenic Railway. Before embarking on this section of the journey, guests travel from small, historic towns – home to Pima Alto Indians and the silver mining community – to the colonial mansions of Alamos and the Pueblo Magico, El Fuerte.
After disembarking the scenic train in the valley’s atmospheric village of Cerocahui, guests then have the chance to delve deeper into the Copper Canyon’s indigenous community while taking in the views of this spectacular setting. After meeting the Tarahumara community and seeking out the most remarkable lookout points, the Copper Canyon will certainly have left a lasting impression. The final days of the trip are spent in the Chihuahua Desert – where guests can tuck into homemade tortillas and pico de gallo with renowned local gourmands – and the UNESCO-listed prehistoric adobe complex Paquime.
Join Trafalgar on the Mexico’s Copper Canyon and Colonial Cities trip in 2017.
Image credits: cover photo of Yosemite National Park © iStock / Spondylolithesis. Yosemite National Park © iStock / Csondy. Sequoia National Park © iStock / andrearoad. Austin, Texas © iStock / David Sucsy. Texas Cowboy © iStock / Oduvanchik21. Copper Canyon Train © iStock. In the Chihuahua Desert © iStock / VallarieE.