Colorful Trails of the Southwest End Santa Fe
On this Southwest USA tour, each day is a cultural and natural adventure. You’ll stay inside Grand Canyon National Park, explore 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.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 9 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 café 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.
- 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.
- Grand Canyon: At Desert Viewpoint Inter-tribal Cultural Heritage Site learn about the 11 Grand Canyon tribal communities. Discover Native crafts watching a carpet weaving demonstration, or you may enjoy traditional song and dance performances. Your visit and donation provide a continuous source of funding for the on-going development of the Cultural Heritage Site while allowing guests to engage directly with Indigenous community members. The experience directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities and Goal 11: Responsible Production and Consumption.
- 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: Reducing 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.
- Explore the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Taos Pueblo, Nambe Pueblo Village, the Navajo Nation in Page
- Visit Scottsdale, Mesa Verde National Park, Cameron Trading Post, Horseshoe Bend Lookout, Moab, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Durango, Taos and 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 and the High Road Scenic Byway from Taos to Santa Fe
- View Cliff Palace dwelling at Mesa Verde National Park, Desert Viewpoint
- 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.
Whats Included
- 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 and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
- National Parks and Preserves
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Your Bucket List Moments
You’ll tick off not-to-miss iconic sights, local culture and unmissable natural wonders – all handpicked, planned and vetted by our Travel Experts who carefully craft your tour behind the scenes. Unlock the best of every place you visit and learn secrets from our local friends along the way. Here are just a few of the hundreds of must-sees that are waiting for you.
Must-Sees To Local Secrets
You’ll enjoy that extra special treatment when you skip the lines at must-see sights and uncover secrets with your Local Specialist.
Stays With Stories
In addition to the extensive trusted accommodation partners, on many tours, you will find yourself overnighting in accommodations with stories as rich as the destinations you’re exploring. From an Irish castle steeped in history to a South African safari lodge, or a traditional Japanese Ryokan – you can truly experience it all.
Be My Guest
Welcome to your home away from home. Step into the lives of your hosts who open their homes, wineries, farms and more to share stories about their families, history and their communities, over good food and great hospitality. With one on every itinerary, Be My Guest ensures your journey is truly one-of-a-kind, wherever it takes you.
Everything Taken Care Of
With Trafalgar everything is planned, vetted, booked and organized before you start. And, when you’re on your tour, Your Travel Director and Driver team handle all your logistics, bookings, tickets, transport and more – so all you have to do is enjoy your vacation and the freedom of living in the moment.
Here’s a quick look at the travel essentials and experiences you'll enjoy.
- Travel Director and Driver team
- Nightly accommodation
- Stays with Stories experience*
- Daily breakfast**
- Many lunches and dinners
- Luxury coach transport***
- Entry to many must-see sights
- Be My Guest experience
- MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences
- Locally guided tours in many destinations
Your transport and Driver
You’ll travel from A to B in comfort and style, and without worrying about driving, parking, tolls and arguing over the satnav. Your luxury coach features reclining seats, panoramic windows to take in the views, WiFi, air-con, and on-board bathroom facilities, USB chargers and more* – kick back knowing your journey is as good as the destination.
Beyond your coach, you’ll really be able to take in the views on your journey. You could take a ferry through turquoise waters, past grottoes and along a unique coastline to the Isle of Capri, through New Zealand’s Milford Sound, or the Glacier Express Train ride along the Swiss Alps’ lakes and glaciers. You’ll capture incredible sights all from the comfort of your seat.
*On some tours in smaller destinations, on-board bathrooms and WiFi are not available on our coaches or mini coach fleets.
Your Bucket List Moments
You’ll tick off not-to-miss iconic sights, local culture and unmissable natural wonders – all handpicked, planned and vetted by our Travel Experts who carefully craft your tour behind the scenes. Unlock the best of every place you visit and learn secrets from our local friends along the way. Here are just a few of the hundreds of must-sees that are waiting for you.
Must-Sees To Local Secrets
You’ll enjoy that extra special treatment when you skip the lines at must-see sights and uncover secrets with your Local Specialist.
Stays With Stories
In addition to the extensive trusted accommodation partners, on many tours, you will find yourself overnighting in accommodations with stories as rich as the destinations you’re exploring. From an Irish castle steeped in history to a South African safari lodge, or a traditional Japanese Ryokan – you can truly experience it all.
Be My Guest
Welcome to your home away from home. Step into the lives of your hosts who open their homes, wineries, farms and more to share stories about their families, history and their communities, over good food and great hospitality. With one on every itinerary, Be My Guest ensures your journey is truly one-of-a-kind, wherever it takes you.
Everything Taken Care Of
With Trafalgar everything is planned, vetted, booked and organized before you start. And, when you’re on your tour, Your Travel Director and Driver team handle all your logistics, bookings, tickets, transport and more – so all you have to do is enjoy your vacation and the freedom of living in the moment.
Here’s a quick look at the travel essentials and experiences you'll enjoy.
- Travel Director and Driver team
- Nightly accommodation
- Stays with Stories experience*
- Daily breakfast**
- Many lunches and dinners
- Luxury coach transport***
- Entry to many must-see sights
- Be My Guest experience
- MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences
- Locally guided tours in many destinations
Your transport and Driver
You’ll travel from A to B in comfort and style, and without worrying about driving, parking, tolls and arguing over the satnav. Your luxury coach features reclining seats, panoramic windows to take in the views, WiFi, air-con, and on-board bathroom facilities, USB chargers and more* – kick back knowing your journey is as good as the destination.
Beyond your coach, you’ll really be able to take in the views on your journey. You could take a ferry through turquoise waters, past grottoes and along a unique coastline to the Isle of Capri, through New Zealand’s Milford Sound, or the Glacier Express Train ride along the Swiss Alps’ lakes and glaciers. You’ll capture incredible sights all from the comfort of your seat.
*On some tours in smaller destinations, on-board bathrooms and WiFi are not available on our coaches or mini coach fleets.
About Trafalgar
Get ready for a trip like no other. Since 1947, more than five million happy past guests have discovered our difference. You’ll see top destinations, iconic sites, and get treated to exclusive local experiences – all with our team taking care of all the details. You’ll also discover the ways WE MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®, and how your journey leaves a positive impact. Do good, feel good, and make memories that last a lifetime.
Your bucket list moments
You’ll tick off not-to-miss iconic sights, local culture and unmissable natural wonders – all handpicked, planned and vetted by our Travel Experts who carefully craft your tour behind the scenes. Unlock the best of every place you visit and learn secrets from our local friends along the way.
Make unforgettable memories
Connecting you to experiences you wouldn’t otherwise have is what we do best. On all our tours you’ll be invited to the homes and businesses of locals for an exclusive Be My Guest experience, as well as a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. And on many itineraries, you will be enjoying a Stays with Stories accommodation experience, in some of the world’s most interesting locations.
Travel with complete ease
With Trafalgar everything is planned, vetted, booked and organized before you start. And, when you’re on your tour, Your Travel Director and Driver team handle all your logistics, bookings, tickets, transport and more – so all you have to do is enjoy your vacation and the freedom of living in the moment.
About Trafalgar
Get ready for a trip like no other. Since 1947, more than five million happy past guests have discovered our difference. You’ll see top destinations, iconic sites, and get treated to exclusive local experiences – all with our team taking care of all the details. You’ll also discover the ways WE MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®, and how your journey leaves a positive impact. Do good, feel good, and make memories that last a lifetime.
Your bucket list moments
You’ll tick off not-to-miss iconic sights, local culture and unmissable natural wonders – all handpicked, planned and vetted by our Travel Experts who carefully craft your tour behind the scenes. Unlock the best of every place you visit and learn secrets from our local friends along the way.
Make unforgettable memories
Connecting you to experiences you wouldn’t otherwise have is what we do best. On all our tours you’ll be invited to the homes and businesses of locals for an exclusive Be My Guest experience, as well as a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. And on many itineraries, you will be enjoying a Stays with Stories accommodation experience, in some of the world’s most interesting locations.
Travel with complete ease
With Trafalgar everything is planned, vetted, booked and organized before you start. And, when you’re on your tour, Your Travel Director and Driver team handle all your logistics, bookings, tickets, transport and more – so all you have to do is enjoy your vacation and the freedom of living in the moment.
