Canyons and Navajo Lands

Welcome to the 'Neon City' in the Nevada desert, a place everyone should
experience at least once in their life. The opportunities here are endless
and you'll have a full day to explore, so why not try your luck on the
tables, see one of the many world-class shows or sample an all-American
buffet? Join us at 18:00 hrs for a welcome meeting with your group and tour
leader. Afterwards you're free to take in the cityscape at night or wander
along The Strip.

*Optional Activities: *
Helicopter flight US$104

Zion effortlessly mixes peaceful beauty with powerful landscapes and the tree
lined Virgin River supports fragile flora and fauna as it meanders below
massive, cathedral-like sandstone walls. Zion Canyon was named by the early
Mormon settlers of Utah who thought of it as their 'promised land' and it
offers some of the best hiking in the Southwest USA. 

You have a full day to further explore the delights of Zion National Park.
There are various hikes to choose from, ranging from easy to strenuous. Of
all the walks within the park, one you simply must do is the famous and
challenging hike to Angels Landing. Once you've conquered this epic trail
you'll be greeted with one of the most breathtaking panoramas you've ever
laid eyes on. For a less strenuous walk, take one of the short hikes from the
valley floor to view the Lower Emerald Pools then continue on to the
sparkling Upper Emerald Pools, passing a waterfall along the way to discover
Zion's 'beach'. Cool off from the summer sun by exploring the riverside walk
section of the Virgin River. If weather conditions permit, you may choose to
hike deep into the Zion Narrows. Staying dry is not an option as you wade
through the Virgin River between towering walls. The cool waters and the
shadow of the canyon can provide a much-needed respite from the scorching
sun. 

Leaving Zion National Park, you climb in elevation to almost 8,296 feet and
traverse a high plateau to Bryce Canyon National Park. "Mysterious",
"breathtaking" and "out of this world" are just a few of the descriptions
offered by past visitors to describe this fascinating natural amphitheatre of
pink, orange and white sandstone spires, known locally as hoodoos.

There are a variety of scenic overlooks and trails that range from easy to
moderate in difficulty. The Navajo or Peek-a-Boo Loop trails will enable you
to hike right in amongst these unique rock formations. Wherever you walk,
you'll encounter a kaleidoscope of colours and a fantasy land of rock spires
that'll leave you mesmerised. For the photographers, you may prefer to remain
on the rim and photograph the ever-changing shadows and hues as the sun makes
its way across the wide-open sky. These are the picture-perfect moments
you've been waiting for. 

*Optional Activities: *
Western horseback riding US$65-$90

Today you travel southeast along the border of Utah and Arizona and make a
stop at the immense Glen Canyon Dam en route to Monument Valley in the heart
of the Navajo Nation. This is sacred land to those who call it home and the
red sandstone monoliths and spectacular sunsets and sunrises have been the
backdrop to countless Westerns. Explore the incredible array of rock
formations on an included guided back roads tour to learn the magic and myth
of the rich Native American culture. 

Continue south through the Navajo Reservation to the Cameron Trading Post to
shop for local jewellery, crafts and cultural souvenirs. Traverse the eastern
entrance of the mighty Grand Canyon where you'll catch your first glimpse of
it at Desert View. This incredible spectacle is difficult to comprehend, even
as you stand at the rim or hike down into the canyon. Carved over several
millennia, this massive wonder of nature is 277 miles (445km) long, up to 18
miles (29km) wide and over one mile (1.6km) deep. Snaking through the canyon
floor is the mighty Colorado River, which runs 1450 miles (2330 km) through
seven US states and two Mexican states.

In your free time, we highly recommend a scenic helicopter flight over the
canyon, offering perspectives you simply can't see by just visiting on foot.
Alternatively, stroll the easy meandering South Rim Trail, hike your way down
the more challenging trail to Plateau Point, or simply relax at the canyon's
edge and enjoy a spectacular sunset over one of the world's most fantastic
natural wonders. 

*Optional Activities:*
Helicopter flight US$289 

From the epic Grand Canyon, you'll travel onto Seligman, where you'll stop
for an optional lunch at the Snow Cap Diner along a section of the iconic
Route 66. Prepare to be dazzled all over again by the bright lights of Las
Vegas - a memorable end to a fantastic eight days!

This tour ends at our gateway hotel at approximately 17:00 hrs. We recommend
booking post-tour accommodation if time allows. If you are planning to fly
tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 21:00 hrs.