America's Great Desert National Parks End Phoenix

America’s captivating desert landscapes take centre stage on this epic journey which begins in the playground of Las Vegas. Relax after your journey or tame Lady Luck. This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception and then soar 550 feet above the center of the Las Vegas Strip on the High Roller, the world’s tallest observation wheel, for sweeping 360-degree views of the Las Vegas Valley and The Strip.

Admire the towering red cliffs and sandstone peaks of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area this morning. Keep a keen eye out for its highest peak, La Madre Mountain, before continuing to Death Valley, one of the largest national parks in the USA. Aptly named for its unforgiving landscapes, Death Valley is a stunningly beautiful land of extremes. Join your travel companions for dinner with wine, before settling into your oasis hotel, located within the borders of the national park.

Immerse yourself in the solitude and desolation of Death Valley on a guided tour of the park’s most famous sites including Zabriskie Point, and of course Badwater Basin and its massive salt flats – the lowest point below sea level in the western hemisphere. Today will be a photographer's dream so bring your cameras. Free time this afternoon to enjoy our desert oasis and relax at one of the most remarkable spring-fed swimming pools in the world.
*Please note that, in the event of extreme temperatures during summer months, the order of today's activities is subject to change.

Start your morning with a celebrity and lifestyle tour of Palm Springs shedding light on the city's unique mid-century architecture, featuring an amazing collection of custom homes. This afternoon, join a ride on the Palm Springs’ Aerial Tramway and walk along the top of the mountain, with spectacular views of the valley. Afterward, we learn about industrial wind energy farming. Then, don't miss VillageFest in downtown Palm Springs this evening. A festive pedestrian street fair is located just across the street from the hotel.

See the peculiar outstretched boughs of the Joshua Tree when you explore the national park that bears the name of this unusual-looking desert plant. Learn how the Mojave and Colorado desert ecosystems come together here and keep an eye out for the incredible variety of plants and animals that find sanctuary in its vast protected wilderness. You’ll have some free time at the resort this afternoon to soothe body and mind at the Spa before an evening at leisure.

This morning, travel around the Salton Sea before journeying to Yuma stopping at the stunning Imperial Sand Dunes before arriving at Yuma Territorial Prison. Rich in controversial history, the prison is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Later this evening head to Naked Dates Organic Date Farm and enjoy a tour of the farm and an exclusive Be My Guest dinner and Connect With Locals where Medjool dates are the star of the show.

Spot the saguaros as you travel through the Sonoran Desert National Monument. Touted as the most biologically diverse of all North America’s deserts, the Sonoran Desert is also home to an array of significant archaeological and historical sites including three mountain ranges separated by wide valleys and the saguaro cactus, a symbol of the Old West. You’ll feel like you’ve wandered into an old Western as you traverse this epic landscape. Your next stop is Tucson, a culturally diverse town surrounded by mountains, which holds the distinction of being a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. You will have the afternoon and evening to discover the unique flavours and aromas of Tucson.

This morning, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience for a visit to the birthplace of Tucson, Arizona known as Mission Garden. Archaeologists have documented 4,100 years of continuous cultivation here and we learn about the multi-cultural, ethno-agricultural heritage plots, each representing one of the many ethnic groups that farmed the Tucson Basin over the last four millennia on a walking tour. End at the Garden Shop where you’ll be treated to a tasting of seasonal fruit (or edible plant, or vegetable). After lunch, celebrate the symbol of America’s west at Saguaro National Park. The giant saguaro is America’s largest species of cacti, and you’ll learn how this national park strives to protect this majestic plant. Tonight, savour a Farewell Dinner to end your tour.

Our journey through desert landscapes is at its end as you take a transfer to Phoenix Airport, arriving at approximately 11:00 AM. Please be aware when booking your flights.