Best of the Canyonlands

Channel your inner pioneer as you embark on an epic encounter with the peaks, canyons and deserts of what was once the treacherous Wild West. We kick-start our expedition in Denver, exploring the Mile High City at your leisure before meeting our Travel Director and fellow expeditioners for a Welcome Reception this evening.

Ascend into the foothills of the Rockies and cross the Continental Divide en route to the alpine village of Vail, renowned for its epic powder-filled alpine basins that have attracted skiers since the 1960s. We then make our way to the town of Palisade for a Be My Guest lunch at a local peach orchard. Learn how peaches are grown and harvested before enjoying a lunch inspired by local ingredients. We continue to Moab for an evening on your terms.

Tread lightly through the captivating landscapes of Utah’s Arches and Canyonlands National Parks as you explore Mother Nature’s profound mark on the surrounding geology. Deep canyons, towering spires and mesas give way to thousands of fiery sandstone arches during today’s encounter with two soul-stirring national parks. See iconic Delicate Arch and if you like, take a short hike to the view point for an up close look. Reconnect with nature and admire how the land has adapted to the ravages of wind, water and time. Then, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

This morning, say goodbye to the playground of giants and arrive at the UNESCO-listed Mesa Verde National Park where you’ll enjoy a rare opportunity to delve into the history and culture of the once-flourishing community of the Ancestral Pueblo people. Explore their beautifully preserved dwellings hewn from the sandstone cliff centuries ago and look down at the massive Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in the world. Later, deepen your connection with the first nations of this land as we head toward Monument Valley - home to the Navajo Nation and the backdrop of many famous Hollywood Western movies. The afternoon and evening are at leisure.

The arresting beauty of Monument Valley is yours to explore this morning as we join a Local Specialist driving in an open-air vehicle past towering sandstone buttes and mesas that rise from the barren landscape on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. We continue through the ancestral home of the Navajo, arriving at Cameron Trading Post for your chance to take home some handmade Native American crafts and jewellery. Driving along the scenic Desert View Drive, skirt the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and gaze into its mesmerizing multi-coloured depths while gaining insights into its geologic life. Stop at Desert View Intertribal Cultural Heritage Site to hear stories, family histories and cultural demonstrations by tribal members on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Then unlock the geological wonders of Grand Canyon on a private nature walk with a geological expert, Canyon Tim. Join your fellow travellers for a Farewell Dinner to reminisce over the epic landscapes encountered along our journey.

Rise early to catch the first rays of light as they illuminate the canyon. Consider an optional helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft flightseeing trip to view this feat of nature from the sky or enjoy a leisurely morning, before we journey to Sin City. Desolation gives way to a desert oasis as we cruise back in time past motels, diners and gas stations towards the dazzling lights of Las Vegas.

Our exhilarating adventure through the canyon lands has come to an end. Grab some breakfast as you prepare to say farewell to your friends or consider extending your stay at Horseshoe, Las Vegas. Depart at your leisure to Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.