Colorful Trails of the Southwest End Santa Fe
Colorful Trails of the Southwest End Santa Fe
$3499
Colorful Trails of the Southwest End Santa Fe
10 Days Starting in Phoenix, United States and ending in Santa Fe, United States
Visiting: Phoenix, Grand Canyon National Park, Moab, Arches National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Durango, Taos, Santa Fe
Tour operator:
Tour code:
DCTSSZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a vibrant journey through the Colorful Trails of the Southwest, ending in the enchanting city of Santa Fe. This cultural tour takes you through iconic landscapes and historic sites, including the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and Taos Pueblo. Experience the rich heritage of the Navajo Nation with exclusive access to Monument Valley and enjoy a traditional cookout lunch. Marvel at the natural wonders of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, and explore the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde. Stay in charming accommodations like the historic Strater Hotel in Durango, and enjoy unique experiences such as a storytelling dinner under the stars. With expert guides and carefully curated itineraries, this tour offers a deep dive into the history, culture, and breathtaking scenery of the American Southwest.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Phoenix And Scottsdale
Location: Phoenix
Accommodation: Sonesta Suites Scottsdale Gainey Ranch
Accommodation Name: Sonesta Suites Scottsdale Gainey Ranch
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrive in sun-kissed Phoenix and transfer to Scottsdale at your leisure. This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner.
Day 2: See The Red Rocks Of Sedona Connect With Locals
Location: Grand Canyon National Park
Accommodation: National Park Lodges Grand Canyon
Accommodation Name: National Park Lodges Grand Canyon
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your first stop today is in the artists' enclave of Sedona – surrounded by red-rock buttes, steep canyon walls and pine forests. You’ll travel through Oak Creek Canyon next, with its rocky red cliffs, then venture to the UNESCO-listed Grand Canyon National Park, where a Local Specialist will share the canyon’s many geological marvels. Tonight, you’ll have an opportunity to overnight at one of the lodges inside the park.
Day 3: Take In The Sights Of The Grand Canyon Make Travel Matter
Location: Grand Canyon National Park
Accommodation: Courtyard by Marriott Page at Lake Powell
Accommodation Name: Courtyard by Marriott Page at Lake Powell
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Don’t miss an unforgettable experience: Rise early for an optional flightseeing tour over the Grand Canyon and then trace the scenic South Rim of the Grand Canyon along Desert View Drive. Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as we visit Desert View's Pueblo-style Watch tower and support the development of the Desert View Inter-tribal Heritage Center. Later, we’ll stop at Cameron Trading Post. Finally, we'll take a walk to the rim of Glen Canyon to Horseshoe Bend. Finish the day connecting to the soul of the land over a Be My Guest experience on the Navajo Nation, hosted by Dine tribe local Baya, her husband Paul and storyteller Eli Secody.
Day 4: Take A Scenic Drive To Moab Make Travel Matter
Location: Moab
Accommodation: Hyatt Place Moab
Accommodation Name: Hyatt Place Moab
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Depart Page for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience tour in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Afterwards, settle into the surrounds of buttes and mesas for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience outdoor lunch prepared by Diné (Navajo) tribe members who share stories about their people and their connection to Monument Valley. Then, continue to Moab on a scenic drive where you can sit back and enjoy views of the desert southwest. The evening is yours to explore Moab's Main Street.
Day 5: Admire The Landscape Of Arches National Park
Location: Arches National Park
Accommodation: Hyatt Place Moab
Accommodation Name: Hyatt Place Moab
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, discover how the forces of wind and rain have shaped the enchanting landscape of Arches National Park in the stunning formations that they are, with countless perfect photo opportunities. Later, journey to Canyonlands National Park to connect with nature even more. We visit the Island in the Sky - a mesa resting 1,000 feet (305 meters) above the surrounding countryside, offering spectacular views over the dramatic sandstone formations.
Day 6: Discover The History Of Mesa Verde Stays With Stories
Location: Mesa Verde National Park
Accommodation: Strater Hotel, Durango
Accommodation Name: Strater Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
We arrive in the UNESCO-listed Mesa Verde National Park to delve into the history and culture of the Ancestral Puebloan people. Explore their beautifully preserved sandstone dwellings. This evening, in Durango, your Stay with Stories is historic Strater Hotel. You’ll have the evening at leisure to explore the historic town of Durango.
Day 7: Dive Into Durango Make Travel Matter
Location: Durango
Accommodation: Strater Hotel, Durango
Accommodation Name: Strater Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy free time in Durango today, or you may take a scenic drive along the Million Dollar Highway from Ouray and Silverton. If you’re lucky, enjoy a truly unforgettable step back in time, on a ride aboard the coal-fired, steam-powered narrow-gauge train (booked independently). The train chugs along rails that were originally laid at the end of the 19th century, winding through a spectacular wilderness which would be inaccessible by car. If you're feeling more adventurous, opt for a white-water rafting trip on the Animas River.
Day 8: Unlock The Legacy Of The Taos Pueblo
Location: Taos
Accommodation: Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza
Accommodation Name: Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza
Meals Included: Breakfast
The journey continues along the High Road – Santa Fe Scenic Byway, a picturesque route in Northern New Mexico that stretches approximately 56 miles from Santa Fe to Taos. Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit one of the greatest Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites in the Southwest. Be immersed in the fascinating adobe dwellings and take a walk through Taos Pueblo, a Native American community that has been continuously inhabited for the last 1,000 years. Meet your Taos tribal resident guide and explore the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. Later, arrive at the hotel, ideally located two short blocks from Santa Fe’s Historic Plaza.
Day 9: Explore The Unique Culture Of Santa Fe Make Travel Matter
Location: Santa Fe
Accommodation Name: Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, you'll have a full free day to explore Santa Fe at your leisure. Perhaps visit the iconic Georgia O'Keeffe Museum on your terms or explore one of the many chocolate shops and art galleries just steps away from your hotel. You can enjoy lunch on your own at one of the many acclaimed restaurants before you cap off your trip with a dinner at your hotel.
Day 10: End Your Journey In Santa Fe
Location: Santa Fe
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our journey through desert landscapes at its end, you will bid farewell and make your own way to Santa Fe Airport.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
The tour includes the services of an expert Travel Director and a professional Driver.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation is provided in carefully selected hotels that are tried and trusted.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour package.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered in the tour.
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
The tour includes daily breakfast and up to half of the evening meals.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
The tour features must-see sightseeing opportunities and surprise extras.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing experiences.
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All transport and transfers shown
All transport and transfers as shown in the itinerary are included.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation
Travel is provided in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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Optional Experiences and free time
The tour includes optional experiences and free time for personal exploration.
What's Not Included
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Flights
Flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees and any related travel documentation costs are not included.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 9 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Dive Into Culture
- 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.
Mode of Transport
Travel in luxury with a fully air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable journey through the stunning landscapes of the Southwest. All transport and transfers are included, providing seamless travel between destinations.
Accommodation
Experience a variety of accommodations including the Sonesta Suites Scottsdale Gainey Ranch, National Park Lodges Grand Canyon, Courtyard by Marriott Page at Lake Powell, Hyatt Place Moab, Strater Hotel in Durango, and Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza, each offering unique charm and comfort.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour at the Grand Canyon?
At the Grand Canyon, you will have the opportunity to visit the Desert View Inter-tribal Cultural Heritage Site, where you can learn about the 11 Grand Canyon tribal communities. You can also watch a carpet weaving demonstration or enjoy traditional song and dance performances. Additionally, there is an optional flightseeing tour over the Grand Canyon.
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What cultural experiences are offered in Monument Valley?
In Monument Valley, you will have a cookout lunch with members of the Navajo Nation and explore the valley with a Navajo guide in an open-air, all-terrain vehicle. This tour includes access to roads and sites that are closed to the general public, and you will learn about the land and its people.
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What can I expect during the visit to Taos Pueblo?
During the visit to Taos Pueblo, you will explore a UNESCO World Heritage Center and National Historic Landmark. You will see the iconic, multi-storied adobe buildings and learn about the community that has been continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years. A Taos tribal resident guide will lead the exploration.
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What is the 'Be My Guest' experience at the Grand Canyon?
The 'Be My Guest' experience at the Grand Canyon includes a traditional meal at Shash Dine Eco Retreat on the Navajo Nation, hosted by Baya and Paul. The meal features mutton stew, frybread, vegetables, melon, coffee, and Navajo tea, accompanied by Navajo storytelling by Eli Secody.
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What is special about the accommodation in Durango?
In Durango, you will stay at The Strater Hotel, which is a historic landmark adorned with handcrafted woodwork and housing the largest collection of American Victorian walnut antiques. The hotel showcases stories of the old west and mining times.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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