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.
Heading south today you leave Death Valley and travel along the Mojave National Preserve, visit the desert Ghost Town of Calico. Our destination tonight is gorgeous Palm Springs in the Coachella Valley. Tonight, you'll have a Your Choice Dining experience at one of two local restaurants.
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. 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 Martha's Date Gardens 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. In the case of excessive heat the event may be moved into the city's historic cultural center.
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 historic sites. Our next stop is Tucson, a culturally diverse town surrounded by mountains, which holds the distinction of being a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Discover unique flavors and aromas during an exclusive lunch at a local restaurant that has been family-owned and operated since 1922. Here you'll find traditionally inspired foods typical of the state of Sonora, Mexico.
This morning, join a Make Travel Matter® Experience with a visit to the birthplace of Tucson, Arizona known as Mission Garden. Archaeologists have documented 4,100 years of continuous cultivation here and we will 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. 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.
Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. To request a personalized travel quote, click "Request Quote" and a Travel Specialist will send your custom quote including airfare if requested.
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Available on Day 4
Welcome to the first operating wind farm in Southern California. The Palm Springs Windmill Tours take you on a journey in which you will learn about wind energy, how wind turbines work and the history of the wind farm. Not only will you be able to get up close to real operating wind turbines up to 400 feet high, but you will also quickly become a wind energy hack. Your expert guide will easily be able to describe the inner workings of wind turbines and how it contributes to our energy grid. From the novice tour participant to engineers-types, everyone will be able to leave the tour with a better understanding of how this renewable energy is fast becoming part of our energy solution.
Adult Price: $59
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