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Best of the Canyonlands

Operated by: Trafalgar

7 Days from $2,426 per person
APR - NOV 2023
Usa Arizona Monument Valley Rays Of Sun

Countries Visited

United States ...more United States

Locations Visited

Denver, Vail, Moab, Canyonlands National Park, Arches National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Monument Valley, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas ...more Denver, Vail, Moab, Canyonlands National Park, Arches National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Monument Valley, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas
  1. Day 1 Discover Denver

    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.

    meals Welcome Reception
    hotel Sheraton Denver Downtown
  2. Day 2 Venture to Vail

    Start off your trip with breakfast as you prepare for the day of exploration ahead. Descend into the foothills of the Rockies and cross the Continental Divide en route to the alluring alpine village of Vail. The launch-pad to powder days enjoyed within a world of startling white, Vail’s enchanting old-world feel will linger in your mind as you journey to Moab, whose rugged beauty was immortalized on the big screen by the legendary John Ford in the 1940s. Admire the blazing rocky red cliffs as the sun sets or explore this gateway to a myriad of adventures – tonight is yours to enjoy on your terms.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn
  3. Day 3 Explore Utah’s Arches and Canyons

    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.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn
  4. Day 4 Pioneer Through Monument Valley Make Travel Matter

    This morning, say goodbye to the playground of giants and arrive at the UNESCO-listed Mesa Verde National Park where we’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. This evening enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and join our generous Navajo hosts for a traditional cookout Regional Dinner against the surreal backdrop of Monument Valley.

    meals Breakfast, Regional Dinner
    hotel Goulding's Lodge
  5. Day 5 Roam the Grand Canyon Connect with Locals Dive Into Culture

    The arresting beauty of Monument Valley is ours to explore this morning as we join a Local Specialist and Dive Into Culture as we drive in an open-air vehicle past its towering sandstone buttes and mesas that rise up from the barren landscape. We continue through the ancestral home of the Navajo, arriving at Cameron Trading Post for a quick shopping stop and perhaps a taste of traditional fry bread. Driving along the scenic Desert View Drive, we skirt the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and gaze into its mesmerizing multi-coloured depths while a Local Specialist provides insights into the canyon's geologic life. Join a Make Travel Matter® Experience as you visit an Inter-tribal Cultural Heritage site where members share their stories and provide cultural demonstrations such as carpet weaving and traditional song and dance performances. Our grand adventure almost at its end, we join our fellow travellers for a Farewell Dinner to reminisce over the epic landscapes encountered along our journey.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel National Park Lodges Grand Canyon
  6. Day 6 A Scenic Journey to Las Vegas

    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.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Horseshoe Las Vegas
  7. Day 7 So Long 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.

    meals Breakfast
Best Canyonlands Guided Tour Map
Price Includes

Whats Included

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • All transport and transfers shown
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Optional Experiences and free time

Dining Summary

  • 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
  • 6 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Regional Dinner (RD)
  • 1 Dinner (D)

Dive Into Culture

  • Grand Canyon National Park: Meet a geologist at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to learn about how this natural marvel was formed and all the different layers that make up the Colorado Plateau.
  • Monument Valley: Journey through the barren beauty of the desert to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park where you will board off-road open-air vehicles to explore the famous 17-mile loop of Monument Valley with your Navajo guide. View many of the famous monuments including The East and West Mittens viewpoint, John Ford’s Point & Three Sisters viewpoint, the Totem Pole viewpoint, Artist’s Point, and the North Window viewpoints - the backdrop for many western Hollywood hits, including Stagecoach and Fort Apache.

Iconic Experience

  • Vail: Vail is one of Colorado's great playgrounds. While the winter attracts the ski crows, the summer draws in guests to the European-style Vail Village. Surrounded by towering peaks the pedestrian village offers a unique mix of shops, restaurants, pubs, and cafes. The locals take pride in their friendliness and making sure that Vail has a cosmopolitan feel while at the same time remaining unprentious.
  • Moab: Enjoy small town hospitality with incredible red rock landscapes with a visit to Moab.
  • Arches National Park: Visit Arches National Park, housing the greatest concentration of natural arches in the world. Some 6,000 natural sandstone arches can be found within the boundaries of the national park.
  • Canyonlands National Park: It's on to Canyonlands National Park for a drive onto 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.
  • Mesa Verde National Park: Admire the ancient cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloan people, carved out of the sandstone of the canyon walls, at the UNESCO-listed Mesa Verde National Park. Several hundred of these dwellings, in addition to thousands of known archaeological sites, are preserved in this protected area and you'll have an opportunity to see several during your visit to the park, as you ride along the Mesa Top Loop, and Cliff Palace Loop, where you can see the magnificent Cliff Palace.
  • Cameron: Explore the historic Cameron Trading Post, founded over one hundred years ago. Our visit helps support the Navajo who live in the area and sell their goods, such as Navajo jewelry, baskets, rugs, kachinas, pottery and artwork.
  • Las Vegas: Go sightseeing in the largest city in Nevada and one of the world's greatest resort cities, Las Vegas.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

  • Monument Valley: Travel to Monument Valley for a highly enjoyable cookout lunch with members of the Navajo Nation. You’ll take off-road vehicles to the cookout site where you’ll enjoy a delicious steak and chicken dinner with a chance to try traditional Navajo tacos and fry-bread.
  • Grand Canyon: Travel to Desert View and bask in the views of the Grand Canyon and the iconic watchtower decorated with its Hopi artist murals. Make your way to an Inter-tribal Cultural Heritage site where members share their stories, family histories and provide cultural demonstrations such as carpet weaving and traditional song and dance performances. Our visit and donation provide a continuous source of seed funding for the heritage site while allowing guests to engage directly with Indigenous community members.

Must-see Highlights

  • : Discover the Grand Canyon with Tim, a Local Specialist and Geologist
  • : Visit Vail, Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Moab, the cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park, Monument Valley, Grand Canyon National Park, Las Vegas
  • : See Delicate Arch in Arches National Park
  • : Scenic Drive along Desert View Drive and Route 66

Whats Included

  • : An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • : Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • : All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • : All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • : Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • : Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • : Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • : All transport and transfers shown
  • : Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • : Optional Experiences and free time

Dates & Prices

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.

Online Booking Process

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July 2023
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August 2023
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September 2023
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Sep 22 Fri
Sep 28 Thu
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$2,805
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Sep 30 Sat
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DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$2,754
October 2023
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Oct 5 Thu
Oct 11 Wed
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Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
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$2,754
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Oct 7 Sat
Oct 13 Fri
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DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$2,754
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Oct 14 Sat
Oct 20 Fri
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
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$2,695
AARP Members Save up to $100
Oct 21 Sat
Oct 27 Fri
AARP Members Save up to $100
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$2,695
Optional Add-Ons

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.

Grand Canyon

Available on Day 6

Grand Discovery Air Tour South Rim - 45 Min. Fixed-Wing Aircraft

Experience the grandeur of the Grand Canyon South Rim on a fascinating aerial tour. Once onboard the state-of-the-art touring aircraft with high wings and quiet technology, sit back and get ready to enjoy the thrill of incredible scenery this Natural Wonder has to offer. You'll fly over the Kaibab National Forest, Kaibab Plateau, Confluence of Colorado, Little Colorado River, Imperial Point, and Zuni Corridor. All seats provide unobstructed views for sightseeing and photography. This Grand Discovery tour is perfect for families and individuals who have limited time yet wish to enjoy all of the Grand Canyon's beauty.
Adult Price: $174

Grand Kingdom - 40 Min. EcoStar Helicopter Flight

See the absolute best views the Grand Canyon has to offer on this 40-50 minute aerial sightseeing adventure. Settle into a state-of-the-art helicopter built especially for sightseeing, and off you go! As you soar across the canyon rim, watch as the bottom seemingly drops out from under your feet. You'll gaze deep into the very core of the canyon over 5,000 feet down to the dramatic confluence of the Little Colorado River. You will then drift past Imperial Point - a rugged spire standing alone near the North Rim of the Canyon. Flying at the same altitude as the North Rim, you may feel you can reach out and touch the canyon walls. It's an up-close and personal perspective only a helicopter can provide! The North Rim is a vastly different climate and supports plant and animal life not present at the drier South Rim. You'll then head back to Grand Canyon South Rim via the Dragon Corridor, another of the Grand Canyon's most picturesque sections. If you want the most scenic views from the most impressive heights, this is the helicopter tour for you.
Adult Price: $349

North Canyon Tour - 25-30 Min. Helicopter Flight

Enjoy a memorable helicopter experience over the southern and northern rims of the Grand Canyon. After flying over the Kaibab National Forest, you will enter the Dragon Corridor - the deepest and widest part of the Grand Canyon. Marvel at the canyon's legendary beauty through the specially-designed oversized windows of your helicopter. Have your camera ready to capture the colorful stone walls and sweeping vistas surrounding you. Fly over the mighty Colorado River toward the canyon's rugged North Rim and soar along with rock formations, including the Tower of Ra and Vishnu Schist. Guests can only capture these phenomenal aerial sights via helicopter.
Adult Price: $239

Las Vegas

Available on Day 6

Vegas Nights Helicopter Flight (12-15 mins)

Enjoy the "City of Lights" from the best view possible – aboard a helicopter, flying from the New York-New York skyline to the Bellagio fountains and the never-fading light of the Luxor pyramid. You are also afforded unparalleled views of Downtown Las Vegas’ historic Fremont Street, home to the city’s first casinos. Prior to your departure from the Las Vegas heliport, you will be served champagne. Then, you will experience breathtaking sights from inside an ECO-Star helicopter, the "limousine of the sky." (flight time approximately 12-15 mins) Round-Trip hotel transportation included. Subject to weather conditions.
Adult Price: $154

Reviews
Service
Vacation
Independent Reviews
Trusted Customer
Sunday, May 28, 2023
Service
I have worked with Alyssa Rucker at GET for several years since the pandemic canceled our original Trafalgar trip to Devon and Cornwall in England. She was always very helpful. We booked the Best of Canyonlands trip as a replacement due to COVID. We have rebooked the Devon and Cornwall trip with Alyssa and look forward to it in August.
Response from Grand European Travel:
Thank you so much! We will share your lovely comments with Alyssa
Tuesday, May 30, 2023
Vacation
It was lovely to revisit all of the National Parks and attractions on this trip. Our tour director, Donard O'Neil, was very knowledgeable and organized. He took care of everything. And he was very funny. Roland, our driver, was extremely skilled and helped make the trip enjoyable.
Angelika Reimer
Tuesday, November 2, 2021
Service
Excellent and very knowledgable tour guide, safe driver, clean bus, great tour highlights, stops when needed, nice hotels, good meals (except for one breakfast at the Hyatt in Denver), pleasant company.
Vacation
Overall great and exciting tour,
Trusted Customer
Thursday, October 28, 2021
Service
Good service on the phone and very helpful when we had to change trip date. Would like to see expanded phone availability.
Vacation
We saw a lot of things but felt very rushed. Very limited time at Grand Canyon which to me is the main place to see, the big finale.
Trusted Customer
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
Service
The process of making the reservation was very easy and any questions I had were answered quickly by very competent and polite people. There were no "silly" questions.
Vacation
The Best of the Canyonlands was a remarkable trip. Beautiful country and being from Florida, quite awe-inspiring. The Grand Canyon, Navajo reservation, Moab Utah, Route 66 and Vail-something for everyone to enjoy.
Trusted Customer
Saturday, September 18, 2021
Service
They are so professional, kind and helpful. They made planning the trip so easy !!
Response from Grand European Travel:
Thank you so much for your kind words. We love making travel dreams come true!
Tuesday, September 28, 2021
Vacation
We had a wonderful time. It was so nice to let someone else make all the arrangements and take us to so many wonderful places!!
Joseph Schultz
Thursday, July 22, 2021
Service
not sure that there was great communication with trafalgar. all personnel were friendly and helpful
Vacation
there were definite limitations due to coronavirus which affected the schedule directly. not trafalgar's fault too many people on this trip. given 25 minutes to visit a site and 10 minutes to exit the bus was not well received by many
Response from Grand European Travel:
Thank you for your honest feedback. We will be sure to share this with Trafalgar. We hope that despite the impact of the Covid limitations, you were able to enjoy most of your trip.
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
Phil Anderson
Thursday, October 3, 2019
Service
Your Travel Director Kristin Jenn was excellent very well prepare and organize what a pleasure. The driver Julio was very nice nice and courteous to everyone. I will definitely do another trip with Trafalgar.
Vacation
Trafalgar was excellent! Very well organize and Kristin Jenn very knowledgeable of our trip.
Trusted Customer
Monday, July 9, 2018
Service
The group is too big - 51 people, and some disable old in the group who should in a special care group.
Response from Grand European Travel:
We are sorry to hear about your disappointment and that you felt the size of the group was too much to handle. We appreciate you taking the time to let us know your thoughts.
Monday, July 9, 2018
Vacation
I will not go with Trag in the future
Glenn Landry
Monday, July 2, 2018
Service
Great tour of some of the most beautiful spots in western America. Great tour guide (Jack) that provided interesting information of the spots we visited and passed through. Great overnight accommodations from beginning to end. Fantastic bus driver who ensured our road safety from start to finish. Only complaint is that I wished we could have stopped at the Hover Dam Museum. Can't believe we came so close but didn't stop. Would recommend that stop be added to the tour as it would have made it a perfect ending to an incredible trip.
Response from Grand European Travel:
Thanks for sharing your travel experience and beautiful photos! We'll be sure to pass your comments on to the our team and share your thoughts with the planning and coordinating teams. We're so happy to have been part of your incredible trip.
Monday, July 2, 2018
Vacation
Wonderful trip....would recommend anyone who has not seen Arches National Park, Canyon Land National Park, Monument Valley, Mesa Verde or Grand Canyon to take this trip.
Donna Demchak
Friday, June 16, 2017
Service
Everyone involved from the reservationists to the tour director and coach driver were awesome to be with and work with Very professional , enthusiastic and knowledgeable Helpful to everyone as well as kind and considerate
Vacation
Our tour director Steven and coach driver Jose were the best as explained above
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