An entertainment oasis surrounded by desert, with a reputation almost as big as the fortune's many have made (and lost) here, Sin City is a place unlike any other. The entertainment capital of the world, Vegas is famed for its glittering casinos, all you can eat buffets and shotgun weddings ordained by none other than Elvis himself! After settling in to your hotel and meeting up with your Travel Director this afternoon, the bright lights and lively antics of Vegas will undoubtedly lure you in. Take a walk down the Strip, where the city's finest hotels and grandest casinos can be found, or head over to the Downtown area to explore the artsy Fremont East district.
Get your kicks on Route 66. Heading east, you'll take your place in road tripping history as you cruise down the most iconic road in the United States. Along the way, you'll stop off in the famous towns of Kingman and Seligman, known as the “Birthplace of Historic Route 66”, for a glimpse of all things Americana, complete with classic motels, kitsch petrol pumps and steaming slices of apple pie. Arrive in Flagstaff and rest up before tomorrow's full-day excursion to see the extraordinary landscapes of the Grand Canyon.
Nothing can quite prepare you for your first glimpse of the Grand Canyon. One of the world's 7 natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage site, it's estimated to be around 2 billion years old, with a layer of rock at the bottom of the canyon said to be some of the oldest exposed rock on the planet. Take your time exploring the incredible geology of the land, or to make your visit extra special, why not treat yourself to an Optional Experience^ that could see you flying in an aircraft over the North and South rims. Feeling distinctly in awe you'll then visit the Grand Canyon Village, which boasts some impressive national historic landmarks and historical buildings.
This morning before you depart your Flagstaff hotel, enjoy an Iconic Breakfast at Charly's Pub & Grill. You will then make a stop at Wupatki National Monument, a landscape dotted with over 2700 pueblo ruins built by the ancestors of the Hopi, Zuni and Navajo people. Driving on through the Painted Desert, named for its rainbow of colourful sedimentary layers stretching some 418 kilometers into the horizon, you'll then arrive at sparkling Lake Powell. America's second largest man made reservoir and something of a mirage in an otherwise landlocked desert. Tonight, you'll spend the evening in the Arizonan city of Page.
Giving the term ‘iconic' a whole new meaning, Horseshoe Bend is first up on today's roll call of phenomenal sites. Carving a perfect horseshoe shape through the 366 meters sandstone cliffs, test your nerve as you peak over the edge before we Make Travel Matter exploring Monument Valley in an open air vehicle with a local Navajo guide. Immortalised as the setting for countless movies and TV shows, Monument Valley is an emblem of the wild west, with its rusty red spindles and grand buttes thrusting 366 metres skyward from the barren valley below. Named 'Valley Between the Rocks' by the Navajo people who have lived here for centuries, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the geological importance to the Navajo people and their culture.
The first stop of today will see you standing in the exact spot where Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico meet at Four Corners, before heading on to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Mesa Verde National Park. Home to the Pueblo people for over 700 years, Mesa Verde protects nearly 5000 archeological sites including 600 cliff dwellings, and offers a fascinating glimpse into Native American history. Not done with historical insight just yet, you'll then finish today in the old Colorado mining town of Durango, which boasts tasteful hotels, lovely tree lined streets and Victorian-era saloons reminiscent of the town's wild west history.
Take in a final glimpse of Durango before arriving into Moab, Utah's adventure capital. Surrounded by rugged, rusty red canyons, this place is basically a pilgrimage for mountain bikers and hikers alike looking to escape civilization in the otherworldly landscapes.
Another day, another icon, this time courtesy of Arches National Park. Over 2500 naturally formed sandstone arches cover the landscape here, more than anywhere else on earth. After seeing them for yourself, standing in absolute amazement the one question you'll likely be asking, is ‘how?'. A highlight of the park and the most photographed of all the sites, is Delicate Arch. Standing 60 feet (18 metres) tall and in stark contrast to the horizontal planes surrounding it, this natural wonder is one of the enduring symbols of the American West.
Strong coffee and a big breakfast are the two requirements this morning to prepare for another action packed day of sightseeing on your USA canyon tour. First up is Canyonlands, Utah's largest national park that boasts sky high canyons, deep craters and majestic buttes, forming a surreal landscape. Stopping by the ‘Island in the Sky' mesa for spectacular views and sheer sandstone cliffs, you'll then travel on to Dead Horse Point, another soaring mesa that sits 2000 feet (610 metres) above the Colorado River and is one of the most photographed vistas in the world. From one bizarrely named place to the next, you'll continue on to the colourful and wonderful Goblin Valley State Park, where sandstone goblins and twisted formations create a striking resemblance to the surface of Mars. After an enthralling day, you'll spend the night relaxing in the quiet town of Torrey.
Named the ‘Land of the Sleeping Rainbow' by Native Americans, Capitol Reef's colourful landscapes, towering domes and slot canyons will be your first port of call today. It's here you'll also find Waterpocket Fold, a 160 kilometer long crack in the earth's crust that's well worth a look. Driving along Byway 12, we challenge you to drag your eyes away from the windows as you twist and turn through Dixie National Forest, with soaring ponderosa pines stretching into the distance as far as the eye can see. As if the sights couldn't get any better, you'll then stop off at the 260 million year old Grand Staircase, named for its uniquely striped layers of rock, before finishing yet another spectacular day amidst the sunset coloured spires of Bryce Canyon.
Have we saved the best till (almost) last? That will be the question on everyone's lips as you venture into Bryce Canyon National Park, where repeated freezes and thaws of the park's soft sandstone and limestone landscape over millions of years, have created the fascinating formations you'll find here. Stand in amazement in front of the multicoloured ‘hoodoos' and vast amphitheatres, then take a stroll along one of the many juniper lined trails to the viewpoints hugging the rim of the Paunsaugunt Plateau.
Travelling back to Vegas today you'll make one final stop at Zion National Park. Marvel at the soaring red and white cliffs and vast canyons that stand in stark contrast to the soft wildflower meadows and hanging gardens that can also be found here, as a result of the park's lower elevation in comparison to the others. Travelling along the Virgin River Gorge for your final drive, you'll no doubt be feeling reflective about the incredible sights and experiences you've witnessed over the past 12 days. Your trip will come to an end at McCarran International Airport, or at Golden Nugget Hotel for those extending their stay in Sin City.
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 3
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
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
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
Available on Day 4
Combine remarkable views of Horseshoe Bend from the air with an exclusive Tower Butte landing, all within this incredible tour! Guests will lift off on a narrated helicopter experience with views of Lake Powell, Glen Canyon Dam, and Horseshoe Bend before landing atop Tower Butte – a massive natural rock formation that can only be reached by helicopter. Rising 5000 feet above sea level, Tower Butte is one of the American Southwest’s most notable landmarks. Guests will enjoy 360-degree views of Glen Canyon, Lake Powell, Padre Bay, the Grand Staircase Escalante, and the LeChee Rock. The scenery in this region of the country is breathtaking and simply unrivaled! Visitors will enjoy 15-20 minutes on Tower Butte for photo opportunities before returning to the air terminal.
Adult Price: $269
Available on Day 7
This is our most popular raft trip through Durango! It is about 1 hour on the river and goes through fun Class II-III rapids. Perfect for beginners and fun for every experience level. We’ll splash through Smelter, Sawmill and Santa Rita Rapids. When the water levels drop after the spring runoff there are opportunities for swimming and horseplay as you float along with the raft.
Adult Price: $65
Available on Day 11
Enjoy an unforgettable evening of old-fashioned western fun, music and great cowboy food in Bryce Canyon! This is a favorite among visitors of Bryce Canyon who come from all over the world. A fun experience to enhance your visit to Bryce Canyon! Entrees: Flat iron steak, baked salmon, chicken, or BBQ plate. All include Cowboy Beans, Dutch Oven Potatoes, Creamy Coleslaw, Rolls, Dessert and Coffee, Tea or Soft Drink.
Adult Price: $46
Plus, receive travel inspiration, news and latest promotions.
You can unsubscribe at any time. Your Travel Credit will be sent by email.
Email Sign-up Travel Credit: Receive a $125 per person ($250 per couple) discount toward your first tour (operated by Trafalgar or Insight Vacations) when you sign up for GET emails; valid for each full-paying adult who signs up with a unique email address. Valid for new bookings only made through December 31, 2023 for travel through December 31, 2023; full payment is due within three days of booking. Discount is not combinable with any other discount or offer, including our GETAWAY Deals, Limited Time Offers, AARP member discount, Past Traveler discount or Multiple Trip discounts. Offer cannot be booked online. Savings not valid on all itineraries and/or departure dates, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Offer excludes Edinburgh Tattoo and Floriade departures. GET reserves the right to validate bookings and will remove any additional offers added online that are not combinable. Other conditions may apply.