Colorful Trails of the Southwest

Price Includes

What's 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
• - On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

Dining Summary

• - 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
• - 9 Breakfasts (B)
• - 2 Lunchs (L)
• - 2 Dinners (D)

Iconic Experience

• One of the seven natural wonders of the world and the second most visited national park in the United States. Explore the Visitor Center and get familiar with the history of the Grand Canyon, grab a coffee at a local café and take a walk along the Rim Trail. Keep your camera on-hand as you explore some of the 278 miles of the Colorado River and adjacent canyonlands at one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world with unmatched vistas along its rim.
• Drive through Coconino National Forest on one of the most scenic drives in the U.S., offering a picture perfect view of the surrounding red-rock and Ponderosa Pine forest between Sedona and Flagstaff, Arizona.
• Enjoy a walk to the rim of Glen Canyon where you will get the chance to visit Horseshoe Bend.
• Board a 4x4 vehicle and navigate the iconic red valley landscape guided by a member of the Navajo Nation and Local Specialist.
• Nature's creations spring to life at Arches National Park, home to 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. On your visit, unlock all the science and history of how these 6,000 natural sandstone arches were formed by rain and wind. Take in the sights of Delicate Arch and Balanced Rock while admiring the ever-changing landscapes as you traverse the park. 
• There’s no better spot to witness the power of the Colorado River carving through rocky red landscapes than at Canyonlands National Park. Take in the sights of Mesa Arch, views from the Green River Overlook, and be inspired by the vast expanse of high desert canyons at Grand View Point.  
• There’s no better place to learn about the ancient cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloan people than at Mesa Verde National Park. View the carvings in the sandstone of the canyon walls at the several hundred of these dwellings – astounded by the history presented before you. This UNESCO-listed park also features thousands of well-known preserved archaeological sites. Take in the sites of this protected area as you ride along the Mesa Top Loop and Cliff Palace Loop, where you can see the magnificent Cliff Palace.
• Explore Taos Pueblo with Local Specialists who call Taos Pueblo home. Gain insight into the history of the pueblo and what it is like to live there today.

Dive Into Culture

• 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.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

• Feel good knowing you’re doing good visiting Desert Viewpoint Inter-tribal Cultural Heritage Site where members of 11 Indigenous tribes share their stories, family histories and cultural demonstrations. Discover Native crafts watching a carpet weaving demonstration, or you may enjoy traditional song and dance performances. Your visit and donation provide a continuous source of funding for the on-going development of the Cultural Heritage Site while allowing guests to engage directly with Indigenous community members. The experience directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities and Goal 11: Responsible Production and Consumption.
• 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.
• Visit the 50-acre property on a private tour with local specialist to see some of Allan Houser's most amazing works known for his magnificent sculptures and paintings depicting various Indigenous tribes.
• Visit Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World's Heritage Center as well as a National Historic Landmark and one the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the country. Best known for is iconic, multi-storied adobe buildings, built roughly 1,000 years ago. About 150 Puebloans live within the pueblo full time. The Taos Tribal Council, which owns the pueblo, does not allow any modern convenience inside the pueblo, such as running water or electricity.

Trafalgar Difference

• Stay at The Strater Hotel, adorned with beautiful handcrafted woodwork, housing the largest collection of American Victorian walnut antiques. It's Durango's Historic Landmark Hotel, showcasing stories of the old west and mining times.

Be My Guest

• Visit Nambé Pueblo, a Native American community in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains famous for its public ceremonies and traditions, strong agriculture, traditional textiles and world-renowned pottery. Once the primary cultural and religious center for the northern New Mexican pueblo communities, Nambé Pueblo has existed at this site since the 14th century. Take in the sprawling land of nearly 20,000 acres of towering cottonwoods, junipers, scrub oak and an occasional outcropping of sandstone on your cultural visit including lunch with the community elders.   

Optional Experiences

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.

Canyons and Cowboys (Available on Day 2)

Your  Red  Rock  Western  Guide  takes  you  through  a  scenic wonderland  surrounded  by  seven  majestic  canyons  into  historic  Dry  Creek  Basin. Relive early cowboy days in this fun outing in Sedona.

Adult Price: $120 Child Price: $120 Easy on the Asphalt (90 minutes) (Available on Day 2)

A “Sedona snapshot” with great photo opportunities! Join us on this informative and relaxing, yet breathtaking tour of some of Sedona's most magnificent overlooks and some of the most photographed sites in all of Arizona. 

Adult Price: $120 Child Price: $120 Red Heritage Lunch Show (Available on Day 3)

Navajo owned and operated, Red Heritage is a Native American Performing Arts Theater. Colorful powwow dancing, flute playing and live drum music complement a culturally inspired meal and an unforgettable experience! A buffet with base options of frybread, rice or lettuce. Then there will be southwest inspired chicken, pork, beef, traditional chili, and vegetarian chili for protein. Sautéed vegetables with lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, and green chili offered as toppings or sides. Served with pudding parfait for dessert. One alcoholic beverage included. Cash bar available. This experience is part of TreadRight's MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® global initiative for sustainable tourism.

Adult Price: $81 Child Price: $81 Grand Discovery Air Tour South Rim - 45 Min. Fixed-Wing Aircraft Flight (Available on Day 3)

There’s no better way to experience the grandeur of the Grand Canyon South Rim than on a fascinating aerial tour offering unobstructed views. Sit back and feel the thrill of this Natural Wonder as you fly over the Kaibab National Forest, Kaibab Plateau, Confluence of Colorado, Little Colorado River, Imperial Point and Zuni Corridor. 

Adult Price: $196 Child Price: $196 North Canyon Tour Helicopter Flight. Bell Aircraft - 25 minutes (Available on Day 3)

The Grand Canyon opens up before you on a memorable helicopter experience over its southern and northern rims. After flying over the Kaibab National Forest, 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. 

Adult Price: $264 Child Price: $264 Grand Kingdom - 40 Min. EcoStar Helicopter Flight (Available on Day 3)

Soar across the canyon rim on a helicopter flight, watching as the bottom seemingly drops out from under your feet. Gaze deep into the core of the canyon over 5,000 feet down to the confluence of the Little Colorado River. 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. Then head back to Grand Canyon South Rim via the Dragon Corridor, another of the Grand Canyon's most picturesque sections.

Adult Price: $391 Child Price: $391 Sunset Canyonlands National Park Tour – Fixed Wing Sightseeing (Available on Day 5)

Unlock the best of Canyonlands National Park at sunset. Make sure you have your camera ready -- the golden light in the minutes before the sun dips below the horizon is great for picture taking. Afterwards, the twilight sky and landscape lights up with vivid hues of reds and oranges. 

Adult Price: $285 Child Price: $285 Canyonlands by Night Dinner and Cruise (Available on Day 5)

We hope you brought your appetite. Start with a cowboy-style dinner overlooking the Colorado River before boarding the Moab Queen II jet boat and head upriver. Your guide points out all the sights before reaching the turnaround spot, where 40,000 watts of light illuminate the canyon walls. Sit back and be dazzled by the show choreographed with lights, sounds, music and narration as you hear stories about the formation, creation and history of the area.

11th Street Food Truck Station (Available on Day 6)

When a couple of Durango locals wanted to create great food centered around a great environment, 11th Street Station was born in 2015. A permanent food truck collective in the heart of Downtown Durango the venue has quickly become a favorite of Durango locals with great food and live music. Pick and choose what you would like to eat and drink this evening from the different food truck on site and enjoy an al fresco dinner in Durango. From tacos to pizza, sushi to Thai cuisine and gourmet sliders, 11th Street Station’s independent food truck kitchens can cure any craving. Each food truck vendor is locally owned and operated, in keeping with our Main Street culture. The grounds provide enclosed and exposed dining right in the heart of downtown Durango. It’s outside. It’s fair fare. It’s relaxed. 

Adult Price: $61 Child Price: $61 Ouray and Silverton Half-Day Tour (Available on Day 7)

This morning, take a scenic drive on Colorado’s Million Dollars Highway (U.S. Route 550), from the beautiful town of Ouray known as the Switzerland of America to the historic mining town of Silverton. Enjoy the panoramic views of one of the most scenic drives in the US. Reach the summit at Red Mountain Pass at over 11,000 ft. You will have time to explore and enjoy lunch in Silverton before heading back to Durango. Guests may opt to book their own ride back from Silverton onboard the historic Narrow-Gauge Silverton Steam train, which departs from Silverton at 2:45PM. (booked independently, subject to seasonality and availability)

Adult Price: $46 Child Price: $46 Mountain Waters Rafting 2 Hours (Available on Day 7)

Experience the adrenaline-pumping excitement of a rafting adventure on this professionally guided, 3-hour excursion. Ride along the clear, crisp waters of the Animas River in Durango. Crash through the Class I, II and III rapids, which are less technical but no less exciting for an introductory river experience. It’s a perfect balance for kids and adults wanting to share a fun day on the river.

Adult Price: $69 Child Price: $69