Grand Canyon Holidays

Day 1 : Arrive Denver

Welcome to the Mile High City. Nestled between the High Plains and the majestic Rockies, Denver entices visitors and locals alike with sunny blue skies and snowcapped peaks. After settling in at your hotel, head out on your own to take in some of Denver's attractions. At 6 p.m., gather at the hotel with your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception. 

Day 2 : Denver – Vail – Moab (2 nights)

Head toward the mountains this morning as you ascend into the foothills of the Rockies and cross the Continental Divide on your way to the resort destination of Vail. Founded in 1966 at the base of the largest ski mountain in the United States, this pretty alpine village has an old-world feel that attracts outdoor enthusiasts. Then it's on to Moab where, in the late 1940s, the legendary John Ford discovered the area's rugged beauty and filmed the first of many movies here. Tonight is yours—perhaps opt for taking in the sunset over the red cliffs. If you're in the mood for more excitement, try a jet boat ride along the mighty Colorado River with a tasty dinner included. 

Day 3 : Arches and Canyonlands National Parks

Today, embark on a journey to explore two National Parks. Discover stunning Canyonlands National Park and visit magnificent Arches National Park where the wind and rain have eroded the sandstone into more than 2,000 natural arches. Wander through a kaleidoscope of geologic time as you watch the light play upon the ancient, multi-coloured stone. Enjoy the rest of the day to discover on your own.

Day 4 : Moab – Mesa Verde National Park – Monument Valley

Travel south this morning through a mesmerising landscape dotted with natural arches and rock formations, framed by the jagged Rockies in the distance. Crossing into Colorado, skirt the edge of the San Juan National Forest before arriving at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mesa Verde National Park. Between 600 and 1300 A.D., the Ancestral Puebloan people carved houses and entire communities out of the sandstone along the canyon walls. Explore some of the cliff-top buildings and look down at the massive Cliff House, the largest cliff dwelling in the world; then spend some time in the museum learning about the culture and traditions of this once-great civilisation. This evening, enjoy a unique Navajo cookout Regional Meal on the floor of Monument Valley before returning to your hotel. 

Day 5 : Monument Valley – Grand Canyon

This morning, after a tour of the Monument Valley floor in an open-air vehicle, wind your way through the ancestral home of the Navajo people, stopping at Cameron Trading Post to browse through handicrafts and maybe enjoy some tasty fry bread. This afternoon, follow scenic Desert View Drive before arriving at the Grand Canyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Immerse yourself in the stunning panoramic views from the South Rim. This afternoon, meet with a Local Specialist who walks you through the geologic life of the canyon and enjoy the chance to examine the multi-coloured rocks from different eras of the canyon's formation. Toast your grand adventure and your new life-long memories at a Farewell Dinner inside the park. 

Day 6 : Grand Canyon – Las Vegas (2 nights)

Rise early to catch the first rays of light as they illuminate the canyon. If you like, take an optional helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft flightseeing trip to see the canyon from the sky. Hit the road again, stopping along famed Route 66 hot spots in Seligman and Kingman. Driving through these desert oases is like cruising back in time to see the classic motels, diners and gas stations of a simpler time. Then, it's full speed ahead to glittering Las Vegas. 

Day 7 : Las Vegas

Your flight will depart Las Vegas late afternoon so you'll have time for sightseeing in this vibrant entertainment capital. This is the end of your tour but it doesn't have to be the end of your adventure. Perhaps you may want to extend your stay and spend a few days in San Francisco or maybe include a stop-over in New York before heading back to the UK.

Call the USA travel specialists at Bon Voyage to discuss the perfect Best of Canyonlands - A Trafalgar Escorted Tour.