Duration: 9 Days
Everything in life has its ups and downs, including this fascinating tour of Arizona that directs your eyes to ancient cliff dwellings, towering spires, the deepest of canyons, and the deepest of mysteries. Exactly how did the Sinagua Indians reach their cliffside, five-story, high-rise at Montezuma Castle? Explore these enigmas and more as you visit the lost canyons and cultures of the American Southwest. Guided jeep tours through Canyon de Chelly National Monument and the red rock scenery of Sedona get you closer to the secrets within the region’s sandstone formations, as does an adventuresome train ride on the Verde Canyon Scenic Railroad.. From Phoenix to Vegas, you’ll enjoy sightseeing in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Jerome – plus a visit to Boulder City’s Hoover Dam Museum. A visit to Petrified Forest National Park as well as time in Meteor Crater Natural Landmark are additional sights sure to leave an impact.
Traveller Notes
- We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect holiday—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides, to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi.
- On holidays that include an overnight stay in Las Vegas, at least one member of the travelling party must be 21 years of age or older.
- This holiday visits national parks and other remote locations where some facilities may not be up to the first-class standard you expect from Globus. Some lodges within the parks do not have televisions and other amenities you would expect from most Globus hotels.
Please note: Itinerary is based on 2024, and is subject to change. Full details will be confirmed in 2024.
Welcome to Phoenix!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
Desert Dreams
Spend the cooler hours of the morning at the Desert Botanical Garden. After exploring the gardens, enjoy [LF] lunch at the gardens. On to Old Town Scottsdale to experience the unique and vibrant culture of the American Southwest. Enjoy free time to explore before returning to Phoenix for a sightseeing tour and free evening. (B,L)
LOCAL FAVOURITE
DESERT BEAUTIES Take in the desert beauty of Phoenix with a visit to the Desert Botanical Garden. Explore this tranquil garden with over 50,000 desert plants nestled amid the red rocks in 5 thematic gardens trails through towering cacti, alluring succulents, brilliant flowers, and more. Your visit of this desert oasis includes lunch in the gardens with ingredients sourced directly from the farm and pasture to plate.
Cliff Dwellings & Desert Canyons
Travel north to visit Montezuma's Castle National Monument. See the 20-room high-rise pre-Columbian dwelling, nestled into a towering limestone cliff of Camp Verde, Arizona. Hear the incredible story of ingenuity, survival and, ultimately, prosperity in an unforgiving desert landscape. Then get an up-close adventure in the desert on a guided 4-wheel-drive Jeep tour of Sedona's red rock canyons. Tonight is free. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Be surrounded by the stunning views of Sedona's iconic red rock formations on an adventure through spectacular scenery and unsurpassed panoramic views of the desert canyon landscapes. Join your knowledgeable local guide for a 4-wheel adventure in the American Southwest.
Historic Rides
Visit the historic ghost-town-turned-artist-community. After a bit of free time, travel on the [LF] Verde Canyon Railroad scenic train ride onboard renovated vintage train cars travelling on a 20-mile journey through 110 years of history. Return to Sedona for a free evening. (B)
LOCAL FAVOURITE
EPIC RIDE The Verde Canyon Railroad's historic route from Clarkdale to Perkinsville and back - into Arizona's other "Grand Canyon" - is an unforgettable adventure. Captivating panoramic views are revealed in every direction, exclusively from the relaxed atmosphere of the train. This historic ribbon of rail runs through a protected corridor at the river's edge, lined with towering red rock pinnacles, near ancient Indian ruins, over fortified bridges and through an invigorating 734-foot manmade tunnel carved through solid rock over a century ago. As far as the eye can see, wildlife, high-desert foliage and rugged terrain are visible on this year-round adventure into a lush riparian habitat.
Where Heaven Meets Earth
Take a scenic drive through the Coconino National Forest and the Painted Desert to Winslow. Visit Meteor Crater Natural Landmark, the world's best-preserved meteorite impact site. Then explore La Posada Gardens, Gallery, and Museum with lunch in the famed Turquoise Room at this historic Harvey Hotel. Continue to secluded Canyon de Chelly National Monument for an overnight at the historic Thunderbird Lodge. While rustic, the lodge offers a key location as the only hotel located inside the National Monument. (B,L,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT When you arrive at the historic Thunderbird Lodge, you're likely to be greeted with the Navajo word for welcome - "Ya'at'eeh." This rustic yet comfortable lodge situated in the stunning landscape of Canyon de Chelly National Monument is operated by the Navajo Nation and is the only lodge inside the park. Settle in and enjoy the otherworldly beauty of this natural wonder just outside your door. "Ya'at'eeh and welcome to a place like no other!
Ancient Mystery
This morning, take a 4-wheel-drive tour with a Local Navajo Guide. Explore the canyon floor to visit sacred archaeological sites not open to the general public. Then visit Petrified Forest National Park to see giant ancient trees turned rock. Continue to Williams, the gateway to the Grand Canyon, for a stay at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and experience the luxury of a bygone era! (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION For nearly 5,000 years, people have lived in these canyons - longer than anyone has lived uninterrupted anywhere on the Colorado Plateau. Remains of their homes and images on the canyon walls tell us their stories. Today, the Navajo people (Dine) make their homes, raise their crops, and farm the lands in the canyon. Canyon de Chelly National Monument was established in 1931 to preserve the natural, archaeological, and cultural resources. The park is unique among National Park Service units, as it is comprised entirely of Navajo Tribal Trust Land and embraces nearly 84,000 acres. The National Park Service continues to work in partnership with the Navajo Nation to manage park resources and sustain this living Navajo community.
Views and Hues
Travel into Grand Canyon National Park. During free time, you may want to join the popular helicopter flightseeing tour, visit the museums and visitor centres, or grab a snack and take in the view. Return to Williams for a free evening. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
EPIC HUES While visiting Grand Canyon National Park, set your sights on the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows of the canyon walls that seem to be set ablaze by the sun. While admiring the beauty of the Grand Canyon, you may be lucky enough to spot grazing elk or bighorn sheep. As the day comes to a close, the golden hour bathes the landscape in an ethereal glow, casting long shadows and illuminates the canyon with a warm embrace. The majesty of the Grand Canyon will truly captivate your mind.
Amazing Feats
Continue across the Mohave Desert to visit the [LF] Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum. Continue to Las Vegas for a farewell dinner hosted by your Tour Director. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVOURITE
HISTORIC SITE Visit the Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum and hear the heroic stories of the men and women who braved the desolation of the southern Nevada desert to build the monumental Hoover Dam and settled Boulder City. A true feat of extraordinary commitment and engineering completed with dedication and courage.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. You may also choose to extend your time in Las Vegas and explore more on your own. Extra nights are available for purchase. (B)
