Discover the diversity of colors, textures and shapes in natures' majestic rock formations in three western national parks: Zion, Bryce and Grand Canyon. Sedona's artist colony is also a part of this classic American vacation. After leisurely park overnight stays with plenty of time to explore these great natural masterpieces and local Native America culture, enjoy a two days in the well-known, deluxe Aladdin hotel in the heart of the neon-lit strip in Las Vegas. Enjoy the stark beauty of Monument Valley's flat, often desolate plain in a jeep ride narrated by a member of the Navajo tribe. Descriptions of the tribe's long history, sacred traditions and culture are even more fascinating when set among dramatic landscape of the tall spires and flat-topped mesas that have been their home for centuries. Stand in awe as generations of Americans have before you at the Grand Canyon. Your predecessors include President Theodore Roosevelt, who spearheaded some of the earliest efforts to preserve the natural treasures of the American West. Simple pleasures abound during a two-day at the Lake Powell Resort, which overlooks the sparkling blue waters of the lake. Glittering, glamorous Las Vegas, your home for your final two nights, is where you can lounge by the pool, go hiking, take in the many shows, or try your luck in the casinos.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Scottsdale, Arizona - Tour Begins - A tour of canyon country features some of America's most colorful and spectacular scenery and includes visits to three national parks. Your vacation begins in the colorful city of Scottsdale.
Day #2 Scottsdale - Phoenix - Scottsdale - This morning will be a highlight of your trip as you enjoy a chat with a local Native American tribe member. Learn about the different tribes of the area, their histories, and modern day life of Native Americans in Arizona. After your presentation, a local guide will introduce you to Scottsdale and Phoenix. Highlights of this tour include downtown Phoenix, Camelback Mountain, Paradise Valley, Old Town Scottsdale and more. Next, you will learn how Native American jewelry and handicrafts are made at a jewelry-making demonstration. The rest of the day is at leisure to check out Old Town Scottsdale or just relax at your hotel.
Day #3 Scottsdale - Sedona - Grand Canyon - Begin the day with a visit to the beautiful city of Sedona and take some time to shop in the marketplace. You will be amazed with Oak Creek Canyon, where the rock formations seem to change hue with every turn in the road. Later, as you travel through the spectacular Kaibab National Forest, you will reach the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Day #4 Grand Canyon - Lake Powell - This morning you will have ample time to explore the Grand Canyon. Behold amazing views of the canyon with a drive along the South Rim. Theodore Roosevelt, upon visiting the canyon, is quoted as saying, "This is one of the great sights which every American, if he can travel at all, must see." Later, a short drive brings you to Cameron Trading Post. For nearly a century, the post has been a haven for travelers, traders, and explorers who come from all points of the globe to see the wonder of the Grand Canyon and experience the Native American cultures of the Southwest. Continue north through mesa-studded desert scenery before arriving at your home for the next two evenings, Lake Powell Resort, a stunning hotel that overlooks the sparkling blue waters of Lake Powell.
Day #5 Lake Powell - Monument Valley - Lake Powell - Begin your day with an invigorating breakfast cruise** along lovely Lake Powell. Journey through the territory of the Navajo nation and arrive in Monument Valley, a sacred Navajo land featuring colorful sandstone spires that rise hundreds of feet from the valley floor. Enjoy an exciting Jeep tour, narrated by one of the Navajo tribe members. A stop will be made at a Hogan. The history and symbolism of a Hogan represents every aspect of Navajo life: their thinking, reasoning, planning and their philosophy. Later today, return to Lake Powell for an evening of leisure.
Day #6 Lake Powell - Bryce Canyon National Park - Zion National Park - Today, travel to Bryce Canyon National Park, truly one of the most spectacular scenic wonders of the world. The formations within Bryce Canyon National Park, called Hoodoos, are the creation of wind and water erosion over eons of time. Iron oxidizing within the rock causes the natural orange and red hues that color these formations. Your final destination for the day is the red and white sandstone cliffs of Zion National Park***. In sheer magnitude and color, Zion is very likely one of the most awe-inspiring national parks in the world.
Day #7 Zion National Park - Las Vegas, Nevada - Climb aboard Zion’s open-air tram to truly experience spectacular scenery as you wind alongside the Virgin River through the 2,400 foot deep, 1/2 mile wide Zion Canyon. Later, leave nature's beauty behind for the glitz and glamour of the Las Vegas strip. Probably the most famous stretch of road in the world, its 4 miles of neon-lit resorts with around-the-clock action is like nowhere else on earth. A two-night stay provides you plenty of time to enjoy the shows, the casinos and all the fun.
Day #8 Las Vegas - Today is yours to do as you please. Lounge by the pool sipping cool drinks, experience an amazing one-of-a-kind show, go hiking, or try your luck in the casino. Or perhaps explore the hotels on the strip with themes that capture your attention as you get swept away by the wonders inside. Take time to visit Mandalay Bay's Shark Reef aquarium or stop by the Luxor to see the sphinxes and pyramid. New York-New York brings the "Big Apple" to life right on the Vegas strip. See the Eiffel Tower, "ooh" and "ahh" at the Mirage volcano, or watch pirates battle at Treasure Island. The Las Vegas strip brings the world to you.
Day #9 Las Vegas - Tour Ends - Depart for home with amazing memories of your vacation.