On this popular Southwest vacation, discover the unique landscapes of Arizona and Utah as you travel through three national parks—as well as Lake Powell and Monument Valley—and lots of beautiful scenery. Begin your trip in Scottsdale and travel north through cactus-studded scenery to Sedona. In Sedona, see the massive red-rock formations that make the area infamous. Continue north to watch the sun set upon the spectacular Grand Canyon—sunrise is just as impressive—and be humbled by the magnificent scenery. Your hotel is located near the rim of the Grand Canyon, giving you a rare opportunity for great views and extra time to explore the trails. Photographs cannot adequately do justice to the amazing landscape; you must witness it in person!In Lake Powell, enjoy an afternoon cruise on the sparkling blue water and let the majestic beauty wash over you. Enjoy a 4-wheel-drive tour of Monument Valley with a knowledgeable Navajo guide, and marvel at the area’s stunning rock formations, oddly shaped monoliths, and red sandstone. More splendid views await you in Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park. Watch the colors change on the massive stone formations and be awed by the impressive geology.You’ve heard how remarkable the scenery is in these national parks, and now is your time to experience them. Sit back, relax, and let Globus handle all of the driving and details.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Arrive in Scottsdale. Welcome to sunny Scottsdale! At 6 pm, meet your traveling companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure.
Day #2 Scottsdale–Sedona–Grand Canyon National Park. This morning, depart from Scottsdale and travel north through cactus-studded scenery for a break in Sedona, “Arizona’s Scenic Sensation.” Take a scenic 4x4 JEEP TOUR to the top of Mogollon Rim, where you can admire the majestic rock formations and rugged lowland desert. Then, set out for one of America’s most beautiful drives as you journey through Oak Creek Canyon, home to brilliantly hued cliffs and rugged spires of sandstone. Arrive this afternoon at the GRAND CANYON, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The spectacular beauty of this famous attraction draws more than 5 million visitors a year from around the globe. This evening, be sure to watch the spectacular sunset. (B,D)SPECIAL FEATURE: Your hotel is located near the rim of the Grand Canyon, a rare opportunity for great views and a significant extra when traveling with Globus.
Day #3 Grand Canyon National Park. Today, set out to explore the Grand Canyon, and learn about the Grand Canyon’s geology and how the canyon was carved. Take scenic Hermit Road, with stops along the way revealing extraordinary views of the deep inner gorge and numerous red buttes and ravines. This afternoon you are free to explore at your own pace. Perhaps venture down part of Bright Angel Trail or take a nature walk with a ranger to learn about the region’s native flora and fauna. (B)
Day #4 Grand Canyon National Park–Lake Powell. If you missed the sunset, sunrise is just as impressive! After breakfast your Tour Director will suggest optional flightseeing over the Grand Canyon—definitely the thrill of a lifetime. Then, leave via Desert View Point for more magnificent perspectives. On to Lake Powell, where sparkling blue water laps against towering red-rock canyon walls and sandy beaches. The majestic beauty of this vast man-made lake can be appreciated on the afternoon CRUISE. See gigantic Glen Canyon Dam and the “tapestry” walls of Antelope Canyon. Free time later for a leisurely stroll along Wahweap Marina on the shores of Lake Powell. (B,D)
Day #5 Lake Powell. Excursion to Monument Valley. This morning, head to MONUMENT VALLEY NAVAJO TRIBAL PARK, where the weathering action of wind and water has carved the famous sandstone spires and towers that rise hundreds of feet above the valley floor. Enjoy a [LF] 4-WHEEL-DRIVE TOUR of Monument Valley with a knowledgeable Navajo guide who shares their culture and how it is influenced by the area. Explore the area’s oddly shaped red sandstone monoliths, buttes, and mesas—the setting for some of John Ford’s most memorable films. (B)
Day #6 Lake Powell–Bryce Canyon National Park–Zion National Park. Depart from the splendid views of Lake Powell and head for Utah’s BRYCE CANYON. Drive through the park, with photo stops to capture the magnificent contrasts of bright red, yellow, and pink pillars called “hoodoos.” Years of erosion have carved colorful sandstone into thousands of spires, arches, and mazes for an unforgettable sight. Next, see nearby ZION NATIONAL PARK, a spectacle of massive stone formations whose colors change with the light of the day and the season. To the Mormon pioneers, it was a haven of beauty resembling natural temples and cathedrals, and they called it “Little Zion.” (B,D)
Day #7 Zion National Park–Las Vegas. Tour Zion Canyon this morning before continuing to Las Vegas. Arrive in Las Vegas for an orientation tour of one of America’s most popular vacation destinations. Your resort hotel is located in the heart of the “Strip” for easy access to all the mega-casinos and amusement parks. This evening your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner. (B,D)
Day #8 Las Vegas. The tour ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers are provided to Las Vegas McCarran Airport. (B)
Hotels:
SCOTTSDALE Marriott Scottsdale at McDowell Mountain (SF)
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK Grand Canyon Lodges (NP)
LAKE POWELL Lake Powell Resort (F)
ZION NATIONAL PARK Best Western Zion Park Inn (F)
LAS VEGAS Treasure Island (MD)