Colorful Trails of the Southwest End Santa Fe

Colorful Trails of the Southwest End Santa Fe

71 Views
10 Days From

$3499

$3149

Colorful Trails of the Southwest End Santa Fe

10 Days Starting in Phoenix, United States and ending in Santa Fe, United States

Visiting: Phoenix, Grand Canyon National Park, Moab, Arches National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Durango, Taos, Santa Fe

Tour operator:

Trafalgar

Tour code:

DCTSSZN20

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $3499 $3149 Operator discount: -$350

NB: Prices correct on 07-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a vibrant journey through the Colorful Trails of the Southwest, ending in the enchanting city of Santa Fe. This cultural tour takes you through iconic landscapes and historic sites, including the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and Taos Pueblo. Experience the rich heritage of the Navajo Nation with exclusive access to Monument Valley and enjoy a traditional cookout lunch. Marvel at the natural wonders of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, and explore the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde. Stay in charming accommodations like the historic Strater Hotel in Durango, and enjoy unique experiences such as a storytelling dinner under the stars. With expert guides and carefully curated itineraries, this tour offers a deep dive into the history, culture, and breathtaking scenery of the American Southwest.

Highlights

  • Explore the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Taos Pueblo, Nambe Pueblo Village, and the Navajo Nation in Page.

  • Visit Scottsdale, Mesa Verde National Park, Cameron Trading Post, Horseshoe Bend Lookout, Moab, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Durango, Taos, and Santa Fe.

  • Scenic drive through Sedona's Red Rock Country, Oak Creek Canyon, and the High Road Scenic Byway from Taos to Santa Fe.

  • View the Cliff Palace dwelling at Mesa Verde National Park.

  • Experience a cookout lunch with members of the Navajo Nation in Monument Valley.

  • Immerse yourself in the landscape of the Navajo people at Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.

  • Visit Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Center and National Historic Landmark.

  • Enjoy a traditional meal and storytelling at Shash Dine Eco Retreat on the Navajo Nation.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Welcome To Phoenix And Scottsdale

Location: Phoenix

Accommodation: Sonesta Suites Scottsdale Gainey Ranch

Accommodation Name: Sonesta Suites Scottsdale Gainey Ranch

Meals Included: Dinner

Arrive in sun-kissed Phoenix and transfer to Scottsdale at your leisure. This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner.

Day 2: See The Red Rocks Of Sedona Connect With Locals

Location: Grand Canyon National Park

Accommodation: National Park Lodges Grand Canyon

Accommodation Name: National Park Lodges Grand Canyon

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your first stop today is in the artists' enclave of Sedona – surrounded by red-rock buttes, steep canyon walls and pine forests. You’ll travel through Oak Creek Canyon next, with its rocky red cliffs, then venture to the UNESCO-listed Grand Canyon National Park, where a Local Specialist will share the canyon’s many geological marvels. Tonight, you’ll have an opportunity to overnight at one of the lodges inside the park.

Day 3: Take In The Sights Of The Grand Canyon Make Travel Matter

Location: Grand Canyon National Park

Accommodation: Courtyard by Marriott Page at Lake Powell

Accommodation Name: Courtyard by Marriott Page at Lake Powell

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Don’t miss an unforgettable experience: Rise early for an optional flightseeing tour over the Grand Canyon and then trace the scenic South Rim of the Grand Canyon along Desert View Drive. Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as we visit Desert View's Pueblo-style Watch tower and support the development of the Desert View Inter-tribal Heritage Center. Later, we’ll stop at Cameron Trading Post. Finally, we'll take a walk to the rim of Glen Canyon to Horseshoe Bend. Finish the day connecting to the soul of the land over a Be My Guest experience on the Navajo Nation, hosted by Dine tribe local Baya, her husband Paul and storyteller Eli Secody.

Day 4: Take A Scenic Drive To Moab Make Travel Matter

Location: Moab

Accommodation: Hyatt Place Moab

Accommodation Name: Hyatt Place Moab

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Depart Page for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience tour in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Afterwards, settle into the surrounds of buttes and mesas for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience outdoor lunch prepared by Diné (Navajo) tribe members who share stories about their people and their connection to Monument Valley. Then, continue to Moab on a scenic drive where you can sit back and enjoy views of the desert southwest. The evening is yours to explore Moab's Main Street.

Day 5: Admire The Landscape Of Arches National Park

Location: Arches National Park

Accommodation: Hyatt Place Moab

Accommodation Name: Hyatt Place Moab

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, discover how the forces of wind and rain have shaped the enchanting landscape of Arches National Park in the stunning formations that they are, with countless perfect photo opportunities. Later, journey to Canyonlands National Park to connect with nature even more. We visit the Island in the Sky - a mesa resting 1,000 feet (305 meters) above the surrounding countryside, offering spectacular views over the dramatic sandstone formations.

Day 6: Discover The History Of Mesa Verde Stays With Stories

Location: Mesa Verde National Park

Accommodation: Strater Hotel, Durango

Accommodation Name: Strater Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

We arrive in the UNESCO-listed Mesa Verde National Park to delve into the history and culture of the Ancestral Puebloan people. Explore their beautifully preserved sandstone dwellings. This evening, in Durango, your Stay with Stories is historic Strater Hotel. You’ll have the evening at leisure to explore the historic town of Durango.

Day 7: Dive Into Durango Make Travel Matter

Location: Durango

Accommodation: Strater Hotel, Durango

Accommodation Name: Strater Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy free time in Durango today, or you may take a scenic drive along the Million Dollar Highway from Ouray and Silverton. If you’re lucky, enjoy a truly unforgettable step back in time, on a ride aboard the coal-fired, steam-powered narrow-gauge train (booked independently). The train chugs along rails that were originally laid at the end of the 19th century, winding through a spectacular wilderness which would be inaccessible by car. If you're feeling more adventurous, opt for a white-water rafting trip on the Animas River.

Day 8: Unlock The Legacy Of The Taos Pueblo

Location: Taos

Accommodation: Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza

Accommodation Name: Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza

Meals Included: Breakfast

The journey continues along the High Road – Santa Fe Scenic Byway, a picturesque route in Northern New Mexico that stretches approximately 56 miles from Santa Fe to Taos. Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit one of the greatest Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites in the Southwest. Be immersed in the fascinating adobe dwellings and take a walk through Taos Pueblo, a Native American community that has been continuously inhabited for the last 1,000 years. Meet your Taos tribal resident guide and explore the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. Later, arrive at the hotel, ideally located two short blocks from Santa Fe’s Historic Plaza.

Day 9: Explore The Unique Culture Of Santa Fe Make Travel Matter

Location: Santa Fe

Accommodation Name: Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, you'll have a full free day to explore Santa Fe at your leisure. Perhaps visit the iconic Georgia O'Keeffe Museum on your terms or explore one of the many chocolate shops and art galleries just steps away from your hotel. You can enjoy lunch on your own at one of the many acclaimed restaurants before you cap off your trip with a dinner at your hotel.

Day 10: End Your Journey In Santa Fe

Location: Santa Fe

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our journey through desert landscapes at its end, you will bid farewell and make your own way to Santa Fe Airport.

What's Included

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

    The tour includes the services of an expert Travel Director and a professional Driver.

  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

    Accommodation is provided in carefully selected hotels that are tried and trusted.

  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities

    Porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour package.

  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

    Hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered in the tour.

  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

    The tour includes daily breakfast and up to half of the evening meals.

  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

    The tour features must-see sightseeing opportunities and surprise extras.

  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

    Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing experiences.

  • All transport and transfers shown

    All transport and transfers as shown in the itinerary are included.

  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation

    Travel is provided in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.

  • Optional Experiences and free time

    The tour includes optional experiences and free time for personal exploration.

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What's Not Included

  • Flights

    Flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees and any related travel documentation costs are not included.

Dining Summary

  • 3 Dinner (D)
  • 9 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Lunch (L)

Dive Into Culture

  • Grand Canyon National Park: 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.

Mode of Transport

Travel in luxury with a fully air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable journey through the stunning landscapes of the Southwest. All transport and transfers are included, providing seamless travel between destinations.

Accommodation

Experience a variety of accommodations including the Sonesta Suites Scottsdale Gainey Ranch, National Park Lodges Grand Canyon, Courtyard by Marriott Page at Lake Powell, Hyatt Place Moab, Strater Hotel in Durango, and Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza, each offering unique charm and comfort.

Check out our Q&As

  • What unique experiences are included in the tour at the Grand Canyon?

    At the Grand Canyon, you will have the opportunity to visit the Desert View Inter-tribal Cultural Heritage Site, where you can learn about the 11 Grand Canyon tribal communities. You can also watch a carpet weaving demonstration or enjoy traditional song and dance performances. Additionally, there is an optional flightseeing tour over the Grand Canyon.

  • What cultural experiences are offered in Monument Valley?

    In Monument Valley, you will have a cookout lunch with members of the Navajo Nation and explore the valley with a Navajo guide in an open-air, all-terrain vehicle. This tour includes access to roads and sites that are closed to the general public, and you will learn about the land and its people.

  • What can I expect during the visit to Taos Pueblo?

    During the visit to Taos Pueblo, you will explore a UNESCO World Heritage Center and National Historic Landmark. You will see the iconic, multi-storied adobe buildings and learn about the community that has been continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years. A Taos tribal resident guide will lead the exploration.

  • What is the 'Be My Guest' experience at the Grand Canyon?

    The 'Be My Guest' experience at the Grand Canyon includes a traditional meal at Shash Dine Eco Retreat on the Navajo Nation, hosted by Baya and Paul. The meal features mutton stew, frybread, vegetables, melon, coffee, and Navajo tea, accompanied by Navajo storytelling by Eli Secody.

  • What is special about the accommodation in Durango?

    In Durango, you will stay at The Strater Hotel, which is a historic landmark adorned with handcrafted woodwork and housing the largest collection of American Victorian walnut antiques. The hotel showcases stories of the old west and mining times.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1947

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Renato Arrieta  

Best tour I joined so far

14-Jan-2023

My first time with Trafalgar and I see no reason why I should not join them again.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
King Ng, Lafayette, California  

Very well planned trip with timely breaks during the coach ride..

08-Nov-2021

It was a well organized tour group and we hit lots of interesting and beautiful scenes. Like our previous trips with Trafalgar, tourists were treated with well manner and professional tour guide/director, making our trip very enjoyable and delightful!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Best of Egypt

14-Jan-2023

We really did see the best of Egypt and beyond. Our tour guide, Mohammad, guided us through the rich history and the urban and rural life of such a unique and delightful country. We felt very safe and pampered.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Marshal Daguio  

Wonderful Best Of Turkey

06-Nov-2021

It was my first time with Trafalgar Tour and I had a wonderful trip from day 1 till the last day. The Tour Director, Yocel Atik is very knowledgeable and Excellent. The health director and coach driver are helpful and supportive as well. The hotels selected were comfortable especially Rixos Hotel and Movenpick Hotel. The Best of Turkey is better than I expected.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Barbara, Canada  

Irish Experience

09-Nov-2021

I am single and travel alone. I always feel secure and well-looked after when I travel with Trafalgar

Feefo Trusted Reviews

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Sunday - Tuesday

Apr 20, 2025 - Apr 29, 2025
$3499 $3149

Operator discount: -$350

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May 18, 2025 - May 27, 2025
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Operator discount: -$350

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Operator discount: -$355

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Operator discount: -$364

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Operator discount: -$364

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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