Canyons of the Southwest

Upon arrival into the thriving desert metropolis of Phoenix, collect your rental car (not included) and drive the short distance to your hotel with the rest of the day at leisure.

Royal Palms Resort & Spa

Spend the day at leisure exploring Scottsdale your way. Your options are plentiful. Spot palm-sized hummingbirds on a hike in the Sonoran Desert. Experience the grandeur of UNESCO World Heritage site Taliesin West designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Listen to the ‘language of the soul’ at the culture-rich Musical Instruments Museum. Wander the historic and artistic sights of the Old Town. Or simply relax in a private cabana at your hotel’s luxurious bi-level pool.

Royal Palms Resort & Spa | Meals: B

This morning you are free to relax at the resort before driving north through the brilliant shades and shifting hues of the Arizona landscape to Sedona.

Enchantment Resort | Meals: B

This morning join your guide on an exploratory jeep tour of the canyons surrounding Sedona. This archaeological adventure begins with a short drive on a paved yet primitive forest service road to the Honanki Heritage Site, a 700-year old Sinaguan cliff dwelling. Your guide will reveal the history of the site and explain the hidden meaning found in the rock art. Walk through the ancient cliff dwellings and be informed along the way about Native American history, geology, flora, fauna and other interesting facts about the area. Return to the resort with the afternoon at leisure to enjoy a spa treatment or continue exploring on your own.

Enchantment Resort | Meals: B

Drive two hours to Grand Canyon National Park through the desert canyons that are so characteristic of Arizona and stop in historic Flagstaff on Route 66, surrounded by ponderosa pine forests. Arrive at Grand Canyon Airport for a helicopter flightseeing tour over the canyon with a fully narrated aerial tour from your pilot-guide. This is a dramatic and stunning way to see this spectacular geological marvel.

The Squire Inn at the Grand Canyon | Meals: B

Meet your private guide this morning for a hike around the canyon rim and along little-used trails into the canyon itself. Enjoy insights along the way on the history, geology, flora and fauna of the area and this afternoon your guide will introduce you to the historic lodges and buildings on the rim of the canyon, including the studio of photography pioneers Emery and Ellsworth Kolb. Lunch is included at the historic El Tovar Hotel.

The Squire Inn at the Grand Canyon | Meals: BL

Continue your road trip north towards the Utah border to Page, on the shores of Lake Powell. In the afternoon, take to the Colorado River on a float trip around extraordinary Glen Canyon. Marvel at the astonishing rock formations and the fascinating artefacts of Petroglyph Beach. Gaze in awe at the soaring cliffs above Horseshoe Bend and learn the stories of the ancestral Puebloan people who lived here. Afterwards, journey by coach back from Lees Ferry to Page, passing Vermillion Cliffs, beautiful orchards, and historic structures along the way.

Hyatt Place Page/Lake Powell | Meals: B

Join your guide this morning as you drive deep into the canyons surrounding Lake Powell. Hike into a sunset-hued, 18-metre deep slot canyon and admire the beautiful and unique natural features created from millions of years of erosion. Accept photographic tips from your guide as you hike through the canyon on flat, sandy terrain and take time for peaceful reflection enjoying the solitude without the crowds.

Hyatt Place Page/Lake Powell | Meals: B

Cross the Utah state line and continue further north to Bryce Canyon National Park. This afternoon, enjoy a guided half day hike at Bryce Canyon where the otherworldly landscape of tall, thin, rocky pinnacles (or hoodoos) is mesmerising. Your guide will explain how the forces of wind and water have created them as you traverse the park. After your tour, drive two hours south to check into your lodge in Springdale, your base for exploring Zion National Park over the next few days.

Cliffrose Springdale | Meals: B

Rise early for the drive west to Springdale where you join your private guide for a stunning half day tour of Zion National Park. Hike through the park to incredible look-out points while your guide interprets the local flora, fauna, geology and history as you go. Take in Zion's spectacular rock formations including the Three Patriarchs, Cathedral Mountain and Checkerboard Mesa. Zion's sedimentary rock layers continue to be eroded by the forces of wind and water to this day, revealing the iconic red and coral hues of the Southwest. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore at leisure.

Cliffrose Springdale | Meals: B

Today is yours to explore your own way. We recommend visiting Springdale, the gateway community at the western entrance to the park. Established in 1862, Springdale became home to the first settlers of European descent and there is a profusion of galleries, shops and eateries to explore. Or take the free shuttle bus on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and stop by the Zion Human History Museum.

Cliffrose Springdale | Meals: B

Enjoy a morning at leisure before driving on to Las Vegas and your hotel situated in the heart of ‘the Strip’.

Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas | Meals: B

The day is yours to marvel at the sights and sounds of ‘Vegas’, entertainment capital of the world. Stroll ‘the Strip’ surrounded by neon signs. Check out the dancing fountains of the Bellagio, the Atlantis animatronic spectacle at Caesars Palace, and the volcanic ‘eruptions’ at the Mirage. Or, for those looking to escape the sensory overload, head out of town to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area in the Mojave Desert where there are hiking trails, picnic areas and a nature centre. This evening take the opportunity of seeing one of Vegas’ world-famous shows such as Mystere (Cirque du Soleil) at Treasure Island, Blue Man Group at Monte Carlo, La Reve at Wynn, O (Cirque du Soleil) at Bellagio or Mac King Comedy & Magic at Harrah’s.

Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas | Meals: B

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and drive to the Las Vegas Airport. Return your rental car and check in for your onward flight.

Meals: B

This journey is designed to tie in with car rental that needs to be organised separately. Alternatively, we can provide a vehicle with a driver/guide. Contact us to discuss your requirements.