Colourful Trails of the Southwest

8 night tour - Starting in Phoenix, Arizona - ending in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Escorted Tour with Trafalgar.

Trafalgar has been creating exceptional Escorted journeys for nearly 70 years, enjoy VIP return private UK airport transfers, first class hotels, complimentary WiFi on-board comfortable motorcoaches with restrooms and panoramic windows.

Quaint western towns, like Santa Fe and Durango, meet the famous icons of the Grand Canyon, Mesa Verde and Arches National Parks on this trail into the Southwest's colourful landscapes.

2016 Guaranteed departure dates:
May 08th & 22nd
 
TO BOOK THIS TOUR: CALL US ON FREEPHONE 0800 0336 335 OR EMAIL US RESERVATIONS@PURELYTRAVELGROUP.CO.UK
View Itinerary Details

Day 1: ARRIVE PHOENIX – SCOTTSDALE

Enjoy your complimentary private V.I.P. door-to-door transfer to your UK departure airport. 

Welcome to the Valley of the Sun! Check into your hotel, get acquainted and spend some time relaxing. At 6 p.m., gather at the hotel with your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception.

Meal(s) Welcome Reception

Hotel Scottsdale Marriott Suites Old Town

Day 2: SCOTTSDALE – SEDONA – GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK 

Leaving behind the Saguaro cacti of the Sonoran desert, ascend into the stunning red rock formations announcing your entrance to the artists' enclave of Sedona. If you like, trade your motorcoach for a rough­and­ready jeep on an optional adventure into Red Rock Country. Get a taste of the old cowboy days where you encounter stunning landscapes. Travel onward and be sure to have your camera ready as you near Oak Creek Canyon with its towering red cliffs and crystal pools. At the Grand Canyon, meet a Local Expert who walks you through the geologic life of the canyon.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel National Park Lodges 

Day 3: GRAND CANYON – MONUMENT VALLEY - BLUFF

Rise early for an optional flightseeing tour over the Grand Canyon or spend more time in the National Park. You might experience a feeling of deja vu when you enter the wide-open expanse of Monument Valley—this scenic location has been preserved forever in classic films such as Stagecoach and The Searchers. Get up close and personal with the magnificent landscape of towering sandstone buttes and lovely desert vistas in special open-air vehicles accompanied by a guide. This evening, enjoy a unique Navajo cookout Regional Meal on the floor of Monument Valley.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast, Regional Meal

Hotel Desert Rose Inn

Day 4: BLUFF – MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK – MOAB (2 NIGHTS) 

Travel east this morning through a mesmerising desert landscape before arriving at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mesa Verde National Park at the edge of the San Juan National Forest. Between 600 and 1300 A.D., the Ancestral Puebloan people carved houses and entire communities out of the sandstone along the canyon walls. Tour some of the cliff-top buildings and look down at the massive Cliff House, the largest cliff dwelling in the world. Spend some time in the museum learning about the culture and traditions of this once-great civilisation. End your day's journey in the outdoor mecca of Moab. Your hotel for the next two nights is a scenic ranch. Tonight is yours—perhaps opt for taking in the sunset over the red cliffs or a Western barbecue dinner at your ranch-style lodge. If you're in the mood for more excitement, try an optional jet boat ride along the mighty Colorado that includes dinner.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast, Hotel

Red Cliffs Lodge Authentic Accommodation

Day 5: ARCHES NATIONAL PARK EXCURSION AND MOAB FREE TIME

In magnificent Arches National Park, the wind and rain have eroded the sandstone into more than 2,000 natural arches; wander through a kaleidoscope of geologic time as you watch the morning light play upon the ancient, multi­coloured stone. Explore the shops and outfitters in Moab as you enjoy an afternoon on your own. This evening, venture along the Colorado River for an exclusive Be My Guest dinner at a sand beach along the water. The fading sunlight is framed by towering red sandstone cliffs over your head.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast, Be My Guest Dining

Red Cliffs Lodge Authentic Accommodation

Day 6: MOAB – OURAY – SILVERTON – DURANGO 

Depart America's outdoor recreation capital for the “Switzerland of America.” Friendly Ouray boasts classic Victorian architecture, awe­inspiring views and a homey, small­town vibe. Then it's time to take to the highway—the Million­Dollar Highway, that is—with its priceless views of snow­capped peaks and shimmering alpine lakes. Stake your claim in Silverton, a former silver mining camp that now occupies a spot on the National Registry of Historic Landmark Districts. Stroll the pleasant streets, seeing well­preserved Victorian homes, the pretty city hall and the Grand Imperial Hotel. If you like, take an optional ride from Silverton to Durango on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which operates coal­fired steam engines through the San Juan National Forest. Later on, check in to your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast

Hotel Strater Authentic Accommodation

Day 7: DURANGO – TAOS – SANTA FE (2 NIGHTS)

Today, head south toward the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Taos Pueblo, an ancient site that has been continuously inhabited for more than 1,000 years by members of the Native American Pueblo people. Learn about the traditional lifestyle and beliefs of the Pueblo Indians and visit the striking adobe chapel of San Geronimo. Continue travelling along the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the foothills of the Rockies, to the colourful artists' mecca of Santa Fe. Check in to your hotel for the next two nights. Your evening is free to visit some of the many galleries, sample some renowned Southwest cuisine or just admire the adobe architecture on the vibrant plaza.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast

Hotel Inn and Spa at Loretto Authentic Accommodation 

Day 8: SANTA FE SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME

Embark on a private trolley tour to see the sights of Santa Fe and soak up the atmosphere of one of the West's most interesting towns—unparalleled in richness of history, heritage, arts and culture. Visit a local artist's studio and learn how this Local Expert captures the Southwest's magical light in his landscapes. Enjoy the afternoon on your own to explore old downtown, including the Eldorado Hotel, Loretto Chapel and St. Francis Cathedral. Perhaps do some shopping at a local gallery, follow in the footsteps of Kit Carson on a walking tour or pamper yourself in one of Santa Fe's elegant spas. This evening, gather with your Travel Director and travelling companions for a festive Farewell Dinner.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Hotel Inn and Spa at Loretto Authentic Accommodation 

Day 9: SANTA FE – DEPART ALBUQUERQUE OR EXTEND YOUR STAY

After breakfast this morning, bid farewell to your fellow travellers. Extend your stay in Santa Fe or take a transfer to Albuquerque Airport.

Please do not schedule any flights before 1pm.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast 

On arrival at your UK airport, your driver will greet you and escort you to your waiting car for your return private V.I.P. door-to-door transfer home.

Your Trafalgar Tour Highlights


Hidden Treasures Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure.

Local Specialists at the Grand Canyon and in Santa Fe.

Be My Guest exclusive dinner at a sand beach along the Colorado River.

Authentic Accommodation Strater Hotel, Durango, Colorado, USA Opened in the late 1800s, this Authentic Accommodation became a popular winter retreat for Durango townsfolk who would close their homes for the winter and move in. Many noted personages called the Strater home, including renowned Western author Louis L’Amour.

Authentic Accommodation Red Cliffs Lodge, Moab, Utah, USA An Authentic Accommodation, this ranch includes both a lodge and a museum which documents the history of the property. In the late 1940s, the legendary director John Ford discovered the rugged beauty of Moab’s Canyonlands and filmed the first of many movies here. The first major motion pictures filmed in the Moab area were also set on the Red Cliffs Ranch.

Authentic Accommodation Inn and Spa at Loretto, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA A fixture in the Santa Fe community, this Authentic Accommodation shares its grounds with the famed Loretto Chapel and has an ideal location only one block from Santa Fe’s historic Plaza. The property embodies the culture of the region with its adobe-style architecture and reflects the true spirit and history of the city of Santa Fe. The walls are adorned with the work of local artisans which completes this elegant retreat.

Sightseeing Highlights 

Visit Scottsdale, Grand Canyon National Park, Monument Valley, Mesa Verde and Arches National Park, Moab, the quaint Colorado towns of Silverton and Durango, Taos and Santa Fe

Scenic drives through Sedona, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and along Oak Creek Canyon

Dining

8 full breakfasts, 4 dinners (including Be My Guest).

Travel Highlights

Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Hand-picked 4 and 5 star accommodation
Hand-picked Insider Experiences
Optional Experiences and free time
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Airport transfers on the first and last day of your guided holiday
VIP entry to many sights
Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
8 nights First Class accommodation
 

VIP DOOR TO DOOR RETURN UK AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Your holiday begins in true style from the moment we collect you from your front door for a relaxed journey to your choice of departure airport. Your chauffer-driven car is reserved exclusively for your use, ensuring an uninterrupted, hassle-free journey to your departure airport.

Each and every Trafalgar tour begins and ends with our unique and truly unrivalled private car door to door transfer service. You will be met at your front door by your driver who will assist with your bags before whisking you to your choice of departure airport in a private car, all in plenty of time to make your way to your check-in desk. With Trafalgar you really will experience an exclusive service, enjoying your journey in a standard of car that you would expect to associate with Trafalgar standards. All of our cars are up-to-date models and maintained to the highest standards. We will arrange a convenient pick-up time from your home that suits you, not us or other passengers. Each car is equipped with the latest satellite navigation intelligence to ensure your continued peace of mind and a speedy journey.

At the end of your tour, on arrival at your chosen UK airport, you will be greeted by your waiting driver in the arrivals hall and escorted to your car for the smooth and comfortable journey directly back home.

Should you wish to make your own way to the airport, all you need do is advise us at the time of making your reservation and a discount will be offered.

Terms and conditions apply.

Tour Only Cost: All prices quoted below are per adult person, per tour in British Pounds (GBP)

Departure Dates

Single Twin/Double Triple Quad
All departures in 2016 £2688* £1893* £1659* Please call
 
* 2016 Early Payment Discount - Trafalgar's most popular tours fill very quickly. Don't be disappointed, book early and pay your balance in full as below and save up to 10% Off the prices shown above - Ask us at time of booking.
 
Pay for your 2016 tour in full by 29th January 2016 and SAVE 7.5%
Pay for your 2016 tour in full by 29th April 2016 and SAVE 5%
 
Repeat Client Discount - Have you travelled with Trafalgar Tours before, within the last 5 years ! - if so you qualify for a 5% discount - Ask us at time of booking.
 
Children aged 5-17 may qualify for a discount off up to 10% when sharing a room with 2 adults - Please call us for details. 
 
Not included in your tour cost:
Flights – we can package your tour with flights at very competitive airfares using our airline partners. Please call us to discuss the best airline for your itinerary.
Pre or post accommodation - If you want to extend your stay at the start or the end of your escorted tour or add another destination to your booking please call us and we will be happy to provide a quote.
Meals, other than those listed in the itinerary.
The customary gratuities for the Tour Director and local drivers are not included and are paid locally, if you prefer these can be pre-paid to us in advance for £65.00 per person.
 
FAQs:
There are many questions and considerations you might have when planning an escorted tour with Trafalgar Tours. For more information please click here.
 

TO BOOK YOUR TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS:

Please call us on FREEPHONE 0800 0336 335 or EMAIL us reservations@purelytravelgroup.co.uk we are open 7 days a week.

We will be happy to answer any questions, check the availability of your tour, offer a quote for flights and any pre or post nights you would like to add.

When you are ready to go ahead with the booking, a non-refundable deposit of 10% will be due at time of booking or the full balance if you are due to travel within 8 weeks.