WEDNESDAY, MAY 12 – TUESDAY, MAY 18, 2010 #3010
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20 – TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2010 #3011
BOTH ARE GUARANTEED DEPARTURES!
DAY 1 – WEDNESDAY - LAS VEGAS/ST. GEORGE
Arrive Las Vegas where our tour escort will meet us at the airport at 3:00pm to start the tour. (*Please arrive at the Las Vegas Airport before 3:00pm) Depart Las Vegas and travel north to southern Utah’s largest city, St. George. Known as “Utah’s Dixie,” many of the early settlers in the area grew cotton in the warm dry climate. Check into the Abbey Inn and enjoy a get-acquainted banquet with our fellow passengers. (D)
DAY 2 – THURSDAY - ZION/BRYCE CANYON
Today we're off to see Utah's oldest and most famous national park, Zion National Park. An early Mormon settler described the park's massive formations as "temples built by hands, not of man." The Paiutes believed mischievous spirits lived among the 2,000-foot high towers and would not enter the canyon alone or remain there after dark. We will have the opportunity to explore Zion Canyon, a brilliant green canyon set against the backdrop of sheer red cliffs, with an occasional lacy waterfall fanning out from the rocks. Arrive Utah Trails Village of Many Nations Culture Center, located just outside Zion’s east entrance, for a Native American experience. Many native cultures are represented here with the opportunity to learn about their history, lifestyle, beliefs, food, music, art and crafts. There will be demonstrations, hands on activities and a delicious lunch. Depart Zion and travel to nearby Bryce Canyon National Park for sightseeing. The hues and intricate shapes of Bryce Canyon carry even the most mature adult away into a fairyland fantasy. The Paiute Indians used a word to describe Bryce that translates into, "red rocks standing like men in a bowl-shaped canyon." Mormon settler Ebenezer Bryce, for whom the canyon was named, described it as "a hell of a place to lose a cow." We need not be a pioneer or an Indian to decide for ourselves how best to describe it. One thing is certain, we'll love Bryce Canyon. Overnight just outside of the park at Ruby’s Inn. (CB,L)
DAY 3 – FRIDAY - CAPITOL REEF/DEAD HORSE POINT
This morning enjoy a drive on one of America’s most spectacular roads. Scenic Highway 12 has been designated as an “All American Road,” the crown jewel of the Scenic Byways system. First we will be traveling through Grand Staircase – Escalante National Monument, with vast expanses of cream and rose colored Navajo sandstone. There are dramatic cliffs, high mesas, beautiful streams and deep canyons in multi-hued colors across the 1.9 million acre monument. Stop in the town of Boulder for touring of Anasazi State Park with its ancient Indian ruins. Then climb up and over Boulder Mountain reaching altitudes over 9,000 feet with incredible views of Capitol Reef, the Circle Cliffs and the Henry Mountains. Arrive Capitol Reef National Park for a wonderful picnic lunch under towering cottonwood trees and sightseeing of ancient petroglyphs, beautiful rock formations, deep canyons and pioneer history. The park was established to protect a 100-mile wrinkle in the earth’s crust called The Waterpocket Fold. After touring in Capitol Reef, travel to Dead Horse Point State Park for one of the most spectacular scenes in the southwest. You will see the expanse of Canyonlands National Park stretching to the south and the mighty Colorado River 2,000 feet below. Next we make our way to the nearby town of Moab and check into the Moab Valley Inn. This evening join the group for a unique experience. First enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner served on the banks of the Colorado River. Then board a jet boat for a sunset ride up the river through spectacular red rock canyons. As we return we’ll enjoy the amazing night sky along with a light and music presentation known as Canyonlands by Night. Overnight Moab. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 – SATURDAY – ARCHES/MONUMENT VALLEY & THE NAVAJO
This morning we are off to Arches National Park. The brand new 18,000 square-foot visitors center will introduce us to the unique geologic forces that created the highest concentration of natural arches in the world with over 2,000 named arches within its 73,000-acre boundary. Visit all the park highlights including Park Avenue, Balance Rock, The Windows and Delicate Arch. Return to Moab with some free time to shop and have lunch on our own, then depart and travel south. The Anasazi Indians will come alive today as we learn of their history and discover their artifacts at the Edge of the Cedars Museum in Blanding. Travel to the Goosenecks of the San Juan River for a picture stop, then enter the Navajo Nation. Arrive at world-famous Monument Valley and historic Goulding’s Lodge. After checking in, experience an evening of Navajo culture, food and entertainment. (CB,D)
DAY 5 – SUNDAY – MONUMENT VALLEY/LAKE POWELL/GRAND CANYON
This morning we will meet our Navajo guide and board a 4-wheel drive vehicle for a scenic tour of Monument Valley, location for scores of famous western films, television programs and commercials. As we travel through the valley and visit famous locations such as John Ford Point, Artist Point and The Totem Pole, we will also learn more of the Navajo traditions and way of life. After time to view the monoliths up close and personal, we’ll continue on to beautiful Lake Powell, the second largest man-made reservoir in the United States. After time to enjoy lunch on our own, set out on a scenic cruise to explore Lake Powell's fascinating geology and get an unusual look at Glen Canyon. After the cruise, depart to see "One of the Wonders of the World," Grand Canyon National Park. This 1.2 million acre national park hosts a vast variety of wildlife and scenic wonders. We will learn about the geology and history of the canyon while taking in its breathtaking beauty as we traverse the South Rim from Desert View to Grand Canyon Village. The Colorado River is the main contributor in the creation of the vast canyon and can still be seen carving its way through the rock roughly a mile below. After time to visit many of the scenic points, check into the Quality Inn just outside the park. Evening free. (B)
DAY 6 – MONDAY – GRAND CANYON/LAS VEGAS
This morning, return to the Grand Canyon National Park for an early morning view and some additional touring. Then depart and travel on what was once Route 66 as we head west through northern Arizona. Stop in Kingman for lunch and touring of the Route 66 Museum, which highlights the glory days of cross-country automobile travel. Then enter Nevada and arrive in the “Entertainment Capitol of the World,” Las Vegas. Enjoy a driving tour on the way to the Flamingo (or similar) located on the famous Las Vegas Strip. The rest of the afternoon and evening are ours to go shopping, enjoy world-class dining, take in a show or test our skills against lady luck in the casinos. (B)
DAY 7 – TUESDAY – JOURNEY HOME
Transfers to the Las Vegas Airport have been arranged. As we travel home, we'll remember all the wonderful memories and friends we have met on our fabulous vacation! (B)
HOTEL LIST
ST. GEORGE: BW ABBEY INN
BRYCE CANYON: RUBY’S INN
MOAB: MOAB VALLEY INN
MONUMENT VALLEY: GOULDING’S LODGE
GRAND CANYON: QUALITY INN
LAS VEGAS: FLAMINGO or Similar