Guide

Grand Canyon: Join your Travel Director for a relaxed hike along the rim of the Grand Canyon from Mather Point to Yavapai Point. 1.4 miles (2.25 kilometres) roundtrip, this scenic hike will provide spectacular views of the canyon’s unique geology. Alternatively, join a local expert at your hotel to learn all about the local flora and fauna of the Grand Canyon. Capitol Reef National Park: Join your Travel Director to see the natural sights along Capitol Reef’s Waterpocket Fold, known as “a geological wrinkle on earth”. The geologic monocline extends almost 100 miles and is filled with cliffs, canyons, domes and bridges. Admire petroglyphs and the domed shaped sandstone walls along the canyon. Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19. All Travel Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.

Meals

4 Dinner with Wine (DW) 9 Breakfast (B) 1 Dinner (D) Welcome Dinner in Las Vegas • Navajo cookout Highlight Dinner in Monument Valley • Dine-Around evening Moab • Rim-side Dinner at Bryce Canyon National Park • Celebration Dinner at Grand Canyon National Park Las Vegas: At 18:00, join your Travel Director and companions for a Welcome Dinner with wine at Mon Ami Gabi perched directly off Las Vegas Boulevard. Grand Canyon National Park: Enjoy dinner at the Thunderbird Room with an incredible view overlooking the South Rim. Moab: Enjoy a Dine-Around evening as you choose from a hand-picked selection of mouthwatering restaurants. Bryce Canyon National Park: Enjoy entertainment by local musicians during a memorable dinner set against the park’s beautiful surroundings. Monument Valley: Deepen your knowledge and connection with the first nations of this land as we travel to Monument Valley by way of off-road vehicles to the cookout site. Here you’ll enjoy an authentically delicious barbecue dinner with members of the Navajo Nation, where traditional Navajo tacos and fry-bread will be served while you are immersed in traditional dance and songs of this great ancient culture.

Hygieneprotocol

All guests travelling with Insight Vacations through December 31, 2022 are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, which may include a booster shot to keep the vaccination status current and valid, depending on the travel destination. Children not eligible for vaccination and/or booster at the time of travel must provide a verifiable and negative Covid-19 test result, taken within 72 hours prior to the start of the tour (taking time zones into consideration) for all tours departing until December 31, 2022. While highly recommended, COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are no longer required for guests traveling with us from January 1, 2023 onward. It is your client’s responsibly to comply with specific vaccine and/or booster requirements imposed by airlines and/or authorities in the destinations visited, as well as requirements for accessing restaurants and venues, which may be more restrictive than the above. No refunds will be given if they are unable to undertake some or all of their vacation due to failure to comply with these requirements.

Others

Choose between two carefully selected activities Grand Canyon National Park: Join your Local Expert, Canyon Tim, for an informative talk about the wonders of the Grand Canyon. With over seven years of experience in geology, you’ll learn about the origins of the five-million-year-old canyon, its rock formation and its current impact. You’ll also discover the local flora and fauna, and find out where you might be able to spot elk, mule deer, coyotes, grey foxes, bobcats and mountain lions. Monument Valley: Dive into Mystery Valley with a local Navajo guide. Normally off-limits to the general public, discover Anasazi ruins and rock art, admire geological formations, and spot petroglyphs carved into the red rocks. Monument Valley: Embark on an exclusive Insight Experience into Mystery Valley’s relatively unknown haven of Anasazi Ruins and rock art. Explore this intriguing stretch of desert full of graceful geological formations, petroglyphs, scattered artefacts like broken pottery shards and breath-taking views of the spectacular buttes of neighbouring Monument Valley Tribal Park. A true hidden gem, your visit accompanied by a local Diné (Navajo) guide is a unique opportunity for a guided tour among ancient Indigenous ruins. Grand Canyon: Trace the scenic South Rim of the Grand Canyon along Desert View Drive. See the historic Watchtower built by Mary Colter in the Puebloan style and track the Colorado River that leads you to the aptly named Painted Desert which extends towards Navajo and Hopi Indian lands. A MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience that supports the Grand Canyon Conservancy and the development of the Desert Viewpoint Intertribal Cultural Heritage Site, fulfilling the UN’s Global goals of reducing inequality and creating sustainable communities. Cameron: Stop at the historic Trading Post, established in the early 1900s as a place where Native Americans traded wool and livestock. Grand Canyon National Park: Arrive at one of the seven natural wonders of the world and the second most visited national park in the United States, the Grand Canyon. Encompassing 278 miles (447 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands, Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world and offers unmatched vistas along its rim. Monument Valley: Meet your Navajo Local Experts and board all-terrain vehicles with open sides for a private, off-the-beaten path exploration of this magical valley. Learn about Navajo history, culture and heritage from your expert as you travel deeper in the natural wonders of this unique landscape. Monument Valley: View the iconic backdrop of Forrest Gump’s last run. Mesa Verde National Park: Make your way to Mesa Verde National Park, See the ancient pueblo cliff dwellings, known as the Cliff Palace. As the day draws to a close, your lodge awaits you inside the park. Be in awe of the sweeping vistas that surround and reach into three states. Arches National Park: Enjoy views of the natural formations, including the iconic Delicate Arch. Canyonlands National Park: Venture to Canyonlands National Park for a drive onto the Island in the Sky - a mesa resting 1,000 feet (305 metres) above the surrounding countryside, offering spectacular views over the dramatic sandstone formations. Kanab: Hop into all-terrain vehicles to explore The Toadstools with a Local Expert. Admire the scenery as you drive out on sandy trails. A short hike (1.5 miles with some uneven terrain) then takes you to the intriguing balanced rock formations, which look like capped mushrooms - a photographer’s paradise. Bryce Canyon National Park: The Park is home to the most spectacular collection of hoodoos - tall skinny shafts of rock that protrude from the bottom of arid basins. While hoodoos are scattered throughout these areas, they are most abundant in the northern section of Bryce Canyon National Park. Zion National Park: See the grandeur and natural features of the canyon in total comfort while traveling via private open-air tram with live on-board commentary. Zion National Park: Connect to history as you wander paths and trails, following in the footsteps of Native Americans and the earliest pioneers. Lush vegetation, wild rivers, roaring waterfalls and towering cliffs characterise the natural beauty of this park.

Accommodation

9 nights accommodation

Transport

Enjoy the comfort of Insight’s luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.

Not included:

Insurance

Insurance is not included.

Flights

Flights are not included.

Others

Other activities and services are not included.

Optional

Other activities and services are not included.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Arrive In Las Vegas
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrive In Las Vegas

Welcome to glittering Las Vegas. At Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino, see the City of Lights with the same passion, excitement and ambiance of Europe’s most romantic city. This evening, savour dinner accompanied by wine in the company of your fellow travellers.
Day 2 Day 2: Zion National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Zion National Park

After a brief stop in St. George, arrive in Utah’s first national park, Zion National Park. Follow the paths where Native Americans and pioneers once walked as you gaze up at massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink and red. Learn about the park at the Visitor Center before taking a narrated tram ride along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive alongside the rushing Virgin River and soaring canyon walls. This winding road, closed to private vehicles during the summer, will take you to some of the most treasured spots in the park. This evening, go off the beaten path and into the woods of Bryce Canyon to view the colour-changing hoodoos as the sun sets. Conclude the day feasting on a three-course dinner with wine while being entertained by local musicians.
Day 3 Day 3: Whimsical Bryce Canyon National Park Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Whimsical Bryce Canyon National Park Relaxed Start

Start the day by travelling through Bryce Canyon National Park, the great natural amphitheatre. Encounter some of Utah’s most unusual, whimsical eroded rock formations that characterize this National Park. With your Travel Director, learn how wind, erosion and iron oxidation created the spellbinding hoodoos. Opt to explore by horseback joining a ride in the Dixie National Forest and the rim of Water Canyon amphitheatre, the first canyon in Bryce Canyon National Park. You’ll then climb Bristlecone Pine Ridge lined with 1,500-year-old Bristlecone Pines (one of the oldest living things on the North American continent.) The rest of the afternoon and evening is yours to explore the nearby trails and vistas as you please.
Day 4 Day 4: Escalante National Monument And Capitol Reef
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Escalante National Monument And Capitol Reef

Experience Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, an outstanding biological resource spanning five life-zones, from low-lying desert to coniferous forest. As you explore this rugged land of the Ancestral Puebloan and Fremont people, discover how they were experts at farming. Rock art panels, occupation sites, campsites and granaries built by their descendants still remain today. Venture to Capitol Reef National Park’s landscape of colorful canyons, ridges, buttes and monoliths. Admire its white sandstone cliffs resembling capitol building domes and reefs evoking barrier reefs of the sea.
Day 5 Day 5: Arches National Park And Canyonlands National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Arches National Park And Canyonlands National Park

Visit Arches National Park, housing the greatest concentration of natural arches in the world. View the iconic, 52-foot, freestanding natural arch, the most widely recognized landmark in Utah. Then it’s onto Canyonlands National Park for a drive onto the Island in the Sky, a mesa resting 1,000 feet above the countryside. Your sightseeing tour includes spots at various lookout points including the Grand Viewpoint with sweeping views of the Colorado River carving through the red-rock landscape. Tonight, take your pick from a selection of local restaurants to customise your Dine-Around evening.
Day 6 Day 6: Mesa Verde National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Mesa Verde National Park

Enjoy a deep discovery of the fascinating Mesa Verde National Park. Learn how the park protects some of the best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites in the United States and is considered one of the top cultural attractions in the Western United States. Among 600 historic cliff dwellings, view the ancient pueblo dwellings known as Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in the country. This evening, settle in for a relaxing stay inside Mesa Verde National Park.
Day 7 Day 7: Durango Free Time And Monument Valley Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Durango Free Time And Monument Valley Relaxed Start

This morning, amble through the streets of historic Durango before stopping near the iconic backdrop of Forrest Gump’s last run featured in the film. Deepen your knowledge and your connection with the first peoples of this land as you travel to Monument Valley for an Authentic Cookout Dinner with members of the Navajo Nation. Hop in an off-road, open-air vehicle to the cookout site where you’ll enjoy a delicious barbeque grilled dinner with a chance to try traditional Navajo fry-bread. Bask in the stunning red rock scenery and take in the sounds of nature as you enjoy your picnic style dinner with members of the Navajo Nation. Savour each moment of this insightful MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience that provides a sustainable workforce for the Navajo people.
Day 8 Day 8: Monument Valley To Mystery Valley Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Monument Valley To Mystery Valley Relaxed Start

Embark on an exclusive Insight Experience into Mystery Valley’s relatively unknown haven of Anasazi Ruins and rock art. Explore this intriguing stretch of desert full of graceful geological formations, petroglyphs, scattered artefacts like broken pottery shards and breath-taking views of the spectacular buttes of neighbouring Monument Valley Tribal Park. A true hidden gem, your visit accompanied by a local Navajo (Diné) guide is a unique opportunity for a guided tour among ancient Indigenous ruins. Continue through the barren beauty of the desert to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park where you will board off-road open-air vehicles to explore the valley. This area is also the backdrop for many Western Hollywood hits, including "Stagecoach" and "Fort Apache." Inspired by these iconic movies, you’ll find “John Wayne’s cabin” at nearby Goulding’s Lodge. This small structure was used for exterior shots in "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon," starring Wayne himself.
Day 9 Day 9: The Wonders Of The Grand Canyon
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: The Wonders Of The Grand Canyon

Begin your final day visiting the historic Cameron Trading Post to pick up some Navajo jewelry, baskets, pottery and artwork. Continue to Desert View for one of the best views of the Grand Canyon from its watchtower. Admire this iconic building inspired by ancient Native American watchtowers and decorated with murals by a Hopi artist. Our visit and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience contributes to the development of the Desert Viewpoint Intertribal Cultural Heritage Site which will allow guests to interact with Native Americans representing the 11 Indigenous tribes traditionally associated with the Grand Canyon. Journey on to Grand Canyon National Park, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Choose to hike along the scenic Rim Trail with your Travel Director. Alternatively, join a Local Expert, ’’Canyon Tim,’’ for a fascinating discussion on the wonders of this natural phenomenon, the local flora and fauna and how you might be able to spot local wildlife. End your vacation inside Grand Canyon featuring a three-course dinner with wine and spectacular sunset views over the canyon.
Day 10 Day 10: Return To Las Vegas
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Return To Las Vegas

Wake up to the backdrop of the Grand Canyon and enjoy some peace and tranquillity before the day trippers arrive. You may take an optional flight-seeing helicopter ride for stunning views over the Grand Canyon before your journey ends with a departure transfer to Las Vegas International Airport. For those extending their stay in Las Vegas, a complimentary hotel transfer to the Las Vegas post-night hotel is included.

10 days tour

Wonders Of The American West (Small Groups, 10 Days)

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Itinerary of your trip Wonders Of The American West (Small Groups, 10 Days)

Day 1: Arrive In Las Vegas

Day 2: Zion National Park

Day 3: Whimsical Bryce Canyon National Park Relaxed Start

Day 4: Escalante National Monument And Capitol Reef

Day 5: Arches National Park And Canyonlands National Park

Day 6: Mesa Verde National Park

Day 7: Durango Free Time And Monument Valley Relaxed Start

Day 8: Monument Valley To Mystery Valley Relaxed Start

Day 9: The Wonders Of The Grand Canyon

Day 10: Return To Las Vegas

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