Wonders of the American West - Classic Group
Wonders of the American West - Classic Group
10 Days Starting and ending in Las Vegas, USA
Visiting: Las Vegas, St. George, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Capitol Reef National Park, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Durango, Monument Valley, Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AWSWZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the "Wonders of the American West - Classic Group" tour, where you'll explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the USA. Begin your adventure in the vibrant city of Las Vegas before venturing into the awe-inspiring Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. Discover the geological marvels of Arches and Canyonlands, and delve into the ancient history of Mesa Verde. Experience the iconic Monument Valley with Navajo guides, and enjoy a traditional cookout under the stars. Marvel at the grandeur of the Grand Canyon, with opportunities for scenic hikes and insightful talks from local experts. This tour offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and authentic dining experiences, ensuring a memorable exploration of the American West.
Choice Highlights
- 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.
- 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 kilometers) 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.
Top Rated Highlights
- 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 these natural formations, including Double Arch and North Window 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 meters) above the surrounding countryside, offering spectacular views over the dramatic sandstone formations.
- 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.
- 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 characterize the natural beauty of this park.
Make Travel Matter
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.
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. Your experience advances UN Global Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.
Authentic Dining
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 a memorable dinner set against the park's beautiful surroundings.
Insight Choice
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 kilometers) 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.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Las Vegas
Location: Las Vegas
Accommodation: Paris Las Vegas
Accommodation Name: Paris, Las Vegas
Meals Included: Dinner
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, savor dinner accompanied by wine in the company of your fellow travelers.
Day 2: Zion National Park
Location: St. George, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park
Accommodation: The Lodge at Bryce Canyon
Accommodation Name: The Lodge at Bryce Canyon
Meals Included: Breakfast
Embark on a journey to Zion National Park, Utah's first and one of its most iconic treasures. 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, arrive at Bryce Canyon Lodge for a leisurely two nights inside the park to explore the nearby trails and vistas.
Day 3: Whimsical Bryce Canyon National Park Relaxed Start
Location: Bryce Canyon National Park
Accommodation: The Lodge at Bryce Canyon
Accommodation Name: The Lodge at Bryce Canyon
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Start the day by traveling through Bryce Canyon National Park, the great natural amphitheater. 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 Amphitheater, the first canyon in Bryce Canyon National Park. This evening, go off the beaten path and into the woods of Bryce Canyon to view the color-changing hoodoos as the sun sets. Conclude the day feasting on a three-course dinner with wine.
Day 4: Escalante National Monument And Capitol Reef
Location: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Capitol Reef National Park
Accommodation: Element Moab
Accommodation Name: Element, Moab
Meals Included: Breakfast
Experience Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, an outstanding biological resource spanning five life-zones, from low-lying desert to coniferous forest. Take in the scenic beauty of the lands once inhabited by the Ancestral Puebloan and Fremont Peoples. 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: Arches National Park And Canyonlands National Park
Location: Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
Visit Arches National Park, housing the greatest concentration of natural arches in the world. Experience the awe-inspiring 52-foot freestanding Delicate Arch from a picturesque viewpoint and immerse yourself in the grandeur of the remarkable Windows Section and the captivating Double Arch up close. 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 customize your Dine-Around evening.
Day 6: Mesa Verde National Park
Location: Mesa Verde National Park
Accommodation: Far View Lodge
Accommodation Name: Far View Lodge, Mesa Verde National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
Amble through the streets of historic Durango this afternoon before enjoying 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: Monument Valley Relaxed Start
Location: Durango, Monument Valley
Accommodation: Goulding's Lodge Monument Valley
Accommodation Name: Goulding's Lodge, Monument Valley
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Continue your adventure as you journey to the iconic film location featured as the backdrop for Forrest Gump's final 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. Savor each moment of this insightful MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience that provides a sustainable workforce for the Navajo people.
Day 8: Monument Valley To Mystery Valley Relaxed Start
Location: Monument Valley
Accommodation: Goulding's Lodge Monument Valley
Accommodation Name: Goulding's Lodge, Monument Valley
Meals Included: Breakfast
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: The Wonders Of The Grand Canyon
Location: Grand Canyon
Accommodation: Grand Canyon National Park Lodge
Accommodation Name: Grand Canyon National Park Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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: Return To Las Vegas
Location: Grand Canyon National Park, Las Vegas
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
What's Included
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Choice Highlights
Choose between two carefully selected activities at the Grand Canyon National Park.
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Top Rated Highlights
Visit iconic locations such as Cameron Trading Post, Monument Valley, Mesa Verde National Park, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Kanab, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Zion National Park.
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Make Travel Matter
Experience activities that support the Grand Canyon Conservancy and the development of the Desert Viewpoint Intertribal Cultural Heritage Site.
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Authentic Dining
Enjoy a Welcome Dinner in Las Vegas, a Navajo cookout Highlight Dinner in Monument Valley, a Dine-Around evening in Moab, a Rim-side Dinner at Bryce Canyon National Park, and a Celebration Dinner at Grand Canyon National Park.
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Insight Choice
Join a relaxed hike along the rim of the Grand Canyon or learn about the local flora and fauna with a local expert.
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Dining Summary
Includes 4 Dinners with Wine, 9 Breakfasts, and 1 Dinner.
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Insight Experiences
Dive into Mystery Valley with a local Navajo guide and explore Anasazi ruins and rock art.
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Well-being
Travel in comfort with Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with enhanced hygiene protocols.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional flight-seeing helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon is not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 9 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Dinner (D)
Insight Experiences
- 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.
- 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: 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.
Well-being
- 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.
- 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.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style and comfort aboard Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach, offering double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. Enjoy a narrated tram ride in Zion National Park and off-road open-air vehicle tours in Monument Valley for an immersive experience.
Accommodation
Experience the charm of Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino, the rustic elegance of The Lodge at Bryce Canyon, and the unique setting of Far View Lodge in Mesa Verde National Park. Enjoy comfort at Element Moab and the iconic Goulding's Lodge in Monument Valley, culminating at the Grand Canyon National Park Lodge.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are offered at Monument Valley during the tour?
At Monument Valley, you will have the opportunity to meet Navajo Local Experts and board all-terrain vehicles for a private exploration of the valley. You will learn about Navajo history, culture, and heritage. Additionally, you can enjoy an authentic cookout dinner with members of the Navajo Nation, featuring traditional Navajo tacos and fry-bread, while being immersed in traditional dance and songs.
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What activities are available at the Grand Canyon during the tour?
At the Grand Canyon, you can choose between a relaxed hike along the rim from Mather Point to Yavapai Point with your Travel Director or join a Local Expert, 'Canyon Tim,' for an informative talk about the canyon's geology, flora, and fauna. You will also have the chance to spot local wildlife such as elk, mule deer, and coyotes.
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How does the tour support sustainable tourism at the Grand Canyon?
The tour includes a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience that supports the Grand Canyon Conservancy and the development of the Desert Viewpoint Intertribal Cultural Heritage Site. This initiative aims to reduce inequality and create sustainable communities, aligning with the UN's Global Goals.
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What dining experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a Welcome Dinner in Las Vegas, a Navajo cookout Highlight Dinner in Monument Valley, a Dine-Around evening in Moab, a rim-side Dinner at Bryce Canyon National Park, and a Celebration Dinner at Grand Canyon National Park. These meals offer a variety of local and authentic dining experiences.
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What is the significance of the Cameron Trading Post visit during the tour?
The Cameron Trading Post is a historic site established in the early 1900s where Native Americans traded wool and livestock. It offers a chance to purchase Navajo jewelry, baskets, pottery, and artwork, providing insight into the local culture and history.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations 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.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations 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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Terms and Conditions