Overview
Itinerary
Welcome to Arizona, famous for its scenic road trips, towering Monument Valley, and of course the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon. Why not head out and explore Old Scottsdale, a vibrant and unique urban downtown area that introduces you the best of the state? Here, you'll be surrounded by retro wooden buildings, rodeo inspired artwork and a selection of local stores, all radiating a classic Southwestern flair. Savor a dinner in the company of your fellow travelers. (DW) Stay: Valley Ho, Scottsdale
Travel through world-renowned Red Country along the Red Rock Scenic Byway, one of only 20 designated All-American Roads nationwide. Explore bohemian Sedona with its shops and galleries, or simply take in the exceptional beauty of Red Rock Country before you make your way to the Grand Canyon. Follow Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Byway through Coconino National Forest, a breathtaking stretch of road recognized by Rand McNally as one of the Top Five Most Scenic Drives in America.
On arrival, you can take an optional flightseeing tour over the Grand Canyon. Whether you prefer a helicopter or a fixed-wing plane, you'll enjoy magnificent scenery with aerial views from above. Meet your Local Expert 'Canyon Tim' at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to discover its wonders. You'll discover the origins of the five-million-year-old canyon, its rock formations and the human impact on this natural masterpiece. He'll also talk to you about the bountiful flora and fauna, and where you might be able to spot them. (B) Stay: Grand Canyon National Park Lodge
Early risers will take advantage of the lodge location to witness one of Mother Nature's grandest shows on earth: a sunrise over the Grand Canyon. Travel along the South Rim Desert View Drive, skirting the southern rim of the canyon. Make Travel Matter by supporting the Grand Canyon Conservancy and making a donation to support the development of the Desert Viewpoint Intertribal Cultural Heritage Site. Head to the Cameron Trading Post, one of the oldest and most historic general stores in Arizona.
Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Monument Valley Tribal Park, where Navajo (Diné) Local Experts guide you through the history, culture and heritage of the Navajo Nation. This carefully prepared tour keenly exemplifies the relationship of respect with the land in the valley and the importance placed on preserving the natural treasures found here. Enjoy a Navajo cookout amid the giant buttes and mesas of this unique landscape.
Spend the rest of the day relaxing at your lakefront resort before indulging in a dinner with wine featuring views of Lake Powell. (B/L/DW) Stay: Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas
Today is entirely yours to do as you please. Partake in one of our popular optional experiences, explore on your own, or simply relax by the resort swimming pool with views of Lake Powell. As an optional activity this morning, let yourself be tempted by a gentle trip down the Colorado River. Calmly float down the Colorado, past some of the most awe-inspiring sites, like the iconic Horseshoe Bend and Petroglyph Beach.
Tonight, Navajo (Diné) culture takes center stage with a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Red Heritage. This Navajo-owned preforming arts theater will delight as you see local tribal members sing, share a colorful pow wow dance, flute playing and live drum music over dinner and drinks. (B/DW)
Journey across a wide-open landscape punctuated by colorful sandstone cliffs, sagebrush-covered flats, and high ridges dotted with piñon pine and juniper. Travel through Bryce Canyon Country on a portion of the Scenic Highway 89, recognized by National Geographic as the No. 1 Drivers' Drives in the world.
You will be struck by the beauty of Bryce Canyon National Park, an otherworldly landscape of red rock pillars known as hoodoos, pink cliffs, and endless vistas. Follow the Rim Trail from Surprise Point to Bryce Point. Stops will be made at the major viewpoints and there will be time for a leisurely walk along Sunset Point or a more physical hike down the canyon. Either way, you will be spellbound by the beauty and majesty of this dramatic natural landscape. (B) Stay: Zion National Park Lodge
Enjoy a Relaxed Start this morning, as you have a full day to explore the Zion National Park.
After a leisurely breakfast, you will tour the canyon aboard a privately chartered open-air vehicle, with live commentary from a Local Expert to show you the many scenic highlights of the canyon. Explore Zion National Park further with Insight Choice. Choose to join your Travel Director for a guided hike to the Emerald Pools. Alternatively, take a self-guided leisurely stroll along the Virgin River Walk and keep your eye out for wildlife. (B)
This morning you'll bid farewell to the beautiful national parks and your fellow travelers. You will be taken to Salt Lake City International Airport, where you will arrive at approximately 15:00. Please be aware when arranging your flights. Alternatively, a transfer to Sheraton Salt Lake city hotel is also provided should you wish to extend your stay. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Sedona: Experience the essence of the great American road trip, as you travel through the Red Rock Scenic Byway. Along your journey you will be immersed in the stunning, natural peaks and rock formations of the Red Country, that look as though they could have been shaped by the countless artists they have inspired.
- Sedona: With its red stone formations that create a haunting skyline found nowhere else in the world. This is where Arizona keeps the Old West. And this is where a New West has evolved, as a haven for creatives, a center of spiritual health and enlightenment, and an epic playground for outdoor enthusiasts.
- 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.
- Cameron: Stop at the historic Trading Post, established in the early 1900s as a place where Native Americans traded wool and livestock.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bryce Canyon National Park: Head to the sandstone cliffs of Bryce Canyon National Park in Southern Utah. Here you will be met by pine trees and red rock pillars. Take a leisurely walk along Sunset Point while you view the great amphitheatres of the odd-shaped monoliths, known as hoodoos.
- 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.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Zion National Park: Explore the natural beauty of Zion National Park on a guided hike to the famed Emerald Pools. Or, for a more relaxed experience, take a self-guided walk along the Virgin River keeping an eye out for the sights and sounds of nature.
- Zion National Park: Visit the Zion Nature Center at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center - The most well known of Zion's Earth friendly endeavor. Learn about how the Center was built on a previously disturbed site & utilized outdoor exhibits to take advantage of Zion's climate.
- 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.
- Page: Navajo (Diné) owned and operated, Red Heritage is a Native American Performing Arts Theater showcasing awe inspiring local talent: powwow dancers, flute playing, and live drum music. Your experience helps to preserve Navajo Culture and dance and advances UN Global Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.
- Scottsdale: Mingle over a delightful dinner at your resort's renowned Zuzu Restaurant, named for the beloved matriarch of the family that owns the property.
- Dining Summary: 3 Dinners with Wine (DW), 6 Breakfasts (B), 1 Lunch (L)
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Trip Reviews (2) Most Recent 'Enchanting Canyonlands' Reviews
The history was so necessary in acknowledging the full story of the lands we were travelling upon for a complete experience. Also think being quite significantly younger than the other attendees actually made my experience more enjoyable because was able to have such interesting conversations with everyone, learning about each others way of life and sharing wisdom. Was great! The accommodation was excellent at all stops, loved Lake Powell (& swimming in Lake Powell during free time!) and Bryce the best. Liked the hotel at Vegas, but did not like Vegas at all as the final stop...was too polarising/jarring/superficial in comparison to the calm/natural aspects of earlier part of week. But that's only a small negative on an otherwise positive week. Now back home in Australia I really miss seeing the wondrous National Parks every day. Thank you to all involved & Insight Vacations!
Brochure
Insight Vacations Europe, Britain & the World (2025-26)
Availability
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Insight Vacations. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Insight Vacations. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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