Best of Canyonlands

On this tour you'll see some of America's most spectacular scenery, striking out from Denver to witness Arches National Park, Mesa Verde, the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley. Head slowly southwards, ending your tour in glittering Las Vegas.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive Denver

Arrive in the Mile High City, with the Rocky Mountains as your dramatic backdrop. Transfer to your Denver hotel and meet your Tour Director before meeting up with your fellow travellers at an evening Welcome Reception.

Hotel: Sheraton Denver Hotel

Day 2 - Denver - Vail - Arches National Park - Moab

Drive west from Denver into the Rockies, climbing over Independence Pass to cross the Continental Divide, with classic mountain vistas at every turn. Stop at Vail to take a wander through its picturesque alleys with their galleries and boutiques, then head on, following the path of the Colorado River, finally entering Utah. Here the landscape changes to characteristic red rock, and you'll see some extraordinary examples of the area's natural beauty at Arches National Park, with its 2,000-odd sandstone arches and other stunning rock formations. You'll arrive in Moab later to enjoy a cowboy dinner and a sound and light boat cruise along the Colorado River.

Hotel: Ramada Inn

Day 3 - Moab - Mesa Verde National Park - Kayenta

Enter Native American territory today, first visiting the Mesa Verde National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site contains some 600 cliff dwellings built from the sixth to twelfth centuries, along with thousands of other archaeological remains. Many of the dwellings are built into the canyon walls, and some have dozens of rooms. You can also visit the museum which tells the story of the Ancestral Pueblo who lived on this plateau. There will also be stops at viewpoints around the park before you head onwards to Kayenta in the Navajo Reservation, where you will stay for the night.

Hotel: Holiday Inn Kayenta

Day 4 - Kayenta - Monument Valley - Grand Canyon National Park

Drive into Monument Valley, a remarkable landscape that will be instantly recognisable from the dozens of western films made here. Director John Ford filmed the dramatic mesas and buttes on many occassions. You'll pass through the Painted Desert with a stop at the Cameron Trading Post to see examples of fine Native American art before arriving at one of the highlights of the tour - Grand Canyon National Park. Drive along Desert View Drive with some of the most spectacular views of the gorge from Desert View Lookout. Spend the night at Grand Canyon Village within the park itself and you will have a chance to see the fantastic scenery independently and then join your Tour Director for a sunset walk along the canyon's rim. Join your fellow travellers at a local restaurant meal this evening.

Hotel: National Park Lodges

Day 5 - Grand Canyon - Las Vegas

Don't miss the spectacular colours as sun rises over the Grand Canyon. You can also taken an optional helicopter or light aircraft trip over the canyon for unforgettable views. Leaving the canyon, you'll travel westwards to take in parts of the celebrated Route 66, stopping en route at Seligman and Kingman, towns which have changed little since the heyday of this famous road. Cross the Colorado River to approach Las Vegas where you will be spending the final two nights of your American holiday. Your Tour Director will say farewell as you enjoy exploring the glittering entertainment city independently.

Hotel: Las Vegas Hilton

Day 6 - Las Vegas

A full day to sample the attractions of this non-stop city. Try your luck at the casinos, enjoy a round at on the city's dozens of golf courses or relax by the pool. Take a stroll down The Strip or take the Las Vegas Monorail this evening, stopping at some of the megahotels and attractions on the way, and maybe take in a show or meal at one of the city's gourmet restaurants.

Day 7 - Depart Las Vegas

Transfer to Las Vegas Airport at the end of your American holiday.

Departure Dates & Prices

All prices and tour information is correct at time of publication on our website, however is subject to change and availability – please check all details at time of booking.

There is a no smoking policy in all rooms for all travellers.

The displayed prices are based on twin-share accommodation. A single supplement price is available on request.- These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.

Included Highlights

• Vail - see this quaint alpine village
• Arches National Park
• Mesa Verde National Park - ancient Native American cliff dwellings
• Monument Valley - native Navajo guide
• Grand Canyon - tour the South Rim
• Painted Desert
• Route 66 - stop in Seligman and Kingman
• Las Vegas - two nights in the entertainment capital of the world

Dining Highlights

• Welcome Reception in Denver
• Six full breakfasts
• One three-course hotel dinner
• Local restaurant meal at the Grand Canyon

8 included meals in total.

First Class Travel Highlights

• Professional Tour Director throughout
• Complimentary airport transfers
• Air-conditioned luxury motorcoach transport, including onboard restrooms and reclining seats
• En suite hotel accommodation with all service charges, local taxes and baggage fees included (one case each)