Landscapes of the American Southwest - 7 Days

Las Vegas - Grand Canyon National Park - Tusayan. Once you have arrived in Las Vega, make your way to the central meeting point for your pickup. You will then start your adventure by meeting your fellow travellers and guide as we depart from Las Vegas this morning. We will enjoy a scenic drive through the Mojave Desert, with insightful commentary from our knowledgeable guide.

At the Grand Canyon, we'll tackle the South Kaibab Trail, hiking to the breathtaking Ooh Aah Point. This spot offers panoramic views of the canyon's magnificent layers and dramatic cliffs, perfect for appreciating its vast beauty and capturing memorable photographs.

After our hike, we make our way to our overnight stay in the quaint town of Tusayan, Arizona, conveniently located just outside the park. We enjoy a welcome dinner together before you have time to soak in the peaceful atmosphere and rest comfortably for the night.

Driving time: 5 hours

Tusayan - Grand Canyon National Park - Tusayan. Today, we will enjoy a full-day hike to Plateau Point, renowned for its breathtaking views over the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River. We commence our adventure at Grand Canyon Village, following the Bright Angel Trail. This well-maintained path takes us into the canyon, which showcases steep switchbacks, providing stunning views of the towering walls and unique rock formations.

As we get about midway, we arrive at Indian Garden, a green oasis about 7.2 KM from the rim. Here, you can rest, refill your water, and enjoy the shade. We then continue on a 2.4 KM spur trail to Plateau Point, where spectacular vistas of the Colorado River await. This open area is ideal for a break, lunch, or capturing memorable photos.

After absorbing the scenery, we’ll head back to the rim, taking care to manage the steep climb. The hike totals approximately 19.3 KM round trip with considerable elevation changes, making it suitable for experienced hikers in good physical condition.

Driving time: 1 hour

Tusayan - Page. This morning, we journey from Tusayan to Page, and as we travel, you can take in the stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the American Southwest. We begin with a visit to Horseshoe Bend, where you'll admire the striking views of the Colorado River's iconic horseshoe-shaped meander, etched into the desert landscape.

Next, we delve into the captivating world of Antelope Canyon X on a guided tour led by a Native Navajo expert. As we navigate the less travelled slot canyon, our guide will share intriguing insights into its history, geology, and cultural significance, while sunlight filters through the sculpted sandstone walls. After we will make our way to our accommodation in Page.

Driving time: approximately 4 hours.

Page - Kayenta. After breakfast, we set out from Page towards Kayenta, travelling through the wide-open scenery of the Navajo Nation. Along the way, we pause at Navajo National Monument, where we walk among sandstone canyons and learn about the ancestral Puebloan people who carved out their homes in these cliffs centuries ago.

Our journey then takes us to Monument Valley, a place instantly recognisable from countless films and photographs. Here, a Navajo guide leads us off the beaten track on a Jeep tour, revealing the stories, culture, and natural wonders behind the towering monoliths and expansive desert views. As the day draws to a close, we come together for a traditional Navajo dinner beneath the evening sky before continuing to Kayenta, where we spend the night.

Driving time: approximately 3 hours

Kayenta - Chinle. Today, we travel from Kayenta to the remarkable Canyon de Chelly National Monument, a place where striking landscapes and centuries of human history come together. On arrival, we join a Navajo Tribal Park ranger for a guided tour into the canyon. This unique experience takes us past sheer sandstone walls, ancient cliff dwellings, and petroglyphs that share the stories of those who lived here long ago.

Along the way, we learn about the Navajo families who continue to call the canyon home, as well as the ancestral Puebloans who left behind their enduring legacy in stone. After a day of discovery, we continue to Chinle for our overnight stay, surrounded by the quiet beauty of the desert.

Driving time: 3 hours

Chinle - Flagstaff. This morning, we will set out towards Flagstaff, stopping at two remarkable sites that showcase the natural and cultural heritage of Northern Arizona. Our first visit is Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, where we walk among dramatic lava fields and colourful cinder cones, reminders of a powerful eruption that reshaped the land nearly a thousand years ago.

We then continue to Walnut Canyon National Monument. Here, cliffside dwellings built by the Sinagua people offer a striking window into the ingenuity and resilience of those who once lived in this rugged landscape. By late afternoon, we arrive in Flagstaff, a vibrant mountain town with a lively mix of art, history, and culture, framed by the San Francisco Peaks. The evening is yours to explore its restaurants, shops, or simply enjoy the relaxed atmosphere before settling in for the night.

Driving time: 3 hours

Flagstaff - Seligman - Las Vegas. After our final breakfast, we set out from Flagstaff towards Las Vegas, travelling a stretch of the famous Route 66. This drive takes us through classic desert scenery and towns that preserve the character of America’s historic highway. Along the way, we stop in Seligman, a town brimming with retro charm, where old-fashioned diners, colourful murals, and vintage cars capture the spirit of the road’s heyday. If you like, you can treat yourself to a malt or ice cream and soak up the atmosphere.

Continuing west, the quiet desert gradually gives way to the excitement of Nevada. By early evening, we reach Las Vegas, arriving at around 6 pm. Here, surrounded by neon lights and bustling energy, our journey comes to an end with a transfer to the airport.

Driving time: 5 hours