11 days tour

Colourful Trails Of The Southwest (Balloon Fiesta, End Albuq

Colourful Trails Of The Southwest (Balloon Fiesta, End Albuq

This tour includes:

Guide

An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

Hygieneprotocol

All guests travelling with Trafalgar 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 clientโ€™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.

Transport

Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

Meals

1 Welcome Reception (WR) 10 Breakfast (B) 2 Lunch (L) 2 Dinner (D)

Others

Moab: Enjoy a hosted Be My Guest dinner at Canyon Steak and Waffle hosted by Thayne Waters. He shares his story and connection to the diner and Moab. Santa Fe: Visit Nambรฉ Pueblo, a Native American community in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains famous for its public ceremonies and traditions, strong agriculture, traditional textiles and world-renowned pottery. Once the primary cultural and religious center for the northern New Mexican pueblo communities, Nambรฉ Pueblo has existed at this site since the 14th century. Take in the sprawling land of nearly 20,000 acres of towering cottonwoods, junipers, scrub oak and an occasional outcropping of sandstone on your cultural visit including lunch with the community elders. Grand Canyon National Park: Meet a geologist at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to learn about how this natural marvel was formed and all the different layers that make up the Colorado Plateau. 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. Oak Creek Canyon: Drive through Coconino National Forest on one of the most scenic drives in the U.S., offering a picture perfect view of the surrounding red-rock and Ponderosa Pine forest between Sedona and Flagstaff, Arizona. Glen Canyon Dam: Enjoy a walk to the rim of Glen Canyon where you will get the chance to visit Horseshoe Bend. Monument Valley: Board a 4x4 vehicle and navigate the iconic red valley landscape guided by a member of the Navajo Nation and Local Specialist. Arches National Park: Visit Arches National Park, housing the greatest concentration of natural arches in the world. Some 6,000 natural sandstone arches can be found within the boundaries of the national park. Canyonlands National Park: Itโ€™s on 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. Mesa Verde National Park: Admire the ancient cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloan people, carved out of the sandstone of the canyon walls, at the UNESCO-listed Mesa Verde National Park. Several hundred of these dwellings, in addition to thousands of known archaeological sites, are preserved in this protected area and youโ€™ll have an opportunity to see several during your visit to the park, as you ride along the Mesa Top Loop, and Cliff Palace Loop, where you can see the magnificent Cliff Palace. Taos: Explore Taos Pueblo with Local Specialists who call Taos Pueblo home. Gain insight into the history of the pueblo and what it is like to live there today. Grand Canyon: Travel to Desert View and bask in the views of the Grand Canyon and the iconic watchtower decorated with its Hopi artist murals. Make your way to an Inter-tribal Cultural Heritage site where members share their stories, family histories and provide cultural demonstrations such as carpet weaving and traditional song and dance performances. Our visit and donation provide a continuous source of seed funding for the heritage site while allowing guests to engage directly with Indigenous community members. Monument Valley: Travel to Monument Valley for a highly enjoyable cookout lunch with members of the Navajo Nation. Youโ€™ll take off-road vehicles to the cookout site where youโ€™ll enjoy a delicious steak and chicken dinner with a chance to try traditional Navajo tacos and fry-bread. Santa Fe: Visit the 50-acre property on a private tour with local specialist to see some of Allan Houserโ€™s most amazing works known for his magnificent sculptures and paintings depicting various Indigenous tribes. Taos: Visit Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO Worldโ€™s Heritage Center as well as a National Historic Landmark and one the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the country. Best known for is iconic, multi-storied adobe buildings, built roughly 1,000 years ago. About 150 Puebloans live within the pueblo full time. The Taos Tribal Council, which owns the pueblo, does not allow any modern convenience inside the pueblo, such as running water or electricity. : Explore the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park : Visit Scottsdale, Mesa Verde, Cameron Trading Post, Horseshoe Bend Lookout, Moab, Durango, Taos and Santa Fe : Scenic Drive through Sedonaโ€™s Red Rock Country, Oak Creek Canyon, Grand Canyon National Parkโ€™s Desert View Drive, Trail of the Ancients National Scenic Byway and the High Road Scenic Byway from Taos to Santa Fe Durango: Stay at The Strater Hotel, adorned with beautiful handcrafted woodwork, housing the largest collection of American Victorian walnut antiques. Itโ€™s Durangoโ€™s Historic Landmark Hotel, showcasing stories of the old west and mining times. : An expert Travel Director and professional Driver : Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted : All porterage and restaurant gratuities : All hotel tips, charges and local taxes : Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals : Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras : Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing : All transport and transfers shown : Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys) : Optional Experiences and free time An expert Travel Director and professional Driver Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted All porterage and restaurant gratuities All hotel tips, charges and local taxes Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing All transport and transfers shown Optional Experiences and free time

Accommodation

Sonesta Suites Scottsdale Gainey Ranch National Park Lodges Grand Canyon Courtyard by Marriott Page at Lake Powell Hyatt Place Moab Strater Hotel, Durango Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown

Not included:

Others

Other activities and services are not included

Insurance

Travel Insurance is not included

Flights

International flights are not included

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Colourful Trails Of The Southwest (Balloon Fiesta, End Albuq

  • Day 1 Day 1: Welcome To Phoenix And Scottsdale
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Welcome To Phoenix And Scottsdale

      Sun-kissed Phoenix kickstarts your journey through Americaโ€™s stunning Southwest. Youโ€™ll have the day on your own to recover from your travels, then meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception later this evening.

  • Day 2 Day 2: See The Red Rocks Of Sedona Connect With Locals
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: See The Red Rocks Of Sedona Connect With Locals

      Your first stop today is in the artistsโ€™ enclave of Sedona โ€“ surrounded by red-rock buttes, steep canyon walls and pine forests. Youโ€™ll travel through Oak Creek Canyon next, with its rocky red cliffs, then venture to the UNESCO-listed Grand Canyon National Park, where a Local Specialist will share the canyonโ€™s many geological marvels. Tonight, youโ€™ll have an opportunity to overnight at one of the lodges inside the park.

  • Day 3 Day 3: Take In The Sights Of The Grand Canyon Make Travel Matter
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Take In The Sights Of The Grand Canyon Make Travel Matter

      Donโ€™t miss an unforgettable experience: Rise early for an optional flightseeing over the Grand Canyon and then trace the scenic South Rim of the Grand Canyon along Desert View Drive. Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTERยฎ Experience as we visit Desert Viewโ€™s Pueblo-style Watch tower and support the development of the Desert View Inter-tribal Heritage Center. Later, weโ€™ll all stop at Cameron Trading Post and perhaps sample traditional Native American fry bread. Finally, weโ€™ll take a walk to the rim of Glen Canyon to Horseshoe Bend. This evening, join an Optional Make Travel Matter Experience at Red Heritage, a Navajo owned and operated Native American Performing Arts Theater. They showcase culturally inspired food alongside an unforgettable show!

  • Day 4 Day 4: Take A Scenic Drive To Moab Make Travel Matter
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Take A Scenic Drive To Moab Make Travel Matter

      Depart Page and drive through Navajo Tribal Lands to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, the largest reservation in the United States with over 17 million acres of land between Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico. Dive Into Culture as you board a 4x4 vehicle and navigate the iconic red valley landscape guided by a member of the Navajo Nation and Local Specialist. Pause and settle in surrounded by buttes and mesas in this sacred land for an outdoor chicken and steak barbeque lunch prepared by a Navajo tribe member as they share stories about the Dineh (Navajo) people and their connection to Monument Valley. Then continue to Moab on a scenic drive from Monument Valley where your Travel Director will share intel on some of the sights youโ€™ll see along the way. Sit back and enjoy views of the San Juan River, Mexican Hat, Bluff, and the Abajo "Blue Mountain" and La Sal Mountains. Your time in Moabโ€”the gateway city to Arches National Park, Canyonlands National park, and the Colorado Riverโ€”kicks off with a hearty Be My Guest experience dinner at Canyon Steak and Waffle. So much more than a place to refuel after a day of exploring, this is your chance to sit down and learn about local life through our host and restaurant owner Shawn Welch. Shawn shares her story and connection to the diner as you learn about growing up in Moab and how sheโ€™s come to own and operate an authentic American diner.

  • Day 5 Day 5: Admire The Landscape Of Arches National Park
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Admire The Landscape Of Arches National Park

      This morning, discover how the forces of wind and rain have shaped the enchanting landscape of Arches National Park in the stunning formations that they are, with countless perfect photo opportunities. Later, journey to Canyonlands National Park to connect with nature even more.

  • Day 6 Day 6: Discover The History Of Mesa Verde Stays With Stories
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Discover The History Of Mesa Verde Stays With Stories

      We arrive in the UNESCO-listed Mesa Verde National Park to delve into the history and culture of the Ancestral Puebloan people. Explore their beautifully preserved sandstone dwellings. This evening, in Durango, your Stay With Story is historic Strater Hotel. Youโ€™ll have the evening at leisure to explore the historic town of Durango.

  • Day 7 Day 7: Dive Into Durango Make Travel Matter
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Dive Into Durango Make Travel Matter

      Enjoy free time in Durango today, or you may take a scenic drive along the Million Dollar Highway from Ouray and Silverton. If youโ€™re lucky, enjoy a truly unforgettable step back in time, on a ride aboard the coal-fired, steam-powered narrow-gauge train (booked independently). The train chugs along rails that were originally laid at the end of the 19th century, winding through a spectacular wilderness which would be inaccessible by car. If youโ€™re feeling more adventurous, opt for a white-water rafting trip on the Animas River.

  • Day 8 Day 8: Unlock The Legacy Of Nambe Pueblo
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Unlock The Legacy Of Nambe Pueblo

      The journey continues along the High Road โ€“ Santa Fe Scenic Byway, rich in history, art and culture. Enjoy a traditional Nambe Pueblo feast day meal at the Pojoaque Pueblo Seniors Center. Lunch will be prepared by the community members at the Senior Center, which includes traditional stews and deserts. Guests can expect an explanation of traditional feast days in Nambe, as well as a one-of-a-kind dining experience with members from the Pueblo of Nambe. Later, arrive at the hotel, ideally located two short blocks from Santa Feโ€™s Historic Plaza.

  • Day 9 Day 9: Explore The Unique Culture Of Santa Fe Make Travel Matter
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Explore The Unique Culture Of Santa Fe Make Travel Matter

      Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTERยฎโ€ฏExperience as you visit one of the greatest Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites in the Southwest. Be immersed in the fascinating adobe dwellings and take a walk through Taos Pueblo, a Native American community that has been continuously inhabited for the last 1,000 years. Meet your Taos tribal resident guide and explore the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. Get ready for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTERยฎ Experience with a visit to the Allan Houser Sculpture Garden. See many of the cityโ€™s major sights before you have the rest of the day to pursue your own interests before gathering together for a fantastic farewell dinner.

  • Day 10 Day 10: Revel At The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: Revel At The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

      Youโ€™re in for a wild time at Albuquerqueโ€™s Balloon Fiesta. Explore Old Town Albuquerque after your arrival before venturing to the Chasersโ€™ Club this evening to view the mesmerizing Balloon Glow.

  • Day 11 Day 11: Depart Albuquerque
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: Depart Albuquerque

      Gaze upwards as hundreds of colorful balloons take to the sky. Then, transfer to Albuquerque International airport or consider extending your stay at the Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown. Airport arrival will be at 11:00 AM, please be aware when booking your flights.

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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Basic

Almost everyone is fit for these activities. Every hike or physical exercise last less than 30 minutes, such as paragliding and horseback riding. Please ask about specific conditions.

Age range

Age range

Min: 5 / Max: 99

Age range allowed for this experience.

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