8 Days Canyons And Indian Lands

Welcome to the 'Neon City' in the Nevada desert, a place everyone should experience at least once in their life. The opportunities here are endless and you'll have a full day to explore, so why not try your luck on the tables, see one of the many world-class shows or sample an all-American buffet? Join us at 18:00 hrs for a welcome meeting with your group and tour leader. Afterwards you're free to take in the cityscape at night or wander along The Strip.

Zion effortlessly mixes peaceful beauty with powerful landscapes and the tree lined Virgin River supports fragile flora and fauna as it meanders below massive, cathedral-like sandstone walls. Zion Canyon was named by the early Mormon settlers of Utah who thought of it as their 'promised land' and it offers some of the best hiking in the Southwest USA.

You have a full day to further explore the delights of Zion National Park. There are various hikes to choose from, ranging from easy to strenuous. Of all the walks within the park, one you simply must do is the famous and challenging hike to Angels Landing. Once you've conquered this epic trail you'll be greeted with one of the most breathtaking panoramas you've ever laid eyes on. For a less strenuous walk, take one of the short hikes from the valley floor to view the Lower Emerald Pools then continue on to the sparkling Upper Emerald Pools, passing a waterfall along the way to discover Zion's 'beach'. Cool off from the summer sun by exploring the riverside walk section of the Virgin River. If weather conditions permit, you may choose to hike deep into the Zion Narrows. Staying dry is not an option as you wade through the Virgin River between towering walls. The cool waters and the shadow of the canyon can provide a much-needed respite from the scorching sun.

Leaving Zion National Park, you climb in elevation to almost 8,296 feet and traverse a high plateau to Bryce Canyon National Park. "Mysterious", "breathtaking" and "out of this world" are just a few of the descriptions offered by past visitors to describe this fascinating natural amphitheatre of pink, orange and white sandstone spires, known locally as hoodoos.

There are a variety of scenic overlooks and trails that range from easy to moderate in difficulty. The Navajo or Peek-a-Boo Loop trails will enable you to hike right in amongst these unique rock formations. Wherever you walk, you'll encounter a kaleidoscope of colours and a fantasy land of rock spires that'll leave you mesmerised. For the photographers, you may prefer to remain on the rim and photograph the ever-changing shadows and hues as the sun makes its way across the wide-open sky. These are the picture-perfect moments you've been waiting for.

Today you travel southeast along the border of Utah and Arizona and make a stop at the immense Glen Canyon Dam en route to Monument Valley in the heart of the Navajo Nation. This is sacred land to those who call it home and the red sandstone monoliths and spectacular sunsets and sunrises have been the backdrop to countless Westerns. Explore the incredible array of rock formations on an included guided back roads tour to learn the magic and myth of the rich Native American culture.

Continue south through the Navajo Reservation to the Cameron Trading Post to shop for local jewellery, crafts and cultural souvenirs. Traverse the eastern entrance of the mighty Grand Canyon where you'll catch your first glimpse of it at Desert View. This incredible spectacle is difficult to comprehend, even as you stand at the rim or hike down into the canyon. Carved over several millennia, this massive wonder of nature is 277 miles (445km) long, up to 18 miles (29km) wide and over one mile (1.6km) deep. Snaking through the canyon floor is the mighty Colorado River, which runs 1450 miles (2330 km) through seven US states and two Mexican states.

In your free time, we highly recommend a scenic helicopter flight over the canyon, offering perspectives you simply can't see by just visiting on foot. Alternatively, stroll the easy meandering South Rim Trail, hike your way down the more challenging trail to Plateau Point, or simply relax at the canyon's edge and enjoy a spectacular sunset over one of the world's most fantastic natural wonders.

From the epic Grand Canyon, you'll travel onto Seligman, where you'll stop for an optional lunch at the Snow Cap Diner along a section of the iconic Route 66. Prepare to be dazzled all over again by the bright lights of Las Vegas - a memorable end to a fantastic eight days!

This tour ends at our gateway hotel at approximately 17:00 hrs. We recommend booking post-tour accommodation if time allows. If you are planning to fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 21:00 hrs.