8 Day Canyons And Navajo 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.

After leaving Las Vegas, we drive through desert landscapes before arriving in the State of Utah and our destination for today, Zion National Park. Zion Canyon was named by the early Mormon settlers of Utah who thought of it as their `promised land'. Some of the best hiking in the desert terrain of Southwest USA can be found here, in and around the fertile Virgin River Gorge. With a two night stay we have plenty of time to discover Zion. Upon arrival, your leader will take you on a walk to Emerald Pools as an introduction to Zion National Park.

Today is all about exploring Zion National Park and its vast network of trails. There are many great trails but a really good option to start with is the Watchman Trail. It is a steady uphill climb until you reach the viewpoint which offers stunning views of Watchman Peak. In the afternoon, we recommend a walk beside the Virgin River or if weather conditions permit, you may choose to hike deep into the Zion Narrows, a stunning water channel where you'll witness some outstanding scenery. 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.

Another hike option is Angels Landing, which due to its popularity cannot be booked by a tour operator and requires individual customers to apply for a permit via a seasonal lottery. We have included more details on how to go about this in the ‘Is this trip for you?’ section.

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 jewellry, 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.

Optional Activities:

• Helicopter flight from US$289 per person

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.

Optional Activities:

• Helicopter flight from US$289 per person

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.