Compare Canyon Country Adventure by Globus vs Utah's National Parks from Las Vegas by Tours of Distinction

Day 1: ARRIVE IN PHOENIX, ARIZONA

Welcome to sunny Phoenix! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.

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Day 2: PHOENIX–SEDONA–GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK

Spectacular Sedona Depart Phoenix and travel north through cactus-studded scenery for an orientation tour of Sedona, “Arizona’s Scenic Sensation.” Enjoy free time in Sedona or join an optional jeep tour through magnificent red rock canyons. Arrive this afternoon at Grand Canyon National Park, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The spectacular beauty of this famous attraction draws more than 5 million visitors a year from around the globe. Spend the next two nights inside the park. This evening, be sure to watch the spectacular sunset. (Breakfast)

FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE in Sedona on an optional excursion with a knowledgeable local guide for a 4-wheel adventure in the American Southwest. Be surrounded by the stunning views of Sedona’s iconic red rock formations on an adventure through spectacular scenery and unsurpassed panoramic views of the desert canyon landscapes.

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Day 3: GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK

The Grandest Adventure If you missed the sunset, sunrise is just as impressive! Today is free to explore everything the canyon has to offer. You may want to enjoy optional flightseeing over the Grand Canyon—definitely the thrill of a lifetime or set out to explore the Grand Canyon and learn about its geology and how the canyon was carved. You may wish to join a Ranger talk in the Amphitheater, venture down part of Bright Angel Trail, or visit the geology museum. (Breakfast)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Grand Canyon National Park spans 278 miles of the Colorado River on the ancestral homeland of 11 Associated Tribes, Marvel at one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World as you experience the dramatic views across one of the most spectacular examples of landscapes carved by water and wind found anywhere in the world—unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers visitors on the rim.

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Day 4: GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK–MONUMENT VALLEY NAVAJO TRIBAL PARK–LAKE POWELL

Southwestern Secrets & Sights Head to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, where the weathering action of wind and water has carved the famous sandstone spires and towers that rise hundreds of feet above the valley floor. On a [LF] 4-wheel-drive backcountry tour with a knowledgeable Navajo guide. Then enjoy a traditional [LF] Navajo Fry Bread tasting. On to Lake Powell for a 2-night stay, with free time to relax or maybe stroll along Wahweap Marina. (Breakfast,Dinner)

LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURE & TRADITION Join a Navajo Guide on a 4-wheel backcountry tour to explore the area’s oddly shaped red-sandstone monoliths, buttes, and mesas—the setting for some of John Ford’s most memorable and classic western films. Hear fascinating stories of legends and folklore that bring this remarkable region to life and enjoy authentic Navajo fry bread.

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Day 5: LAKE POWELL

Wonders of Wind & Water This morning, explore [LF] Antelope Slot Canyon with a local Navajo guide. Be mesmerized by an amazing fantasy world of stone, created by wind and water. Learn the history of this amazing canyon and be sure to take advantage of the incredible photo opportunities. The rest of the day is free in Lake Powell, where sparkling blue water laps against towering red-rock canyon walls and sandy beaches. (Breakfast)

LOCAL FAVORITE
NATURAL WONDERS Explore the exquisite Antelope Slot Canyon in the company of a Local Navajo Guide. Marvel at the changing shades and captivating shapes of the narrow sandstone caverns as beams of sunlight pierce the towering walls carved by wind and water for millennia.

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Day 6: LAKE POWELL–BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK, UTAH

Rock Stars Depart from the splendid views of Lake Powell and travel Utah’s scenic backroads to spectacular Bryce Canyon National Park. Spend time in the park capturing the magnificent contrasts of bright red, yellow, and pink pillars called “hoodoos.” Years of erosion have carved colorful sandstone into thousands of spires, arches, and mazes for an unforgettable sight. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant this evening. (Breakfast,Dinner)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
EPIC RIDE Explore Bryce Canyon’s fantastically sculpted rock formations called Hoodoos that resemble castle towers, cathedral spires, and squatting goblins. As the light changes throughout the day, the canyons glow between distinct oranges, reds, and yellows creating a striking background for photographic masterpieces. And stars? The Bryce area is one of the best places for stargazing thanks to its remote location and lack of pollution. On some nights, more than 7,500 stars are visible!

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Day 7: BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK–ZION NATIONAL PARK–LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

Stones that Touch the Sky Today, see nearby Zion National Park, a spectacle of massive stone formations whose colors change with the light of the day and the season. To the Mormon pioneers, it was a haven of beauty resembling natural temples and cathedrals. Enjoy a boxed picnic lunch on the front lawn of Zion Lodge with free time to explore before continuing to Las Vegas for a brief orientation tour. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATIONAL PARK PERFECTION Meaning a place of peace and refuge known to nourish the soul, Zion’s sandstone walls rise thousands of feet above the valleys and cliffs high above the canyon floor’s lush greenery and snaking Virgin River. Here, Native people and pioneers first gazed skyward at soaring cliffs of cream, pink, and red piercing the brilliant blue sky. Enjoy a boxed picnic lunch on the front lawn of Zion Lodge with free time to explore.

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Day 8: LAS VEGAS

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Want to explore more in Las Vegas? Additional nights are available for purchase. (Breakfast)

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Day 1 - Arrive Las Vegas, NV

Today, transfer to the airport for your flight to Las Vegas. Upon our arrival, we transfer to our hotel on the Las Vegas strip. This evening, there is a Tours of Distinction exclusive welcome reception with the remainder of the evening free to explore the vibrant nightlife that is Vegas.

Day 2 - Grand Canyon Village, AZ

After breakfast, we depart Las Vegas and travel past Lake Mead and Hoover Dam as we enter Arizona. We stop in Kingman to tour the Route 66 Museum, which highlights the glory days of cross country automobile travel. We travel Route 66 heading east through northern Arizona. This afternoon, we will see “One of the Wonders of the World,” Grand Canyon National Park. This 1.2 million acre national park hosts a vast variety of wildlife and scenic wonders. We will learn about the geology and history of the canyon while taking in its breathtaking beauty at all the best view points along the South Rim, including Grand Canyon Village. After, we check into our hotel just outside of the park. Dinner is included this evening.

Day 3 - Lake Powell, UT

Breakfast is included this morning before we make one more pass along the south rim of the Grand Canyon National Park. We include a stop at Desert View before exiting the park. Then, enter the Navajo Nation with a rest stop at Cameron Trading Post with time to explore the amazing gift shop.  Next travel past the Vermillion Cliffs as you make your way to Page for an included lunch.  Then take a spectacular tour through Antelope Canyon.  The mysterious and haunting beauty of Antelope Canyon awaits the adventurous traveler who seeks to discover one of the most spectacular attractions of the Lake Powell area.  A tour to this awe-inspiring sculpture set in stone is a must for amateur and professional photographers alike.  An optional short hike to Horseshoe Bend for a stunning view of the Colorado River is available.  Arrive Lake Powell Resort with the evening free to explore and have dinner on your own.

Day 4 - Monument Valley

The morning starts with breakfast and a scenic cruise on Lake Powell. The contrast of the red rock walls and emerald blue waters are a stunning sight as we glide through the canyons. After, there is time for lunch, on own. This afternoon, we depart Lake Powell and travel to famed Monument Valley, a sacred place to the Navajo. We will be immersed in the rich cultural heritage of the ‘Dineh’ people. Their arts, music and livelihood are all closely tied to the dramatic desert landscape that is their home. After checking in to our hotel, we meet our Navajo guide and board a 4-wheel drive vehicle for a scenic tour of Monument Valley; location for scores of famous western films, television programs and commercials. As we travel through the valley and visit famous locations, such as John Ford Point, Artist Point and The Totem Pole, we will also learn more of the Navajo traditions and way of life. This evening, we experience Navajo culture, food and entertainment at a Navajo Cookout. After a wonderful day, we settle into our hotel.

Day 5 - Arches National Park

After breakfast, we depart Monument Valley and head north, arriving at Dead Horse Point State Park for a picnic lunch and one of the most spectacular scenes in the southwest. We have the chance to see the expanse of Canyonlands National Park stretching to the south and the mighty Colorado River 2,000 feet below. From here, we are off to nearby Arches National Park for sightseeing. The 18,000 square-foot visitor center (with over 2,000 named arches within its 73,000-acre boundary) will introduce us to the unique geologic forces that created the highest concentration of natural arches in the world. We visit all of the park’s highlights including: Park Avenue, Balance Rock, The Windows and Delicate Arch. In the late afternoon, we embark on a fabulous experience, as we take a Jet Boat Ride on the mighty Colorado River through spectacular red rock canyons. As the sun dips in the west, the canyon colors come to life while we learn about the river’s ecosystem, geology and history. After the thrilling ride, we enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner served on the banks of the Colorado River. We later arrive at the beautiful Red Cliffs Adventure Lodge which is located on the bank of the mighty Colorado, and check in for a two night stay. This area has been the site of numerous classic western movies including Rio Grande with John Wayne.

Day 6 - Canyonlands National Park

Our day starts after breakfast by meeting our professional driver guide and board 4x4 vehicles for a Jeep Tour of Canyonlands National Park. The Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park is the focus of this outstanding tour. Set 2,000 feet above the canyon floor, we descend from the top of the mesa via the famous Shafer Trail. Using switchbacks, the tour will take us from atop the mesa to the meandering river corridor below. Throughout the tour, our guide will provide information on the Park and the scenery. What an exciting morning in Canyonlands! Enjoy free time in Moab to have lunch on own, and to do some shopping and exploring. This afternoon, we return to Red Cliffs where we have the rest of the day free to relax and soak in the scenery. There is time to visit the Utah Movie Museum and the Castle Creek Winery, both included, at your leisure. Dinner, this evening, will be served outside with the quintessential western scenery of Castle Valley in full view.

Day 7 - Bryce Canyon National Park

From breakfast, we depart Moab for Capitol Reef National Park. We pass through the town of Green River and the San Rafael Swell. We will see ancient petroglyphs, beautiful rock formations, deep canyons and pioneer history followed by a wonderful picnic lunch under towering cottonwood trees. We will drive scenic Highway 12, designated as an ‘All American Road,’ through Grand Staircase ~ Escalante National Monument, before arriving at Bryce Canyon National Park for sightseeing. Later, we check into our hotel for the evening. This evening is free to enjoy dinner, on own.

Day 8 - Zion National Park - Depart Las Vegas

We depart after breakfast on a short drive to see Utah’s oldest and most famous national park, Zion National Park. The Paiutes believed mischievous spirits lived among the 2,000-foot high towers and would not enter the canyon alone or remain there after dark. There will be time for lunch on own before crossing the desert returning to the glitz and glam of Las Vegas. After an amazing trip through some of our nation’s greatest natural treasures, we enjoy a farewell dinner before being transferred to the airport for your flight home.