Compare Signature City Kansas City by Road Scholar vs Wonders of the American West by Insight Vacations

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Trip	Signature City Kansas City by Road Scholar 4.5 \| Great 291 Reviews Trip Details Save Trip Customize	Wonders of the American West by Insight Vacations 5 \| Excellent 13844 Reviews Trip Details Save Trip Reserve

Duration	6 days	11 days
Price From	$ 1,129	$ 4,395
Price Per Day	$ 188	$ 400
Highlights	Learn about the historical anchors of Kansas City’s black culture on expert-led visits to the American Jazz Museum and Negro Leagues Baseball Museum Hear trade secrets from BBQ experts and sample area styles at two different BBQ joints Explore the Kansas City home and studio of the late artist Thomas Hart Benton to see how he and his family lived, and study the life and times of Harry Truman at his Presidential Library in Independence	Choose between two carefully selected activities Grand Canyon National Park: Join your Local Expert, Canyon Tim, for an informative talk about the wonders of the Grand Canyon. With over seven years of experience in geology, you'll learn about the origins of the five-million-year-old canyon, its rock formation and its current impact. You'll also discover the local flora and fauna, and find out where you might be able to spot elk, mule deer, coyotes, grey foxes, bobcats and mountain lions. Grand Canyon: Join your Travel Director for a relaxed hike along the rim of the Grand Canyon from Mather Point to Yavapai Point. 1.4 miles (2.25 kilometres) roundtrip, this scenic hike will provide spectacular views of the canyon's unique geology. : Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches. : Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19. All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols. : Our Well-Being Directors take a proactive approach to your welfare ensuring all well-being regulations are met (available on tours with 21 or more guests). : Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day. : We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues. Monument Valley: Take a journey through Monument Valley Navajo Tribal park, meeting Navajo Local Experts on a guided journey across tribal land. Learn about Navajo history, culture and heritage, plus the careful balance maintained here between the tribes and the land. : "It’s magical to see how a group of guests come together over the course of our trip. I can always tell when that’s happening because they start planning their own ‘post-arrival’ activities before the travel day has finished." Las Vegas: At 18:00, join your Travel Director and companions for a Welcome Dinner with wine at the Bacchanal Buffet, with an award-winning spread that spans over 25,000 square feet where you can indulge on flavors from around the globe. Moab: Enjoy a Dine-Around evening as you choose from a hand-picked selection of mouthwatering restaurants. Bryce Canyon National Park: Get together with your new friends for a memorable Celebration Dinner within the park's beautiful surroundings. Dining Summary: 5 Dinner with Wine (DW), 9 Breakfast (B), and 1 Lunch (L) Grand Canyon National Park: Join your Local Expert, Canyon Tim, for an informative talk about the wonders of the Grand Canyon. With over seven years of experience in geology, you'll learn about the origins of the five-million-year-old canyon, its rock formation and its current impact. You'll also discover the local flora and fauna, and find out where you might be able to spot elk, mule deer, coyotes, grey foxes, bobcats and mountain lions. Glen Canyon Dam: Later today, you’ll stop by the Glen Canyon Dam where you’ll learn about its history and impact on the Colorado River. Mesa Verde National Park: Make your way to Mesa Verde National Park, See the ancient pueblo cliff dwellings, known as the Cliff Palace. As the day draws to a close, your lodge awaits you inside the park. Be in awe of the sweeping vistas that surround and reach into three states. Monument Valley: Meet your Navajo Local Experts and board all-terrain vehicles (waiver required) with open sides for a private, off-the-beaten path exploration of this magical valley. Learn about Navajo history, culture and heritage from your expert as you travel deeper in the natural wonders of this unique landscape. Mesa Verde National Park: See the ancient pueblo cliff dwellings, known as the Cliff Palace. Arches National Park: Enjoy views of the natural formations, including the iconic Delicate Arch. Canyonlands National Park: Venture to Canyonlands National Park for a drive onto the Island in the Sky - a mesa resting 1,000 feet (305 metres) above the surrounding countryside, offering spectacular views over the dramatic sandstone formations. Capitol Reef National Park: Join your Travel Director to see the natural sights along Capitol Reef's Waterpocket Fold, known as “a geological wrinkle on earth”. The geologic monocline extends almost 100 miles and is filled with cliffs, canyons, domes and bridges. Admire petroglyphs and the domed shaped sandstone walls along the canyon. Bryce Canyon National Park: Head to the sandstone cliffs of Bryce Canyon National Park in Southern Utah. Here you will be met by pine trees and red rock pillars. Take a leisurely walk along Sunset Point while you view the great amphitheatres of the odd-shaped monoliths, known as hoodoos. Bryce Canyon National Park: The Park is home to the most spectacular collection of hoodoos - tall skinny shafts of rock that protrude from the bottom of arid basins. While hoodoos are scattered throughout these areas, they are most abundant in the northern section of Bryce Canyon National Park. Zion National Park: See the grandeur and natural features of the canyon in total comfort while traveling via private open-air tram with live on-board commentary. Grand Canyon: Join your Travel Director for a relaxed hike along the rim of the Grand Canyon from Mather Point to Yavapai Point. 1.4 miles (2.25 kilometres) roundtrip, this scenic hike will provide spectacular views of the canyon's unique geology. Monument Valley: Experience true authentic dining as you explore Monument Valley with a traditional Navajo cookout. Prepared by Navajo women in their tribal lands, this experience demonstrates their culture and supports the community. Dine on delicious steak and tasty Navajo Tacos, or try the or veggie option, all served with fried bread, corn on the cob and beans.
Trip Style	Group tour	Group tour
Lodging Level	Standard	Premium
Physical Level	1- Very easy	0- Wheelchair accessible
Travel Themes	Cultural Culinary & Wine Family Friendly 50 plus Education / Learning	Cultural 50 plus
Countries Visited	United States	United States
Cities and Attractions	N/A	Bryce Canyon National Park Grand Canyon Lake Powell Las Vegas Mesa Verde Monument Valley
Flights & Transport	Ground transport included	Airfare included
Activities	Culture History Ruins & Archaeology	Culture
Meals Included	13 Meals 5 Breakfasts 4 Lunches 4 Dinners The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Low Salt, Low Fat, Gluten Free	N/A
Description	Discover the many faces of Kansas City: From jazz clubs to BBQ joints, from its Negro Leagues Baseball Museum to grand institutions of art, enjoy it all in the “Paris of the Plains.”	See the best of the American West on this 10-Day guided tour. Join a Local Expert at Grand Canyon National Park for a one-of-a-kind experience: Allow the expert to guide you through the park while teaching you about how this national treasure was formed. On the way to picturesque Lake Powell, stop at the Glen Canyon Dam, then lounge at the pool of your hotel. In Page, enjoy a Navajo inspired taco buffet dinner and performance. Meet a Navajo guide in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, where you will board ATVs, explore the valley and learn about the tribe’s history. Later, eat a traditional Navajo lunch amid the valley’s beautiful buttes and mesas. In Moab, see the ancient pueblo dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park, where the Ancestral Pueblo people once lived. Travel to Bryce Canyon National Park to explore its rock pillars and natural amphitheaters — then feast with your fellow travelers overlooking the park’s iconic orange rock formations.

Itinerary: Signature City Kansas City

Day 1
Check-In, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Location: Kansas City, MO Meal: D Hotel: Holiday Inn Country Club Plaza Hotel
Activity note: Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.

Activity note: Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Program Registration: 3:00 p.m. After you have your room assignment, come to the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing your name-tag, up-to-date schedule that reflects any last-minute changes, other important information, and to confirm when and where the Orientation session will take place. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in.

Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet dinner with choices of entrée plus coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: Orientation: The Group Leader, a knowledgeable museum educator, will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will have breakfast each day in the hotel, lunches and dinners in the hotel and restaurants around the city. We will pre-select some meals. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

Day 2
Kansas City History, Jazz Scene History, Truman Presentation
Location: Kansas City, MO Meal: B,L,D Hotel: Holiday Inn Country Club Plaza Hotel

Activity note: Walking approximately 1 mile; transportation back to hotel available if needed.

Breakfast: At the hotel, choose what you like from the breakfast buffet that includes choices such as eggs, pancakes or French toast, fruit, milk, juice, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: We’ll be joined by a local educator who will give us an overview presentation on Kansas City and Missouri, providing the foundation for our program activities.

Lunch: We’ll walk to a nearby restaurant in Country Club Plaza and order from a select menu.

Afternoon: We’ll set out on a walking field trip with a local historian to explore and learn about the history, public art, and Spanish-inspired architecture of the Country Club Plaza area, a 15-block retail, dining, and entertainment district. We’ll also learn about J. C. Nichols, the visionary developer who in 1922 transformed a swampy section of Brush Creek Valley into America’s first suburban shopping district. Returning to the hotel, we’ll have a presentation/reenactment of a famous historical figure from Kansas City's past. Participants always love the respect for the past, compassion, and attention to detail shown in this presentation of a memorable character.

Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet dinner with choices of entrée plus coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: We’ll be joined by a musician who is part of the Kansas City Jazz scene who will tell us about what’s happening and perform for us.

Day 3
Union Station, KC BBQ, Jazz Museum, Negro League Baseball
Location: Kansas City, MO Meal: B,L Hotel: Holiday Inn Country Club Plaza Hotel

Activity note: Walking up to 1 mile; some stairs.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: This morning we’ll travel to historic Union Station for an expert led exploration of this fabulous building. Part of the reason Kansas City became known as Paris of the Plains was its free and easy nightlife in the early 20th century. But it was also thanks to significant cultural institutions and majestic architecture such as Union Station, opened in 1914. The architect, Jarvis Hunt, was a prominent member of the “City Beautiful” movement focused on urban beautification. The station is a wonderful example of the Beaux-Arts style and was the second-largest train station in the country when it opened. At its peak in World War II, Union Station served more than a million passengers but deteriorated over the decades as train travel declined. A restoration movement began in the 1980s and reached fruition with the 1999 re-opening of a rejuvenated, multi-purpose community facility. Today it is not only a monument to travel, but also a home for culture, education, and entertainment. We will meet a local historian who will lead a Black History field trip. We’ll learn about topics from slavery in the heart of America to the Underground Railroad, war time sacrifices of African Americans, the beginning of the Civil Rights movement, and the renowned 18th and Vine Historic District that was a business and cultural hub for local people as well as visiting notables such as Count Basie, Cab Calloway, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Lena Horne, Langston Hughes, Joe Louis, Jesse Owens, Satchel Paige, Charlie Parker, Jackie Robinson, Mary Lou Williams, Lester Young, and many more.

Lunch: At a local BBQ restaurant, we’ll meet the Pit Master, get a behind the scenes look at the world of Kansas City BBQ, and enjoy a tasty lunch featuring restaurant specialties.

Afternoon: Next, we’ll visit the historic 18th and Vine District, a cradle of jazz, and two of the city’s most praised museums side by side in one facility: the American Jazz Museum and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. The American Jazz Museum is the only museum in the world dedicated exclusively to preserving and promoting jazz music while also celebrating jazz greats such as Charlie Parker — born and raised in Kansas City — and providing performance opportunities for up and coming performers. In addition to music, the 18th and Vine District was the thriving home of other aspects of black life and culture. The Negro National League was founded here in 1920. Jackie Robinson played for the Kansas City Monarchs before going to the big leagues. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum preserves the legacy of that era, its players, and the rich history of African-American baseball. We'll end our afternoon with a visit to the Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden. A 2 acre botanical garden filled with over 7,000 plants, pools, limestone walls and brick walkways. The garden features over 5 different designs and is maintained by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and Powell Gardens.

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 4
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, World War I Museum, Jazz Club
Location: Kansas City, MO Meal: B,L,D Hotel: Holiday Inn Country Club Plaza Hotel

Activity note: Walking and standing at field trip sites.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We’ll take a field trip with our Group Leader to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art that resulted from the legacies of two public spirited citizens who believed in the necessity of cultural resources for the city and the power of art to stimulate the human spirit. The original building, a neo-Classical masterpiece, was called a “temple of art” when it opened in 1933. Much of the permanent collection was purchased for bargain prices during the Great Depression. Highlights include European paintings, Asian art and antique Chinese furniture, American painting, Native American art, and an outdoor sculpture park. The modern addition opened in 2007. While the design was controversial, the finished structures were highly praised. The New York Times architecture critic wrote: “For the art world, the addition, known as the Bloch Building, should reaffirm that art and architecture can happily coexist. The rest of us can draw comfort from the fact that public works of our own day and age can equal or surpass the grand achievements of past generations.”

Lunch: At the museum café, we’ll have what we pre-selected.

Afternoon: This afternoon's field trip includes an expert-led exploration at the National World War I Museum and Memorial. The memorial that opened in 1926 is a 217-foot tall tower framed by stone sphinxes representing Memory and the Future. At its dedication, President Calvin Coolidge said, “It has not been raised to commemorate war and victory, but rather the results of war and victory which are embodied in peace and liberty…” The museum opened in 2007. Visitors enter over a field of 9,000 simulated poppies, each representing 1,000 dead soldiers. Exhibits trace the development of European conflicts that resulted in the war and the role of the U.S. in helping bring the war to an end.

Dinner: At a popular Kansas City restaurant with choices of entrée plus coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 5
Thomas Hart Benton, Arabia Steamboat, Truman Library
Location: Kansas City, MO Meal: B,L,D Hotel: Holiday Inn Country Club Plaza Hotel

Activity note: Walking and standing at field trip sites; some uneven ground.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We’ll travel to the home and studio of Thomas Hart Benton (1889-1975), one of America’s most popular artists for several decades before World War II. At the age of 18, he enrolled in the Art Institute of Chicago, then went to Paris where he met and admired the great Mexican muralist Diego Rivera. He returned to America and served at the Norfolk Naval Base during World War I, where he was influenced by the Navy’s requirement for artistic realism. His family’s roots in Missouri gave him an intense appreciation of life and culture in the Midwest. Benton’s great murals made him a champion of the artistic movement known as Regionalism. He was also an outspoken opponent of fascism, foreign and domestic. He is remembered foremost for his images of ordinary people and daily life. We’ll have an insider’s look at his home and studio, untouched since his death, and learn about his life, work, and influence on other American artists. Moving on to Independence, Missouri, we’ll reach the Harry S Truman National Historic Site, where a staff member will portray Truman — the last of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s four Vice Presidents, sworn in as President when FDR died on April 12, 1945. He was reelected in 1948 when pollsters expected him to lose. As President, he made the decision to drop the atomic bomb, oversaw the end of World War II , implemented the Marshall Plan and NATO, expanded Social Security, proposed national health insurance, supported civil rights, and recognized the State of Israel. He also waged an undeclared war in Korea. After retiring to private life, he was known as Mr. Citizen for his active life of writing, lecturing, and founding his library.

Lunch: At a restaurant in Independence, we’ll have a pre-selected lunch with soft drinks and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: We’ll visit the spectacular Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts for a field trip led by a member of the staff. We’ll explore the city’s dramatic, eye-catching arts center designed by Moshe Safdie that opened in 2011. The Kansas City Ballet, Kansas City Symphony, and Lyric Opera of Kansas City are resident companies that perform in the 1,800-seat Muriel Kauffman Theatre and 1,600-seat Helzberg Hall. We’ll marvel at the beauty of the building and learn how the performance halls were designed to enhance the acoustic and visual experience.

Dinner: At a popular Kansas City restaurant and jazz club with live music, we’ll have our farewell dinner and enjoy the performance on stage. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure following our final session in the morning.

Day 6
KC Jazz, Program Concludes

Location: Kansas City, MO Meal: B

Activity note: Hotel check-out by 12:00 PM

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We’ll be joined by a Jazz historian to learn more about what has been called America’s indigenous art form, how it developed in Kansas City, and enjoy some music. This concludes our program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Itinerary: Wonders of the American West

Day 1: Arrive in Las Vegas

Welcome to glittering Las Vegas. On arrival at Las Vegas International Airport, your transfer will take you to your hotel. At 18:00, join your Travel Director and companions for a Welcome Dinner with wine at the award-winning Bacchanal Buffet.

Caesars Palace, Las Vegas.

Dinner with Wine

Day 2: The Wonders of the Grand Canyon

Journey on to Grand Canyon National Park. Choose to hike along the scenic Rim Trail with your Travel Director. Alternatively join a Local Expert, Canyon Tim, for a fascinating discussion on the wonders of this natural phenomenon, and learn about the local flora and fauna, and find out how you might be able to spot the local wildlife.

Grand Canyon National Park Lodge

Breakfast

Day 3: Grand Canyon and Lake Powell

Wake up to the backdrop of the Grand Canyon and enjoy some peace and tranquility before the day trippers arrive. You may take an optional flight-seeing helicopter ride for stunning views over the Grand Canyon before departing for the majesty of Lake Powell. Stop at Glen Canyon Dam to learn about its impact on the Colorado River before arriving at your lakefront resort. Check in to your room and enjoy the evening at leisure. Watch the sunset as you dine or relax by the pool.

Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas.

Breakfast

Day 4: A Leisurely day at Lake Powell Relaxed Start

Spend the day doing entirely as you please. Perhaps join an optional float trip (signed liability waiver required) down one of the most scenic stretches of the Colorado River or take to the skies and see the sights of Lake Powell, Glen Canyon Dam, and Horseshoe Bend with a 20 Minute landing on Tower Butte. The incredible 360-degree panoramic view this high is unlike any other. In the evening, enjoy an authentic dinner and performance at Red Heritage, a Navajo owned and operated performing arts theatre.

Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 5: Monument Valley and the Navajo Nation

Journey on through the barren beauty of the desert to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, where you will MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®. Board a Jeep 4x4 to explore the valley with your Navajo guide. These sturdy all-terrain vehicles offer open sides for spectacular views and a roof to protect you from the sun. Learn about Navajo history from your guide and more about life on their beautiful land. The area is also the backdrop for many Western Hollywood hits, including "Stagecoach" and "Fort Apache." Inspired by these iconic movies, you’ll find “John Wayne’s cabin” at nearby Goulding’s Lodge. This small structure was used for exterior shots in "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon," starring Wayne himself. The venue also holds a cinema dedicated to Wayne and his impressive movie portfolio. Enjoy a Navajo cookout Highlight Lunch amid the giant buttes and mesas of this unique landscape before making your way to Mesa Verde National Park, where the day draws to a close. Your lodge inside the park offers sweeping vistas reaching into three states.

Far View Lodge, Mesa Verde.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Wine

Day 6: Mesa Verde and Moab

Enjoy a comprehensive visit to the fascinating Mesa Verde National Park. View the ancient pueblo dwellings known as Cliff Palace. Settle in for a relaxing stay at your modern hotel superbly located on the charming Main Street. Later, enjoy a Dine-Around evening and choose from a hand-picked selection of excellent restaurants.

Homewood Suites, Moab.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 7: Delve into Canyonlands and Arches National Parks

In the morning, visit Arches National Park, housing the greatest concentration of natural arches in the world. Stop and take a short hike to the Delicate Arch Viewpoint to view the iconic arch. Then it's on to Canyonlands National Park for a drive onto the Island in the Sky, a mesa resting 1,000 feet (305 metres) above the surrounding countryside, offering spectacular views over the dramatic sandstone formations. Back at the hotel, your evening is at leisure. Perhaps enjoy the outdoors or relax in this beautiful natural setting.

Homewood Suites, Moab.

Breakfast

Day 8: Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon National Parks

Magnificent scenery awaits at Capitol Reef National Park, best known for its Waterpocket Fold, a 100- mile-long (160 kilometre) warp in the earth's crust. Journey along scenic Byway 12 - one of the most beautiful roads in the world, winding through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. End the night at The Lodge inside Bryce Canyon National Park. Officially designated as a Dark Sky Park, brightly hued sunsets and starry nights are likely to be found here.

The Lodge at Bryce Canyon.

Breakfast

Day 9: Whimsical Bryce Canyon National Park Relaxed Start

Start the day traveling through Bryce Canyon National Park, the great natural Amphitheatre. These whimsical eroded rock formations that characterize this Utah National Park are some of most unusual shapes imaginable, having an abstract artistic feel to them. Learn how wind, erosion and iron oxidation created the spellbinding hoodoos with your Travel Director. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for a memorable Celebration Dinner set overlooking the park's vivacious orange and red rock formations.

The Lodge at Bryce Canyon.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 10: Zion National Park, back to Las Vegas

Enjoy a last look at Bryce Canyon, glowing in the early morning light. Head on to Zion National Park - one of the most scenic canyons in the United States. Here, join a guided tour by a private Zion Canyon Shuttle, with live commentary, and views of the park's best sites. Your journey ends with a departure transfer to Las Vegas International Airport, arriving at 16:00.

Breakfast