Compare Enchanted New Mexico by Globus vs USA Road Trip — Highway 1, Yosemite & Utah by G Adventures

Day 1: ARRIVE IN ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO

Welcome to Albuquerque! At 6 pm, meet your travel companions for a welcome drink.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION Exquisite desert landscapes, soaring snowcapped mountains, steamy hot springs, and enthralling national monuments make New Mexico a land of wonders. Add the enticing cultural richness of its Native American and Mexican heritage, and you’ll soon see why this stunning state is called the “Land of Enchantment.”

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Day 2: ALBUQUERQUE

The Land of Enchantment This morning, tour Albuquerque’s Old Town before visiting the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Then enjoy [LF] lunch at the Indian Pueblo Kitchen for an unforgettable Indigenous dining experience. Tonight, your Tour Director will have dining suggestions for your evening in Old Town at leisure. (Breakfast,Lunch)

LOCAL FAVORITE
TASTES & TRADITIONS Experience the spice of life inside Albuquerque’s Indian Pueblo Cultural Center where lunch is served at the renowned Indian Pueblo Kitchen. Experience an unforgettable Indigenous dining experience with traditional and creative Native American culinary artistry served with a warm and welcoming Pueblo hospitality.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORY & HERITAGE Visit Albuquerque’s enthralling Indian Pueblo Cultural Center for a fascinating look at its museum and crafts market, collectively run by the 19 New Mexico pueblos (villages). Here, you’ll learn about the history, background, and life of the 19 pueblos of New Mexico. Top off your visit with a lunch at the Indian Pueblo Kitchen to enjoy indigenous dishes loved through generations.

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Day 3: ALBUQUERQUE–JEMEZ PUEBLO–TAOS

High Desert Dreams Travel through the New Mexico high desert to Jemez Pueblo, one of the remaining 19 pueblos of New Mexico. On an interpretive tour, learn of the Towa culture and ancestral traditions. Then, meet with a [LF] local artist for a demonstration. Then travel to historic Taos, long known as a bona-fide art colony and home to hundreds of years of rich culture from Spanish explorers to Native Americans to American immigrants making it a diverse and welcoming community. Visit the Taos Art Museum in the historic home of Russian artist Nicolai Fechin. After free time on the historic plaza, continue to your hotel for a free evening. (Breakfast)

LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURE & TRADITIONS Visit Jemez Pueblo (Walatowa) between red rocks and mesa tops graced by cedar, cottonwood and aspen trees that blanket the enchanting mountains where fragrant juniper and white pine trees grow. Nestled just below the mountains is the village of Walatowa. The people of Walatowa take pride in the preservation of an ancient native language where over 90% of its people speak the Tanoan language of Towa.

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Day 4: TAOS–SANTA FE

Missions & Masterpieces Visit the San Francisco de Asís, a great example of a Spanish Colonial Mission Church and a modern art icon made famous by Ansel Adams and Georgia O’Keeffe. Continue to Santa Fe for a captivating glimpse into the diversity of folk art from around the world at The Museum of International Folk Art. Discover a vast collection of traditional textiles, ceramics, paintings and other unique treasures that showcase the rich cultural heritage of different regions and communities. Later, visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum for a guided tour to view her spectacular works of art. The rest of the day is free – visit one of the many restaurants, art galleries, or shops on the historic plaza. (Breakfast)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDARY LIVES Georgia O’Keefe is synonymous with Santa Fe since it is here the legendary artist lived and worked in her own inimitable style. Painting the dramatic landscapes and lush plant life of the mesas, O’Keefe forged her own path as a female artist with a fiercely independent spirit that gained her the name of Mother of American Modernism. Visit the Georgia O’Keefe Museum to discover the stunning works of art created by this 20th-century trailblazer.

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Day 5: SANTA FE. EXCURSION TO BANDELIER NATIONAL MONUMENT

The Ancient Ways This morning, travel to Bandelier National Monument to view an ancient way of life. With 10,000 years of cultural history, the monument is home ancient to Anasazi Puebloan cliff dwellings dating back to 1150 AD. Spend time exploring the museum and visit an ancient pueblo. Return to Santa Fe for a free afternoon. Then enjoy a tasty farewell dinner while learning how to cook with southwestern flair at [LF] Santa Fe School of Cooking. (Breakfast,Dinner)

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Santa Fe is a rich culture of cherished traditions of the Native Southwest. A food-lover's paradise, this vibrant culinary scene preserves the heritage of the pre-Columbian peoples, the influence of the Hispanic culture (both recent and hundreds of years old), and the contemporary elements of delicious eating for which this desert destination is known. Right in the heart of beautiful Santa Fe, New Mexico, the Santa Fe School of Cooking is an internationally acclaimed, recreational culinary school and market specializing in foods of the American Southwest. Spice up your chef game with a cooking class to learn the art of southwestern cooking with traditional recipes and techniques.

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Day 6: SANTA FE–ALBUQUERQUE

Safe travels until we meet again! This morning, return to Albuquerque where your vacation ends at Albuquerque International Sunport Airport. Schedule departing flights after 11 am. (Breakfast)

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Day 1 Los Angeles/Santa Margarita

Group will depart Los Angeles in the morning and drive to Santa Monica. Walk the iconic Santa Monica pier this morning or spend some time cruising the shoreline. Not in the mood for the beach? That's cool, maybe consider visiting the Santa Monica farmers market to stock up on all sorts of local goodies. Grab a quick bite to eat for lunch in Santa Monica and travel northwest to San Luis Obispo for a quick detour to see the chewing gum alley and to grab any last minute provisions before heading to our campsite for the night.

Day 2 Santa Margarita/Santa Cruz

Today is all about Highway 1. Devote the entire day to seeing the best of the best along this famous route. Stop to see Elephant Seals, walk through Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and make stops in Carmel and Monterey en route to the next destination. Later in the day set up camp in Santa Cruz.

Due to road damage, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park will be closed until further notice. Alternative routes and stops will be added between Santa Margarita and Santa Cruz during this time.

Day 3 Santa Cruz/San Francisco

Head out from camp in the morning and continue up Highway 1 towards Half Moon Bay. Your CEO will take you on a brief orientation of the city. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Join your CEO for a driving tour through some of San Francisco's most iconic highlights then hit the town on your own or join a sunset sail under the Golden Gate Bridge.

Day 4 San Francisco/Yosemite National Park

Leave San Francisco behind this morning as you drive to Yosemite National Park. Along the way stop for some fresh produce at a farmer’s market in the central valley. Once in the park hike to Tuolumne Grove to see massive Giant Sequoias. Finish the day with a stop to see El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall en route to your camp for the night.

Day 5 Yosemite National Park

Enjoy free time to navigate the majestic Yosemite Valley at your own pace. Walk the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail or Swinging Bridge Loop Trail. Relax under the towering granite monoliths of Half Dome or El Capitan. Up for more of a challenge? Test your endurance on a more challenging hike like Upper Yosemite Falls or Four Mile. On the way back to camp, search for climbers on the sheer rock face of El Capitan.

Yosemite Village is a great starting point for launching into your adventure. Your CEO will help you get oriented to visit the Ansel Adams gallery, Ahwahnee Museum and the Yosemite Visitor Center. Here you can start a valley hike or catch a free shuttle around the park.

Day 6 Yosemite National Park

Today is all about getting active and exploring the landscapes of Yosemite. Head out on a hike to Vernal or Nevada Falls or opt to rent bikes and cruise around the valley. This park is a hiker’s paradise filled with different options for every skill level. From miles of trekking to short walks featuring amazing views, you won’t have a hard time finding a trail to set out on and enjoy. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and make sure to take plenty of pictures. In the evening relax around the fire and swap stories with your group.

Day 7 Yosemite National Park/Hermosa Beach

Bid farewell to Yosemite this morning and get ready for some ocean waves and sand between your toes as the group heads south to Hermosa Beach. Travel through the rolling hills and vastness of the Central Valley and arrive at the Pacific coast just in time to walk the beach during golden hour and grab some delicious dinner by the sea.

After the forests of Yosemite the beaches of southern California will be a welcome change for some time to relax and recharge. So suit up, grab a towel, find a volleyball, and live out those California beach fantasies with your friends.

Day 8 Hermosa Beach

Live the California dream as you wake up to the distant sound of waves crashing against the sand. Then, suit up and get ready for your surf lesson where you'll learn a thing or two about what it takes to make riding those waves look so easy. Afterwards, enjoy free time on Hermosa Beach to lounge in the sun, walk out to the pier, or find a beachfront cafe with a table outside for some people watching. Or choose to rent bikes or surf boards and continue the adventure. Your only dilemma today should be deciding which burrito place you want to eat at.

Day 9 Hermosa Beach/Joshua Tree National Park

Depart the coast for the desert today, travelling through Los Angeles on the journey eastward to explore Joshua Tree National Park. Climb through the park’s famous rock formations and make sure to get some photos of the park's namesake tree as the sun lights up this desolate landscape.

Day 10 Joshua Tree National Park/Grand Canyon National Park

Drive down the famed Route 66 today as we cruise further east to the Grand Canyon. Get ready to see breathtaking views with arguably the best sunset you have ever seen overlooking the Grand Canyon. Kick off those shoes, sit back, relax, and enjoy one of nature’s finest performances. Enjoy a cheesy slice of pizza or two overlooking the Grand Canyon during sunset.

Day 11 Grand Canyon

Get up close and personal with the Grand Canyon as you spend the day hiking from the South Rim. There are a variety of hikes to choose from that will take you deeper into the canyon where you can really appreciate the size and depth of this national park. Choose whichever trail you wish or do short bursts of multiple hikes, just make sure you bring plenty of water and take your time.

Opt to book the Grand Canyon helicopter ride for a bird's-eye view during a 45 to 50 minutes flight over the canyon.

Day 12 Grand Canyon/Page/Bryce Canyon

Journey onwards from the Grand Canyon to Page, Arizona, the site of Lake Powell. There will be free time here. Opt to join a local Navajo guide and explore Antelope Canyon; a stunning natural sandstone slot canyon located on tribal lands. Then, lace up those hiking boots for a visit to Horseshoe Bend, a geological masterpiece that has been sculpted by the Colorado River. Walk to the overlook where you can hike along the rim and stare down into the flowing river far below. Snap some photos with your friends and just enjoy the moment. Finish the day with a picturesque drive to your camp in Bryce Canyon.

Day 13 Bryce Canyon

After a camp breakfast head out for a short drive into Bryce Canyon National Park. Once in the park, take advantage of your free time to hike through the wild and weird rock formations known as hoodoos. Opt to visit Inspiration Point, hit the rim trail, horseback ride, or hike the Queen’s Garden and Navajo loop trails to see sites like Thor’s Hammer and Wall Street. At night stargaze in a park known for its night skies.

Day 14 Bryce Canyon/Zion National Park

We pack up early this morning and move on towards Zion and our Glamping tents! Located in a private canyon away from civilization, but close to Zion National Park this location is made for outdoor enthusiasts who also like to be pampered a little. On route to camp we will make a stop at the lesser-known Coral Pink Sand Dunes and enjoy a scenic overlook of Utah’s surrounding landscape on the Colorado Plateau. It’s a unique geological feature that you shouldn’t miss. You’ll have free time in the afternoon and evening to become acquainted with your surroundings. Maybe hike the Water Canyon trail or enjoy camp and put on a cornhole tournament as a group. The only rule is to have a good time!

Day 15 Zion National Park

It’s all about Zion today as you get a chance to wander this beautiful national park in Southwest Utah. Take the shuttle into the park and spend the day exploring and hiking with your fellow travelers. Admire the monumental sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that tower into the sky and remember you can choose to turn around on these hikes at any point. In the evening enjoy leisure time back at our Glamping tents. Once it gets dark get ready to sit around the campfire and roast some marshmallows as a group.

Day 16 Zion National Park/Las Vegas

This morning opt to get in one last activity at our Glamping site if you ran out of time yesterday or simply relax in the wild surroundings. Then the group will drive from Zion to Las Vegas where the tour ends on arrival.