We begin our American West journey where we’ll fly into Las Vegas, Nevada, and take in the views of the grand hotels as we cruise down the Strip.  Learn about the history and impact of organized crime as we visit the Mob Museum.  We’ll check into the distinctive Treasure Island Hotel and Casino, centrally located on the Strip.

We’ll take a short drive to the Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Cactus Gardens, located in the heart of the desert. Grab a delicious treat and take a leisurely stroll through the cactus garden featuring over three acres of ornamental, cacti, and other succulents. We’ll get our “kicks on Route 66”, one of the most scenic drives in Arizona. We’ll stop in Seligman, known as the “birthplace of Historic Route 66” and is full of retro shops, diners, and motels. We’ll continue to Williams, Arizona, our home for the next two nights. Meals:  B, D

After breakfast at the hotel, we travel the breathtaking stretch of beauty on the winding Oak Creek Canyon Road with iconic red-rock buttes and oak-shaded canopies.  Arriving in Sedona, the remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore on your own.  Surrounded by stunning views of the red-rock buttes, Sedona is known for its vibrant arts scene, luxurious spas, and fine restaurants.  Return to Williams, Arizona, for dinner on your own in the historic downtown district. Meals: B

Ride first class aboard the historic Grand Canyon Railway, arriving at the canyon’s South Rim for lunch on your own while taking in the magnificent views of the vast Grand Canyon.  We’ll board the motorcoach and make our way to the east end of Grand Canyon National Park, with plenty of photo stops along the way, including a stop at the Desert View Watchtower with stunning views of the colorful sandstone rocks and flowing river below that carved out this natural wonder.  In the late afternoon, we’ll explore the Cameron Trading Post and enjoy a lovely dinner together.  We’ll end the day by traveling to Kayenta, the gateway to Monument Valley. Meals: B, D

Monument Valley is one of the most majestic points on earth. This great valley boasts sandstone masterpieces that tower upwards, framed by scenic clouds casting shadows that roam the desert floor. The fragile pinnacles of rock are surrounded by miles of mesas and buttes, shrubs and trees, and windblown sand, all comprising the magnificent colors of the valley. We’ll learn much about this unique area and the Navajo Nation that makes up this tribal park by our own native guide. From Monument Valley, we’ll drive to Page, Arizona, passing through the best natural sights of iconic rock formations and pillars. Meals: B, L, D

We’ll walk to Horseshoe Bend where the waters of the Colorado River make a wide sweep around the orange and yellow sandstone bluff at the center.  We’ll stop by the Glen Canyon Dam Visitors Center, which overlooks the placid blue waters of Lake Powell, and learn about the Colorado River and its role in settling the West.  The remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore Page, Arizona, on your own.  The beautiful wave-like Antelope Canyon is nearby and is a recommended activity to pursue on your own.  Admission with a certified tour guide is required to enter Antelope Canyon, so be sure to plan ahead and make your reservations online. Meals: B

Today we’ll travel to Bryce Canyon, a wonder of nature’s sculpted pillars of red, yellow, and brown limestone.  From the Visitor’s Center, we’ll take a tour through Bryce Canyon to learn about the wildlife in the park and the geology of the hoodoos including the most famous, Thor’s Hammer.  This geological wonder consists of a tall rock spire supporting a large rock on top.  Later, we’ll check in to Ruby’s Inn, our home for the night. Meals: B, L

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll travel to Zion National Park, located in Utah and known for its steep red cliffs and hanging gardens.  After lunch on your own, we’ll board an open tram that will take us past the park’s famous scenic wonders including the Great White Throne, Watchman, Angel’s Landing, and Weeping Rock as well as a stop at the Visitor’s Center.  We’ll spend time in charming Springdale to get any last-minute souvenirs before heading to St. George, Utah, for a farewell dinner. Meals: B, D

We’ll travel home with memories of these natural and man-made scenic wonders of the American West. Meals: B