 |
|
  
Trains and Canyons of the Southwest (October)
| Tour Starts: |
Friday, October 08, 2010 |
| Tour Ends: |
Saturday, October 16, 2010 |
| Price Double: |
$2,049.00 per person |
| Airfare: |
Prices available at time of booking |
Highlights:
Experience the sheer beauty of Sedona; the world’s most famous canyon; and Santa Fe’s historic Town Plaza and enjoy some of the most stunning scenery accessible only by rail. Explore a ghost town in Jerome, walk where dinosaurs once roamed in Petrified Forest National Park and enjoy a demonstration and dinner at the Santa Fe School of Cooking. Learn about the various Native American tribes of the area. Adventurers will love the unforgettable vintage Verde Canyon Railroad and a ride on the longest aerial tramway.
Day 1: Scottsdale, Arizona - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in sunny Scottsdale, “The West’s Most Western Town.” Today Dinner will be included.
Day 2: Scottsdale - Phoenix - Scottsdale
A local guide introduces you to downtown Phoenix, Camelback Mountain, Paradise Valley and Old Town Scottsdale. Learn how Native American handicrafts are made at a jewelry-making demonstration. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy Old Scottsdale. Today Breakfast will be included.
Day 3: Scottsdale - Jerome - Sedona
Begin your day with a visit to America’s largest ghost town, Jerome. Explore this former mining town, now a picturesque artist colony with a designated National Historic District. Later, take a roundtrip ride from Clarkdale to Perkinsville on the Verde Canyon Railroad – this is certain to be an unforgettable experience! Verde Canyon, accessible only by rail, resides between two national forests and follows the upper Verde River. Soak in enthralling views as the vintage locomotive rolls past towering, crimson cliffs near ancient Indian ruins, over old-fashioned trestles, and through a dark 680 foot man-made tunnel. This evening, fall under Sedona’s spell as you experience its sheer, exuberant beauty. Wind-shaped buttes and dramatic sandstone towers embody the rugged character of the West. Today Breakfast will be included.
Day 4: Sedona
Discover the different tribes of the area, their histories and their modern day life during a morning chat with a local Native American. Next, hop aboard for a trolley tour of Sedona that features a visit to the famous Chapel of the Holy Cross, Gallery Row and scenic Schnebly Hill Vista. There will be time at leisure for lunch – perhaps buffalo and cactus fries – and shopping in Uptown for Native art and jewelry. The remainder of your day is free to explore the local galleries, sip latte in a coffeehouse or simply relax at the hotel. Dinner will be included at a local restaurant. Today Breakfast and Dinner will be included.
Day 5: Sedona - Grand Canyon - Sedona
Upon arrival at the train station in Williams, it’s “all aboard” the Grand Canyon Railway. This adventure relives the excitement of the Old West as it travels through northern Arizona countryside to the Grand Canyon. Strolling musicians and western characters recreate the nostalgia of train travel. Behold amazing views of the most famous canyon in the world when you arrive at the South Rim. Theodore Roosevelt is quoted as saying, “This is one of the great sights which every American, if he can travel at all, must see.” Tonight enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.
Day 6: Sedona - Apache County - Santa Fe
Travel east towards New Mexico, the “Land of Enchantment.” You travel through the Painted Desert, a long expanse of badland hills and buttes that makes up a beautiful landscape of a rainbow of colors. Step back in time to a place where dinosaurs roamed over 225 million years ago at the Petrified Forest National Park. There will be plenty of stops inside the park to enjoy the unusual views. This evening’s special treat at the Santa Fe School of Cooking includes a wonderful demonstration followed by a delicious dinner served with local flare. Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.
Day 7: Santa Fe
Today is dedicated to exploring Santa Fe. Learn about this fascinating city from a local guide. During a walking tour, see the Loretto Chapel with its miraculous spiral staircase; St. Francis Cathedral; the historic Town Plaza, which marks the end of the Santa Fe Trail; and the ultra-modern state capitol building. The balance of the day is yours to enjoy Santa Fe at your leisure. Today Breakfast will be included.
Day 8: Albuquerque
The ride to Albuquerque is so diverse in scenery and once in Old Town there will be plenty of time to stroll the streets filled with unique shops and restaurants. Today Breakfast will be included.
Day 9: Albuquerque - Tour Ends
Today Breakfast will be included.
Escorted Tour Includes:
Highlights listed above including 13 Meals (8 Breakfassts and 5 Dinners)
|
|
 |
|
