This tour departs from Santa Fe, New Mexico | Ends in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Day 1 Arrive Albuquerque Int'l. Airport, transfer to Santa Fe, New Mexico
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS: Welcome to "The Land of Enchantment"! In Santa Fe, you will meet your Southwest Odyssey Tours guides and fellow adventurers and prepare for your tour by learning the ins and outs of your luxury tour vehicle. They may look tough on the outside, but inside you will find comfortable extras and special features that will enhance your traveling experience. Create your own record of your journey to show your friends on your personal map, look up curiosities along the way in the vehicle trail guide, and get up close with the high quality binoculars in each vehicle. Then begin exploring Santa Fe, the second oldest city in the United States!
WHERE YOU'LL DREAM OF TOMORROW'S ADVENTURE: To kick off your adventure, you will stay in the heart of Santa Fe at the Hotel St. Francis. The hotel combines the historic spirit of Old Santa Fe with modern amenities. With culturally themed guest rooms and unique decor, the St. Francis is ideally located within walking distance of the renowned museums and art galleries of Santa Fe.
Day 2Santa Fe, NM to Chaco Culture National Historic Park and St. Michaels, Arizona
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS: Our journey will take us high into the volcanic Jemez Mountains. These mountains are not just beautiful but are also rich in volcanic rock. From there we will travel through the Valles Grande Caldera towards Chaco Culture National Historical Park. There you will experience the engineering and organizational brilliance of the Chacoan Culture as you explore ruins, including Pueblo Bonito. Among the six major sites located within the park, Pueblo Bonito with its 800 rooms is the largest excavated ruin in the United States. A picnic lunch will be served inside the park.
WHERE YOU'LL DREAM OF TOMORROW'S ADVENTURE: The Navajoland Inn and Suites in St. Michaels, Arizona overlooks the beautiful Window Rock Cliffs and Forest.
Day 3St. Michaels, Arizona to Canyon de Chelly, Arizona
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS: Immerse yourself in the Navajo culture as you enter Hubbell Trading Post, the oldest operating trading post in the Navajo nation. Become part of the community as you buy an item from the fully operational "bullpen" still used for trade in the local community. After shopping, tour the trading post museum collection. Almost entirely family owned, the collection features over 350,000 individual items. Back in our luxury tour vehicles we will explore the majestic upper rim of Canyon de Chelly where both the Pueblo and Navajo tribes lived. Then we will drive into the canyon itself to the White House Cliff Dwelling, the largest and most spectacular ruin at Canyon de Chelly.
WHERE YOU'LL DREAM OF TOMORROW'S ADVENTURE: The Holiday Inn at Canyon de Chelly is no ordinary Holiday Inn! It was built around the original trading post in Canyon de Chelly and a gift shop in the old trading post has been preserved. Decorated with Navajo accents, the hotel provides modern conveniences and features an authentic Navajo restaurant.
Day 4Canyon de Chelly, Arizona to Hopi Indian Country to Winslow, Arizona
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS: Get a first hand look at all three mesa villages in Hopi Indian country! Home to the historic villas of Walpi, First Mesa is recognized for its pottery and Katsina doll craftsmanship. At Second Mesa, immerse yourself in Hopi tradition at the Hopi Cultural Center. See an authentic Katsina dance or watch an artist create a coil basket. At Third Mesa, ceremonial baskets and plaques are made in the Hopi tradition. As a special treat, you will have the option to dine at Fred Harvey La Posada Hotel in the award winning Turquoise Room.
WHERE YOU'LL DREAM OF TOMORROW'S ADVENTURE: Built in 1929, the La Posada was ranked in 2009 one of the "World's Best Places To Stay" by Conde Nast Magazine. Finely appointed and rich in history, it is known as the last great railroad hotel.
Day 5Winslow, AZ to Grants, NM
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS: Wake up at the Historic La Posada and prepare to be dazzled by the fantastic natural wonder of the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Park. Travel the backroads into the "artist colony" of Zuni Pueblo where you will explore the most traditional of New Mexico's nineteen Pueblos. At El Morro National Monument, take a short walk back to the time of Ancestral Puebloans to see a multitude of inscriptions and petroglyphs along with fascinating ruins. Nearby, cross the Continental Divide on foot and wander among the breathtaking volcanic formations of El Malpais National Monument.
WHERE YOU'LL DREAM OF TOMORROW'S ADVENTURE: With beautiful views of Mount Taylor and the surrounding high-desert landscape, the Sky City Hotel offers a peaceful evening after the day's adventures. Relax in the open courtyard's pool and hot tub, enjoy the casino, or learn about tomorrow's exploration of Acoma Pueblo.
Day 6Acoma & Laguna Pueblos - Turquoise Trail - Santa Fe
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS: Start your day at the mythical Acoma Pueblo, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the United States. Explore the central village of Laguna Pueblo and its famous St. Joseph's Church. Climb back up into the mountains to catch spectacular views from Sandia Crest. Discover the heart of New Mexico among the historic mining towns and artist communities of the Turquoise Trail.
WHERE YOU'LL REFLECT ON YOUR MEMORABLE ADVENTURE: After a farewell dinner, stay in the heart of Santa Fe at the Hotel St. Francis. The hotel combines the historic spirit of Old Santa Fe with modern amenities. With culturally themed guest rooms and unique decor, the St. Francis is ideally located within walking distance of the renowned museums and art galleries of Santa Fe.
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