Explore the lands, discover the heritage, experience the culture
This tour departs from Santa Fe, New Mexico | Ends in Las Vegas, Nevada
Day 1 (orientation)Free Days to Explore Santa Fe, New Mexico
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS: After nine days of traveling, these next two days are purposely unplanned so you can do as much or as little as you wish! Santa Fe is filled with historical significance and is the highest and oldest capital city in the United States. So what are some things to do while you are here? Explore the many art galleries and museums. Taste the flavor of the local southwestern cuisine. Take a horseback ride into the Sangre De Cristo mountains or raft the Rio Grande. Shop at the Canyon Road shops or take the High Road to Taos. Or, you could just relax. Many optional activities will be available.
WHERE YOU'LL DREAM OF TOMORROW'S ADVENTURE: Enjoy two additional nights at the Hotel St. Francis!
Day 2Santa Fe, New Mexico to Chaco Canyon and St. Michaels, Arizona
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS: Back into our 4-wheel-drive tour vehicles, our journey will take us high into the volcanic Jemez Mountains. 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. In addition, Southwest Odyssey Tours will take you on a back roads tour of Chaco to view the area's most spectacular overlooks.
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 5Canyon 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. Then, prepare to be dazzled by the fantastic natural wonder of the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest.
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 6Winslow, Arizona to Cameron Trading Post
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS: First we travel to the Homolovi ruins dating back to the 14th century when an ancient people, today known as the Hopi Indians, settled along the Little Colorado River. A significant part of Hopi religious history, Homolovi is a sacred place to the Hopi people even today. From there we will venture off the beaten path to the remote and magnificent Grand Falls of The Little Colorado and Sunset Crater, a natural phenomenon formed by an erupting volcano. Then it is off to the Wupatki Ruins National Monument where you will explore the ruins of the ancient Citadel and Wupatki pueblos. Wupatki is considered a cultural crossroads destination as it hosted many different Native American tribal cultures in its long history.
WHERE YOU'LL DREAM OF TOMORROW'S ADVENTURE: With hand carved furniture and southwest-styled rooms, the Cameron Trading Post celebrates the Navajo and Hopi cultures while providing comfortable beds and amenities. But the best kept secret of this location is its extensive Native American art collection. In fact, it has become a premier location for Native American artists to showcase their work!
Day 7Cameron Trading Post to Grand Canyon National Park, to Las Vegas, Nevada
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS: According to most Southwest Odyssey Tours adventurers, day 16 of the tour is the most humbling as you realize how small you really are in this universe at the edge of the Grand Canyon. Your tour vehicle will take you to the best spots to view this natural wonder including Mary Coulter's Desert View Watchtower. Modeled after ancient Pueblo watchtowers, the Coulter tower offers expansive views and features murals by Hopi artist Frank Kabotie. Climb the stairs to the top for an outstanding view. From there, we will visit other Canyon lookouts at Lipan Point, Moran Point, Grandview Point, and several other inspiring locations along the South Rim. Then we will return to Las Vegas where we will say our goodbyes after an unforgettable adventure.
WHERE YOU'LL REFLECT ON YOUR INCREDIBLE ADVENTURE: The Palms Hotel welcomes you back!
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