America’s Great Desert National Parks
Delve beneath the desert sands and see first-hand the abundant life that flourishes in its midst as you chart a course through some of America’s beautiful landscapes and soul-stirring sights.
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Day 1: Arrive Las Vegas
America’s captivating desert landscapes take centre stage on this epic journey which begins in the playground of Las Vegas. Relax after your journey or tame Lady Luck. This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception and then soar 550 feet above the center of the Las Vegas Strip on the High Roller, the world’s tallest observation wheel, for sweeping 360-degree views of the Las Vegas Valley and The Strip.
Hotel: Harrah’s Las Vegas
Day 2: Red Rock Canyon – Death Valley National Park
Admire the towering red cliffs and sandstone peaks of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area this morning. Keep a keen eye out for its highest peak, La Madre Mountain, before continuing to Death Valley, on of the largest national parks in the USA. Aptly named for its unforgiving landscapes, Death Valley is a stunningly beautiful land of extremes. Join your travel companions for dinner with wine, before settling into your oasis hotel, located within the borders of the national park.
Hotel: The Ranch at Death Valley, 2 nights
Day 3: Death Valley National Park Sightseeing
Immerse yourself in the solitude and desolation of Death Valley on a guided tour of the park’s most famous sites including Zabriskie Point, and of course Badwater Basin and its massive salt flats – the lowest point below sea level in the western hemisphere. Today will be a photographer’s dream so bring your cameras. Free time this afternoon to enjoy our desert oasis and relax at one of the most remarkable spring fed swimming pools in the world.
Day 4: Death Valley – Palm Springs
Heading south today you leave Death Valley and travel along the Mojave National Preserve, visit the desert Ghost Town of Calico. Our destination tonight is gorgeous Palm Springs in the Coachella Valley. Tonight, you’ll have a your choice dining experience at one of three local restaurants.
Hotel: Palm Mountain Resort & Spa, 3 nights
Day 5: Palm Springs Free Time and Sightseeing
Start your morning with a celebrity and lifestyle tour of Palm Springs shedding light on the city’s unique mid-century architecture, featuring an amazing collection of custom homes. This afternoon, join a ride on the Palm Springs’ Aerial Tramway and walk along the top of the mountain, with spectacular views of the valley. Then, don’t miss VillageFest in downtown Palm Springs this evening. A festive pedestrian street fair is located just across the street from the hotel.
Day 6: Joshua Tree National Park – Free Time
See the peculiar outstretched boughs of the Joshua Tree when you explore the national park that bears the name of this unusual-looking desert plant. Learn how the Mojave and Colorado desert ecosystems come together here and keep an eye out for the incredible variety of plants and animals that find sanctuary in its vast protected wilderness. You’ll have some free time at the resort this afternoon to soothe body and mind at the Spa before an evening at leisure.
Day 7: Palm Springs – Yuma
This morning, visit Salvation Mountain, a hillside visionary environment created by local resident, Leonard Knight, whose passion has lovingly created this brilliant “outsider art” masterpiece resplendent with flowers, trees, waterfalls, suns, bluebirds and many other fascinating and colorful objects. Travel on through the Coachella Valley and past the Salton Sea, before heading through the shifting patterns of the stunning Imperial Sand Dunes. ‘Connect With Locals’ at the Imperial Date Gardens in the Bard Valley, and you’ll enjoy an exclusive ‘Be My Guest’ dinner where Medjool dates are the star of the show, all washed down with date beer, of course.
Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Yuma Pivot Point
Day 8: Sonoran Desert National Monument – Tucson
Spot the saguaros as you travel through the Sonoran Desert National Monument. Touted as the most biologically diverse of all North America’s deserts, the Sonoran Desert is also home to an array of significant archaeological and historic sites. Our next stop is Tucson, a culturally diverse town surrounded by mountains, which holds the distinction of being a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Indulge in desert flavours during an unforgettable guided Gastronomy Tasting Tour before enjoying the evening at leisure.
Hotel – El Conquistador Tucson, a Hilton Resort, 2 nights
Day 9: Saguaro National Park and Kartchner Caverns State Park
Celebrate the symbol of America’s west. The giant saguaro is America’s largest species of cacti and you’ll learn how this national park strives to protect this majestic plant. We trade the desert for caverns during our visit to Kartchner Caverns State Park with its colossal and colourful cave formations. Tonight, savour a Farewell Dinner followed by an evening with the stars. Gaze up at the Arizona skies and embark on an exclusive tour of the universe with a professional astronomer and a telescope that’s all yours for the night.
Day 10: Depart Phoenix
Our journey through desert landscapes is at its end as you take a transfer to Phoenix Airport, arriving at approximately 11:00 AM. Please be aware when booking your flights.
| 2020 Dates & Prices | Twin Share | Solo Traveller |
|---|---|---|
| January: 19 | $4,075.00 | $5,470.00 |
| February: 23 | $4,150.00 | $5,545.00 |
| March: 15 | $4,195.00 | $5,590.00 |
| September: 20 | $3,995.00 | $5,390.00 |
| October: 11 | $3,995.00 | $5,390.00 |
| December: 06 | $3,895.00 | $5,290.00 |
| 2021 Dates & Prices | ||
| January: 10 | $4,125.00 | $5,520.00 |
| January: 24 | $4,295.00 | $5,690.00 |
| February: 21 | $4,225.00 | $5,620.00 |
| February: 28 | $4,250.00 | $5,645.00 |
| March: 14, 28 | $4,250.00 | $5,645.00 |
| Inclusions | |
|---|---|
| Meals: | 9 breakfasts, 1 lunches, 4 dinners |
| Transport: | Luxury air-conditioned coach |
| Accommodation: | 9 nights accommodation |
| Guide: | An expert Travel Director and separate Driver |
| Entrance Fees & Touring: | Entrance fees & activities as per itinerary |
* Tour departure dates are subject to availability at time of booking.
* Prices and itinerary are correct at time of publication and are subject to change without notice.
