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America's Great National Parks

12days from
£3,060*per person

Overview

The Great American Wilderness

An expedition through sprawling nature reserves, red desert landscapes and dramatic canyons.   Begin your adventure through the southwestern states in California’s famous desert resort, Palm Springs, where Hollywood’s rich and famous built their opulent residences. Explore Joshua Tree National Park, with its striking desert scenery, unique rock formations and namesake trees then, from Scottsdale, continue to spiritual Sedona, nestled among captivating red rock formations within the Coconino National Forest. Choose to join an optional Jeep ride, taking you past the high desert's rock spires and sandstone cliffs.   Next, you’ll travel to the Grand Canyon, one of the world's most iconic natural wonders. For an even more breathtaking experience, consider a helicopter ride above the park and canyon, offering unparalleled views of this remarkable landscape. Your journey then leads to Monument Valley, with its remarkable viewpoints and a chance to immerse yourself in the traditions of the Navajo people.  As your exploration resumes, you'll spend a day discovering the rugged terrain of Canyonlands National Park, shaped by the mighty Colorado River. As the day turns to dusk, you'll gaze across Arches National Park, watching the setting sun cast a golden glow over the park's 2,000 natural stone arches. Finally, before heading home, spend time in Glenwood Springs, famed for its hot springs and Denver, the ‘Mile High City’.  

Itinerary

  • Fly to Los Angeles where, on arrival, you’ll be welcomed by your tour manager and transferred to Palms Springs, a popular desert resort city.
  • This morning, set off on a brief drive around Palm Springs to view some of the luxurious residences of Hollywood’s rich and famous.   The tour will then head into the heart of nearby Joshua Tree National Park. Known for its expansive striking desert landscape, this reserve is covered in otherworldly rock formations and Joshua trees, unusual plant species with tall, spiky branches. Your tour manager will point out geological features of interest and describe the wildlife that calls this arid, rugged landscape home.   Continue to Scottsdale, where your stylish hotel for the night is right next to the city’s Old Town, with its many shops, bars, and restaurants. 
  • You’ll depart Scottsdale, travel to the northern part of Arizona and arrive in Sedona. This small town is set amongst spectacular red rock formations and pinewoods of the Coconino National Forest.   You can stroll around the uptown area, browsing the numerous art galleries, New Age shops, and cafés, backed by remarkable scenery.   From here, you can choose to join an optional Jeep ride through the surrounding landscape, passing by the distinctive rock spires and sandstone cliffs and across the twisting, weathered roads, dating back to the pioneer times. As you venture, your driver guide will tell you about the plants and animals of Arizona's high desert.   You’ll then continue to Flagstaff for two nights’ stay, nestled in the mountains of northern Arizona and on the infamous Route 66, this town is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise and an ideal location for stargazing.  
  • Today will be one for the wish-list, as you’ll journey to the breathtaking Grand Canyon, one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders. You’ll enter the Grand Canyon National Park and stand on the edge of this immense chasm, which has been shaped by the Colorado River for millions of years. Observe the multi-coloured layers of rocks, visit some of the vantage points and learn about the diverse range of wildlife that inhabits the area.   If you’d like to view this spectacle from above, a once-in-a-lifetime optional helicopter ride is available. Soaring above the park and the canyon allows you to marvel at the almost incomprehensible vastness of it all.  Later in the day, you’ll return to Flagstaff. This evening, perhaps sit by one of the hotel’s outdoor firepits and do some stargazing with a drink in hand.  
  • In the morning, the group will leave Flagstaff and head for the red desert sand region of Monument Valley on the Arizona-Utah border. This sprawling barren landscape interspersed with towering sandstone buttes is where the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park can be found. Many TV series and films, particularly Westerns, have been filmed here due to the remarkable landscape.   Your accommodation for the night looks over Monument Valley and is built on land, which is considered sacred by Native American tribes, mainly the Navajo Nation. The wrap-around terrace provides the perfect spot to watch as the sun sets, transforming the valley.  
  • Join an optional tour today to discover Monument Valley and its most famous highlights. During this excursion, you’ll cover a 17-mile loop, stopping at several popular viewpoints along the way. You’ll start with the Mittens, John Ford’s Point and Three Sisters, before continuing to the Totem Pole, Artist’s Point, and the North Window. While you travel and take in the stark beauty, the driver guide will provide insights into the history, cultural and natural wonders of the area. Lastly, the tour will visit an authentic Navajo hogan, a traditional, dome-shaped dwelling used by the Navajo tribe.   Once you’ve had a break for lunch, you’ll be driven to Moab, Utah and the gateway to the nearby Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. You’ll check into your hotel for three nights and have the evening to relax.  
  • A day of adventure awaits as you’ll be discovering Canyonlands National Park, with its terrain defined by the Colorado River. Dramatic ravines and spiralling rock formations are spread across four districts, which have been divided into tributaries.   You’ll begin with the first, Island in the Sky, where you’ll pause at the lookouts, Mesa Arch and Grand Viewpoint. Continue to The Needles, home to colourful spires and jagged rock pillars, the Maze, made up of intricate canyons, and the rivers themselves.   By coach, you’ll also travel along White Rim Road, which allows you to get a better view of the canyons and river valleys below.  
  • This morning will be free for you to take it easy, perhaps meandering around the downtown area with its craft shops, restaurants, and art galleries.    In the late afternoon, you’ll be driven into the Arches National Park. At dusk, as the sun sets, you’ll get to witness the red-rusted landscape, with over 2,000 natural stone arches, balanced rocks, and colossal pinnacles, bathed in a golden light. From an ideal viewing location, you can gaze across the reserve while it changes colour, and the sky slowly darkens.  
  • You’ll have some time free in Moab before travelling to the hotel in Glenwood Springs. This resort city in the Rocky Mountains is famed for its hot springs.
  • Today, you’ll head east towards Denver, experiencing more captivating views along the way as you traverse the Colorado Rockies. The Continental Divide will then be crossed before arriving in Denver, the ‘Mile High City’.
  • Embrace some free time this morning in Denver, perhaps looking for some last-minute souvenirs.   In the afternoon, you’ll be driven to the airport for the return overnight flight. 
  • Land in the UK after an American adventure in the great outdoors.

What's Included

Holiday Highlights

  • Drive around Palm Springs to see the luxurious residences of Hollywood’s rich and famous
  • Explore Joshua Tree National Park with its striking desert landscape, otherworldly rock formations and Joshua trees
  • Enjoy some time in sunny Scottsdale, Arizona next to the city’s Old Town
  • Stop over in spiritual Sedona, set amongst spectacular red rock formations and pinewoods of the Coconino National Forest
  • Join an optional Jeep ride passing by the rock spires and sandstone cliffs of Arizona's high desert
  • Journey to the breathtaking Grand Canyon, one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders
  • Soar above the spectacular park and canyon with an optional helicopter ride
  • Embark on an optional tour to discover spectacular Monument Valley, its viewpoints, and an authentic Navajo hogan (traditional dwelling)
  • Spend a full day discovering Canyonlands National Park, with its dramatic terrain defined by the Colorado River
  • Gaze across the Arches National Park at dusk as the sun sets over the 2,000 natural stone arches
  • Spend the night in Glenwood Springs in the Colorado Rockies
  • Stroll around Denver’s downtown area, seeking out the art galleries, museums, and outdoor markets

Our Price Includes

  • 10 nights’ room-only accommodation in Palm Springs (1 night), Scottsdale (1), Flagstaff (2), Monument Valley (1), Moab (3), Glenwood Springs (1) and Denver (1), plus one night on the aircraft
  • A visit to Sedona
  • Return flights to Los Angeles and from Denver
  • Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager
  • Coach travel and transfers throughout
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Other Information

Passports and visas

When travelling to the USA, British citizens require passports with an integrated chip (shown on the front by a small rectangular symbol beneath the word PASSPORT), valid beyond the return date from the USA. Visas are not normally required for entry, but visitors must apply for an ESTA online with US Immigration at least 72 hours before departure at www.cbp.gov/esta. The current charge is $21 for British Citizens. British subjects and anyone who has a criminal record or has ever been arrested should consult the US Embassy as a visa may be required. Note too that if you have visited North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia or Yemen since March 2011, or Cuba since 12 January 2021, or have dual nationality with any of these countries, you do require a US visa and cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Program.

Hotel transfer times

The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately two hours.

Foreign Office travel advice

Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted on any coach forming part of your holiday; regular stops will be made though for your comfort en route. The majority of hotels in North America are non-smoking throughout including in all bedrooms. In general smoking outside is acceptable, but do look out for signs prohibiting this close to public entrances or bus stops.

Tipping

Gratuities are a way of life in North America, and it is generally accepted that they form part of a person's earnings. The customary gratuity for a coach driver is $5 per person per day for the driver and $7 per person per day for the tour manager.  It is normal to tip 15-20 per cent of the bill for a taxi or in a restaurant, and to leave a dollar or so per drink in a bar.

On your flight

All outbound flights depart and arrive on the same day. All return flights leave in the evening and land in the UK the next day. On-board meals will usually include lunch and a snack on outward flights, and dinner and breakfast on flight home. Soft drinks are complimentary, but some airlines will charge for alcoholic drinks.

Luggage allowance

You are permitted to take one suitcase per person on the aircraft, which should not exceed 23kg.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Itinerary changes

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.

Changes to your hotels

Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.

Hotel rooms

Standard hotel rooms in North America will contain one or two double- or queen-sized beds, and it is not possible to add extra beds to the room. Parties consisting of more than two travellers, but who have only booked one room, will be expected to make use of the two beds provided. If this is a concern, you may wish to consider booking more than one room for your group.

Holiday code

N2530

Holiday provided by Newmarket Holidays

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE: This holiday is sold and operated by Newmarket Holidays (ABTOT 5509, ATOL 2325, ABTA V7812), you can be 100% sure that your money is safe.

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