2012: ENCHANTED SOUTHWEST WITH ALBUQUERQUE BALLOON FIESTA (8790)
13 days from Scottsdale to Scottsdale
See spectacular scenery, unique sandstone formations, majestic mountains, and more on this wonderful Southwest vacation to Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona. Trip highlights include a stay in Grand Canyon National Park, with its spellbinding landscapes; Monument Valley, where you'll enjoy a 4-wheel-drive tour of the Tribal Park; Mesa Verde National Park, where you'll stand in awe as you view the cliff dwellings inhabited by Ancestral Pueblo people from 600 AD to 1300 AD; White Sands National Monument, one of the world's greatest natural wonders with the world's largest gypsum sand dune; Sedona, a beautiful town amid stunning red rock formations; and Tombstone, the most authentic western town in the United States. Ride the historic, coal-fired, steam-powered Durango & Silverton narrow-gauge railroad through breathtaking San Juan National Forest. You'll also spend time in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Tucson, with a sightseeing tour in each city. In Albuquerque, be a part of the International Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta and stand in awe as you experience the pre-dawn opening ceremonies and the Mass Ascension, where the sky fills with vibrant colors as hundreds of hot air balloons take flight. All of this and much more are included in this Enchanted Southwest vacation. If you want to see some of the West's most amazing and breathtaking scenery, don't miss this tour. You're sure to return from this vacation with plenty of photos and memories-a trip of a lifetime!
HOTELS
SCOTTSDALE Doubletree Resort by Hilton Paradise Valley (MD), GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK Grand Canyon National Park Lodges (NP), KAYENTA Kayenta Monument Valley Inn (MF), DURANGO Durango Downtown Inn (MF), SANTA FE Santa Fe Sage Inn (ST), ALBUQUERQUE Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn (ST), LAS CRUCES Drury Inn Las Cruces (MF), TUCSON Riverpark Inn (ST)
HOTELS
SCOTTSDALE Doubletree Resort by Hilton Paradise Valley (MD), GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK Grand Canyon National Park Lodges (NP), KAYENTA Kayenta Monument Valley Inn (MF), DURANGO Durango Downtown Inn (MF), SANTA FE Santa Fe Sage Inn (ST), ALBUQUERQUE Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn (ST), LAS CRUCES Drury Inn Las Cruces (MF), TUCSON Riverpark Inn (ST)
Call (888) 444-0515 for more information or to book today! Mention code 10577370
- Tour Operator
- Cosmos
- Offer
- Offer valid through 3/31/2012
- Duration
- 13 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Scottsdale | Welcome to Arizona, the Grand Canyon state. Enjoy time at leisure to relax or to do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions. |
| Day 2 | Grand Canyon National Park | This morning, travel to Sedona, a beautiful town amid stunning Red Rock Country. Browse its eclectic shops, feast on Southwestern cuisine, or just breathe in the incredible scenery. Next, pass through the weather-sculptured rock formations of Oak Creek Canyon, the San Francisco Mountains, and beautiful pine forests to the GRAND CANYON, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Overnight stay is inside the park. (B) |
| Day 3 | Kayenta | This morning, don't miss the optional flightseeing excursion for a unique bird's-eye view over the canyon-it's the thrill of a lifetime! Continue to Monument Valley, where you will enjoy an exhilarating 4-WHEEL-DRIVE TOUR of the Tribal Park and will see the amazing twin 'Mitten' buttes, the impressive 'Totem Pole,' and other sights forever associated with the Wild West. The park has been the setting for countless movies, including She Wore a Yellow Ribbon and Thelma & Louise. |
| Day 4 | Durango | Our first stop today is wondrous MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will walk in the footsteps of Ancestral Puebloans and see their mysterious, centuries-old cliff dwellings. Next, the Southwestern town of Durango, nestled in the Animas River Valley and surrounded by the San Juan Mountains. Founded in 1880 by the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad, this charming town was once run by gunslingers. Tonight, why not explore the historic downtown or stroll along the Animas River? |
| Day 5 | DURANGO EXCURSION ON THE DURANGO & SILVERTON NARROW-GAUGE RAILROAD | Board the DURANGO & SILVERTON NARROW-GAUGE RAILROAD this morning for a scenic ride through San Juan National Forest. Experience the adventure of traveling by a coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive on the same tracks that miners, cowboys, and settlers of the Old West took more than a century ago. The locomotives used to pull today's train are 1923- 1925 vintage. This historic train has been in continuous operation for more than 125 years. The train hugs steep canyon walls as it winds its way through the Rio de las Animas Canyon with vistas of snowcapped peaks. Free time in Silverton, once a major mining town that owes its name to the bragging statement by an early miner, 'We have no gold, but silver by the ton!' |
| Day 6 | Santa Fe | Today, travel to Santa Fe, New Mexico's capital. Tucked beneath the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the city enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine a year and is praised for its Spanish churches and fine museums, art, culture, cuisine, and spas. Upon arrival, time on your own for lunch on the 300-year-old Plaza. Afterward, afternoon sightseeing begins with an inside visit to the historic LORETTO CHAPEL and the 'miraculous staircase.' Then, enjoy a GUIDED TROLLEY tour of Santa Fe. Your expert guide has knowledge in specialized areas such as archaeology, architecture, Santa Fe art and galleries, and the history of Santa Fe. The 8-mile loop in open-air trams includes Santa Fe's most important historical areas, including the colorful art galleries of Canyon Road, the Museum Hill area, historic Santa Fe Plaza and Palace of the Governors, and other notable locations in the heart of the oldest capital city in the United States. Your evening is free for independent exploring.Note: Inside visits to the Loretto Chapel are dependent on private weddings, at which time the chapel is not open to the public. |
| Day 7 | Albuquerque | A late-morning departure for Albuquerque, New Mexico's largest city. Framed by stunning mountains and with a captivating mix of Mexican, Spanish, and Native American cultures, this vibrant city bursts with fascinating landmarks. Upon arrival in Albuquerque, enjoy a walking tour of historic Old Town with its Spanish church and fine museums. This evening, there's time to relax or perhaps enjoy an optional outing to towering Sandia Peak, which includes dinner and a thrilling cable-car ride that transports you 2.7 miles over deep canyons and breathtaking terrain. (CB) |
| Day 8 | Albuquerque | This morning stand in awe as you experience the pre-dawn opening ceremonies and the unforgettable Mass Ascension where hundreds of hot air balloons take off, turning the sky into a virtual rainbow of colors. What began as a gathering of thirteen balloons 35 years ago has since turned into the largest ballooning event in the world. This afternoon there is time to further explore this atmospheric city, so why not explore the plethora of shops, galleries and restaurants in the city's Old Town, or visit the renowned Albuquerque Museum of Art and History. |
| Day 9 | Las Cruces | This morning, travel south through the fertile Rio Grande Valley. This afternoon begins at one of the world's great natural wonders: WHITE SANDS NATIONAL MONUMENT. Here, gigantic sand dunes rise from the Tularosa Basin, creating an awesome 275-square-mile scenic canvas. View breathtaking desert landscapes as you travel into Las Cruces, New Mexico's third-largest city. |
| Day 10 | Tucson | Today, travel across the deserts to TOMBSTONE, the most authentic Western town left in the United States. Here you can walk the same streets that saw gunfights along Allen Street and witness a reenactment of the 1881 shootout at the OK CORRAL. Also stop at Boot Hill Cemetery, where many of the graves are of gunfighters who died quickly and violently and were buried with their boots on. Travel north to Tucson, one of Arizona's most attractive cities. (B) |
| Day 11 | Tucson | Enjoying a dramatic setting in the Sonora Desert, this fascinating city boasts a colorful Mexican, Spanish, and traditional Native American heritage, and is surrounded by the soaring Santa Catalina Mountains. Your city tour includes the University of Arizona, downtown, and the 200-year-old MISSION SAN XAVIER DEL BAC before heading out into incredible SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK, a reserve famed for its giant saguaro cactus. Only found in the Sonoran Desert, these monumental cacti epitomize America's Wild West, and can live for 150 years and grow as high as 45 feet. (B) |
| Day 12 | Scottsdale | This morning begins with a visit to the acclaimed ARIZONA-SONORA DESERT MUSEUM, where you will admire the diverse flora and fauna. More than 300 species of live animals and over 1,200 species of plants indigenous to the area are exhibited in their natural habitats. Afterward, we make our way to Phoenix and its world-famous HEARD MUSEUM, rich in history and one the world's finest for learning about American Indian arts and cultures. Tonight, join your travel companions on an optional excursion for dinner and live entertainment at Arizona's legendary cowboy steakhouse, Rustler's Rooste, atop a butte in the foothills of South Mountain. (B) |
| Day 13 | Scottsdale | The trip ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport are included. You can extend your vacation with extra nights and explore this desert oasis further with a variety of exciting optional activities. (B) |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- US$ Price Details
Prices based on double-room occupancy.Single Room Supplement: $755Triple Room Reduction per person: $165Additional accommodations before or after your tour may be available.
Our Volume Buying Power Saves You Money!
-We may be able to provide you with flight arrangements from your gateway city.
-Additional accommodations before or after your vacation may be available at our low prices.
Additional Information:
-Departure/arrival taxes and fares from other cities will be advised at the time of booking.
-Vacation departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change.
Guaranteed air-inclusive prices:
Air is only available to passengers traveling from the United States and only available when booked in conjunction with a land vacation. An additional $250 non-refundable deposit is required for air booked in conjunction with any land vacation (i.e., air-inclusive vacation.) However, once your airfare is confirmed and Avalon Waterways has received your full air and land deposit, your air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed.
We also accept your reservation on a land-only basis:
While booking your vacation air-inclusive gives you various advantages, you can also choose the land-only option. But remember, airlines' special fares generally apply to very brief periods. (Our low air-inclusive fares apply throughout the year.) Plus, to get these 'deals' you often are required to pay full fare at the time of booking.
Taxes & fees
Taxes and fees are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full land and air deposit are received.
Applicable Taxes and Fees (Airfare & Charges Not Included in the Price)
Air-Inclusive Vacations
Air-inclusive prices provided online include a September 11th fee up to $10, passenger facility charges of up to $18, Federal domestic flight segment fees of up to $3.50 per segment and U.S. and International arrival and departure and other government imposed fees between $200-$375 depending on your itinerary. The total airfare price, the base airfare price, and the applicable government taxes and fees are broken-out line-by-line and shown while booking online and on the invoice after your travel is booked.
Not Included In Your Vacation Price (Air-Inclusive, Land-Only or Cruise-Only)
Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities: port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ships' crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); additional excursions and activities not listed as 'included' in the itinerary; airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection premiums; excess baggage fees; and all other items of a personal nature.
