2021
the Romantic Wild West

Monday, October 18 – Arrive at the Hacienda Del Sol Hotel in time for lunch and the driver’s briefing, a jewel in the Sonora Desert. This stunning resort is nestled at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountain Range. Unwind in your luxurious Casita, enjoy the resort’s pool and 34 acres of lush grounds. Welcome dinner in the Grill at the Hacienda del Sol restaurant this evening.

Tuesday, October 19 – Begin the day with a drive to Tombstone, an iconic symbol of the Wild West. Most boomtowns went bust but Tombstone declared itself “Too Tough To Die”. See Wyatt Earp and his brothers, Doc Holiday and the Clanton’s reenact the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Learn what caused the showdown and witness the aftermath that became legend. Take the trolley to the famous Boothill Cemetery to see the actual graves of those that died in the gunfight and have fun walking among the tombstones reading the amusing epitaphs.

Wednesday, October 20 – Drive through the Tonto National Forest on our way to Sedona. We will stop for lunch along the Lake before continuing to Payson, AZ for a brief stop at the famous western novelist Zane Grey’s home. As we approach Sedona, take in the beauty of the sandstone mesas and buttes.

Thursday, October 21 – Our day in Sedona begins with an exhilarating off-road tour of Sedona. We stop for lunch in the Tlaquepaque Art & Craft Village. This quaint village is nestled beneath the shade of the sycamore trees and on the banks of beautiful Oak Creek.

Friday, October 22 – We will visit the Oak Creek Vista Overlook and Native American Artisan Market. Continue driving to the Meteor Crater in Winslow, AZ The crater is known as the Diablo Crater and is 50,000 years old. This afternoon, check-in to the El Tovar Hotel inside Grand Canyon National Park. This historic hotel was constructed in 1905 and sits just 100 yards from the South Rim. Be sure to watch the spectacular sunset.

Saturday, October 23 – Nothing prepares you for the sight of the Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. On your free day, hop a park shuttle to the IMAX theatre in Tusayan, tour the Grand Canyon by helicopter, or do any number of fun experiences. Free shuttles take you to the many lookout points.

Sunday, October 24 – As we drive to the Monument Valley, we’ll stop at the Desert View Watchtower in Grand Canyon Village before visiting the Navajo Experience in Cameron. We will learn about Navajo life and history from our Native Guide. We stop for lunch at the Cameron Trading Post then continue driving through the Utah desert to Monument Valley. Spend the night in a room with an unobstructed view of the valley and the famous Mitten Buttes.

Monday, October 25 – Head out towards Page, AZ to view the dramatic Horseshoe Bend. We stop for lunch in the remote outpost of Kanab. The town is surrounded by vast expanses of desert where hundreds of western movies were shot here in the 40’s and 50’s. We drive the scenic Zion-Mount Carmel Highway to the charming Cliffrose Hotel in Springdale located just outside of Zion National Park.

Tuesday, October 26 – Drive through Zion National Park along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. You will see rock formations, desert pines and hoodoos as we wind alongside the Virgin River. Look up! You may see a golden eagle, falcon, or an endangered Condor. After seeing the park, it is time to drive to Las Vegas along I-15, through the Virgin River Gorge.

Wednesday, October 27 – We drive to Hoover Dam today, the largest reservoir in the USA. Enjoy lunch overlooking Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. Today is also the Fast Lane Photo Rally where ‘valuable prizes’ are awarded at our Farewell Dinner.

Thursday, October 28- End of Tour – Depart for home.