Stories of the Southwest

Itinerary

Day 1 Phoenix, AZ to Flagstaff

The gateway to the incredible desert landscapes of the Southwest, Phoenix is where our all-American adventure will begin. After meeting the group, well kick off our journey and set a course for Flagstaff, with a stop at scenic Sedona on the way.

Day 2 Flagstaff (Grand Canyon day trip)

Delightfully pine-scented (the worlds largest ponderosa pine forest is just a stones throw away), Flagstaff is our base for exploring the Grand Canyon today. Iconic, ancient and otherworldly, this breathtaking site must be seen to be believed.

Day 3 Flagstaff to Cortez, CO

The sacred heartland of the Navajo people, the rugged Monument Valley has served as the backdrop to innumerable Western movies. Today well lose ourselves in its magic as we take a jeep tour of the buttes and mesas with a local Navajo guide. Then: onwards to the desert oasis of Cortez for dinner.

Day 4 Cortez to Durango

On our way to Durango well stop off at Mesa Verde National Park, which is known for its fascinating Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, archaeological sites and panoramic canyon views. Well take some time to drink in our amazing surroundings before checking into our hotel for a group dinner.

Day 5 Durango

Filled with Victorian saloons and tree-lined streets, Durango boasts old Western charm in abundance. Today well step back in time with a ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a heritage railway thats been in continuous operation since 1882. The beautiful wilderness well travel through is inaccessible by any road making our ride a truly unique experience.

Day 6 Durango to Santa Fe

Known as the city different, Santa Fe sits nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. Today well explore its many museums, adobe buildings and traditional Native American galleries before coming together to sample some authentic New Mexican cuisine.

Day 7 Santa Fe

Another day to take in the sights, sounds and unique atmosphere of Santa Fe. Well tick off the citys most famous landmarks (including the Palace of the Governors, the Loretto Chapel and the Cathedral Basilica of St Francis of Assisi) on todays walking tour.

Day 8 Santa Fe to Taos

After a visit to the Bandelier National Monument, its onwards to our next stop: magical Taos. From the towns soaring mountain backdrop to the staggering Rio Grande Gorge (not to mention the remarkable adobe pueblo), Taos has an otherworldly aura thats especially evident when you see it at sunset.

Day 9 Taos to Colorado Springs

Framed by the towering eastern Rockies, Colorado Springs is a hub for outdoor recreational activities including hiking, biking and wildlife watching. Its here that well rest our heads for the night after making the scenic journey from Taos.

Day 10 Colorado Springs

The most famous park in an area renowned for its natural beauty, the captivating Garden of the Gods is up next. Well spend the last full day of our tour taking some time to walk its trails, explore its striking red rock formations and to breathe in the cool mountain air. Tonight, theres a delicious farewell dinner to look forward to.

Day 11 Colorado Springs to Denver

After breakfast well say goodbye to Colorado Springs and hit the road to Denver, where our adventure will end.