Native Southwest & the Rocky Mountains Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta + Scottsdale
Explore the deserts of the Southwest on this thrilling tour through Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah, taking in stunning Monument Valley, Rocky Mountains and the Grand Canyon; as well as the stunning Mass Ascension of the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta.
Spend more time in the beautiful desert oasis of Scottsdale. Play some of the USA's finest golf courses, pamper yourself at a spa, enjoy the shops and restaurants of its quaint Old Town or just relax beside your hotel pool.
On day 14, continue your stay at your hotel for the next two nights. On day 16 transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home.
Balloons lit up at dusk
Scottsdale
Scottsdale scenery
The balloon fiesta
Early morning inflating of balloons
Scottsdale has immaculate golf courses
Getting the balloons ready
An amazing spectacle
Monument Valley
A deer in Sonora
Saguaro National Park
Adobe houses, Albuquerque
On the road to Albuquerque
Stunning White Sands National Monument
Bandelier National Monument
Aerial Tramway at Sandia Peak (optional)
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Your Itinerary
DAY 1: UK - Scottsdale.
Fly to Phoenix where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Scottsdale for the next two nights.
DAY 2: Scottsdale.
Today is at your leisure to explore 'The West's Most Western Town' and its cultural downtown district renowned for its galleries, shopping and fashion. Visit the Scottsdale Centre for Performing Arts or why not spend some time shopping in the Scottsdale Fashion Square. In the evening take some time to dine at local favourites like Cowboy Ciao, Don & Charlie's or Roaring Fork.
DAY 3: Scottsdale - Sedona - Grand Canyon.
This morning, travel to Sedona, a beautiful town amid stunning Red Rock Country. Browse its eclectic shops, feast on southwestern cuisine or just take 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.
DAY 4: Grand Canyon - Monument Valley - Kayenta.
This morning, don't miss the optional 'flight seeing' excursion for a unique bird's eye view over the canyon - it's the thrill of a lifetime! Afterwards, you will enjoy an exhilarating four-wheel drive tour of Monument Valley Tribal Park where you 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 and Louise'.
DAY 5: Kayenta - Mesa Verde National Park - Durango.
Our first stop today is the wondrous Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to walk in the footsteps of the ancestral 'Pueblos' 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 6: Durango.
Board the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge train this morning for a scenic ride through San Juan National Forest. Experience the adventure of travelling 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. The rest of the day is free in Silverton, once a major mining town owing its name to the bragging statement by an early miner, 'We have no gold, but silver by the ton!'
DAY 7: Durango - 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. Afterwards an afternoon of sightseeing begins with an inside visit to the historic Loretto chapel and the 'miraculous staircase.' Enjoy a guided tram tour of the most important historical areas in Santa Fe, including Canyon Road and its colourful art galleries, Santa Fe's Museum Hill area, the historic Santa Fe Plaza and the Palace of the Governors, and other notable locations in the heart of the oldest capital city in the United States.
DAY 8: Santa Fe - 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 Indian cultures, this vibrant city bursts with fascinating landmarks. Upon arrival in Albuquerque take a walking tour of Historic Old Town, with its Spanish church, 300 year old Plaza, and fine museums. Your afternoon is free to explore.
DAY 9: 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 colours. 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 10: Albuquerque - White Sands National Monument - Las Cruces.
This morning travel through the fertile Rio Grande Valley. This afternoon begins at one of the world's great natural wonders, the 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 the charming town of Las Cruces.
DAY 11: Las Cruces - Tombstone - 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 re-enactment of the 1881 Shootout at the OK Corral. Stop at Boot Hill Cemetery where many gunfighters who died quickly and violently were buried with their boots on. Continue to Tucson, one of Arizona's most attractive cities.
DAY 12: Tucson - Saguaro National Park - Tucson.
Enjoying a dramatic setting in the Sonora Desert, this fascinating city boasts a colourful Mexican, Spanish and traditional Indian 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 the incredible Saguaro National Park, a reserve famed for its Giant Saguaro cacti. Only found in the Sonoran Desert, these monumental cacti epitomise America's Wild West and can live for 150 years and grow as high as 45 feet.
DAY 13: Tucson - Sonora Desert Museum - Scottsdale.
This morning begins with a visit to the acclaimed Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum where you will admire the diverse flora and fauna. Here there are more than 300 species of live animals and over 1200 species of plants, indigenous to the area and exhibited in their natural habitats. Afterwards 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, why not join your travelling companions for an optional dinner and live entertainment at Arizona's legendary cowboy steakhouse, Rustler's Rooste, atop a butte in the foothills of South Mountain.
DAY 14 to 15: Scottsdale.
Spend more time in the beautiful desert oasis of Scottsdale. Play some of the USA's finest golf courses, pamper yourself at a spa, enjoy the shops and restaurants of its quaint Old Town or just relax beside your hotel pool.
DAY 16: Scottsdale - UK.
Transfer to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport for your overnight flight to the UK.
DAY 17: Home landing in the UK.
Good lord, she'll ruin the table
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Doubletree Resort by Hilton Paradise Valley
The Frank-Lloyd Wright inspired Doubletree Resort enjoys 22 acres of lush, tropical paradise and stunning views of the Sonoran Desert.
Location: Located just minutes from Scottsdale?s hundreds of shops, boutiques, restaurants and pubs; in between downtown Scottsdale and the Paradise Valley area.
Facilities: Swimming pool; putting green; tennis court; fitness room; enFuego Restaurant; café; Cabana Pool Bar; Loggia Lounge; high speed internet access; telephone.
Price includes: Bed and breakfast in a room with a king or two double beds with private facilities; private balcony or patio; TV; air-conditioning; hairdryer; coffee-maker.
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Balloons lit up at dusk
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Scottsdale
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Scottsdale scenery
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The balloon fiesta
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Early morning inflating of balloons
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Scottsdale has immaculate golf courses
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Getting the balloons ready
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An amazing spectacle
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Monument Valley
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A deer in Sonora
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Saguaro National Park
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Adobe houses, Albuquerque
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On the road to Albuquerque
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Stunning White Sands National Monument
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Bandelier National Monument
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Aerial Tramway at Sandia Peak (optional)
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Optional Excursions
To help you plan and make the most of your holiday, below is a list of optional excursions available to you.
Grand Canyon Helicopter Flightseeing - North Canyon Tour
Explore impressive Dragon Corridor, the deepest and widest part of the Canyon, and one of the most remarkable panoramas of the Grand Canyon. The Tower of Ra, a 6,076-foot butte named in the 1800s after the Egyptian sun god, comes into view, as do other fanciful rock formations resembling temples and shrines. Fly in a comfortable, climate controlled helicopter with specially designed windows for optimum viewing. (30 minute flight, weather dependent)
$175 (US Dollar)
Grand Canyon Imax
Fly like a condor over the rim and into the Canyon, be drenched in the power of the raging Colorado River without ever leaving your seat at the Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center. And relive the history and mystery of one of the most storied natural wonders of the world. From the mysterious Anasazi who inhabited the Canyon 4,000 years ago, viewers at The National Geographic Visitor Center will travel through Grand Canyon history to join Major John Wesley Powell as he challenges the unexplored Canyon and raging Colorado River in 1869. (40 minute multimedia presentation)
$13 (US Dollar)
Eco-Star Grand Canyon Helicopter Flightseeing
This experience will be a highlight of your vacation. Fly over the widest and deepest portion of the Grand Canyon. You will see the amazing views of the Dragon Corridor, Colorado River and other geologic features and formations over a billion years old. If you have ever wanted to see the Grand Canyon from a birds eye view this is the trip for you. Fly in our first class state of the art ECO-Star helicopter with specially designed windows and seating for 180 degrees of virtually unobstructed views. This is a comfortable, climate controlled helicopter with quiet ride technology for a more comfortable Grand Canyon helicopter tour experience. Grab your camera and enjoy this spectacular journey to the Grand Canyon. (30 minute flight)
$199 (US Dollar)
Navajo Cookout
This evening you'll enjoy a dinner and Navajo entertainment in a beautiful outdoor area surrounded by red rock canyons. Dinner is a casual BBQ including some Navajo specialties.
$43 (US Dollar)
Western Dinner At Rustler's Rooste
Tonight you'll experience Rustler's Rooste, Arizona's Legendary Cowboy Steakhouse, where legend goes that the original site, atop a butte in the foothills of South Mountain, was a hideout for cattle rustlers. Highlights of this evening's outing include a cowboy steak dinner with all the fixin's and country-western music. Make sure to visit the general store before departing.
$45 (US Dollar)
Please note that optional excursions and prices are subject to change.
Native Southwest & the Rocky Mountains Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta + Scottsdale 15 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the calendar.
Native Southwest & the Rocky Mountains Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta + Scottsdale 15 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the grid.
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| 28 Sep 2012 |
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Native Southwest & the Rocky Mountains Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta + Scottsdale
Price from £2115.00
Holiday Highlights
- Scottsdale Heard Museum
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Monument Valley Four-wheel drive tour
- Mesa Verde National Park
- Durango Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Train ride
- Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
- White Sands National Monument
- Saguaro National Park
Departures from
- Aberdeen
- Birmingham
- Edinburgh
- Glasgow
- London Gatwick
- London Heathrow
- Manchester
- Newcastle
Departures between
28 Sep 2012 to 05 Oct 2012
NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme
© Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. All holidays and offers are subject to availability.