10 Days • 9 Nights
Classic American West: National Parks
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- The mighty Grand Canyon
- The soaring walls of Zion National Park
- The surreal hoodoos of Bryce Canyon
- The cinematic buttes of Monument Valley
- Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend
- Red-rock deserts and unforgettable sunsets
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 10-day journey.
Met at the airport and transferred to your hotel on the Strip. Collect your trip documents and enjoy a welcome dinner before the adventure begins.
You set off into the desert to Zion National Park, whose immense red and cream canyon walls tower above the Virgin River. An afternoon shuttle and hike takes you into the heart of this sublime park.
A short drive brings you to Bryce Canyon, a natural amphitheatre filled with thousands of glowing orange hoodoos. Walk the rim and descend among the spires for an otherworldly experience.
You drive across the vast Colorado Plateau to Monument Valley, the iconic landscape of towering sandstone buttes made famous by countless Western films. A Navajo-guided tour at sunset is unforgettable.
You continue to Page, gateway to some of the Southwest's most photographed wonders, with an afternoon visit to Horseshoe Bend, where the Colorado River curves dramatically far below.
A guided walk through Antelope Canyon, whose swirling, light-streaked sandstone walls are among the most beautiful sights in America, with time at the vast blue expanse of Lake Powell.
You drive to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, arriving in time to watch the sunset set the vast chasm ablaze with colour, an experience that lingers long in the memory.
A morning exploring the rim viewpoints and trails of the Grand Canyon, perhaps an optional helicopter flight, before driving back to Las Vegas through the Mojave Desert.
A free day to enjoy the shows, pools and dining of Las Vegas, or take an optional trip to the Hoover Dam or Red Rock Canyon, ending with a farewell dinner.
After breakfast you are transferred to Las Vegas airport for your onward flight, having toured the greatest parks of the American West.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 9 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a national park lunch
- Airport transfers
- Touring, sightseeing and activities as per itinerary with expert guides
- Ground transport, rail or car hire as specified
- National park and attraction entry fees as per itinerary
- all national park entries, a self-drive vehicle or private touring, and an Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend visit
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Fuel and parking for self-drive
- Optional helicopter flights over the canyons
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & ESTA: Visa Waiver Program travellers (including UK, EU, Australian and many others) need an approved ESTA authorisation before flying; other nationalities need a US B-2 visitor visa. A passport valid for the duration of your stay is required, and we advise you based on your nationality
- Currency & cards: The currency is the US Dollar and cards are accepted virtually everywhere; carry a little cash for tips and small vendors. Prices are usually shown before sales tax, which is added at the register
- Tipping: Tipping is an essential part of US culture and service staff rely on it; budget around 18 to 20 percent in restaurants, and tips for guides, drivers, bartenders and hotel staff, which are not included unless stated
- Distances & getting around: The USA is vast, so itineraries combine domestic flights, rail and self-drive; if driving, remember Americans drive on the right, and we arrange car hire, transfers or flights as needed
- Best time to visit: Timing depends on the region; summer suits the northern parks and coasts, autumn brings spectacular colour to the East, spring and autumn are ideal for the deserts and cities, and winter suits the south and skiing
- Health & insurance: No vaccinations are required, but US healthcare is very expensive, so comprehensive travel insurance is essential. Bring any prescription medicines in their original packaging
- Age & ID rules: The legal drinking age is 21 and photo ID is required to buy alcohol or enter bars regardless of age; some car-hire firms add fees for drivers under 25
- Power & connectivity: Power is 120V with type A and B plugs, so bring an adapter; wifi is widespread, and a US eSIM or roaming plan keeps you connected on the road
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a self-drive or guided tour?
It is designed as a self-drive with a comfortable vehicle and a detailed road book, the classic way to experience the West at your own pace. We can also arrange a private driver-guide throughout if you prefer not to drive.
How hot does it get in the parks?
Summers in the desert Southwest can be very hot, especially at the Grand Canyon's lower elevations and in Monument Valley, so spring and autumn are ideal. We advise on timing and pack plenty of water into the plan.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included on most nights, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner. America's dining is a highlight in itself, so most lunches and dinners are left free so you can explore, with recommendations from us.
How do we get around such a large country?
We combine the most efficient options for your route, domestic flights for long hops, scenic rail where it shines, and self-drive or private transfers for touring. Everything is arranged and built into your itinerary.
Do I need an ESTA or visa?
Visa Waiver Program travellers need an approved ESTA before flying; other nationalities need a US visitor visa. We confirm exactly what you need for your nationality when you book.
When is the best time to travel?
It depends on the regions in your itinerary, summer for the northern parks, autumn for East Coast colour, spring and autumn for the deserts and cities, and winter for the south. We will advise the best timing for your chosen route.
Is tipping really expected?
Yes — tipping is a genuine part of US culture and service staff rely on it. Budget around 18 to 20 percent in restaurants and tips for guides and drivers; we brief you fully so there are no surprises.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the cities, parks and regions, change the pace, mix self-drive with flights and rail, and tailor hotels to your interests and budget. Every itinerary is a starting point.
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