The American Southwest is famous for its magnificent landscapes - from red rock canyons to towering peaks, pine forests and swathes of desert. On this trip from Phoenix to Denver, we'll travel via the scenic route as we explore some of the most picturesque areas the region has to offer.
Day 1 - Phoenix (Arizona) 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, we’ll kick off our journey and set a course for Flagstaff, with a stop at scenic Sedona on the way.
Meals- Dinner
Day 2 - Flagstaff (Grand Canyon day trip)
Delightfully pine-scented (the world's largest ponderosa pine forest is just a stone's 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.
Meals- Breakfast
Day 3 - Flagstaff to Cortez (Colorado)
The sacred heartland of the Navajo people, the rugged Monument Valley has served as the backdrop to innumerable Western movies. Today we’ll 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.
Meals- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Cortez to Durango
On our way to Durango we’ll stop off at Mesa Verde National Park, which is known for its fascinating Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, archaeological sites and panoramic canyon views. We’ll take some time to drink in our amazing surroundings before checking into our hotel for a group dinner.
Meals- Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - Durango
Filled with Victorian saloons and tree-lined streets, Durango boasts old Western charm in abundance. Today we’ll step back in time with a ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a heritage railway that’s been in continuous operation since 1882. The beautiful wilderness we’ll travel through is inaccessible by any road – making our ride a truly unique experience.
Meals- Breakfast
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 we’ll explore its many museums, adobe buildings and traditional Native American galleries before coming together to sample some authentic New Mexican cuisine.
Meals- Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 - Santa Fe
Another day to take in the sights, sounds and unique atmosphere of Santa Fe. We’ll tick off the city’s most famous landmarks (including the Palace of the Governors, the Loretto Chapel and the Cathedral Basilica of St Francis of Assisi) on today’s walking tour.
Meals- Breakfast
Day 8 - Santa Fe to Taos
After a visit to the Bandelier National Monument, it’s onwards to our next stop: magical Taos. From the town’s soaring mountain backdrop to the staggering Rio Grande Gorge (not to mention the remarkable adobe pueblo), Taos has an otherworldly aura that’s especially evident when you see it at sunset.
Meals- Breakfast, Dinner
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. It’s here that we’ll rest our heads for the night after making the scenic journey from Taos.
Meals- Breakfast
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. We’ll 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, there’s a delicious farewell dinner to look forward to.
Meals- Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11 - Colorado Springs to Denver
After breakfast we’ll say goodbye to Colorado Springs and hit the road to Denver, where our adventure will end.
Meals- Breakfast
Why not extend your stay? Ask our travel consultants for suggestions and don't forget to book your flights and travel insurance- freecall 1300 414 198 to secure your seat.
15% OFF - Was $6,269pp, NOW from $5,329pp twin share
10% OFF - Was $6,819pp, NOW from $6,137pp twin share
For prices with flights, please call our friendly travel team on freecall 1300 414 198.
Your tour includes 10 nights in boutique accommodation
How much luggage can I bring?
As we travel in mini-coaches, luggage space is limited. Each guest may bring one piece of main luggage of a standard size of no more than 158cm (when the length, width and height is added together) and weighing no more than 20kg. You may also bring one small carry-on bag per person. If you have more luggage, please make arrangements to store it prior to joining the tour. We are unable to carry extra luggage on the mini-coach.
What clothes should I bring?
A suggested packing list will be provided in your pre-departure information. We suggest packing for variable weather conditions. We also suggest a pair of good shoes for walking tours.
Top 10 items to bring:
What level of mobility do I need?:
You need to be fit enough to get on and off the vehicle on a regular basis, and to walk both to attractions and around towns and villages. You also need to able to walk up and down stairs in the hotels and use a shower over the bath. We frequently use traditional style hotels and the majority will not have lifts or ground floor rooms.
Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate mobility scooter or wheelchair users. If you have any medical issues, please declare them to us in advance of your tour. If you are in any doubt as to whether our tours are suitable for you, please check with us.
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.
The Back-Roads Late Space offer is valid on selected 2020 tour departures. Valid only for bookings made between 16th December 2019 to 31st July 2020. Offer cannot be extended. Valid on new bookings only, not applicable on existing bookings. Subject to availability at time of booking. Back-Roads Touring reserves the right to amend or withdraw this offer at any time. Discount applies to tour cost only.
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