A great adventure for couples and families, this epic American self-drive holiday will take you through the towering pinnacles, deep canyons and raging rivers of the South West. Ride the rapids of the Colorado River before setting up camp on the sandy river bank, explore Monument Valley and the spiritual vortexes of Sedona. You will be self-driving through some of America's most awe inspiring landscapes and staying in boutique, well located hotels as you travel.
ESSENTIAL USA - CANYONS & COWBOYS
HIGHLIGHTS
- Hiking in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid territory.
- Soaking in natural springs in the San Juan Forest.
- Rafting the rapids on the Colorado River and camping on the sandy river bank.
- Visiting the sacred lands of Monument Valley.
- Relaxing in Sedona's Red Rock country.
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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrive Grand Junction and drive to Telluride
On arrival in Grand Junction, collect your hire car and drive 2.5 hours through the Dominguez Escalante Nationlal Park to Telluride; Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid territory and a former Victorian mining town.
Overnight: Dunton Town House
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Day 2 At leisure in Telluride
At leisure to explore Telluride independently and enjoy hiking or cycling the river trail. The town is steeped in history and its Opera house dates back to 1913, coming alive in the summer with festivals.
Overnight: Dunton Town House
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Day 3 Drive to Dunton Hot Springs
Today, drive just under 2 hours to Dunton Hot Springs in the San Juan Forest. Enjoy fabulous Rocky Mountain landscapes with plenty of scenic areas to stop and stretch your legs or enjoy a picnic lunch. Stop at the gas station just outside Rico for honeycomb and organic coffee.
Overnight: Dunton Hot Springs
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Day 4 At leisure at Dunton Hot Springs
Today is at leisure at Dunton Hot Springs where you can experience a true American adventure amidst the log cabins and natural hot springs. Activities can include hiking, mountain biking, riding, geo caching and natural spa treatments.
Overnight: Dunton Hot Springs
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Day 5 Drive to Moab
Rise early this morning, grab a picnic lunch and plenty of drinking water, and drive 3 hours to the "Needles" area of Canyonlands National Park. Grab a map from the visitor centre and drive around the stunning park, stopping to take short trails. It is then 1 hour 20 minutes on to Moab. This evening you will have a safety briefing by the rafting crew ahead of your two day Colorado River rafting adventure tomorrow.
Overnight: Sunflower Hill Inn
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Day 7 Rafting the Colorado River
Rise early and be driven to the drop in point for your Westwater Canyon rafting adventure. This will be a highlight of your American adventure as you splash and float through Grade I-IV rapids depending on the time of year and stretch of the river. You will be surrounded by red sandstone spires and monuments, and the Black Granite Gorge creates an exhilarating rafting experience.
For those with younger children, Fisher Towers is a much more gentle stretch of water with Grade 1-II rapids and for those who want more of an adrenalin rush Westwater Canyon is Grade III-IV and Cataract Canyon is Grade IV-V.
Overnight: Camping by the river
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Day 8 White Water Rafting in Canyonlands
Another full day on the river as you build up to some of the bigger rapids at the end. At the pull-out point you will be met and driven back to Moab, exhausted by the exhilaration of your rafting adventure.
Overnight: Sunflower Hill Inn
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Day 9 At leisure in Moab
Today is at leisure to relax after your rafting adventure. If you want to keep active, Moab is the adrenalin capital of Utah and just a sample of what is on offer would include ATVs, hot air ballooning, watersports, or hiking in Arches National Park which is on the doorstep.
Overnight: Sunflower Hill Inn
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Day 10 Drive to Sedona, via Monument Valley
Today is a full day's driving to Sedona, with a stop half way to visit the iconic Monument Valley with its sacred Navajo grounds and familiar to many as the backdrop for spaghetti westerns.
Overnight: Enchantment Resort & Spa
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Day 11 At leisure in Sedona
Today is at leisure to relax by the pool or be pampered in the Mii Amo spa. For the more adventurous take an open jeep ride through the Red Rock country with its spiritual vortexes.
Overnight: Enchantment Resort & Spa
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Day 12 Drive to Vegas and fly home
Drive 5 hours to Las Vegas where you will return your rental car and board your flight home.
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Depart
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Addition to Day 10
Add in a few days at the magnificent Amangiri Resort at the Four Corners, where the states of Utah, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico meet.
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Addition to Day 12
Add one more night and see the Grand Canyon which is a slight detour on your way to Vegas.
GUIDELINE PRICES - Per Person
| Mid | $ 5,312 |
| High | $ 5,685 |
BOOKING NOTES
- Based on two people sharing a twin/double room throughout.
- Season runs from May-October so early booking is strongly recommended.
- If you are interested in adding any of the optional enhancements listed, please speak to your specialist about prices and how best to fit them into the itinerary.
INCLUSIONS
- All accommodation as detailed in the itinerary.
- All meals, soft drinks and activities at the ranch except sand dune boarding and spa which are extra.
- Breakfast on your days in Moab.
- Hire car from Denver to Denver in mid-size car with standard cover.
- Private Navajo guide in Monument Valley.
- White water rafting on shared basis with crew, all meals, soft drinks and overnight camping.
EXTRAS
- International flights.
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, gratuities (discretionary).
- Entrance fees and excursions not specifically mentioned as included.
- Travel insurance or visa fees.
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REASONS TO BOOK
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