Trains and Canyons of the Southwest

br />From the sheer beauty of Sedona to the Georgia O’Keeffe museum, ghost towns to artists’ colonies, discover the treasures of the Southwestern United States. Experience the area’s culture at the Santa Fe School of Cooking. Learn how Native American handicrafts are made during a jewelry-making demonstration. Visit the studios of local artists in Sedona and learn about their inspirations and influences. Enjoy sacred moments you can only find in this part of the world like gazing out over the Grand Canyon’s famous South Rim or traveling aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad, Explore America’s largest ghost town, Jerome, now a thriving artist’s colony. Visit the New Mexico Museum of Art. Journey through a diverse landscape and discover what lies beyond the scenery.

Day 1: Scottsdale, Arizona - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in sunny Scottsdale, “The West’s Most Western Town.”

Day 2: Scottsdale - Phoenix - Scottsdale
A local guide introduces you to downtown Phoenix, Camelback Mountain, Paradise Valley and Old Town Scottsdale. Learn how Native American handicrafts are made at a jewelry-making demonstration. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy Old Scottsdale.

Day 3: Scottsdale - Jerome - Sedona
Begin your day with a visit to America’s largest ghost town, Jerome. Explore this former mining town, now a picturesque artist colony with a designated National Historic District. Later, take a roundtrip ride from Clarkdale to Perkinsville on the Verde Canyon Railroad – this is certain to be an unforgettable experience! Verde Canyon, accessible only by rail, resides between two national forests and follows the upper Verde River. Enjoy enthralling views as the vintage locomotive rolls past towering, crimson cliffs near ancient Indian ruins, over old-fashioned trestles, and through a dark 680 foot man-made tunnel. This evening, fall under Sedona’s spell as you experience its sheer, exuberant beauty. Wind-shaped buttes and dramatic sandstone towers embody the rugged character of the West.

Day 4: Sedona
Discover the different tribes of the area, their histories and their modern day life during a morning chat with a local Native American. Next, hop aboard for a trolley tour of Sedona that features a visit to the famous Chapel of the Holy Cross, Gallery Row and scenic Schnebly Hill Vista. There will be time at leisure for lunch – perhaps buffalo and cactus fries – and shopping in Uptown for Native art and jewelry. The remainder of your day is free to explore the local galleries, sip latte in a coffeehouse or simply relax at the hotel. Dinner will be included at a local restaurant.

Day 5: Sedona - Grand Canyon - Sedona
Upon arrival at the train station in Williams, it’s “all aboard” the Grand Canyon Railway. This adventure relives the excitement of the Old West as it travels through northern Arizona countryside to the Grand Canyon. Strolling musicians and western characters recreate the nostalgia of train travel. Behold amazing views of the most famous canyon in the world when you arrive at the South Rim. Theodore Roosevelt is quoted as saying, “This is one of the great sights which every American, if he can travel at all, must see.”

Day 6: Sedona - Apache County - Santa Fe
Travel east towards New Mexico, the “Land of Enchantment.” You travel through the Painted Desert, a long expanse of badland hills and buttes that makes up a beautiful landscape of a rainbow of colors. Step back in time to a place where dinosaurs roamed over 225 million years ago at the Petrified Forest National Park. There will be plenty of stops inside the park to enjoy the unusual views. The balance of the day is yours to enjoy Santa Fe at your leisure.

Day 7: Santa Fe
Today is dedicated to exploring Santa Fe. Learn about this fascinating city from a local guide. During a walking tour, see the Loretto Chapel with its miraculous spiral staircase; St. Francis Cathedral; the historic Town Plaza, which marks the end of the Santa Fe Trail; and the ultra-modern state capitol building. This evening’s special treat at the Santa Fe School of Cooking includes a wonderful demonstration followed by a delicious dinner served with local flare.

Day 8: Santa Fe - Sandia Peak - Albuquerque
Experience at close range what only a rock climber could see – the rugged and inaccessible rock escarpment of Sandia Peak during a trip on the world’s longest aerial tramway, the Sandia Peak Tramway, for a panoramic view of stunning terrain. There will be time to enjoy lunch on your own and visit the gift shop. Once in Albuquerque, stroll the streets of Old Town where unique shops and sights are everywhere. Tonight, a farewell dinner with your fellow passengers celebrates fond memories and friendships made along the way.

Day 9: Albuquerque - Tour Ends

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
4/20/2012 - 4/29/2012	$2,049
5/18/2012 - 5/27/2012	$2,249
6/15/2012 - 6/24/2012	$2,249
8/17/2012 - 8/26/2012	$2,249
9/14/2012 - 9/23/2012	$2,249
10/2/2012 - 10/12/2012	$2,599
10/5/2012 - 10/15/2012	$2,599
10/13/2012 - 10/23/2012	$2,599
10/26/2012 - 11/4/2012	$2,249
11/2/2012 - 11/11/2012	$2,249
3/1/2013 - 3/10/2013	$2,249
4/12/2013 - 4/21/2013	$2,249
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

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